Triggering of human natural killer cells through CD16 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the p72syk kinase

From CD16a Biology to Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Improvement

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a potent cytotoxic mechanism that is mainly mediated in humans by natural killer (NK) cells. ADCC mediates the clinical benefit of several widely used cytolytic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and increasing its efficacy would improve cancer immunotherapy. CD16a is a receptor for the Fc portion of IgGs and is responsible to trigger NK cell-mediated ADCC. The knowledge of the mechanism of action of CD16a gave rise to several strategies to improve ADCC, by working on either the mAbs or the NK cell. In this review, we give an overview of CD16a biology and describe the latest strategies employed to improve antibody-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity.

Differential Requirements for Src-Family Kinases in SYK or ZAP70-Mediated SLP-76 Phosphorylation in Lymphocytes

In a synthetic biology approach using Schneider (S2) cells, we show that SLP-76 is directly phosphorylated at tyrosines Y113 and Y128 by SYK in the presence of ITAM-containing adapters such as CD3ζ, DAP12, or FcεRγ. This phosphorylation was dependent on at least one functional ITAM and a functional SH2 domain within SYK. Inhibition of Src-kinases by inhibitors PP1 and PP2 did not reduce SLP-76 phosphorylation in S2 cells, suggesting an ITAM and SYK dependent, but Src-kinase independent signaling pathway. This direct ITAM/SYK/SLP-76 signaling pathway therefore differs from previously described ITAM signaling. However, the SYK-family kinase ZAP70 required the additional co-expression of the Src-family kinases Fyn or Lck to efficiently phosphorylate SLP-76 in S2 cells. This difference in Src-family kinase dependency of SYK versus ZAP70-mediated ITAM-based signaling was further demonstrated in human lymphocytes. ITAM signaling in ZAP70-expressing T cells was dependent on the activity of Src-family kinases. In contrast, Src-family kinases were partially dispensable for ITAM signaling in SYK-expressing B cells or in natural killer cells, which express SYK and ZAP70. This demonstrates that SYK can signal using a Src-kinase independent ITAM-based signaling pathway, which may be involved in calibrating the threshold for lymphocyte activation.

Identification of human NK cells that are deficient for signaling adaptor FcRγ and specialized for antibody-dependent immune functions

NK cells respond to tumor and virus-infected cells directly through several activation receptors, including natural cytotoxicity receptors, or indirectly through the activating Fc receptor CD16 for antibody-coated cells. Triggering of NK-cell effector functions through these receptors depends on physically associated transmembrane signaling adaptors, such as FcRγ (also known as FcεRIγ) and CD3ζ, both of which have been traditionally believed to be expressed by all mature NK cells. However, we have identified a distinct subset of human NK cells that are deficient for FcRγ expression but express normal levels of CD3ζ. FcRγ-deficient NK cells were readily detectable in about one-third of the healthy individuals examined. The deficiency was confined to the CD56(dim) population and was due to low FcRγ mRNA. FcRγ-deficient NK cells displayed dramatically reduced expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp46 and NKp30 but still expressed substantial levels of CD16. Compared to FcRγ-expressing NK cells, FcRγ-deficient NK cells showed poor direct reactivity toward tumor targets as measured by cytokine production and degranulation. Unexpectedly, however, FcRγ-deficient NK cells exhibited significantly more robust responsiveness upon stimulation through CD16, particularly for cytokine production, compared to FcRγ-expressing NK cells. Thus, our study reveals FcRγ-deficient NK cells as a novel subset of human NK cells that have remarkably potent responses toward antibody-coated targets. These findings also illustrate a differential contribution of FcRγ and CD3ζ for the expression and functional activity of their associated receptors.

Signal transduction during natural killer cell activation

Understanding of transmembrane signaling during NK-cell activation has greatly expanded during the past few years. The discovery and characterization of novel triggering and inhibitory receptors have revealed the complexity of these processes. This unit focuses on receptor-initiated signaling pathways that modulate NK functions. Establishing the roles of different signaling pathways in NK cells is a crucial step in the design of therapeutic approaches for selective enhancement or suppression of NK-cell activation.

Signal transduction during natural killer cell activation

Natural killer (NK) cells are a subpopulation of lymphocytes that can mediate cytotoxicity of certain tumor cells, virus-infected cells, and normal cells. In addition to their cytotoxic potential, NK cells secrete a variety of cytokines and chemokines that can modulate the function, growth, and differentiation of other immune cells. These different responses are initiated by the interaction of specific NK surface receptors with defined soluble or cell-associated ligands. There are several different types of receptors on the NK cell surface including "triggering" receptors, adhesion molecules, cytokine receptors, and MHC-recognizing killer-cell inhibitory receptors. The functional response of an NK cell is the result of the integration of signals transduced by these different types of receptors. Some of these signaling pathways are similar to other lymphoid cells, but there are also unique features employed by NK cells. This overview focuses on receptor-initiated signaling pathways that modulate NK functions.

