IL-4 function can be transferred to the IL-2 receptor by tyrosine containing sequences found in the IL-4 receptor alpha chain

Engineering the IL-4/IL-13 axis for targeted immune modulation

The structurally and functionally related interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 cytokines play pivotal roles in shaping immune activity. The IL-4/IL-13 axis is best known for its critical role in T helper 2 (Th2) cell-mediated Type 2 inflammation, which protects the host from large multicellular pathogens, such as parasitic helminth worms, and regulates immune responses to allergens. In addition, IL-4 and IL-13 stimulate a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as non-hematopoietic cells, to coordinate various functions, including immune regulation, antibody production, and fibrosis. Due to its importance for a broad spectrum of physiological activities, the IL-4/IL-13 network has been targeted through a variety of molecular engineering and synthetic biology approaches to modulate immune behavior and develop novel therapeutics. Here, we review ongoing efforts to manipulate the IL-4/IL-13 axis, including cytokine engineering strategies, formulation of fusion proteins, antagonist development, cell engineering approaches, and biosensor design. We discuss how these strategies have been employed to dissect IL-4 and IL-13 pathways, as well as to discover new immunotherapies targeting allergy, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Looking ahead, emerging bioengineering tools promise to continue advancing fundamental understanding of IL-4/IL-13 biology and enabling researchers to exploit these insights to develop effective interventions.

Molecular and cellular factors determining the functional pleiotropy of cytokines

Cytokines are soluble factors vital for mammalian physiology. Cytokines elicit highly pleiotropic activities, characterized by their ability to induce a wide spectrum of functional responses in a diverse range of cell subsets, which makes their study very challenging. Cytokines activate signalling via receptor dimerization/oligomerization, triggering activation of the JAK (Janus kinase)/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) signalling pathway. Given the strong crosstalk and shared usage of key components of cytokine signalling pathways, a long-standing question in the field pertains to how functional diversity is achieved by cytokines. Here, we discuss how biophysical - for example, ligand-receptor binding affinity and topology - and cellular - for example, receptor, JAK and STAT protein levels, endosomal compartment - parameters contribute to the modulation and diversification of cytokine responses. We review how these parameters ultimately converge into a common mechanism to fine-tune cytokine signalling that involves the control of the number of Tyr residues phosphorylated in the receptor intracellular domain upon cytokine stimulation. This results in different kinetics of STAT activation, and induction of specific gene expression programs, ensuring the generation of functional diversity by cytokines using a limited set of signalling intermediaries. We describe how these first principles of cytokine signalling have been exploited using protein engineering to design cytokine variants with more specific and less toxic responses for immunotherapy.

Modulation of IL-4/IL-13 cytokine signaling in the context of allergic disease

Aberrant activation of CD4 T_H2 cells and excessive production of T_H2 cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-13 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Generally, IL-4 and IL-13 utilize Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways for induction of inflammatory gene expression and the effector functions associated with disease pathology in many allergic diseases. However, it is increasingly clear that JAK/STAT pathways activated by IL-4/IL-13 can themselves be modulated in the presence of other intracellular signaling programs, thereby changing the overall tone and/or magnitude of IL-4/IL-13 signaling. Apart from direct activation of the canonic JAK/STAT pathways, IL-4 and IL-13 also induce proinflammatory gene expression and effector functions through activation of additional signaling cascades. These alternative signaling cascades contribute to several specific aspects of IL-4/IL-13-associated cellular and molecular responses. A more complete understanding of IL-4/IL-13 signaling pathways, including the precise conditions under which noncanonic signaling pathways are activated, and the impact of these pathways on cellular- and host-level responses, will better allow us to design agents that target specific pathologic outcomes or tailor therapies for the treatment of uncommon disease endotypes.

Molecular characterization, expression analysis and cellular location of IL-4/13 receptors in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 are closely related class I cytokines that play key roles in the T helper (Th)-2 immune response via heterodimeric receptors. IL-4 signals via both the type I (IL-4Rα/γc) and type II (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1) receptor complexes, while IL-13 signals only via the type II receptor complex. IL-13Rα2 is traditionally considered a "decoy" receptor for IL-13. However, the IL-4/13 system and its response to pathogenic infection are still not fully understood in fish. In this study, we identified four IL-4/13 receptor subunit genes in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea): LcIL-4Rα1, LcIL-4Rα2, LcIL-13Rα1, and LcIL-13Rα2. Sequence analysis showed that these receptors possessed typical characteristic domains, including a signal peptide, two fibronectin type III (FN III)-like domains, and a transmembrane domain, but their cytoplasmic regions were not well conserved. The mRNA and protein of the four IL-4/13 receptors were constitutively expressed in all examined tissues of large yellow croaker. Their mRNAs were also detected in primary head kidney macrophages (PKMs), primary head kidney granulocytes (PKGs), and primary head kidney lymphocytes (PKLs). Immunofluorescence assay further showed that LcIL-4Rα and LcIL-13Rα1 were expressed on the membrane of IgM ⁺ B cells. After stimulation by Vibrio alginolyticus and poly (I:C) (a viral dsRNA mimic), the mRNA levels of LcIL-4/13 receptors were significantly upregulated in the head kidney and spleen. Their mRNA levels were also upregulated in head kidney leukocytes in response to poly (I:C) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Moreover, both recombinant LcIL-4/13A and LcIL-4/13B upregulated LcIL-4Rα1 and LcIL-4Rα2 in primary leukocytes, but only recombinant LcIL-4/13A upregulated LcIL-13Rα1 and LcIL-13Rα2. These results indicated that LcIL-4/13 receptors, containing conserved functional domains, may be involved in the IL-4/13-mediated immune response to pathogenic infections in the large yellow croaker.

