A tyrosine-phosphorylated 70-kDa protein binds a photoaffinity analogue of ATP and associates with both the zeta chain and CD3 components of the activated T cell antigen receptor

Role of tyrosine kinases in lymphocyte activation: targets for drug intervention

Recent developments in our understanding of lymphocyte receptor-associated signalling events have offered many new potential targets for modifying antigen and cytokine receptor signalling events in immune-related diseases such as allergy, autoimmunity and transplant rejection. As discussed below, these targets are largely tissue-restricted and are functionally confined to a limited set of receptors. Therefore, it is anticipated that selective inhibitors of these signalling events would offer safe and effective therapies for immunologically-based diseases. First, we review T and B cell antigen receptor signalling as targets for inhibiting lymphocyte responses. Second, targets in lymphocyte cytokine receptor signalling pathways are discussed. Finally, we review strategies for inhibition of receptor signalling.

Activating and inhibitory mutations in adjacent tyrosines in the kinase domain of ZAP-70

ZAP-70 is an 70-kDa protein tyrosine kinase, expressed exclusively in T cells and NK cells, and plays a critical role in mediating T cell activation in response to T cell receptor engagement. The strong correlation between tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP-70 and its acquisition of increased kinase activity suggests that is is positively regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation. Previously, we identified tyrosines 492 and 493 of ZAP-70 as being sites of in vivo phosphorylation in response to T cell receptor engagement. To determine the role of phosphorylation in regulating ZAP-70 activity, we mutated each of these tyrosines individually to phenylalanine. When expressed in COS cells, Y493F-mutated ZAP-70 demonstrated normal basal kinase activity, but, unlike wild type ZAP-70, could not be activated by tyrosine phosphorylation induced by incubation with pervanadate or by co-expression of constitutively activated Lck. This suggests that Tyr-493 phosphorylation is required for the tyrosine phosphorylation-induced activation of ZAP-70. The Y492F mutation resulted in 4-fold higher basal kinase activity, which could be stimulated further by tyrosine phosphorylation. These results reveal that critical tyrosine residues in the kinase domain of ZAP-70 are important in regulation of its catalytic activity.

T cell receptor iota an alternatively spliced product of the T cell receptor zeta gene

It has been previously suggested that three alternative splicings of the murine T cell receptor (TCR) zeta gene are involved in the regulation of TCR/CD3 transduction signals. We here describe a new alternative splicing of this gene (TCR iota), cloned by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, that is encoded by exons 1-7 and 10. The protein putatively encoded by TCR iota mRNA differs in its carboxy terminus from that coded by TCR0 as a consequence of the reading frame shift of exon 10. The possible role of this new splicing in TCR modulation is briefly discussed.

T-cell antigen receptor-induced signal-transduction pathways--activation and function of protein kinases C in T lymphocytes

CONTENTS. T-cell activation--Structure of the T-cell antigen receptor--Modular organisation of the T-cell antigen receptor--T-cell antigen receptor-coupled signaling pathways: Activation of protein-tyrosine kinase by the T-cell antigen receptor; Signal transduction in lymphoid cells involves several protein-tyrosine kinases in parallel; Regulation of T-cell antigen receptor signaling by the phosphoprotein phosphatase CD45--Consequences of T-cell antigen receptor-induced tyrosine phosphorylation: Activation of phosphoinositol-lipid-turnover pathways--Activation of phospholipase C-gamma-1: p59fyn or p56lck?--G-protein motif of CD3-gamma: relevance for signal transduction--Association of lipid kinase with the T-cell antigen receptor--Intracellular signaling by phospholipid metabolites and calcium: activation of protein kinase C--Protein kinase C isoenzymes--Heterogenity of protein kinase C and mode of activation--Phospholipid-derived mediators in activation of protein kinase C in T-cells--Role of phospholipase D metabolites in activation of protein kinase C--Polyunsaturated fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine as activators of protein kinase C--Potein kinase C and p21ras function in interdependent and distinct signaling pathways during T-cell activation--Raf-1 kinase: regulator or target of protein kinase C?--Summary and perspectives.