Mutual interference of HIV and natural killer cell-mediated immune response

Natural killer (NK) cells represent important early effector cells in innate immune defense as they exert their functions without prior sensitization. They participate in regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and hematopoiesis by producing various cytokines and chemokines. In addition, NK cells lyse virally infected and malignant cells raising them to multifunctional members of the first line of defense. Unlike other lymphocytes they lack specific antigen receptors. They rather bind cells using ubiquitous molecules and communicate via a pattern of receptors specific for MHC-I molecules with their counterparts. In general, successful binding of the receptors delivers an inhibitory signal to NK cells thus sparing the target cell from lysis. In contrast, down-regulated or altered MHC-I expression as frequently observed during virus infection or on malignant cells prevents ligation of inhibitory receptors and MHC-I paralyzing inhibition and thus inducing lysis of the target cell. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection NK cells are of central importance since they can combat viral infection itself and opportunistic pathogens like fungi and protozoa that usually spread during the course of HIV infection. However, various studies have reported alterations in HIV patients affecting NK cell numbers and functions that might negatively influence course and severity of the disease. This review will focus on the mutual interference of NK cells and the HI virus.

Pleiotropic defects in lymphocyte activation caused by caspase-8 mutations lead to human immunodeficiency

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is controlled by aspartate-specific cysteine proteases called caspases. In the immune system, apoptosis counters the proliferation of lymphocytes to achieve a homeostatic balance, which allows potent responses to pathogens but avoids autoimmunity. The CD95 (Fas, Apo-1) receptor triggers lymphocyte apoptosis by recruiting Fas-associated death domain (FADD), caspase-8 and caspase-10 proteins into a death-inducing signalling complex. Heterozygous mutations in CD95, CD95 ligand or caspase-10 underlie most cases of autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS), a human disorder that is characterized by defective lymphocyte apoptosis, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and autoimmunity. Mutations in caspase-8 have not been described in ALPS, and homozygous caspase-8 deficiency causes embryonic lethality in mice. Here we describe a human kindred with an inherited genetic deficiency of caspase-8. Homozygous individuals manifest defective lymphocyte apoptosis and homeostasis but, unlike individuals affected with ALPS, also have defects in their activation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and natural killer cells, which leads to immunodeficiency. Thus, caspase-8 deficiency in humans is compatible with normal development and shows that caspase-8 has a postnatal role in immune activation of naive lymphocytes.

Ubiquitination and degradation of Syk and ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinases in human NK cells upon CD16 engagement

Syk and ZAP-70 nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are essential elements in several cascades coupling immune receptors to intracellular responses. The critical role of these kinases in promoting the propagation of intracellular signaling requires a tight regulation of their activity, thus the existence of a negative feedback loop regulating their expression can be hypothesized. Herein, we have investigated whether ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis could be a mechanism responsible for controlling the fate of Syk and ZAP-70 after their immunoreceptor-induced activation. We found that both Syk and ZAP-70 become ubiquitinated in response to aggregation of the low affinity Fc receptor for IgG (CD16) on human natural killer cells. We confirmed the identity of the major in vivo ubiquitinated kinase species by performing an in vitro ubiquitination assay. In addition, we found that after CD16 stimulation, ubiquitinated forms of Syk and ZAP-70 associate with the receptor complex. After CD16 engagement, we also observed a decrease in the stability of Syk and ZAP-70 PTKs that is counteracted by pretreatment with either proteasome or lysosomal inhibitors. Moreover, in the presence of the proteasome inhibitor, epoxomicin, we observed an accumulation of ubiquitinated forms of both kinases. Our findings provide evidence of ligand-induced ubiquitination of nonreceptor PTKs belonging to the Syk family and propose the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome-mediated degradation pathway as a mechanism for attenuating the propagation of intracellular signaling initiated by immune receptor engagement.

Activating receptors and coreceptors involved in human natural killer cell-mediated cytolysis