IL-4 and IL-13 Receptor Signaling From 4PS to Insulin Receptor Substrate 2: There and Back Again, a Historical View

In this historical perspective, written in honor of Dr. William E. Paul, we describe the initial discovery of one of the dominant substrates for tyrosine phosphorylation stimulated by IL-4. We further describe how this “IL-4-induced phosphorylated substrate” (4PS) was characterized as a member of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS) family of large adaptor proteins that link IL-4 and insulin receptors to activation of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3′ kinase pathway as well as other downstream signaling pathways. The relative contribution of the 4PS/IRS pathway to the early models of IL-4-induced proliferation and suppression of apoptosis are compared to our more recent understanding of the complex interplay between positive and negative regulatory pathways emanating from members of the IRS family that impact allergic responses.

Murine IL-4Δ2 splice variant down-regulates IL-4 activities independently of IL-4Rα binding and STAT-6 phosphorylation

IL-4 is a pleiotropic cytokine that is highly Th2 polarizing. The ratio of IL-4 and its splice variant IL-4Δ2 observed in human health and disease suggests a role for both isoforms. In the present study, the biological function of murine IL-4Δ2 and the potential mechanism of action were studied. We report for the first time the generation of a functional, recombinant murine IL-4Δ2 form which is suggestive of its possible biological role in this species. Recombinant murine IL-4Δ2 inhibited IL-4 mediated cellular processes in macrophages and lymphocytes. Specifically, (i) it reversed IL-4 mediated inhibition of IFN-γ induced nitric oxide release by macrophages, (ii) inhibited IL-4 mediated induction of T cell proliferation, and (iii) prevented IL-4 stimulation of IgE synthesis by B cells. However, IL-4Δ2 did not compete with IL-4 for IL-4Rα binding and did not interfere with the downstream STAT-6 phosphorylation in T cells, suggesting an alternative mechanism for its antagonism of specific IL4-driven effects. These findings suggest that the mouse is a suitable experimental model for studies of the biology of IL-4 and its alternative splice variant.

Reprogramming cellular functions with engineered membrane proteins

Taking inspiration from Nature, synthetic biology utilizes and modifies biological components to expand the range of biological functions for engineering new practical devices and therapeutics. While early breakthroughs mainly concerned the design of gene circuits, recent efforts have focused on engineering signaling pathways to reprogram cellular functions. Since signal transduction across cell membranes initiates and controls intracellular signaling, membrane receptors have been targeted by diverse protein engineering approaches despite limited mechanistic understanding of their function. The modular architecture of several receptor families has enabled the empirical construction of chimeric receptors combining domains from distinct native receptors which have found successful immunotherapeutic applications. Meanwhile, progress in membrane protein structure determination, computational modeling and rational design promise to foster the engineering of a broader range of membrane receptor functions. Marrying empirical and rational membrane protein engineering approaches should enable the reprogramming of cells with widely diverse fine-tuned functions.

Interleukin-4 receptor signaling and its binding mechanism: A therapeutic insight from inhibitors tool box

Studies on Interlukin-4 (IL-4) disclosed great deal of information about its various physiological and pathological roles. All these roles depend upon its interaction and signaling through either type-I (IL-4Rα/common γ-chain) or type-II (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα) receptors. Another cytokine, IL-13, shares some of the functions of IL-4, because both cytokines use a common receptor subunit, IL-4Rα. Here in this review, we discuss the structural details of IL-4 and IL-4Rα subunit and the structural similarities between IL-4 and IL-13. We also describe detailed chemistry of type-I and type-II receptor complexes and their signaling pathways. Furthermore, we elaborate the strength of type-II hetero dimer signals in response to IL-4 and IL-13. These cytokines are prime players in pathogenesis of allergic asthma, allergic hypersensitivity, different cancers, and HIV infection. Recent advances in the structural and binding chemistry of these cytokines various types of inhibitors were designed to block the interaction of IL-4 and IL-13 with their receptor, including several IL-4 mutant analogs and IL-4 antagonistic antibodies. Moreover, different targeted immunotoxins, which is a fusion of cytokine protein with a toxin or suicidal gene, are the new class of inhibitors to prevent cancer progression. In addition few small molecular inhibitors such as flavonoids have also been developed which are capable of binding with high affinity to IL-4Rα and, therefore, can be very effective in blocking IL-4-mediated responses.

STAT6 and lung inflammation

Lung inflammation has many etiologies, including diseases of Th2-type immunity, such as asthma and anti-parasitic responses. Inflammatory diseases of the lung involve complex interactions among structural cells (airway epithelium, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts) and immune cells (B and T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and innate lymphoid cells). Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) has been demonstrated to regulate many pathologic features of lung inflammatory responses in animal models including airway eosinophilia, epithelial mucus production, smooth muscle changes, Th2 cell differentiation, and IgE production from B cells. Cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 that are upstream of STAT6 are found elevated in human asthma and clinical trials are underway to therapeutically target the IL-4/IL-13/STAT6 pathway. Additionally, recent work suggests that STAT6 may also regulate lung anti-viral responses and contribute to pulmonary fibrosis. This review will focus on the role of STAT6 in lung diseases and mechanisms by which STAT6 controls immune and structural lung cell function.

