Impairment of B cell receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and growth inhibition in CD72-deficient BAL-17 cells

CD72 is a 45 kDa B cell-specific type II transmembrane protein of the C-type lectin superfamily. It was originally defined as a receptor-like molecule that regulates B cell activation and differentiation; however, its precise function remains unclear since more recent functional analyses, including a gene targeting study, suggest that CD72 may serve as a negative or a positive regulator of B cell signaling. In the present study, we analyzed the cell-autonomous function of CD72 in B cell receptor (BCR) signaling using CD72-deficient cells generated from mature BAL-17 cells. We found that BCR-mediated phosphorylation of CD19, Btk, Vav and phospholipase Cgamma2 and association of CD19 with phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase were impaired in CD72-deficient cells. Inositol trisphosphate synthesis was normally induced initially but ablated at 1 min of stimulation in CD72-deficient cells. In the event, Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores remained intact, though influx of extracellular Ca(2+) was severely impaired in CD72-deficient cells. Furthermore, BCR-evoked activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase, and growth inhibition in BAL-17 cells were blocked in the absence of CD72. Significantly, these effects were largely reversed by re-expression of CD72. Thus, CD72 appears to exert a positive effect on BCR signaling pathways leading to Ca(2+) influx and MAPK activation, which in turn may determine the fate of BAL-17 cells.     

Dok-1 and Dok-2 are negative regulators of T cell receptor signaling

Interaction of the TCR complex with self- or foreign peptides is a central event in the immune responses. Upon TCR stimulation, a protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK), ZAP-70, is recruited to signaling units of the TCR complex, such as TCRzeta, to play an essential role in T cell activation. Here, we find that mice lacking adaptor proteins Dok-1 and Dok-2 show augmented responses to thymus-dependent, but not thymus-independent, antigens, and that their T cells show elevated responses to TCR stimulation, including the activation of ZAP-70 and subsequent proliferation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the forced expression of Dok-1 or Dok-2 in a CD3(+)CD4(+) T cell clone inhibited the activation of ZAP-70 upon TCR stimulation. Interestingly, the Dok-1 and Dok-2 COOH-terminal moieties bearing the src homology 2 target motifs were dispensable for this negative regulation, even though they are crucial for the known adaptor function of Dok-family proteins. Thus, by an as yet unidentified mechanism, Dok-1 and Dok-2 play an essential role in the negative regulation of TCR signaling. Consistently, all mice lacking these proteins exhibited elevated titers of antibodies to double-stranded DNA and developed lupus-like renal disease.     

In the immune synapse,ZAP-70 controls T cell polarization and recruitment of signaling proteins but not formation of the synaptic pattern

Recognition by T cells of their ligands at the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) leads to T cell activation, polarization of the T cell toward the APC, and formation of an immune synapse. Using ZAP-70-deficient T cells expressing zeta-GFP, we show that ZAP-70 signaling drives the TCR-dependent reorientation of the microtubule-organizing center thus leading to relocation of a zeta-GFP(+) intracellular compartment close to the APC. ZAP-70 is also necessary to supply the synapse with the signaling molecules PKC-theta and LAT. In contrast, ZAP-70 is not required for clustering of zeta-GFP and CD2 or exclusion of CD45 and CD43 from the synapse. These data show that ZAP-70-dependent signaling is required for formation of a functional immune synapse.     

IL-10 suppresses CD2-mediated T cell activation via SHP-1

Interleukin (IL)-10 is an essential suppressive cytokine and plays a key role in peripheral T cell tolerance to allergens, autoantigens, transplantation antigens and tumor antigens. However, the molecular mechanisms of direct T cell suppression by IL-10 are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that IL-10 directly inhibits CD2 signaling in T cells. T cell stimulation via CD2 alone induces activation and proliferation, when endogenous IL-10 sources are eliminated from cultures. IL-10 utilizes the src-homology-2 domain containing tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-1) to directly suppress T cell activation. The role of SHP-1 in IL-10-mediated suppression of CD2 co-stimulation on T cells is demonstrated by using dominant-negative SHP-1 over-expressing T cells and silencing endogenous SHP-1 by small inhibitory RNA. Findings are confirmed using both SHP-1-deficient mice and IL-10-deficient mice. CD2-induced proliferation is suppressed by exogenous IL-10 in IL-10-deficient, but not SHP-1-deficient murine T cells. In conclusion, SHP-1-mediated inhibition of CD2 signaling represents a novel mechanism for direct T cell suppression by IL-10.     