Natural killer cells can discriminate between normal cells and cells that do not express adequate amounts of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. The discovery, both in mouse and in human, of MHC-specific inhibitory receptors clarified the molecular basis of this important NK cell function. However, the triggering receptors responsible for positive NK cell stimulation remained elusive until recently. Some of these receptors have now been identified in humans, thus shedding some light on the molecular mechanisms involved in NK cell activation during the process of natural cytotoxicity. Three novel, NK-specific, triggering surface molecules (NKp46, NKp30, and NKp44) have been identified. They represent the first members of a novel emerging group of receptors collectively termed natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR). Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to NCR block to differing extents the NK-mediated lysis of various tumors. Moreover, lysis of certain tumors can be virtually abrogated by the simultaneous masking of the three NCRs. There is a coordinated surface expression of the three NCRs, their surface density varying in different individuals and also in the NK cells isolated from a given individual. A direct correlation exists between the surface density of NCR and the ability of NK cells to kill various tumors. NKp46 is the only NCR involved in human NK-mediated killing of murine target cells. Accordingly, a homologue of NKp46 has been detected in mouse. Molecular cloning of NCR revealed novel members of the Ig superfamily displaying a low degree of similarity to each other and to known human molecules. NCRs are coupled to different signal transducing adaptor proteins, including CD3 zeta, Fc epsilon RI gamma, and KARAP/DAP12. Another triggering NK receptor is NKG2D. It appears to play either a complementary or a synergistic role with NCRs. Thus, the triggering of NK cells in the process of tumor cell lysis may often depend on the concerted action of NCR and NKG2D. In some instances, however, it may uniquely depend upon the activity of NCR or NKG2D only. Strict NKG2D-dependency can be appreciated using clones that, in spite of their NCR(dull) phenotype, efficiently lyse certain epithelial tumors or leukemic cell lines. Other triggering surface molecules including 2B4 and the novel NKp80 appear to function as coreceptors rather than as true receptors. Indeed, they can induce natural cytotoxicity only when co-engaged with a triggering receptor. While an altered expression or function of NCR or NKG2D is being explored as a possible cause of immunological disorders, 2B4 dysfunction has already been associated with a severe form of immunodeficiency. Indeed, in patients with the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, the inability to control Epstein-Barr virus infections may be consequent to a major dysfunction of 2B4 that exerts inhibitory instead of activating functions.

Regulation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity by the adaptor protein 3BP2

Stimulation of lymphocytes through multichain immune recognition receptors activates multiple signaling pathways. Adaptor proteins play an important role in integrating these pathways by their ability to simultaneously bind multiple signaling components. Recently, the 3BP2 adaptor protein has been shown to positively regulate the transcriptional activity of T cells. However, the mechanisms by which signaling components are involved in this regulation remain unclear, as does a potential role for 3BP2 in the regulation of other cellular functions. Here we describe a positive regulatory role for 3BP2 in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We also identify p95(vav) and phospholipase C-gamma isoforms as binding partners of 3BP2. Our results show that tyrosine-183 of 3BP2 is specifically involved in this interaction and that this residue critically influences 3BP2-dependent function. Therefore, 3BP2 regulates NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity by mobilizing key downstream signaling effectors.

Production of TNF-alpha by human V gamma 9V delta 2 T cells via engagement of Fc gamma RIIIA, the low affinity type 3 receptor for the Fc portion of IgG, expressed upon TCR activation by nonpeptidic antigen

Human lymphocytes expressing the gammadelta TCR represent a minor T cell subpopulation found in blood. The majority of these cells express Vgamma9Vdelta2 determinants and respond to nonpeptidic phosphoantigens. Several studies have shown that, in vivo, the percentage of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells dramatically increases during pathological infection, leading to the hypothesis that they play an important role in the defense against pathogens. However, the specific mechanisms involved in this response remain poorly understood. It has been established that Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells display potent cytotoxic activity against virus-infected and tumor cells, thereby resembling NK cells. In this study, we show that, upon stimulation by nonpeptidic Ags, Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells express FcgammaRIIIA (CD16), a receptor that is constitutively expressed on NK cells. CD16 appears to be an activation Ag for Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells. Indeed, ligation of CD16 on Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells leads to TNF-alpha production. This TNF-alpha production, which is dependent (like that induced via the TCR-CD3 complex) on the activation of the p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2 mitogen-activated protein kinases, can be modulated by CD94 NK receptors. Therefore, it appears that Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells can be physiologically activated by two sequential steps via two different cell surface Ags: the TCR-CD3 complex and the FcgammaRIIIA receptor, which are specific cell surface Ags for T lymphocytes and NK cells, respectively. This strongly suggests that, in the general scheme of the immune response, Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells represent an important subpopulation of cells that play a key role in the defense against invading pathogens.

Ig-binding receptors on human NK cells as effector and regulatory surface molecules

The receptors on human natural killer 9NK cells which can specifically bind the Fc portion of immunoglobulin molecules (Fc receptors) have been extensively studied. The best known and studied Fc receptor on human NK cells is FcgammaRIIIa. Interactions of NK cells with IgG antibodies via this receptor are well known to induce a signal transduction cascade and lead to antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as well as release of various cytokines. In addition, interactions with monomeric IgG and FcgammaRIIIa have been demonstrated, which result in negative regulation of NK activity and other immunomodulatory effects. Over the past several years, it has also become increasingly appreciated that human NK cells express a variety of other Fc receptors, including FcmuR, which also can mediate effector and immunoregulatory functions. Also, a novel form of FcgammaR has been demonstrated on human NK cells, termed FcgammaRIIc. Recent molecular studies have shown considerable polymorphism in the genes for FcgammaIIc and the functional consequences are being dissected. This appears to include cross-talk between FcgammaRIIIa and at least some forms of FcgammaRIIc, which may have important functional consequences.