The extracellular and transmembrane domains of the γC and interleukin (IL)-13 receptor α1 chains, not their cytoplasmic domains, dictate the nature of signaling responses to IL-4 and IL-13

Previously, we demonstrated that the γC subunit of type I IL-4 receptor was required for robust tyrosine phosphorylation of the downstream adapter protein, IRS-2, correlating with the expression of genes (ArgI, Retnla, and Chi3l3) characteristic of alternatively activated macrophages. We located an I4R-like motif (IRS-2 docking sequence) in the γC cytoplasmic domain but not in the IL-13Rα1. Thus, we predicted that the γC tail directed enhanced IRS-2 phosphorylation. To test this, IL-4 signaling responses were examined in a mutant of the key I4R motif tyrosine residue (Y325F) and different γC truncation mutants (γ285, γ308, γ318, γ323, and γFULL LENGTH (FL)) co-expressed in L-cells or CHO cells with wild-type (WT) IL-4Rα. Surprisingly, IRS-1 phosphorylation was not diminished in Y325F L-cell mutants suggesting Tyr-325 was not required for the robust insulin receptor substrate response. IRS-2, STAT6, and JAK3 phosphorylation was observed in CHO cells expressing γ323 and γFL but not in γ318 and γ285 mutants. In addition, when CHO cells expressed γ318, γ323, or γFL with IL-2Rβ, IL-2 induced phospho-STAT5 only in the γ323 and γFL clones. Our data suggest that a smaller (5 amino acid) interval than previously determined is necessary for JAK3 activation/γC-mediated signaling in response to IL-4 and IL-2. Chimeric receptor chains of the γC tail fused to the IL-13Rα1 extracellular and transmembrane domain did not elicit robust IRS-2 phosphorylation in response to IL-13 suggesting that the extracellular/transmembrane domains of the IL-4/IL-13 receptor, not the cytoplasmic domains, control signaling efficiency. Understanding this pathway fully will lead to rational drug design for allergic disease.

Regulation of inflammation by interleukin-4: a review of "alternatives"

Studies of IL-4 have revealed a wealth of information on the diverse roles of this cytokine in homeostatic regulation and disease pathogenesis. Recent data suggest that instead of simple linear regulatory pathways, IL-4 drives regulation that is full of alternatives. In addition to the well-known dichotomous regulation of Th cell differentiation by IL-4, this cytokine is engaged in several other alternative pathways. Its own production involves alternative mRNA splicing, yielding at least two functional isoforms: full-length IL-4, encoded by the IL-4 gene exons 1-4, and IL-4δ2, encoded by exons 1, 3, and 4. The functional effects of these two isoforms are in some ways similar but in other ways quite distinct. When binding to the surface of target cells, IL-4 may differentially engage two different types of receptors. By acting on macrophages, a cell type critically involved in inflammation, IL-4 induces the so-called alternative macrophage activation. In this review, recent advances in understanding these three IL-4-related branch points--alternative splicing of IL-4, differential receptor engagement by IL-4, and differential regulation of macrophage activation by IL-4--are summarized in light of their contributions to inflammation.

T-cell proliferation by surface molecules expression on polymorphonuclear neutrophils stimulated with IL-4 in superantigen presence

BACKGROUND

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were originally described as short lived and terminally differentiated phagocytes that contribute only to the innate immune response. Some studies of PMNs cytokine production and expression of numerous cell surface proteins has suggested that PMNs are likely to influence adaptive responses and may satisfy the criteria of antigen presenting cells.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aimed to study the effect of IL-4 in the function of PMNs as antigen presenting cells.

METHODS

Flow cytometry was used in the present study for the detection of cell surface human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, CD80 and CD86 required for antigen presentation and subsequent T-cell activation in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin (A). Human peripheral blood neutrophils were used for this purpose.

RESULTS

This study has shown that IL-4 stimulated PMNs for 24h expressed HLA class II, CD80 and CD86 that involved in antigen presentation. It also indicated that co-cultivation of IL-4 stimulated PMNs with autologous T-cells and in the presence of S. aureus enterotoxin (A) induced T-cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro stimulation of PMNs with IL-4 showed expression of surface molecules involved in antigen presentation. In addition, the co-culture of T-Cells and stimulated PMNs showed high T-Cells proliferation in the presence of superantigens.

The Interleukin (IL)‐2 Family Cytokines: Survival and Proliferation Signaling Pathways in T Lymphocytes

Lymphocyte populations in the immune system are maintained by a well-organized balance between cellular proliferation, cellular survival and programmed cell death (apoptosis). One of the primary functions of many cytokines is to coordinate these processes. In particular, the interleukin (IL)-2 family of cytokines, which consists of six cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and IL-21) that all share a common receptor subunit (gammac), plays a major role in promoting and maintaining T lymphocyte populations. The details of the molecular signaling pathways mediated by these cytokines have not been fully elucidated. However, the three major pathways clearly involved include the JAK/STAT, MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P13K) pathways. The details of these pathways as they apply to the IL-2 family of cytokines is discussed, with a focus on their roles in proliferation and survival signaling.

Interleukin-4, interleukin-13, signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 6, and allergic asthma

Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 share many biological activities. To some extent, this is because they both signal via a shared receptor, IL-4Ralpha. Ligation of IL-4Ralpha results in activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription factor 6 (STAT6) and Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS) molecules. In T- and B-cells, IL-4Ralpha signaling contributes to cell-mediated and humoral aspects of allergic inflammation. It has recently become clear that IL-4 and IL-13 produced in inflamed tissues activate signaling in normally resident cells of the airway. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the contributions of IL-4- and IL-13-induced tissue responses, especially those mediated by STAT6, to some of the pathologic features of asthma including eosinophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, subepithelial fibrosis and excessive mucus production. We also review the functions of some recently identified IL-4- and/or IL-13-induced mediators that provide some detail on molecular mechanisms and suggest an important contribution to host defense.

Graft rejection as a Th1-type process amenable to regulation by donor Th2-type cells through an interleukin-4/STAT6 pathway

Graft rejection has been defined as the mirror image of graft-versus-host disease, which is biologically characterized primarily as a Th1-type process. As such, we reasoned that graft rejection would represent a Th1 response amenable to Th2 modulation. Indeed, adoptive transfer of host Th1-type cells mediated rejection of fully MHC-disparate murine bone marrow allografts more effectively than host Th2-type cells. Furthermore, STAT1-deficient host T cells did not differentiate into Th1-type cells in vivo and failed to mediate rejection. We next hypothesized that donor Th2 cell allograft augmentation would prevent rejection by modulation of the host Th1/Th2 balance. In the setting of donor Th2 cell therapy, host-anti-donor allospecific T cells acquired Th2 polarity, persisted posttransplantation, and did not mediate rejection. Abrogation of rejection required donor Th2 cell IL-4 secretion and host T-cell STAT6 signaling. In conclusion, T cell-mediated marrow graft rejection primarily resembles a Th1-type process that can be abrogated by donor Th2 cell therapy that promotes engraftment through a novel mechanism whereby cytokine polarization is transferred to host T cells.

