Phosphatases and kinases in lymphocyte signaling

Roles of Zinc Signaling in the Immune System

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for basic cell activities such as cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Zn deficiency depresses both innate and adaptive immune responses. However, the precise physiological mechanisms of the Zn-mediated regulation of the immune system have been largely unclear. Zn homeostasis is tightly controlled by the coordinated activity of Zn transporters and metallothioneins, which regulate the transport, distribution, and storage of Zn. There is growing evidence that Zn behaves like a signaling molecule, facilitating the transduction of a variety of signaling cascades in response to extracellular stimuli. In this review, we highlight the emerging functional roles of Zn and Zn transporters in immunity, focusing on how crosstalk between Zn and immune-related signaling guides the normal development and function of immune cells.

Inflammatory role of the acinar cells during acute pancreatitis

Pancreatic acinar cells are secretory cells whose main function is to synthesize, store and finally release digestive enzymes into the duodenum. However, in response to noxious stimuli, acinar cells behave like real inflammatory cells because of their ability to activate signalling transduction pathways involved in the expression of inflammatory mediators. Mediated by the kinase cascade, activation of Nuclear factor-κB, Activating factor-1 and Signal transducers and activators of transcription transcription factors has been demonstrated in acinar cells, resulting in overexpression of inflammatory genes. In turn, kinase activity is down-regulated by protein phosphatases and the final balance between kinase and phosphatase activity will determine the capability of the acinar cells to produce inflammatory factors. The kinase/phosphatase pair is a redox-sensitive system in which kinase activation overwhelms phosphatase activity under oxidant conditions. Thus, the oxidative stress developed within acinar cells at early stages of acute pancreatitis triggers the activation of signalling pathways involved in the up-regulation of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules. In this way, acinar cells trigger the release of the first inflammatory signals which can mediate the activation and recruitment of circulating inflammatory cells into the injured pancreas. Accordingly, the role of acinar cells as promoters of the inflammatory response in acute pancreatitis may be considered. This concept leads to amplifying the focus from leukocyte to acinar cells themselves, to explain the local inflammation in early pancreatitis.

CD45 expression on rat acinar cells: Involvement in pro-inflammatory cytokine production

CD45 transduces activation signals in inflammatory cells. We investigate CD45 expression on pancreatic acinar cells and examine its role in the inflammatory response which these cells have also shown under certain circumstances. Similar CD45 mRNA levels were found in acinar cells and leukocytes (positive control). Flow cytometric and immunohistochemical analysis showed a heterogeneous CD45 distribution on acinar cells. Activation of acinar cells by incubation with pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid as evidencied by TNF-alpha production resulted in a decreased CD45 expression, suggesting that CD45 acts as a negative regulator of cytokine production. As a validation of this finding in vivo, a decrease in the acinar CD45 expression in parallel with an increased ability to produce TNF-alpha was found in rats with acute pancreatitis. Our data show that CD45 is constitutively expressed in acinar cells and suggest that it plays an important role in negatively regulating cytokine production.

Activation of HTLV-I gene transcription by protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors

Human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) transcription generally depends on the ability of the viral Tax protein to bind the CREB transcription factor and form an active complex by recruiting CBP/p300 coactivators to the long terminal repeat (LTR). Studies have demonstrated that T-cell activating agents that stimulate CREB are potent inducers of HTLV-I transcription. Herein, we demonstrate that bpV[pic], a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor activates the HTLV-I LTR in the presence and absence of Tax expression. Optimal activation occurred at 8 h and was synergistic with forskolin or PGE(2). Infected cell lines and cells transfected with HTLV-I proviral DNA were equally responsive to the synergistic effect of bpV and forskolin on HTLV-I gene expression. Activation of the LTR by bpV[pic] was T-cell receptor-independent, but required ZAP70, calcineurin activity and functional calcium entry. Inhibition of the SHP-1 PTP was suggested to be important. Transfection experiments with a CREB dominant-negative mutant and with isolated TRE1- or CREB-responsive reporter constructs and treatment with the MDL-12,330A adenylate cyclase inhibitor all supported the involvement of a CREB/ATF family member in this bpV-dependent activation of the HTLV-I LTR, although CREB itself did not seem to be involved. Analysis of HTLV-I reporter constructs containing mutated CREB-binding sites also implied the involvement of another element in this activation. These results demonstrate for the first time a powerful effect of PTP inhibitors on HTLV-I LTR activity and suggest participation of both CREB-dependent and -independent pathways in this activation.