Signaling through CD38 induces NK cell activation

Human CD38 is a signal transduction molecule, and, concurrently, an ectoenzyme catalyzing the synthesis and degradation of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a potent Ca2+ mobilizer. One facet of CD38 that has not yet been addressed is its role in NK cells. To this end, the events triggered by CD38 ligation with agonistic mAb were analyzed on freshly purified human NK cells. Ligation was followed by (i) a significant rise in the intracellular level of Ca2+, (ii) increased expression of HLA class II and CD25, and (iii) tyrosine phosphorylation of discrete cytoplasmic substrates. The phosphorylation cascade involved CD3-zeta and FcepsilonRIgamma chains, zeta-associated protein (ZAP)-70 and the proto-oncogene product c-Cbl. NK effector functions were then analyzed: CD38 signaling was able (iv) to induce release of IFN-gamma and, more prominently, of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, as assessed by measuring both mRNA and protein products; and, lastly, (v) to induce cytolytic effector functions on target cells after IL-2 activation, as shown both by cytotoxicity assays and ultrastructural changes. The tyrosine-phosphorylated substrates and all the effects mediated by CD38 were similar to those observed following triggering via CD16 (FcgammaRIIIA); moreover, Ca2+ mobilization via CD38 no longer operated in NK-derived cell lines lacking CD16. These results suggest that the activation signals transduced by CD38 in NK cells elicit relevant cellular events. The effects are similar to those elicited via CD16 and possibly rely on common signaling pathways.

Regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase during NK cell activation

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 modulates a variety of cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation and cell death. However, we report here a novel function for p38, i.e. the regulation of cytotoxic lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity. Stimulation of NK cells by either cross-linking of their FcgammaRIII receptors or by binding to NK-sensitive target cells induces the phosphorylation and activation of p38, and also of its upstream regulators MKK3/MKK6. Pharmacologic analyses suggest that Src-family and Syk-family protein tyrosine kinases couple the NK cell surface receptors to p38 activation. The role of p38 in the cytotoxic function of NK cells was tested by treatment of NK cells with the cell-permeable, p38-specific inhibitor SB203580. Interestingly, exposure to the drug reduced both antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural cytotoxicity, but maximal inhibitory concentrations resulted in only partial inhibition. Collectively, these results suggest that the p38 MAPK pathway is stimulated during the development of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and that efficient killing is influenced by both p38-dependent and p38-independent pathways. More broadly, this study identifies the regulation of cell-mediated killing as a novel role for p38 in cytotoxic lymphocytes.

Tyrosine kinase-dependent ubiquitination of CD16 zeta subunit in human NK cells following receptor engagement

We investigated whether aggregation of the low-affinity immunoglobulin G receptor (CD16) on human NK cells results in receptor ubiquitination. We found that the CD16 zeta subunit becomes ubiquitinated in response to receptor engagement. We then investigated whether protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation is required for CD16-mediated receptor ubiquitination. Pretreatment with the PTK inhibitor genistein substantially decreased ligand-induced zeta ubiquitination, suggesting a requirement for PTK activation in receptor ubiquitination. We further analyzed PTK involvement in controlling receptor ubiquitination by using the vaccinia virus expression system. Overexpression of wild-type active lck, but not a kinase-deficient mutant, enhanced both ligand-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and ubiquitination of the CD16 zeta subunit. Taken together, our data demonstrate that CD16 engagement induces zeta chain ubiquitination and strongly suggest a role for lck in regulating this modification.

The next wave: protein tyrosine phosphatases enter T cell antigen receptor signalling

Recent years have seen an exponentially increasing interest in the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. Much of the focus has been on protein tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling, while the study of protein tyrosine phosphatases has lagged behind. We predict that the phosphatases will become a "hot topic" in the field within the next few years. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in our understanding of the structure, regulation and role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in T lymphocyte activation.

Redundant Role of the Syk Protein Tyrosine Kinase in Mouse NK Cell Differentiation

Syk and ZAP-70 subserve nonredundant functions in B and T lymphopoiesis. In the absence of Syk, B cell development is blocked, while T cell development is arrested in the absence of ZAP-70. The receptors and the signaling molecules required for differentiation of NK cells are poorly characterized. Here we investigate the role of the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in NK cell differentiation. Hemopoietic chimeras were generated by reconstituting alymphoid (B−, T−, NK−) recombinase-activating gene-2 × common cytokine receptor γ-chain double-mutant mice with Syk−/− fetal liver cells. The phenotypically mature Syk−/− NK cells that developed in this context were fully competent in natural cytotoxicity and in calibrating functional inhibitory receptors for MHC molecules. Syk-deficient NK cells demonstrated reduced levels of Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Nevertheless, Syk−/− NK cells could signal through NK1.1 and 2B4 activating receptors and expressed ZAP-70 protein. We conclude that the Syk protein tyrosine kinase is not essential for murine NK cell development, and that compensatory signaling pathways (including those mediated through ZAP-70) may sustain most NK cell functions in the absence of Syk.