Regulation of Zap-70 by Src family tyrosine protein kinases in an antigen-specific T-cell line

To further understand the interactions between Zap-70, Src family kinases, and other T-cell proteins, we have examined the regulation of Zap-70 in the antigen-specific T-cell line BI-141. By analyzing derivatives containing an activated version of either p56lck or p59fynT, it was observed that the two Src-related enzymes augmented T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Zap-70, as well as its association with components of the antigen receptor complex. Importantly, the accumulation of TCR.Zap-70 complexes quantitatively and temporally correlated with the induction of tyrosine phosphorylation of the CD3 and zeta chains of TCR. Using a CD4-positive variant of BI-141, we also found that the ability of Zap-70 to undergo tyrosine phosphorylation and associate with TCR was enhanced by aggregation of TCR with the CD4 co-receptor. Further studies allowed the identification of two distinct pools of tyrosine-phosphorylated Zap-70 in activated T-cells. While one population was associated with TCR, the other was co-immunoprecipitated with a 120-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein of unknown identity. In addition to supporting the notion that Src-related enzymes regulate the recruitment of Zap-70 in TCR signaling, these data added further complexity to previous models of regulation of Zap-70. Furthermore, they suggested that p120 may be an effector and/or a regulator of Zap-70 in activated T-lymphocytes.

Zeta phosphorylation without ZAP-70 activation induced by TCR antagonists or partial agonists

Small changes in the peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule ligands recognized by antigen-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) can convert fully activating complexes into partially activating or even inhibitory ones. This study examined early TCR-dependent signals induced by such partial agonists or antagonists. In contrast to typical agonist ligands, both an antagonist and several partial agonists stimulated a distinct pattern of zeta chain phosphorylation and failed to activate associated ZAP-70 kinase. These results identify a specific step in the early tyrosine phosphorylation cascade that is altered after TCR engagement with modified peptide-MHC molecule complexes. This finding may explain the different biological responses to TCR occupancy by these variant ligands.

Characterization of the association of phospholipase C-delta with Alzheimer neurofibrillary tangles

Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) is a key enzyme in signal transduction. We have previously demonstrated that an antibody to the PLC isozyme, PLC-delta, intensely stained neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the brain tissue of AD patients [Am. J. Pathol., 139 (1991) 737-742]. To clarify the crucial involvement of abnormal PLC-delta accumulation contributing to the formation of NFT, we performed light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. To determine PLC-delta's association with NFT, its resistance to solubilization was also studied. Anti-PLC-delta antibody marked the same NFT-bearing neurons containing tau immunoreactivity with tau more clearly on NFT filaments and PLC-delta covering it superficially at the light microscope level. The double stained preparations with anti-PLC-delta antibody and bFGF binding suggested that PLC-delta is an intracellular marker and is not retained after neuronal death. Employing immunoperoxidase and immunogold electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, we found that the antibody to PLC-delta reacts mostly with amorphous granular materials, and occasionally with some abnormal filaments within NFT. Nevertheless, PLC-delta in NFT was resistant to removal by high salt or ionic detergent, indicating it is an integral NFT component. These results indicate that antigenic determinants unique to PLC-delta are mainly present intraneuronally on the amorphous granular components of NFT as well as the abnormal filaments, suggesting PLC-delta's interactions and possible role in the formation of intraneuronal filamentous inclusions in AD.

F2(Pmp)2-TAM zeta 3, a novel competitive inhibitor of the binding of ZAP-70 to the T cell antigen receptor, blocks early T cell signaling

Signaling by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) is mediated by 17-residue tyrosine-based activation motifs (TAM) present in the cytoplasmic tails of the TCR zeta and CD3 chains. TAMs become tyrosine-phosphorylated upon TCR stimulation, creating a high affinity binding site for the tandem SH2 domains of ZAP-70. In permeabilized T cells, the association of TCR and ZAP-70 was inhibited by a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPase)-resistant TAM peptide analog, in which difluorophosphonomethyl phenylalanyl (F2Pmp) residues replaced phosphotyrosine. Inhibition of this association prevented TCR-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP-70 and reduced ZAP-70 kinase activity to basal levels. The reduction in ZAP-70 activity coincided with reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of substrates. Such PTPase-resistant peptides, capable of disrupting SH2 domain-mediated protein-protein interactions, should prove useful in further dissection of multiple signaling pathways and may serve as models for rationally designed chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of autoimmune and neoplastic disorders.