Dynamic regulation of Src-family kinases by CD45 in B cells

CD45 is a key protein tyrosine phosphatase regulating Src-family protein tyrosine kinases (Src-PTKs) in lymphocytes; precisely how it exerts its effect remains controversial, however. We previously demonstrated that CD45 negatively regulates Lyn in the WEHI-231 B-cell line. Here we show that negative regulation by CD45 is physiologically significant in B cells and that some CD45 is constitutively associated with glycolipid-enriched microdomains (GEMs), where it inhibits Src-PTKs by dephosphorylating both the negative and the positive regulatory sites. Upon B-cell receptor (BCR) ligation, however, CD45 dissociates from GEMs within 30 seconds, inducing phosphorylation of 2 regulatory sites and activation of Src-PTKs, but subsequently reassociates with the GEMs within 15 minutes. Disruption of GEMs with methyl-β-cyclodextrin results in abrogation of BCR-induced apoptosis in WEHI-231 cells, suggesting GEMs are critical to signals leading to the fate determination. We propose that the primary function of CD45 is inhibition of Src-PTKs and that the level of Src-PTK activation and the B-cell fate are determined in part by dynamic behavior of CD45 with respect to GEMs.

Modulation of the electrophoretic mobility of the linker for activation of T cells (LAT) by the calcineurin inhibitors CsA and FK506: LAT is a potential substrate for PKC and calcineurin signaling pathways

The linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is essential for T cell activation. Cyclosporin A (CsA) and FK506, inhibitors of T cell proliferation, have been very useful for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disease and graft rejection. However, both compounds are associated with side effects. We show that TCR ligation in the presence of FK506 or CsA induced rapid modifications in LAT that modulate the electrophoretic mobility of the molecule in SDS-PAGE. Calcineurin, a target for CsA and FK506, dephosphorylated LAT in vitro and restored its electrophoretic mobility. Stimulating T cells with the protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA induced a shift in the mobility of LAT, whereas inhibitors of PKC blocked the effect of PMA. Thus, manipulating calcineurin or PKC activation alters the electrophoretic mobility of LAT. These results shed light on the molecular actions of CsA and FK506 in T cells and implicate LAT in mediating the drugs' actions.

Recruitment of intestinal CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ cells induced by a candidate oral vaccine against porcine post-weaning colibacillosis

To assess the influence of a live attenuated oral vaccine against porcine post-weaning colibacillosis (PWC) induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) on mucosal lymphoid cell CD45 isoforms expression, experimental group of weaned pigs (n=6) was immunized orally with F4ac+ non-ETEC strain (day 0) and challenged with F4ac+ ETEC strain 7 days latter. Non-immunized ETEC-infected pigs (n=6) served as control. All pigs were killed on post-challenge day 7. The small intestine was excised for isolation of jejunal lamina propria (JLP) and ileal Peyer's patch (IPP) lymphocytes and immunohistochemical studies. The results obtained by immunophenotyping of isolated cells show that the proportion of CD45RA+ and CD45RC+ JLP, but not IPP, cells were higher in the non-ETEC-immunized ETEC-infected pigs versus non-immunized infected. Additionally, while CD45RA+ JLP cells increased only slightly, the expression of CD45RC isoform on the JLP cells was significantly higher (P< or =0.01) in the experimental than in the control group. The results of the quantitative phenotypic analysis of isolated lymphocytes were not confirmed by immunohistochemical in situ staining. The majority of intestinal immune cells was found to express CD45RA antigen in situ, but no differences were observed between the two groups of weaned pigs neither in CD45RA+ nor in CD45RC+ cells. Our overall evidence indicates that the increased expression of CD45RC isoform was in fact induced in a limited number of JLP T cells in the vaccinated pigs. This was accompanied with the impaired protection of the vaccinated pigs from challenge-induced PWC.