Cutting Edge: A Role for the Adaptor Protein LAT in Human NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

Stimulation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity involves the coupling of proximal Src and Syk family protein tyrosine kinases to downstream effectors. However, the mechanisms linking these second messenger pathways are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a key role for the LAT (p36) adaptor protein in human NK cell activation. LAT is tyrosine phosphorylated upon stimulation of NK cells through FcγRIII receptors and following direct contact with NK-sensitive target cells. This NK stimulation induces the association of LAT with several phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. In addition to the biochemical evidence showing LAT involvement in NK cell activation, a genetic model shows that LAT is required for FcR-dependent phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ. Furthermore, overexpression of LAT in NK cells leads to increased Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and “natural cytotoxicity,” thus demonstrating a functional role for LAT in NK cells. These data suggest that LAT is an important adaptor protein for the regulation of human NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

The Vav-Rac1 pathway in cytotoxic lymphocytes regulates the generation of cell-mediated killing

The Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Vav, is activated in hematopoietic cells in response to a large variety of stimuli. The downstream signaling events derived from Vav have been primarily characterized as leading to transcription or transformation. However, we report here that Vav and Rac1 in natural killer (NK) cells regulate the development of cell-mediated killing. There is a rapid increase in Vav tyrosine phosphorylation during the development of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and natural killing. In addition, overexpression of Vav, but not of a mutant lacking exchange factor activity, enhances both forms of killing by NK cells. Furthermore, dominant-negative Rac1 inhibits the development of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity by two mechanisms: (a) conjugate formation between NK cells and target cells is decreased; and (b) those NK cells that do form conjugates have decreased ability to polarize their granules toward the target cell. Therefore, our results suggest that in addition to participating in the regulation of transcription, Vav and Rac1 are pivotal regulators of adhesion, granule exocytosis, and cellular cytotoxicity.

Structural bases of Fc gamma R functions

This review describes structures which determine the biological activities triggered by Fc gamma R and account for the cell-mediated functions of IgG antibodies in physiology and pathology. The binding specificity and affinity of Fc gamma R depend primarily on IgG-binding structures, in their immunoglobulin-like extracellular domains. Binding is however also influenced by subunits that associate to multichain Fc gamma R. Effector and regulatory intracytoplasmic sequences that are unique to molecules of the Fc gamma RIIB family determine the internalization properties of these receptors. Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motifs (ITAMs) are intracytoplasmic effector sequences shared by Fc gamma R and other receptors involved in the recognition of antigen, which trigger cell activation and internalization. Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibition Motifs (ITIMs) are intracytoplasmic sequences, shared by Fc gamma RIIB and a growing number of negative coreceptors which negatively regulate cell activation via ITAM-bearing receptors. Altogether, these structures enable IgG antibodies to exert a variety of finely tuned biological effects during the immune response.

CD16-mediated activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K) in human NK cells involves tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl and its association with Grb2, Shc, pp36 and p85 PI-3K subunit

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pl-3K) plays a key role in several cellular processes, including mitogenesis, apoptosis, actin reorganization and vesicular trafficking. The molecular events involved in its activation have not been fully elucidated and several reports indicate that a key event for enzyme activation is the interaction of the SH2 domains of the p85 regulatory subunit of Pl-3K with tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the product of the proto-oncogene c-Cbl in the activation of Pl-3K triggered by CD16 in human NK cells and the possible mechanisms leading to Pl-3K recruitment to the plasma membrane. Our results indicate that stimulation of NK cells through CD16 results in a rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of Cbl, which is constitutively associated with Grb2 and forms an activation-dependent complex with the p85 subunit of Pl-3K. In addition, we detected the presence of the Grb2-associated tyrosine-phosphorylated p36 and Shc proteins in anti-Cbl and anti-p85 immunoprecipitates from CD16-stimulated NK cell lysates. Upon CD16 stimulation, Pl-3K activity was found associated with Cbl and to a lesser extent with Grb2 and Shc as well as with the zeta chain of the CD16 receptor complex. Overall these results suggest that the formation of a complex containing either Shc or pp36 associated with Grb2, Cbl and the p85 subunit of Pl-3K is one of the major mechanisms which might couple CD16 to the Pl-3K pathway in NK cells.