IL-4 protects the B-cell lymphoma cell line CH31 from anti-IgM-induced growth arrest and apoptosis: contribution of the PI-3 kinase/AKT pathway

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) promotes lymphocyte survival and protects primary lymphomas from apoptosis. Previous studies reported differential requirements for the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and IRS2/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI-3K) signaling pathways in mediating the IL-4-induced protection from Fas-mediated apoptosis. In this study, we characterized IL-4-activated signals that suppress anti-IgM-mediated apoptosis and growth arrest of CH31, a model B-cell lymphoma line. In CH31, anti-IgM treatment leads to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phospho-Akt, phospho-CDK2, and c-myc protein. These losses are followed by massive induction of p27(Kip1) protein expression, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Strikingly, IL-4 treatment prevented or reversed these changes. Furthermore, IL-4 suppressed the activation of caspases 9 and 3, and, in contrast to previous reports, induced the phosphorylation (deactivation) of BAD. IL-4 treatment also induced expression of BclxL, a STAT6-dependent gene. Pharmacologic inhibitors and dominant inhibitory forms of PI-3K and Akt abrogated the anti-apoptotic function of IL-4. These results suggest that the IL-4 receptor activates several signaling pathways, with the Akt pathway playing a major role in suppression of the apoptotic program activated by anti-IgM.

Kaempferol Inhibits IL-4-Induced STAT6 Activation by Specifically Targeting JAK3

IL-4 is involved in several human diseases including allergies, autoimmunity, and cancer. Its effects are mainly mediated through the transcription factor STAT6. Therefore, investigation of compounds that regulate STAT6 activation is of great interest for these diseases. Natural polyphenols are compounds reported to have therapeutic properties in diseases involving IL-4 and STAT6. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these compounds in the activation of this transcription factor. We found that in hemopoietic cells from human and mouse origin, some flavonoids were able to inhibit the activation of STAT6 by IL-4. To identify molecular mechanisms, we focused on kaempferol, the compound that showed the greatest inhibitory effect with the lowest cell toxicity. Treatment of cells with kaempferol did not affect activation of Src kinase by IL-4 but did prevent the phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK3. Further enzymatic analysis demonstrated that kaempferol blocked the in vitro phosphorylation activity of JAK3 without affecting JAK1, suggesting that it specifically targeted JAK3 activity. Accordingly, kaempferol had no effect on STAT6 activation in nonhemopoietic cell lines lacking JAK3, supporting its selective inhibition of IL-4 responses through type I receptors expressing JAK3 but not type II lacking this kinase. The inhibitory effect of kaempferol was also observed in IL-2 but not IL-3-mediated responses and correlated with the inhibition of MLC proliferation. These findings reveal the potential use of kaempferol as a tool for selectively controlling cell responses to IL-4 and, in general, JAK3-dependent responses.

Janus tyrosine kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription regulate critical functions of T cells in allograft rejection and transplantation tolerance

Full activation of T cells requires three sequential signals. Engagement by antigen presenting cells (APC) delivers signals 1/2, whereas signal 3 is delivered by multiple cytokines to regulate the immune homeostasis by influencing proliferation, differentiation, and survival/death. Signaling by cytokines acting through their receptors is delivered by two major molecular families, namely Janus tyrosine kinases (Jaks) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (Stats). Findings obtained from mice genetically deficient in Jaks and Stats suggest that these molecules may serve as therapeutic targets to prevent allograft rejection, induce transplantation tolerance, and inhibit autoimmune disease and lymphoid-derived tumors. This review describes the role of Jak tyrosine kinases and Stat transcription factors and their putative function in regulating T and B cell activity.

The role of constitutively active Stat6 in leukemia and lymphoma

Signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) are a family of transcription factors that regulate a broad range of cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival, in a large variety of cell types. Because of their regulation of diverse cellular functions, their aberrant activation is frequently associated with disease development, particularly oncogenic diseases. Much evidence exists to suggest that STAT proteins play a significant role in cellular transformation. However, which STAT proteins and to what extent they cause transformation and subsequent disease progression are topics currently being investigated. In this review, we will report on the findings concerning the involvement of Stat6 in the development of lymphoma and leukemia. Mounting evidence, in both patients and mouse models, supports a model where Stat6 is not a mere bystander, but rather, plays an active role in promoting a transformed phenotype.

Induction of genes involved in cell cycle progression by interleukin-4

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) can elicit diverse cellular responses, including differentiation, fusion, and proliferation, and these are all critical to establishment of an effective immune response. In this report, we provide evidence that IL-4 induces the proliferation of T lymphocytes with the coordinate transcriptional induction of the cell cycle regulatory genes encoding Cdc25A and the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family. This specific gene induction appears to be due to activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription, Stat6, and in part to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The function of another family of transcription factors, E2F, is known to induce cell cycle-regulated gene expression by binding to specific DNA target sites. We demonstrate that IL-4-activated Stat6 dimers can bind to a subset of E2F target sites and stimulate gene expression by binding to these DNA elements. Our results support a role for the Stat6 signal pathway in regulating a subset of E2F-responsive genes. In addition, activation of PI3K may play a complementary role in the induction of cell cycle-regulated genes in response to IL-4.