Requirements of src family kinase activity associated with CD45 for myeloma cell proliferation by interleukin-6

Specific intracellular signals mediated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor complexes, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT 3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, are considered to be responsible for inducing a variety of cellular responses. In multiple myeloma, IL-6 only enhanced the proliferation of CD45+ tumor cells that harbored the IL-6-independent activation of src family kinases even though STAT3 and ERK1/2 could be activated in response to IL-6 in both CD45+ and CD45(minus sign) cells. Furthermore, the IL-6-induced proliferation of CD45+ U266 myeloma cells was significantly suppressed by Lyn-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides or a selective src kinase inhibitor. These results indicate that the activation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 is not enough for IL-6-induced proliferation of myeloma cell lines that require src family kinase activation independent of IL-6 stimulation. Thus, the activation of the src family kinases associated with CD45 expression is a prerequisite for the proliferation of myeloma cell lines by IL-6. We propose a mechanism for IL-6-induced cell proliferation that is strictly dependent upon the cellular context in myelomas.

Regulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells by phosphotyrosyl-specific phosphatase activity: a positive effect on HIV-1 long terminal repeat-driven transcription and a possible implication of SHP-1

Although protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors used in combination with other stimuli can induce interleukin 2 (IL-2) production in T cells, a direct implication of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has not yet been demonstrated. This study reports that exposure of leukemic T cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to bis-peroxovanadium (bpV) PTP inhibitors markedly induce activation and nuclear translocation of NFAT. NFAT activation by bpV was inhibited by the immunosuppressive drugs FK506 and cyclosporin A, as well as by a specific peptide inhibitor of NFAT activation. Mobility shift assays showed specific induction of the NFAT1 member by bpV molecules. The bpV-mediated NFAT activation was observed to be important for the up-regulation of the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) long terminal repeat (LTR) and the IL-2 promoter; NFAT1 was demonstrated to be particularly important in bpV-dependent positive action on HIV-1 LTR transcription. The active participation of p56(lck), ZAP-70, p21(ras), and calcium in the bpV-mediated signaling cascade leading to NFAT activation was confirmed, using deficient cell lines and dominant-negative mutants. Finally, overexpression of wild-type SHP-1 resulted in a greatly diminished activation of NFAT by bpV, suggesting an involvement of SHP-1 in the regulation of NFAT activation. These data were confirmed by constitutive NFAT translocation observed in Jurkat cells stably expressing a dominant-negative version of SHP-1. The study proposes that PTP activity attenuates constitutive kinase activities that otherwise would lead to constant NFAT activation and that this activation is participating in HIV-1 LTR stimulation by PTP inhibition.

Opposing regulation of B cell receptor-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by CD45

In this study, we examined the contribution made by CD45 to B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members. We found that CD45 negatively regulated BCR-induced c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 activation in immature WEHI-231 cells, whereas in mature BAL-17 cells, CD45 positively regulated JNK and p38 activation and negatively regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity. Furthermore, cooperative action of JNK and p38 dictated BCR-induced inhibition of growth. Thus, CD45 appears to differentially regulate BCR-induced activation of MAPK members, and can exert opposing effects on JNK and p38 in different cellular milieu, controlling the B cell fate.

Src homology region 2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatase-1 dephosphorylates B cell linker protein/SH2 domain leukocyte protein of 65 kDa and selectively regulates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation in B cells

Src homology region 2 (SH2) domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) is a cytosolic protein tyrosine phosphatase containing two SH2 domains in its NH2 terminus. That immunological abnormalities of the motheaten and viable motheaten mice are caused by mutations in the gene encoding SHP-1 indicates that SHP-1 plays important roles in lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation, and activation. To elucidate molecular mechanisms by which SHP-1 regulates BCR-mediated signal transduction, we determined SHP-1 substrates in B cells using the substrate-trapping approach. When the phosphatase activity-deficient form of SHP-1, in which the catalytic center cysteine (C453) was replaced with serine (SHP-1-C/S), was introduced in WEHI-231 cells, tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein of about 70 kDa was strongly enhanced. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses revealed that this protein is the B cell linker protein (BLNK), also named SH2 domain leukocyte protein of 65 kDa, and that upon tyrosine phosphorylation BLNK binds to SHP-1-C/S in vitro. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that hyperphosphorylation of BLNK in SHP-1-C/S-expressing cells was not due to enhanced activity of Lyn or Syk. Furthermore, BCR-induced activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase was shown to be significantly enhanced in SHP-1-C/S transfectants. Taken collectively, our results suggest that BLNK is a physiological substrate of SHP-1 in B cells and that SHP-1 selectively regulates c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation.