Protein tyrosine kinase Syk is associated with and activated by the IL-2 receptor: possible link with the c-myc induction pathway

The IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) consists of three subunits, the IL-2R alpha, IL-2R beta, and IL-2R gamma chains. The IL-2-induced proliferative signals emanate from the cytoplasmic domains of IL-2R beta and IL-2R gamma, but the nature and function of the signaling molecules that transmit these signals are not fully understood. Here, we report that Syk protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) is physically associated with IL-2R in peripheral blood lymphocytes. cDNA expression studies further revealed that this association is critical for the IL-2-induced activation of Syk PTK, which occurs primarily via the serine-rich region of the IL-2R beta chain, which is essential for proliferative signal transmission. Furthermore, we provide evidence that in the hematopoietic cell line, BAF-B03, the activation of Syk PTK results in the induction of the c-myc gene, an event critical for the cell proliferation. Thus, Syk PTK may be a critical integral member of the signaling molecules engaged by the IL-2R.

Signal transduction by the antigen receptors of B and T lymphocytes

B and T lymphocytes of the immune system recognize and destroy invading microorganisms but are tolerant to the cells and tissues of one's own body. The basis for this self/non-self-discrimination is the clonal nature of the B and T cell antigen receptors. Each lymphocyte has antigen receptors with a single unique antigen specificity. Multiple mechanisms ensure that self-reactive lymphocytes are eliminated or silenced whereas lymphocytes directed against foreign antigens are activated only when the appropriate antigen is present. The key element in these processes is the ability of the antigen receptors to transmit signals to the interior of the lymphocyte when they bind the antigen for which they are specific. Whether these signals lead to activation, tolerance, or cell death is dependent on the maturation state of the lymphocytes as well as on signals from other receptors. We review the role of antigen receptor signaling in the development and activation of B and T lymphocytes and also describe the biochemical signaling mechanisms employed by these receptors. In addition, we discuss how signal transduction pathways activated by the antigen receptors may alter gene expression, regulate the cell cycle, and induce or prevent programmed cell death.

ZAP-70 is constitutively associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated TCR zeta in murine thymocytes and lymph node T cells

Studies with T cell lines and clones have shown that engagement of the TCR results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR subunits. This leads to the recruitment of the ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinase, an interaction involving the two SH2-domains of ZAP-70 with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta and CD3. However, as previously described, murine thymocytes and lymph node T cells express a constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta subunit in the basal state. Here, we show that a fraction of ZAP-70 molecules are constitutively associated with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta. TCR ligation promotes a large increase in the tyrosine phosphorylation of ZAP-70 as well as other TCR subunits. Genetic studies reveal that the constitutive ZAP-70 association with tyrosine-phosphorylated zeta does not absolutely require either TCR or coreceptor interactions with MHC molecules.

Cyclic AMP sensitive signalling by the CD28 marker requires concomitant stimulation by the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR/CD3) complex

We have previously demonstrated that activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAK) type I (cAKI, RI alpha 2-C beta 2) mediates the inhibitory effects of cAMP on T-cell replication induced through the TCR/CD3 complex. In the present study we have investigated the effect of cAMP on T-cell DNA synthesis, tyrosine phosphorylation of a 100 kDa protein (pp100) and IL2 mRNA expression, induced through stimulation of the TCR/CD3- and/or the CD28 molecules. Our results demonstrate that tyrosine phosphorylation of pp100 stimulated by anti-CD3 is inhibited by cAMP both in the presence and absence of the phorbol ester PMA, and reflects the changes seen in IL2 mRNA expression and T-cell replication. Combined stimulation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, which gives a synergistic response in T-cell replication, gave pp100 phosphorylation and IL2 mRNA expression sensitive to cAMP-dependent inhibition. When PMA was added in addition to anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, the inhibitory effect of cAMP on both T-cell replication and pp100 phosphorylation was completely abolished. The fact that pp100 phosphorylation in response to TCR/CD3-, CD28- and PMA stimulation and cAMP mediated inhibition are identical to the effects of the same stimuli on T-cell proliferation, makes this protein an interesting candidate in downstream signalling from these receptors. In addition, our results are compatible with a model where cAMP, through activation of cAKI, eliminates both the PTK and PKC activating capability of the T-cell receptor at a site(s) proximal to PKC activation. Furthermore, the CD28 molecule which activates PTKs, enters the PTK cascade at a point distal to the target(s) for cAKI action. Therefore, during CD28 signalling PKC activation can be achieved either by TCR/CD3 stimulation (inhibited by cAMP), or directly by PMA (not inhibited by cAMP).