Interleukin-4 receptor signaling pathways in asthma pathogenesis

Asthma is a chronic allergic inflammatory disease, the initiation and progression of which is dependent on the cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 acting through related receptor complexes. Disease pathogenesis is effected by intracellular signaling pathways that couple primarily to specific motifs within the intracellular domain of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain (IL-4Ralpha), a subunit that is common to the IL-4 and IL-13 receptor complexes. Recent studies using genetic approaches have identified distinct functions for the respective IL-4Ralpha-coupled signaling pathways in regulating both early and chronic stages of asthma. Polymorphisms in components of the IL-4 and IL-13 cytokine-receptor axes are associated with allergy and asthma, suggesting that variations among individuals in the activity of this pathway contribute to disease susceptibility and manifestations.

Interleukin 4 Regulates Phosphorylation of Serine 756 in the Transactivation Domain of Stat6

Lymphokines interleukin-4 (IL4) and IL13 exert overlapping biological activities via the shared use of the IL4 receptor alpha-chain and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6). Stat6 is critical for T-helper 2 cell differentiation, B-cell Ig class switch, and allergic diseases; thus, understanding its regulation is of central importance. Phosphorylation is crucial for Stat activity. Whereas Stat6 is phosphorylated on Tyr(641), less is known about serine or threonine. We demonstrate in primary human T-cells (>95% CD3+) that IL4 and for the first time IL13 induce Stat6 serine but not threonine phosphorylation that closely paralleled early IL4 receptor alpha-chain activation (10 min). Stat6 uniquely fails to share a positionally conserved Stat serine phosphorylation sequence; however, known phosphoacceptor sites are proline-flanked. Alanine substitutions of these conserved residues revealed that the transactivation domain, which localized Ser(756) but not Ser(827) or Ser(176), is the IL4-regulated site based on phosphoamino acid analysis. Tyr(641) was dispensable for IL4-mediated serine phosphorylation, suggesting that dimerization is not preconditional. Only Stat6 Y641F variant showed a significant effect on IL4-inducible Cepsilon DNA-binding and reporter gene expression. Lastly, recent work has shown that protein phosphatase 2A negatively regulates Stat6. We propose this target residue(s) is distinct from Ser(756) and may be proximal to Tyr(641) at Thr(645), a residue conserved only among Stat6 members. The phosphomimic variants T645E or T645D ablated Stat6 activation, whereas polar uncharged substitutions (Gln or Asn) and additional mutants (Ala, Val, or Phe) showed no effect. These findings suggest that Stat6 has mechanisms of regulation distinct from other Stats.

Transgenic Expression of Insulin Receptor Substrate 2 in Murine B Cells Alters the Cell Density-Dependence of IgE Production In Vitro and Enhances IgE Production In Vivo

Previous studies have shown that insulin receptor substrate (IRS)1 and IRS2 mediate proliferative and antiapoptotic signaling through the IL-4R in 32D cells; however their role in regulating normal B cell responses is not clear. To investigate the role of IRS2 in normal B cell function, we developed IRS2 transgenic (Tg) mice on the C57BL/6 background. Western blot analysis revealed a 2-fold elevation in IRS2 protein levels in Tg(+) mice compared with littermate controls and a 3-fold increase in basal tyrosine phosphorylated IRS2 in the absence of IL-4 stimulation. IL-4-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 was elevated in Tg(+) B cells, whereas IL-4-induced phosphorylation of STAT6 was similar between Tg(+) and Tg(-) B cells. Tg expression of IRS2 had little effect on IL-4-mediated proliferation and no effect on protection from apoptosis. However, production of IgE and IgG1 by Tg(+) B cells using standard in vitro conditions was diminished 50-60%. Because Ig production in vitro is known to be highly cell concentration-dependent, we performed experiments at different cell concentrations. Interestingly, at very low B cell concentrations (1000-5000 B cells/well), IgE and IgG1 production by Tg(+) B cells was greater than that of controls, whereas at higher cell concentrations (10,000-20,000 cells/well) Ig production by Tg(+) B cells was less than controls. Furthermore, in vivo immunization with OVA-alum or goat anti-IgD resulted in elevated serum IgE levels in the Tg(+) mice. These results indicate that overexpression of IRS2 alters the B cell intrinsic density-dependence of IgE and IgG1 production in vitro and enhances IgE responses in vivo.

Targeted inactivation of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain I4R motif promotes allergic airway inflammation

The insulin/interleukin-4 (IL-4) receptor (I4R) motif mediates the association of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 with the interleukin-4 (IL-4)Ralpha chain and transduces mitogenic signals in response to IL-4. Its physiological functions were analyzed in mice with a germline point mutation that changed the motif's effector tyrosine residue into phenylalanine (Y500F). The Y500F mutation abrogated IRS-2 phosphorylation and impaired IL-4-induced CD4+ T lymphocyte proliferation but left unperturbed Stat6 activation, up-regulation of IL-4-responsive gene products, and Th cell differentiation under Th2 polarizing conditions. However, in vivo the Y500F mutation was associated with increased allergen-induced IgE production, airway responsiveness, tissue eosinophilia, and mucus production. These results define an important role for the I4R motif in regulating allergic inflammation.

New programming of IL-4 receptor signal transduction in activated T cells: Stat6 induction and Th2 differentiation mediated by IL-4Ralpha lacking cytoplasmic tyrosines

Signaling by the IL-4 receptor alpha-chain (IL-4Ralpha) is a key determinant of the development of the Th2 lineage of effector T cells. Studies performed in tissue culture cell lines have indicated that tyrosines of the IL-4Ralpha cytoplasmic tail are necessary for the induction of Stat6, a transcription factor required for Th2 differentiation. Surprisingly, we have found that in activated T cells, IL-4Ralpha chains lacking all cytoplasmic tyrosines promote induction of this IL-4-specific transcription factor and efficient commitment to the Th2 lineage. Mutagenesis of a tyrosine-free cytoplasmic tail identifies a requirement for the serine-rich ID-1 region in this new program of IL-4R signal transduction observed in activated T cells. Additional findings suggest that an extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway can be necessary and sufficient for the ability of such tyrosine-free IL-4Ralpha chains to mediate Stat6 induction. These results provide novel evidence that the molecular mechanisms by which a cytokine specifically induces a Stat transcription factor can depend on the activation state of T lymphoid cells. Furthermore, the data suggest that one pathway by which such new programming may be achieved is mediated by extracellular signal-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinases.