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored CD59 protein stimulates both T cell receptor ζ/ZAP-70-dependent and -independent signaling pathways in T cells

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored CD59 protein (human protectin) protects cells against complement-induced lysis, binds to CD2 and also transduces activation signals within T cells. We have further examined the biochemical signals transduced by CD59 and addressed its role in regard to the CD3-mediated signaling cascade. We show here that CD59 cross-linking induces a time-dependent activation of p56^lck and of p70^zap (ZAP-70) in CD3-positive Jurkat cells, leading to the stimulation of the T cell receptor ζ/ZAP-70 signaling cascade and interleukin-2 (IL-2) synthesis. Cross-linking of CD59 on peripheral T cells and thymocytes induces tyrosine phosphorylations identical to those seen in Jurkat cells and this is followed by lymphokine production and proliferation. In contrast, only activation of CD59-associated p56^lck occurs in CD3-negative Jurkat cells, while IL-2 production is impaired, consistent with the lack of ZAP-70 tyrosine phosphorylation observed in these cells. CD59 triggers activation events even in the absence of CD3/T cell receptor expression in Jurkat cells. CD59 cross-linking synergizes with sub-optimal doses of phorbol ester for activation of the protein kinase C and of the p42^mapk, as shown by in vitro phosphorylation of histone HIIIS and myelin basic protein, respectively, and leads to CD25 but not CD69 expression. In conclusion, at least two signaling pathways are triggered through CD59, the first one involving ZAP-70 activation and leading to IL-2 secretion and a second pathway observed in the absence of ZAP-70 activation leading to CD25 expression. These two pathways are likely to be involved in the modulation of T cell activation by CD59 protein.     

Pertussis toxin utilizes proximal components of the T-cell receptor complex to initiate signal transduction events in T cells

Pertussis toxin (PTx) is an AB(5) toxin produced by the human pathogen Bordetella pertussis. Previous work demonstrates that the five binding (B) subunits of PTx can have profound effects on T lymphocytes independent of the enzymatic activity of the A subunit. Stimulation of T cells with holotoxin (PTx) or the B subunit alone (PTxB) rapidly induces signaling events resulting in inositol phosphate accumulation, Ca(2+) mobilization, interleukin-2 (IL-2) production, and mitogenic cell growth. Although previous reports suggest the presence of PTx signaling receptors expressed on T cells, to date, the receptor(s) and membrane proximal signaling events utilized by PTx remain unknown. Here we genetically and biochemically define the membrane proximal components utilized by PTx to initiate signal transduction in T cells. Using mutants of the Jurkat T-cell line deficient for key components of the T-cell receptor (TCR) pathway, we have compared stimulation with PTx to that of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (MAb), which directly interacts with and activates the TCR complex. Our genetic data in combination with biochemical analysis show that PTx (via the B subunit) activates TCR signaling similar to that of anti-CD3 MAb, including activation of key signaling intermediates such as Lck, ZAP-70, and phospholipase C-gamma1. Moreover, the data indicate that costimulatory activity, as provided by CD28 ligation, is required for PTx to fully stimulate downstream indicators of T-cell activation such as IL-2 gene expression. By illuminating the signaling pathways that PTx activates in T cells, we provide a mechanistic understanding for how these signals deregulate immune system functions during B. pertussis infection.     