ZAP-70 deficiency in an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency

Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play an integral role in T cell activation and differentiation. Defects in the Src-family PTKs in mice and in T cell lines have resulted in variable defects in thymic development and in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signal transduction. Here, three siblings are described with an autosomal recessive form of severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) in which ZAP-70, a non-Src PTK, is absent as a result of mutations in the ZAP-70 gene. This absence is associated with defects in TCR signal transduction, suggesting an important functional role for ZAP-70.

Human severe combined immunodeficiency due to a defect in ZAP-70, a T cell tyrosine kinase

A homozygous mutation in the kinase domain of ZAP-70, a T cell receptor-associated protein tyrosine kinase, produced a distinctive form of human severe combined immunodeficiency. Manifestations of this disorder included profound immunodeficiency, absence of peripheral CD8+ T cells, and abundant peripheral CD4+ T cells that were refractory to T cell receptor-mediated activation. These findings demonstrate that ZAP-70 is essential for human T cell function and suggest that CD4+ and CD8+ T cells depend on different intracellular signaling pathways to support their development or survival.

Sequential interactions of the TCR with two distinct cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) initiates signals by interacting with cytoplasmic protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) through a 17-residue sequence motif [called the antigen recognition activation motif (ARAM)] that is contained in the TCR zeta and CD3 chains. TCR stimulation induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular substrates, including the ARAMs. Lck kinase activity is required for phosphorylation of two conserved tyrosine residues in an ARAM. This phosphorylation leads to the recruitment of a second cytoplasmic PTK, ZAP-70, through both of the ZAP-70 Src homology 2 domains and its phosphorylation. Thus, TCR signal transduction is initiated by the sequential interaction of two PTKs with TCR ARAMs.

Signal transduction by lymphocyte antigen receptors

Despite the differences in the antigens that they recognize and in the effector functions they carry out, B and T lymphocytes utilize remarkably similar signal transduction components to initiate responses. They both use oligomeric receptors that contain distinct recognition and signal transduction subunits. Antigen receptors on both cells interact with at least two distinct families of PTKs via common sequence motifs, ARAMs, in the cytoplasmic tails of their invariant chains, which have likely evolved from a common evolutionary precursor. Coreceptors appear to serve to increase the sensitivity of both of these receptor systems through events that influence ligand binding and signal transduction. The critical role of tyrosine phosphorylation of downstream signaling components, such as phospholipase C, is the net result of changes in the balance of the action of antigen receptor-regulated PTKs and PTPases. The identification of downstream effectors, including calcineurin and Ras, that regulate cellular responses, such as lymphokine gene expression, promises the future possibility of connecting the complex pathway from the plasma membrane to the nucleus in lymphocytes. Insight gained from studies of the signaling pathways downstream of TCR and BCR stimulation is likely to contribute significantly to future understanding of mechanisms responsible for lymphocyte differentiation and for the discrimination of self from nonself in developing and mature cells.

Selective coupling of the T cell antigen receptor to phosphoinositide-derived diacylglycerol production in HPB-ALL T cells correlates with CD45-regulated p59fyn activity

In HPB-ALL T-cells the p59fyn tyrosine kinase is regulated by the CD45 phosphotyrosine phosphatase and plays a critical role in coupling the T cell receptor (TCR) to the generation of intracellular signals which include diacylglycerol (DAG) production and protein kinase C activation. The aim of this study was to determine the phospholipid pools from which the DAG is generated and to identify which phospholipase activities are regulated by the TCR. When CD45+ cells were pre-labeled with [3H]arachidonic acid, CD3-antigen cross-linking stimulated negligible increases in both [3H]DAG and [3H]phosphatidic acid (PA). However, CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induced an increase of 300% in [3H]PA when the cells were permeabilized with streptolysin-O, and this correlated with increased levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Stimulation of [3H]PA production upon CD3 cross-linking was 77% lower in permeabilized CD45- cells than in CD45+ cells, consistent with the reduced activity of p59fyn in CD45- cells. The stimulated production of PA was not mediated by activation of phospholipase D (PLD), although the presence of a G-protein-regulated PLD activity was established. The CD3-induced increase in total inositol phosphates (InsP) in permeabilized cells was similar to the stimulated production of [3H]PA production in both CD45+ and CD45- cells. Dose-response curves for InsP and PA production triggered by CD3 mAb were super-imposable and the production of InsP and PA over a range of Ca2+ concentrations was comparable. Differential labeling of phospholipids with 3H-labeled fatty acids revealed that CD3-induced PA production reflected incorporation of label into the phosphatidylinositol pool. Our data suggest that in HPB-ALL cells the production of DAG following CD3-antigen cross-linking can be fully accounted for by the selective coupling of the TCR to breakdown of phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate as the result of phospholipase C gamma 1 activation. This event correlates with the activity of the CD45-regulated TCR-associated tyrosine kinase, p59fyn.