Stat6 and IRS-2 cooperate in interleukin 4 (IL-4)-induced proliferation and differentiation but are dispensable for IL-4-dependent rescue from apoptosis

Stat6 and IRS-2 are two important signaling proteins that associate with the cytoplasmic tail of the interleukin 4 (IL-4) receptor. Data from numerous in vitro experiments have led to a model for IL-4 signal transduction in which the Stat6 signaling pathway is responsible for the IL-4 induced changes in gene expression and differentiation events, while the IRS-2 signaling pathway provides mitogenic and antiapoptotic signals. In order to determine the relative contributions of these signaling molecules in primary lymphocytes, we have examined IL-4 responses in T cells from mice deficient for either Stat6 or IRS-2 as well as from mice doubly deficient for both genes. Both IRS-2 and, especially, Stat6 are shown to be critically involved in IL-4-induced proliferation of T cells, presumably through the cooperative regulation of the Cdk inhibitor p27kip1. Like Stat6-deficient Th cells, IRS-2-deficient cells are also compromised in their ability to secrete Th2 cytokines, revealing a previously unrecognized role for IRS-2 in Th2 cell development. Although Stat6 and/or IRS-2 expression is required for IL-4-induced proliferative and differentiative responses, both signaling proteins are dispensable for the antiapoptotic effect of IL-4. However, treatment of lymphocytes with a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor is able to block the antiapoptotic effect of IL-4 specifically in Stat6- or IRS-2-deficient cells and not in wild-type cells. Our results suggest that Stat6 and IRS-2 cooperate in promoting both IL-4-induced proliferative and differentiating responses, while an additional signaling mediator that depends on protein tyrosine phosphatase activity contributes to the antiapoptotic activities of IL-4 in primary T cells.

Costimulation of resting B lymphocytes alters the IL-4-activated IRS2 signaling pathway in a STAT6 independent manner: implications for cell survival and proliferation

IL-4 is an important B cell survival and growth factor. IL-4 induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 in resting B lymphocytes and in LPS- or CD40L-activated blasts. Phosphorylated IRS2 coprecipitated with the p85 subunit of PI 3' kinase in both resting and activated cells. By contrast, association of phosphorylated IRS2 with GRB2 was not detected in resting B cells after IL-4 treatment although both proteins were expressed. However, IL-4 induced association of IRS2 with GRB2 in B cell blasts. The pattern of IL-4-induced recruitment of p85 and GRB2 to IRS2 observed in B cells derived from STAT6 null mice was identical to that observed for normal mice. While IL-4 alone does not induce activation of MEK, a MEK1 inhibitor suppressed the IL-4-induced proliferative response of LPS-activated B cell blasts. These results demonstrate that costimulation of splenic B cells alters IL-4-induced signal transduction independent of STAT6 leading to proliferation. Furthermore, proliferation induced by IL-4 in LPS-activated blasts is dependent upon the MAP kinase pathway.

Signaling and transcription in T helper development

The recognition of polarized T cell subsets defined by cytokine production was followed by a search to define the factors controlling this phenomenon. Suitable in vitro systems allowed the development of cytokine "recipes" that induced rapid polarization of naïve T cells into Th1 or Th2 populations. The next phase of work over the past several years has begun to define the intracellular processes set into motion during Th1/Th2 development, particularly by the strongly polarizing cytokines IL-12 and IL-4. Although somewhat incomplete, what has emerged is a richly detailed tapestry of signaling and transcription, controlling an important T cell developmental switch. In addition several new mediators of control have emerged, including IL-18, the intriguing Th2-selective T1/ST2 product, and heterogeneity in dendritic cells capable of directing cytokine-independent Th development.

A gain-of-function mutation in STAT6

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic diseases. IL-4-induced gene expression is largely mediated through the activation of the latent transcription factor STAT6. We identified a STAT6 mutant (STAT6VT)) that is activated independently of IL-4 stimulation. STAT6VT carries two amino acid changes in the SH2 domain that affect the overall structure and stability of the monomeric and dimeric protein. When overexpressed in mammalian cells, STAT6VT undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation, binds DNA, and activates transcription in the absence of IL-4 stimulation. Using the Jak1- and Jak3-deficient fibroblast line U4A, we demonstrate that phosphorylation is mediated by an IL-4-independent tyrosine kinase that is not able to activate the wild-type STAT6 protein. These results suggest that small changes in STAT6 could result in hyperactivation of the protein and constitutive expression of STAT6-dependent genes. Such a mutation, if found in vivo, could cause genetic predisposition for atopic diseases.

Interleukin-4-induced transcriptional activation by Stat6 involves multiple serine/threonine kinase pathways and serine phosphorylation of Stat6

Stat6 transcription factor is a critical mediator of IL-4-specific gene responses. Tyrosine phosphorylation is required for nuclear localization and DNA binding of Stat6. The authors investigated whether Stat6-dependent transcriptional responses are regulated through IL-4-induced serine/threonine phosphorylation. In Ramos B cells, the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H7 inhibited IL-4-induced expression of CD23. Treatment with H7 did not affect IL-4R-mediated immediate signaling events such as tyrosine phosphorylation of Jak1, Jak3, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and IRS-2, or tyrosine phosphorylation and DNA binding of Stat6. To analyze whether the H7-sensitive pathway was regulating Stat6-activated transcription, we used reporter constructs containing different IL-4 responsive elements. H7 abrogated Stat6-, as well as Stat5-, mediated reporter gene activation and partially reduced C/EBP-dependent reporter activity. By contrast, IL-4-induced transcription was not affected by wortmannin, an inhibitor of the phosphatidyl-inositol 3′-kinase pathway. Phospho-amino acid analysis and tryptic phosphopeptide maps revealed that IL-4 induced phosphorylation of Stat6 on serine and tyrosine residues in Ramos cells and in 32D cells lacking endogenous IRS proteins. However, H7 treatment did not inhibit the phosphorylation of Stat6. Instead, H7 inhibited the IL-4-induced phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II. These results indicate that Stat6-induced transcription is dependent on phosphorylation events mediated by H7-sensitive kinase(s) but that it also involves serine phosphorylation of Stat6 by an H7-insensitive kinase independent of the IRS pathway.