Tyrosine phosphatase CD45 regulates hydrogen peroxide-induced calcium mobilization in B cells

By taking advantage of established CD45-deficient DT40 cells, the roles of CD45 in oxidative stress signaling were investigated. Using p-nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate, it was found that CD45 constituted nearly 40% of the total protein-tyrosine phosphatase activity. Almost 90% of the phosphatase activity was rapidly inactivated upon hydrogen peroxide treatment. Hydrogen peroxide-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation were markedly enhanced in CD45-deficient cells relative to that in its parental cells. In comparison, hydrogen peroxide-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and Ca(2+) mobilization were impaired in CD45-deficient DT40 cells. However, hydrogen peroxide-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity precipitated by anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, and activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase appeared intact in CD45-deficient DT40 cells. This suggests that CD45 mediates the ability of hydrogen peroxide-activated PLCgamma2 to hydrolyze its substrate via a mechanism independent of both tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, as well as activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. Taken together, our observations demonstrated that, in addition to its negative regulatory or phosphatase activity, CD45 has a positive role in oxidative stress signaling.     

Tyrosine-phosphorylation-dependent translocation of the SLAT protein to the immunological synapse is required for NFAT transcription factor activation

SWAP-70-like adaptor of T cells (SLAT) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases that regulates the development of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cell inflammatory responses by controlling the Ca(2+)-NFAT signaling pathway. However, the mechanism used by SLAT to regulate these events is unknown. Here, we report that the T cell receptor (TCR)-induced translocation of SLAT to the immunological synapse required Lck-mediated phosphorylation of two tyrosine residues located in an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-like sequence but was independent of the SLAT PH domain. This subcellular relocalization was coupled to, and necessary for, activation of the NFAT pathway. Furthermore, membrane targeting of the SLAT Dbl-homology (catalytic) domain was sufficient to trigger TCR-mediated NFAT activation and Th1 and Th2 differentiation in a Cdc42-dependent manner. Therefore, tyrosine-phosphorylation-mediated relocalization of SLAT to the site of antigen recognition is required for SLAT to exert its pivotal role in NFAT-dependent CD4(+) T cell differentiation.     

Inhibition of TCR/CD3-mediated signaling by a mutant of the hematopoietically expressed G16 GTP-binding protein

We have investigated the role of the hematopoietically expressed G16 GTP-binding protein on T cell activation. We constructed transfectants of Jurkat T cells that express a function-deficient mutant of Gα16 predicted to prevent activation of this G protein. Upon stimulation with anti-CD3ϵ antibodies, mutant Gα16 transfectants display a profound defect in the production of IL-2 and IL-10, as well as in the expression of CD69. In contrast, the phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced IL-10 production and CD69 expression, and the ionomycin plus PMA-induced IL-2 production are not affected. Consistent with the reduction in cytokine production is the inhibition of early signaling events in the mutant Gα16-expressing cells. There are significant reductions in anti-ϵ-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of ζ, ϵ, ZAP-70, and phospholipase Cγ1, as well as in intracellular Ca²⁺ mobilization. In accordance with the effects on tyrosine phosphorylation is the reduction of TCR/CD3-mediated Fyn and Lck activities in Gα16 mutant cells. Even though the mechanism through which the Gα16 mutant mediates inhibition of T cell activation is not known, the data suggest a model where G proteins become activated upon TCR/CD3 engagement and regulate the activation of tyrosine kinases and subsequent downstream signaling events that lead to the activation of cytokine genes.     