CD45 Negatively Regulates Lyn Activity by Dephosphorylating Both Positive and Negative Regulatory Tyrosine Residues in Immature B Cells

Using CD45-deficient clones from the immature B cell line, WEHI-231, we previously demonstrated that CD45 selectively dephosphorylates the Src-family protein tyrosine kinase Lyn and inhibits its kinase activity. To further define the mechanisms of CD45 action on Lyn, we metabolically labeled Lyn from CD45-positive and -negative WEHI-231 cells and analyzed cyanogen bromide fragments by SDS-PAGE analysis. Phosphoamino acid analysis confirmed that Lyn is tyrosine phosphorylated with little serine or threonine phosphorylation. In CD45-negative cells, two bands at 8.2 and 4.1 kDa were phosphorylated in the absence of B cell Ag receptor (BCR) ligation. The 8.2-kDa band corresponded to a fragment containing the positive regulatory site (Tyr397), as assessed by its size and its phosphorylation in an in vitro kinase assay. The 4.1-kDa band was phosphorylated by COOH-terminal Src kinase, suggesting that it contains the COOH-terminal negative regulatory site (Tyr508). CD45 was also shown to dephosphorylate autophosphorylated Lyn in vitro. Thus, CD45 dephosphorylates not only the negative but also the positive regulatory tyrosine residues of Lyn. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitations using anti-Igα Ab demonstrated that Lyn associated with the resting BCR was constitutively phosphorylated and activated in CD45-negative cells. In the parental cells, both regulatory sites were phosphorylated on BCR ligation. Taken collectively, these results suggest that CD45 keeps both BCR-associated and total cytoplasmic pools of Lyn in an inactive state, and a mechanism by which Lyn is activated by relative reduction of CD45 effect may be operative on BCR ligation.

Mouse NKR-P1B, a Novel NK1.1 Antigen with Inhibitory Function

The mouse NK1.1 Ag originally defined as NK cell receptor (NKR)-P1C (CD161) mediates NK cell activation. Here, we show that another member of the mouse CD161 family, NKR-P1B, represents a novel NK1.1 Ag. In contrast to NKR-P1C, which functions as an activating receptor, NKR-P1B inhibits NK cell activation. Association of NKR-P1B with Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 provides a molecular mechanism for this inhibition. The existence of these two NK1.1 Ags with opposite functions suggests a potential role for NKR-P1 molecules, such as those of the Ly-49 gene family, in regulating NK cell function.

Requirement of PEST domain tyrosine phosphatase PEP in B cell antigen receptor-induced growth arrest and apoptosis

Signaling events leading to B cell growth or apoptosis are beginning to be unravelled, but detailed information is still lacking. To identify signaling molecules involved in B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-initiated pathways, we used the immature B cell line, WEHI-231, to investigate protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) whose expression was modulated by BCR ligation. Among the PTP cloned by reverse transcription-PCR, mRNA expression of the proline-, glutamic acid-, serine- and threonine-rich (PEST) domain phosphatase (PEP) was selectively elevated 3.1-fold within 3 h after anti-IgM antibody stimulation. In contrast, expression of another PEST domain phosphatase, PTP-PEST, was unaffected. Western blot analysis revealed that 71% of PEP was located in the cytosolic fraction, while 29% was in the membrane fraction. To examine the direct contribution made by PEP to BCR-initiated signal transduction, we transfected an antisense PEP cDNA into WEHI-231 cells. Two stable clones were established in which PEP expression was reduced by 34% and 47%, respectively. Strikingly, BCR-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis was significantly rescued in the clones, and G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were almost completely ablated. Considered collectively, these results indicate that PEP is a positive, crucial regulator in determining B cell fate triggered by BCR engagement.