Structural basis of MET receptor dimerization by the bacterial invasion protein InlB and the HGF/SF splice variant NK1

► The structural basis of MET activation by the bacterial ligand InlB is explained. ► The importance of low affinity interactions is discussed for 2D vs. 3D diffusion. ► Similarities between InlB and the HGF/SF splice variant NK1 are highlighted. ► The structural basis of MET inhibition by the HGF/SF variant NK2 is discussed.