Deficiencies in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets in ataxia telangiectasia

Chronic sinopulmonary infections that are associated with immunodeficiency are one of the leading causes of death in the multi-systemic disease ataxia telangiectasia (AT). Immunological investigations of AT patients revealed a broad spectrum of defects in the humoral and the cellular immune system. Based on their important role in host defence the aim of our study was an extensive analysis of cell distribution and function of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and NK cells. We found that naive (CD45RA+) CD4+ lymphocytes, as well as CD8+/CD45RA+ lymphocytes, are decreased, whereas NK cells (CD3-/CD16+CD56+) are significantly elevated in AT patients. In our culture system proliferation and cytokine production was normal in purified memory (CD45RO+) lymphocytes after stimulation with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PBu2) and after PHA activation, indicating that differences in proliferation and cytokine production are due solely to reduced numbers of CD45RA+ lymphocytes. However, activation, and especially intracellular interferon production of AT lymphocytes, seem to follow different kinetics compared to controls. In contrast to polyclonal activation, stimulation via the T cell receptor results consistently in a reduced immune response. Taken together, our results suggest that deficiency of immunocompetent cells and an intrinsic immune activation defect are responsible for the immunodeficiency in AT.     

Inhibition of TCR-mediated shedding of L-selectin (CD62L) on human and mouse CD4+ T cells by metalloproteinase inhibition: analysis of the regulation of Th1/Th2 function

The generation of a productive primary immune response is dependent on the ability of na?ve T lymphocytes to recirculate through peripheral lymph organs to encounter specific antigen. The process of na?ve CD4(+) T cell entry into lymph nodes correlates with cell surface expression of L-selectin (CD62L), which mediates early tethering and rolling events to endothelium prior to entry. Here, we demonstrate that surface expression of CD62L enhances CD4(+) T cell activation in vitro. The synthetic hydroxamate metalloproteinase inhibitor (BB-3103), specifically inhibits activation-induced shedding of CD62L from CD4(+) T cells by TCR cross-linking and lowers proliferation in part by reducing rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of zeta-associated protein 70 kDa (ZAP-70) and by increasing cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration mobilization. BB-3103 also inhibited the proliferative response of both murine CD4(+) Th1 and Th2 subsets in vitro but the inhibitory effects were sustained only in Th2-type cells. Similarly, BB-3103 mediated prolonged inhibition of allergen-dependent peripheral T cell proliferation in atopic dermatitis patients but not in healthy controls. Analysis of CD62L expression on murine CD4(+) T cell subsets revealed that surface expression was maintained on Th1 cells but not Th2 cells. The differential effects of BB-3103 on primed effector CD4(+) T cells may provide new insights into generating therapeutic agents capable of redressing the Th2/Th1 imbalance in allergic diseases.     

The Ca(v)1.4 calcium channel is a critical regulator of T cell receptor signaling and naive T cell homeostasis

The transport of calcium ions (Ca(2+)) to the cytosol is essential for immunoreceptor signaling, regulating lymphocyte differentiation, activation, and effector function. Increases in cytosolic-free Ca(2+) concentrations are thought to be mediated through two interconnected and complementary mechanisms: the release of endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) "stores" and "store-operated" Ca(2+) entry via plasma membrane channels. However, the identity of molecular components conducting Ca(2+) currents within developing and mature T?cells is unclear. Here, we have demonstrated that the L-type "voltage-dependent" Ca(2+) channel Ca(V)1.4 plays a cell-intrinsic role in the function, development, and survival of naive T?cells. Plasma membrane Ca(V)1.4 was found to be essential for modulation of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and T?cell receptor (TCR)-induced rises in cytosolic-free Ca(2+), impacting activation of Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor of activated T?cells (NFAT) pathways. Collectively, these studies revealed that Ca(V)1.4 functions in controlling naive T?cell homeostasis and antigen-driven T?cell immune responses.     