Association of a 70-kDa tyrosine phosphoprotein with the CD16: zeta: gamma complex expressed in human natural killer cells

The CD16: zeta: gamma receptor complex allows natural killer (NK) cells to recognize and eliminate antibody-coated target cells. Whereas the ectodomain of CD16 is the receptor for Fc gamma domains of immunoglobulins, disulfide-linked homo- and heterodimers composed of zeta and gamma are required for the cell surface expression, and signal transduction properties of the complex. Engagement of CD16 activates the tyrosine kinase pathway, which induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates, including the zeta subunit and the phospholipase C gamma-1 and gamma-2 isoforms. Here we show that CD16 stimulation of either peripheral blood NK cells, leukemic NK cells, or Jurkat transformants expressing a CD16: zeta: gamma receptor complex, results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of a 70 kDa zeta-associated protein (pp70). Similarly, a 70-kDa zeta-associated phosphoprotein in T cells has been shown to be a tyrosine kinase (ZAP-70). Peptide mapping analysis indicates that the 70-kDa zeta-associated phosphoproteins from T cells and NK cells are structurally indistinguishable. We conclude that the CD16: zeta: gamma complex may use a ZAP-70-related non-receptor tyrosine kinase, in the CD16 signaling cascade leading to NK cell activation.

T cell activation by clustered tyrosine kinases

Many cellular recognition events in the immune system are initiated by aggregation of cell surface receptors that lack intrinsic protein-tyrosine kinase activity. Receptor-associated kinases related to the src protooncogene product have been found to be essential for cellular activation and may interact with the cytoplasmic domains of the antigen receptor chains. We show here that anti-CD16 antibody-mediated clustering of chimeric transmembrane proteins bearing a CD16 extracellular domain and a Src family kinase intracellular domain is not sufficient to initiate a cellular activation signal in T cells, whereas clustering of similar chimeras bearing Syk or ZAP-70 kinase sequences triggers calcium mobilization. Aggregation of the Syk chimera alone, or coaggregation of chimeras bearing Fyn and ZAP-70 kinases, suffices to initiate cytolytic effector function. The pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation induced by clustering of the Syk chimera is similar to the pattern induced by aggregation of T cell receptor.

Comparative analysis of phosphotyrosyl polypeptides in normal and leukemic human T lymphocytes activated via CD3 or CD2

Phosphotyrosyl polypeptides induced following CD3- or CD2- specific antibody stimulation were analysed in different human T cell lines by immunoblotting or by immunoprecipitation of 32P-labelled cell lysates using a phosphotyrosine-specific monoclonal antibody. In Jurkat cells, resting peripheral T lymphocytes, T lymphoblasts, CD8+ T lymphoblasts and a CD4+ T cell clone, CD3 stimulation induced a strong but transient tyrosine phosphorylation of at least 15 polypeptides. However, in peripheral T cells and T blasts, the kinetics of phosphorylation were considerably slower than in Jurkat cells. The pattern of phosphotyrosyl polypeptides induced by CD3 stimulation was similar, although some differences were noted between normal T cells and Jurkat, especially at the level of the extent of phosphorylation. As had been previously reported for Jurkat T cells, a qualitatively similar tyrosine phosphorylation response was induced upon CD2 or CD3 stimulation in each of the analysed T cell populations, suggesting that CD3 and CD2 share a common pathway of protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation. In HPB. ALL leukemia T cells (which express very low levels of CD45), both CD3 and CD2 stimulation induced only very weak protein tyrosyl phosphorylation. However, a 50 kDa polypeptide, which was part of an inducible doublet in Jurkat or normal T lymphocytes, was constitutively tyrosyl-phosphorylated in the HPB. ALL line. These results suggest that there is a common pathway of early PTK activation following CD3- or CD2-mediated stimulation in mature T cells, whether they express surface CD4 or CD8, and also that the PTK may be differently regulated in different T cell populations leading to different kinetics or intensity of tyrosyl phosphorylation.