Functional role for Syk tyrosine kinase in natural killer cell-mediated natural cytotoxicity

Natural killer (NK) cells are named based on their natural cytotoxic activity against a variety of target cells. However, the mechanisms by which sensitive targets activate killing have been difficult to study due to the lack of a prototypic NK cell triggering receptor. Pharmacologic evidence has implicated protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in natural killing; however, Lck-deficient, Fyn-deficient, and ZAP-70-deficient mice do not exhibit defects in natural killing despite demonstrable defects in T cell function. This discrepancy implies the involvement of other tyrosine kinases. Here, using combined biochemical, pharmacologic, and genetic approaches, we demonstrate a central role for the PTK Syk in natural cytotoxicity. Biochemical analyses indicate that Syk is tyrosine phosphorylated after stimulation with a panel of NK-sensitive target cells. Pharmacologic exposure to piceatannol, a known Syk family kinase inhibitor, inhibits natural cytotoxicity. In addition, gene transfer of dominant-negative forms of Syk to NK cells inhibits natural cytotoxicity. Furthermore, sensitive targets that are rendered NK-resistant by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I transfection no longer activate Syk. These data suggest that Syk activation is an early and requisite signaling event in the development of natural cytotoxicity directed against a variety of cellular targets.

Syk is required for BCR-mediated activation of p90Rsk, but not p70S6k, via a mitogen-activated protein kinase-independent pathway in B cells

The tyrosine kinases Syk and Lyn are activated in B lymphocytes following antibody induced cross-linking of the B cell receptor for antigen (BCR). It has been suggested that activation of Syk is dependent on Lyn. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the phosphorylation and activation of several downstream effector molecules in parental DT40, DT40Syk- and DT40Lyn- B cells. The phosphorylation and activation of p90Rsk was ablated in Syk-deficient B cells but unaffected in Lyn-deficient B cells while the phosphorylation/activation of Ras GTPase activating protein (Ras GAP) and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase required both Syk and Lyn. Thus, these data indicate that Syk can be activated in the absence of Lyn after BCR cross-linking and results in the activation of p90Rsk via a MAP kinase-independent pathway in DT40Lyn- cells. We also demonstrated that BCR mediates the activation of p70S6k. However, activation of p70S6k in DT40Syk- and DT40Lyn- cells was comparable with that observed in parental cells. Thus, either Syk or Lyn may be sufficient for activation of p70S6k, or activation of p70S6k occurs independently of both Syk and Lyn. The kinase activity of Syk was required for the phosphorylation/activation of each of these downstream effector molecules but only the phosphorylation of Ras GAP was affected in cells expressing a mutant of Syk in which tyrosines 525 and 526 were substituted to phenlyalanines.

Role of Tyr518 and Tyr519 in the regulation of catalytic activity and substrate phosphorylation by Syk protein-tyrosine kinase

The Syk protein-tyrosine kinase is expressed in many hematopoietic cells and is involved in signaling from various receptors for antigen and Fc portions of IgG and IgE. After cross-linking of these receptors, Syk is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. We have previously reported that Syk expressed in COS cells is predominantly phosphorylated at both Tyr518 and Tyr519 at its putative autophosphorylation site. In this study, we have examined the role of each of these two residues for the catalytic activity of Syk in vitro and for the Syk-induced phosphorylation of cellular proteins in intact cells. Mutation of either residue had minor effects on the catalytic activity of Syk, and even the double mutant [F518, F519]Syk was about 60% as active as the wild-type enzyme. In intact cells, however, all three mutants consistently failed to induce the extensive tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins typically observed with wild-type Syk. We have recently shown that the doubly phosphorylated Y518/Y519 site is also the site for association of Syk with the SH2 domain of the Lck kinase, which suggests that although phosphates at Y518/Y519 may enhance the catalytic activity of Syk, its interaction with Src family protein-tyrosine kinases is at least equally important for the induction of downstream substrate phosphorylation.

Reconstitution of T cell antigen receptor-induced Erk2 kinase activation in Lck-negative JCaM1 cells by Syk

The two related protein-tyrosine kinases Syk and Zap are rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues and enzymatically activated upon crosslinking of the T cell antigen receptor. We have previously reported that the activation of Syk is less dependent on the Src family kinase Lck than the activation of Zap. Here we report that overexpression of Syk in the Lck-negative JCaM1 cells enabled the T cell antigen receptor/CD3 complex to induce a normal activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and expression of a nuclear factor of activated T cells reporter construct. In contrast, Zap and other protein-tyrosine kinases were unable to reconstitute these signaling pathways when expressed at the same levels. In parallel, Syk was phosphorylated on tyrosine, while Zap was not. The Syk-mediated T cell antigen receptor-induced MAPK activation was detectable within 1 min of receptor stimulation and peaked at 3-5 min. The capacity of Syk to reconstitute the MAPK response required the catalytic activity of Syk, an intact autophosphorylation site (Y518 and Y519), both Src homology 2 domains and it was blocked by the inhibitory N17-mutated dominant-negative Ras construct. A Y341-->F mutant of Syk, which is deficient in its interaction with phospholipase Cy1 and Vav, was less efficient than wild-type Syk. Our results suggest that Syk, in contrast to Zap, can transduce signals from the T cell antigen receptor independently of Lck.