Ectopic expression of activated Stat6 induces the expression of Th2-specific cytokines and transcription factors in developing Th1 cells

Stat6 is critical for IL-4-mediated Th2 cell development, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here we constructed Stat6:ER, a Stat6-estrogen receptor fusion protein that can be activated by 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen, independently of IL-4 and endogenous Stat6. Retrovirus-mediated introduction of Stat6:ER into developing Th1 cells induced Th2-specific cytokines and suppressed IFNgamma production in a 4-HT-dependent manner and in the absence of IL-4. It also induced GATA-3 and c-maf expression and downregulated IL-12Rbeta2 chain expression. Its decreased ability to induce the Th2 phenotype with progressing Th1 cell commitment correlated with a decreased induction of GATA-3 and c-maf. This study indicates that Stat6 functions upstream of GATA-3 and c-Maf to induce Th2 development.

IL-4 receptor mutations

IL-4 plays an important role in regulating immune responses. Distinct signaling pathways, including those for gene activation and cell differentiation and those for cell proliferation and protection from apoptosis, are initiated from the receptor complex for IL-4 following ligand-receptor engagement. Several advances have been made in our understanding of how distinct functions of IL-4 are mediated. Most of these studies employed artificial mutations of the IL-4-receptor alpha chain using site-directed mutagenesis and/or deletional mutation. In addition, naturally occurring mutations of the IL-4-receptor alpha chain have been identified and implicated as a genetic predisposition for allergic disorders. The results of these studies suggest a modular organization of the receptor and an independent regulation of gene activation and cell growth.

Genetic Evidence for Lyn as a Negative Regulator of IL-4 Signaling

IL-4 has multiple effects on B lymphocytes, many of which are concentration dependent. This is particularly so for Ig isotype switching, where different thresholds of IL-4 stimulation are needed to induce switching from IgM to either IgG1 or IgE. In this report we describe a critical role for the tyrosine kinase Lyn in setting IL-4 signaling thresholds in mouse B lymphocytes. Upon CD40 ligand stimulation of lyn−/− B cells, 10-fold less IL-4 was required to induce switching from IgM to IgG1 and IgE and an increased proportion of B cells isotype switched at each IL-4 concentration. These in vitro results correlate with the in vivo findings that in lyn−/− mice, IgG1 Ab-forming cells develop prematurely in ontogeny and that adult lyn−/− mice have an abnormally high proportion of IgG1-expressing B cells in their spleens. Adult lyn−/− mice also have significantly higher levels of IgE in their serum. These results identify Lyn as a molecule involved in modulating the IL-4 signal in B cells and provide insights into its regulation and how a B cell signaling imbalance may contribute to atopy.

Inhibition of Kit Expression by IL-4 and IL-10 in Murine Mast Cells: Role of STAT6 and Phosphatidylinositol 3′-Kinase

The c-kit protooncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that is known to play a critical role in hemopoiesis and is essential for mast cell growth, differentiation, and cytokine production. Studies have shown that the Th2 cytokine IL-4 can down-regulate Kit expression on human and murine mast cells, but the mechanism of this down-regulation has remained unresolved. Using mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, we demonstrate that IL-4-mediated Kit down-regulation requires STAT6 expression and phosphotidylinositide-3′-kinase activation. We also find that the Th2 cytokine IL-10 potently down-regulates Kit expression. IL-4 enhances IL-10-mediated inhibition in a manner that is STAT6 independent and phosphotidylinositide-3′-kinase dependent. Both IL-4- and IL-10-mediated Kit down-regulation were coupled with little or no change in c-kit mRNA levels, no significant change in Kit protein stability, but decreased total Kit protein expression. Inhibition of Kit expression by IL-4 and IL-10 resulted in a loss of Kit-mediated signaling, as evidenced by reduced IL-13 and TNF-α mRNA induction after stem cell factor stimulation. These data offer a role for STAT6 and phosphotidylinositide-3′-kinase in IL-4-mediated Kit down-regulation, coupled with the novel observation that IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of Kit expression and function. Regulating Kit expression and signaling may be essential to controlling mast cell-mediated inflammatory responses.

Negative signaling in health and disease

Signal transduction induced by receptors can elicit intracellular biochemical events that either support or inhibit cell activation. Induction of the latter has been termed "negative signaling" and can be triggered by receptors on immune cells that are distinct from activating receptors while other growth-promoting receptors induce both positive and negative signaling events. Here, the biochemistry leading to cell activation or inhibition and induced by receptors on immune cells are reviewed. Furthermore, recent experimental evidence is reviewed that indicates an important contribution of negative signaling to the intracellular survival of infectious pathogens.

The IL-4 receptor: signaling mechanisms and biologic functions

Interleukin-4 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses. Its effects depend upon binding to and signaling through a receptor complex consisting of the IL-4R alpha chain and the common gamma chain (gamma c), resulting in a series of phosphorylation events mediated by receptor-associated kinases. In turn, these cause the recruitment of mediators of cell growth, of resistance to apoptosis, and of gene activation and differentiation. Here we describe our current understanding of the organization of the IL-4 receptor, of the signaling pathways that are induced as a result of receptor occupancy, and of the various mechanisms through which receptor function is modulated. We particularly emphasize the modular nature of the receptor and the specialization of different receptor regions for distinct functions, most notably the independent regulation of cell growth and gene activation.