Mitogenic signals through CD28 activate the protein kinase Ctheta-NF-kappaB pathway in primary peripheral T cells

Mitogenic anti-CD28 antibody stimulates all peripheral T cells to proliferate in the absence of TCR ligation, providing an exception to the two-signal requirement of T cell responses. This antibody preferentially recognizes a mobilized signaling-competent form of CD28, normally induced following TCR ligation, thus providing a unique non-physiological tool to dissect CD28-specific signals leading to T cell proliferation. The protein kinase C (PKC)theta-NF-kappaB pathway has recently been shown to integrate TCR- and CD28-derived signals in co-stimulation. We now demonstrate that this pathway is activated by mitogenic anti-CD28 antibody stimulation. In contrast to conventional anti-CD28 antibody, mitogenic anti-CD28 antibody induced activation of phospholipase Cgamma and Ca(2+) flux in peripheral rat T cells despite no or low levels of inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of TCRzeta chain, TCRzeta-associated protein of 70 kDa (ZAP-70) or linker for activation of T cells (LAT)-critical components of the TCR signaling machinery. Nevertheless, PKCtheta kinase activity in vitro was increased following mitogenic anti-CD28 antibody stimulation, as was membrane association of both PKCtheta and Bcl10. As downstream targets of PKCtheta activation, NF-kappaB components translocated to the nucleus at levels comparable to those after TCR-CD28 co-stimulation. NF-kappaB translocation was diminished by PKCtheta inhibition, as was induction of the NF-kappaB/AP-1 responsive activation marker CD69. We propose that co-stimulation is a sequential process in which appropriate TCR engagement is required to mobilize CD28 into a signaling-competent form which then activates the PKCtheta-NF-kappaB pathway necessary for IL-2 production and proliferation.     

Phospho-flow cytometry based analysis of differences in T cell receptor signaling between regulatory T cells and CD4+ T cells

CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are activated during auto-immune, injury, and inflammatory responses, however, the molecular events that trigger Treg activation are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Tregs (FoxP3+ CD4+ T cells) and non-Treg CD4+ T cells might display differences in T cell receptor (TCR) dependent signaling responses following in vitro or in vivo stimulation. This study used phospho-flow cytometry as a tool to profile the kinetics and extent of TCR signaling (ZAP-70 and PKC-θ phosphorylation and expression) in Tregs and non-Tregs. We found that in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3ε induces early and transient activation of ZAP-70 and PKC-θ in both Tregs and non-Tregs. However, the response in Tregs was more rapid and higher in magnitude than responses seen in non-Tregs. In contrast, bacterial superantigen or antigen-specific TCR stimulation did not significantly activate these signaling pathways in Tregs or non-Tregs. Additional experiments tested the kinetics of in vivo TCR signaling in Tregs and non-Tregs in mice challenged with bacterial superantigen. The results of these experiments showed that superantigen rapidly activated ZAP-70 and PKC-θ in lymph node Tregs, but not in non-Tregs. In summary, we demonstrate the versatility of using phospho-flow cytometry to measure cell signaling in CD4+ T cells. The results of these in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that Tregs and non-Treg CD4+ T cells show marked differences in their reactivity to TCR-dependent stimulation and contribute new insights into basic mechanisms that lead to Treg activation.     

TCR-induced downregulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase PEST augments secondary T cell responses

We report that the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST is expressed in resting human and mouse CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, but not in Jurkat T leukemia cells, and that PTP-PEST protein, but not mRNA, was dramatically downregulated in CD4(+) and CD8(+) primary human T cells upon T cell activation. This was also true in mouse CD4(+) T cells, but less striking in mouse CD8(+) T cells. PTP-PEST reintroduced into Jurkat at levels similar to those in primary human T cells, was a potent inhibitor of TCR-induced transactivation of reporter genes driven by NFAT/AP-1 and NF-kappaB elements and by the entire IL-2 gene promoter. Introduction of PTP-PEST into previously activated primary human T cells also reduced subsequent IL-2 production by these cells in response to TCR and CD28 stimulation. The inhibitory effect of PTP-PEST was associated with dephosphorylation the Lck kinase at its activation loop site (Y394), reduced early TCR-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, reduced ZAP-70 phosphorylation and inhibition of MAP kinase activation. We propose that PTP-PEST tempers T cell activation by dephosphorylating TCR-proximal signaling molecules, such as Lck, and that down-regulation of PTP-PEST may be a reason for the increased response to TCR triggering of previously activated T cells.