Fc receptor biology

This review deals with membrane Fc receptors (FcR) of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is focused on the mechanisms by which FcR trigger and regulate biological responses of cells on which they are expressed. FcR deliver signals when they are aggregated at the cell surface. The aggregation of FcR having immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) activates sequentially src family tyrosine kinases and syk family tyrosine kinases that connect transduced signals to common activation pathways shared with other receptors. FcR with ITAMs elicit cell activation, endocytosis, and phagocytosis. The nature of responses depends primarily on the cell type. The aggregation of FcR without ITAM does not trigger cell activation. Most of these FcR internalize their ligands, which can be endocytosed, phagocytosed, or transcytosed. The fate of internalized receptor-ligand complexes depends on defined sequences in the intracytoplasmic domain of the receptors. The coaggregation of different FcR results in positive or negative cooperation. Some FcR without ITAM use FcR with ITAM as signal transduction subunits. The coaggregation of antigen receptors or of FcR having ITAMs with FcR having immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) negatively regulates cell activation. FcR therefore appear as the subunits of multichain receptors whose constitution is not predetermined and which deliver adaptative messages as a function of the environment.

Identification of the site in the Syk protein tyrosine kinase that binds the SH2 domain of Lck

The Syk protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) is expressed in many hematopoietic cells and is involved in signaling from various receptors for antigen and Fc portions of IgG and IgE. Upon cross-linking of these receptors, Syk is rapidly phosphorylated on tyrosine residues and enzymatically activated. We and others have found that the Lck kinase, a member of the Src family of PTKs, binds through its Src homology (SH) 2 domain to tyrosine phosphorylated Syk and to the related Zap kinase. Here we report that this interaction is direct and identify the two tandem tyrosines at the autophosphorylation site of Syk, Tyr518, and Tyr519, as the binding site for the SH2 domain of Lck. Mutation of either or both tyrosines to phenylalanines abrogated binding, while mutation of a second repetition of the motif at Tyr539 and Tyr540, or of the three tyrosines in the C terminus of Syk, did not. The SH2 domain of Lck bound the autophosphorylation site only when both Tyr518 and Tyr519 were phosphorylated. In intact cells the binding of the SH2 domain of Lck correlated with the ability of Syk to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins.

The cytoplasmic tail of FcgammaRIIIAalpha is involved in signaling by the low affinity receptor for immunoglobulin G

The low affinity receptor for IgG, FcgammaRIIIA, is a multimeric receptor composed of the ligand binding subunit FcgammaRIIIAalpha (CD16) in association with the signal-transducing subunits zeta or gamma. Previous studies suggested that the cytoplasmic tail of FcgammaRIIIAalpha was not required for FcgammaRIIIAalpha-zeta association or signaling by FcgammaRIIIA. However, in these studies, the truncated FcgammaRIIIAalpha chains still expressed the four most membrane-proximal amino acids of the cytoplasmic tail (amino acids 230-233). By successive truncations from the C terminus of FcgammaRIIIAalpha, we have studied the role played by the membrane-proximal amino acids of the cytoplasmic tail of FcgammaRIIIAalpha in (i) FcgammaRIIIA expression, (ii) FcgammaRIIIAalpha-zeta association, and (iii) signal transduction. We provide evidence that this region is not required for FcgammaRIIIA expression or FcgammaRIIIAalpha-zeta association. However, signaling by FcgammaRIIIA is strictly dependent on the membrane-proximal amino acids in the cytoplasmic tail of FcgammaRIIIAalpha. Thus, total deletion of the cytoplasmic tail of FcgammaRIIIAalpha results in a severely impaired tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1, zap, and syk and rise in intracellular free Ca2+ following receptor ligation with specific anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody or Ig-anti-Ig complexes, suggesting that FcgammaRIIIAalpha-zeta association per se is not sufficient to establish the signal function of FcgammaRIIIA. In conclusion, the present findings demonstrate that the most membrane-proximal amino acids of the FcgammaRIIIAalpha cytoplasmic tail play a critical role in ligand-induced signal transduction by the FcgammaRIIIAalpha-zeta complex.