Transmembrane signalling through the T-cell-receptor-CD3 complex

Recent data support the existence of activation motifs within different subunits of the T-cell-receptor-CD3 complex. This architecture generates a receptor composed of discrete modules, each capable of being coupled to an effector pathway. Although new T-cell specific protein tyrosine kinases have recently been identified, the nature of the proximal non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase linking the T-cell receptor complex to essential signalling effectors remains unknown. Developmentally regulated differences in T-cell-receptor-CD3 assembly or stability may lead to the expression of isoforms displaying different sets of activation motifs. Whether this may be the basis of differential signalling during T-cell development is still a matter of speculation.

The cysteine residues in the cytoplasmic tail of CD8 alpha are required for its coreceptor function

The cytoplasmic segment of the CD8 alpha polypeptide includes both a cysteine-containing motif that is required for its association with the tyrosine kinase p56lck, and two serine residues which are likely to be phosphorylated and involved in inside-out signaling phenomena. To determine the relative importance of these residues for CD8 function, a mouse T cell hybridoma expressing a T cell receptor specific for the class I major histocompatibility product H-2Kb was transfected with a set of CD8 alpha chain genes encoding polypeptides in which the cytoplasmic cysteine or serine residues were substituted with alanine. When challenged with Kb-transfected L cells, T cell transfectants expressing CD8 alpha beta or CD8 alpha alpha dimers with substituted cytoplasmic serine residues responded nearly as well as wild-type CD8 transfectants. In marked contrast, the CD8 alpha polypeptides bearing substitutions of both cytoplasmic cysteine residues were totally impaired in their ability to complement the co-expressed T cell receptor.

CD4, CD8 and the role of CD45 in T-cell activation

CD4, CD8 and CD45 regulate the coupling of the T-cell receptor complex (CD3-TCR) to tyrosine kinase activation and phosphorylation of key substrates such as phospholipase C gamma 1. CD4 and CD8 contribute to activation signals through their cytoplasmic association with p56lck. Expression of the zeta-chain is required for functional synergy of the T-cell receptor with CD4 in the activation of phospholipase C gamma 1, which probably reflects an interaction between p56lck and zeta-associated kinase ZAP-70. CD45 expression is required for CD3-TCR signaling. CD45 may positively regulate signaling by dephosphorylating the carboxyl-terminal tyrosine of p56lck and p59fyn, and negatively regulate signaling by dephosphorylation of other TCR-associated substrates directly. One ligand for CD45 receptor has been identified as the B cell CD22 molecule. The positive and negative effects of CD45 are sensitive to the composition of CD45 in receptor complexes, and may be regulated by specific associations of CD45 isoforms with other receptors such as CD3-TCR, CD2 and CD4.

ZAP-70: a 70 kd protein-tyrosine kinase that associates with the TCR zeta chain

Protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play an integral role in T cell activation. Stimulation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) results in tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of cellular substrates. One of these is the TCR zeta chain, which can mediate the transduction of extracellular stimuli into cellular effector functions. We have recently identified a 70 kd tyrosine phosphoprotein (ZAP-70) that associates with zeta and undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation following TCR stimulation. Here we report the isolation of a cDNA clone encoding ZAP-70. ZAP-70 represents a novel PTK and is expressed in T and natural killer cells. Moreover, tyrosine phosphorylation and association of ZAP-70 with zeta require the presence of src family PTKs and provide a potential mechanism by which the src family PTKs and ZAP-70 may interact to mediate TCR signal transduction.

Signal transduction through the T-cell antigen receptor

The mechanism by which ligand binding to the T-cell antigen receptor triggers the T-cell activation program has long been one of the most fascinating questions in lymphocyte biology. Here, we review recent insights into the transmembrane signaling functions of this multisubunit receptor complex.

pp59fyn mutant mice display differential signaling in thymocytes and peripheral T cells

We have generated mutant mice that do not express pp59fyn, a nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase related to pp60src, by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. fyn- mice did not display an overt phenotype. Because fyn is associated with the T cell receptor (TCR), thymocyte and T cell signaling was analyzed in the mutant background. Cross-linking of TCR-CD3 in thymocytes led to markedly reduced calcium fluxes and abrogated proliferation, whereas mature splenic T cells retained largely normal proliferation despite depressed calcium movements and IL-2 production. Similarly, proliferation induced by Thy-1 cross-linking was reduced in thymocytes but not in splenic T cells. fyn- thymocytes were impaired at a late stage of maturation and showed limited clonal deletion to the Mls-1a self-super-antigen but not to staphylococcal enterotoxin A. These results implicate fyn as a critical component in TCR signaling in thymocytes and, potentially, in the process that determines T cell repertoire in the adult mouse.