Vav in natural killer cells is tyrosine phosphorylated upon cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIIA and is constitutively associated with a serine/threonine kinase

Cross-linking of Fc gamma RIIIA (CD16) receptor on natural killer (NK) cells induces receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous intracellular proteins, including phospholipase C (PLC)-gamma 1, PLC-gamma 2 and the associated zeta chain. Here we report that Vav, a proto-oncogene, also became tyrosine phosphorylated upon stimulation of CD16 in interleukin 2-activated NK cells (LAK-NK) as well as in an NK cell line, NK3.3. In addition, we observed that in LAK-NK cells, Vav was associated with a 70 kDa protein that also became tyrosine phosphorylated upon CD16 cross-linking. The association of this 70 kDa protein with Vav was disrupted by ionic detergent treatment. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav was inhibited by herbimycin A, a specific tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In vitro kinase assays with Vav immunoprecipitates derived from NK3.3 cells or LAK-NK cells resulted in the appearance of a phosphorylated 58 kDa protein, suggesting the presence of a kinase within the Vav immunoprecipitates. Cross-linking of CD16 did not enhance this Vav-associated kinase activity. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the 58 kDa protein revealed that it was phosphorylated only on serine and threonine residues, indicating that an unidentified serine/threonine kinase is constitutively associated with Vav. These observations suggest that the downstream signalling events regulated by Vav and its associated proteins are complex involving both tyrosine kinases as well as the yet unidentified serine/threonine kinase in NK cells.

Allo-skin graft rejection, tumor rejection and natural killer activity in mice lacking p56lck

Mice lacking the p56lck molecule (lck -/-) have a profound block in the maturation of thymocytes and a greatly reduced number of peripheral mature T cells. To analyze further the functions of the T cells developed in lck -/- mice in vivo, we evaluated the ability of lck -/- mice to reject allo-skin grafts and methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced syngeneic fibrosarcoma, and also examined the biological activity of lck -/- natural killer (NK) cells. Mice lacking p56lck failed to reject skin grafts from either MHC-disparate or minor-histocompatibility-different donors, even after they had been primed with donor spleen cells. They also failed to reject the MCA-induced immunogenic syngeneic fibrosarcoma, MC57X. NK activity in mice lacking p56lck was normal, and there were no differences in the NK cell activation induced by poly(I).poly(C) stimulation or interleukin-2 stimulation (lymphokine-activated killer induction) between mice lacking p56lck and their immunocompetent heterozygous littermates. NK cells lacking p56lck mediated a normal antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) response. The results of this study indicate that the loss of p56lck severely impairs the effectors of the immune system which mediate the rejection of allo-skin grafts and syngeneic tumors. The normal NK activity in lck -/- mice suggests that p56lck is not required for the development and activation of NK cells.

Site specificity of p72syk protein tyrosine kinase: efficient phosphorylation of motifs recognized by Src homology 2 domains of the Src family

Protein tyrosine kinase p72syk purified from rat spleen has been assayed for its ability to phosphorylate a number of peptide substrates derived from naturally occurring phospho-acceptor sites. The phosphorylation efficiency is extremely variable, depending on the peptide sequence, with Km values in the 3-1500 microM range. The by far best peptide substrates, with Km values of 3 and 4 microM are those reproducing the phospho-acceptor sites of Vav and HS1 proteins, respectively. These sites include multiple acidic residues flanking tyrosine on both sides and they also display the consensus sequences (YEDL and YEEV) preferred by the SH2 domains of the Src family. Alteration of this consensus in the HS1 peptide, by replacing either the glutamic acid or valine, also reduces the phosphorylation efficiency by p72syk. Also the replacement of acidic residues at position -1 and, to a lesser extent at positions -3 and -4 (but not at positions +3 and +5) are detrimental. These observations may suggest a role of p72syk in the recruitment of ligands/substrates for the Src family enzymes. We also show that the HS1 peptide can be used for the specific monitoring of p72syk since neither the two Src-related c-Fgr and Lyn kinases (needing a hydrophobic instead of acidic residue at position -1) nor CSK appreciably phosphorylate it.

Induction of hyperphosphorylation and activation of the p56lck protein tyrosine kinase by phenylarsine oxide, a phosphotyrosine phosphatase inhibitor

The T cell protein tyrosine kinase p56lck is implicated in thymic development and mitogenic activation of T lymphocytes, and is itself regulated by reversible tyrosine phosphorylation. When phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a membrane-permeable inhibitor of phosphotyrosine phosphatases, was added to Jurkat T leukemia or LSTRA thymoma cells, the phosphate content of p56lck increased rapidly. The sites of increased phosphorylation were mapped to Tyr-192, Tyr-394 and Tyr-505. Hyperphosphorylated p56lck displayed retarded mobility on SDS gels, unaltered or marginally increased cytoskeletal association, and its catalytic activity changed in a biphasic manner; during the first 10-20 min of PAO-treatment the activity increased and then it declined to very low values within 1-2 hr. Our data suggest that p56lck contains both positive and negative regulatory sites which are constantly dephosphorylated at an unexpectedly high rate by cellular phosphotyrosine phosphatases.