Cutting Edge: Effects of an Allergy-Associated Mutation in the Human IL-4Rα (Q576R) on Human IL-4-Induced Signal Transduction

A mutation in the human (hu) IL-4Rα, Q576R, has been linked with allergy in humans. Increased sensitivity of patients cells with this mutation to IL-4 suggest that a Q576R change enhances IL-4 signaling. To directly test this hypothesis, we analyzed the ability of huIL-4Rα cDNA bearing the Q576R and Y575F mutations to signal tyrosine phosphorylation, DNA-binding activity, proliferation, protection from apoptosis, and CD23 induction in response to huIL-4 in murine cells. Responses generated by the Q576R and Y575F mutants were similar to those of the wild-type receptor, using various concentrations of huIL-4 and times of stimulation. These results indicate that neither the Q576R nor the Y575F mutations have a significant direct effect on IL-4 signal transduction, and that hypersensitive induction of CD23 in cells derived from human allergy patients may be due to different and/or additional alterations in the IL-4 signaling pathway.

Interleukin-7: physiological roles and mechanisms of action

Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a product of stromal cells, provides critical signals to lymphoid cells at early stages in their development. Two types of cellular responses to IL-7 have been identified in lymphoid progenitors: (1) a trophic effect and (2) an effect supporting V(D)J recombination. The IL-7 receptor is comprised of two chains, IL-7R alpha and gamma(c). Following receptor crosslinking, rapid activation of several classes of kinases occurs, including members of the Janus and Src families and PI3-kinase. A number of transcription factors are subsequently activated including STATs, c-myc, NFAT and AP-1. However, it remains to be determined which, if any, previously identified pathway leads to the trophic or V(D)J endpoints. The trophic response to IL-7 involves protecting lymphoid progenitors from a death process that resembles apoptosis. This protection is partly mediated by IL-7 induction of Bcl-2, however other IL-7-induced events are probably also involved in the trophic response. The V(D)J response to IL-7 is partly mediated through increased production of Rag proteins (which cleave the target locus) and partly by increasing the accessibility of a target locus to cleavage through chromatin remodeling.

Interleukin-4 receptor signalling mechanisms and their biological significance

These studies describe key elements of the means through which the IL-4 receptor transduces functions of IL-4 and show relationships between these biochemical events and the major biological consequences of IL-4 action. In large measure, the control of IL-4-mediated growth and gene activation are segregated to different regions of the cytosolic domain of the receptor. These regions function by interacting with specific signaling molecules, leading to the activation of these molecules and the intracellular signaling pathways that result in the observed biological effects of IL-4.

Association of the interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain with p47phox, an activator of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase in B cells

Interleukin (IL)-4 plays an important role in IgE synthesis in B cells and in Th2 differentiation in T cells. IL-4 conducts its biological activities through binding to the IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) on the surface of target cells. IL-4R are thought to be composed of the IL-4R alpha chain (IL-4R alpha) and either the IL-2R gamma chain or the IL-13R alpha chain. We have previously shown that the membrane-proximal portion in the cytoplasmic domain of the human IL-4R alpha (hIL-4R alpha) is critical for proliferation, generation of germline epsilon transcript, and activation of STAT6, based on analyses of truncated hIL-4R alphas. In this study, we found that p47phox, an activator of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, binds to this portion by the two-hybrid system. Furthermore, we observed the association of p47phox with the hIL-4R alpha in B cells derived from a normal donor. These results suggest that p47phox is involved in the signal transduction of IL-4 in B cells. However, activation of STAT6, CD23 expression, and IgE synthesis induced by IL-4 were not affected in p47phox-deficient patients, which raises the possibility that p47phox may be important in other signaling activities as well in B cells.

The interleukin-4 receptor activates STAT5 by a mechanism that relies upon common gamma-chain

Interleukin (IL)-4 signaling proceeds via cytoplasmic activation of the Janus kinases JAK1 and JAK3 and the signal transducer and activator of transcription STAT6. We show that the IL-4 receptor, like other cytokine receptor systems utilizing the common receptor gamma-chain (gammac), is also connected to a signaling pathway that involves STAT5. Both STAT5a and STAT5b become tyrosine-phosphorylated and acquire specific DNA-binding properties in response to IL-4 receptor stimulation in the murine pro-B cell line Ba/F3. In preactivated human T cells, STAT5 became activated in an IL-4-dependent fashion as assayed by IL-4-induced STAT5 translocation from the cytoplasm to the cell nucleus and by binding to cognate DNA. Moreover, stimulation of preactivated human T cells by IL-4 led to specific transcriptional up-regulation of STAT5 target genes. IL-4 receptor-mediated STAT5 activation is dependent on the presence of gammac and JAK3 within the receptor complex. In COS-7 cells, the JAK/STAT pathway leading from the IL-4 receptor to STAT5-dependent regulation of a reporter gene relied largely on coexpression of JAK3. In Ba/F3 cells, studies on signal transduction evoked by directed specific receptor homo- or heterodimerization revealed that STAT5 activation can be triggered exclusively by IL-4R heterodimers containing gammac.

In vivo function of an interleukin 2 receptor beta chain (IL-2Rbeta)/IL-4Ralpha cytokine receptor chimera potentiates allergic airway disease

Strength of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, coreceptors, costimulation, antigen-presenting cell type, and cytokines all play crucial roles in determining the efficiency with which type 2 T lymphocytes (Th2, Tc2) develop from uncommitted precursors. To investigate in vivo regulatory mechanisms that control the population of type 2 T cells and disease susceptibility, we have created lines of transgenic mice in which expression of a chimeric cytokine receptor (the mouse interleukin 2 receptor beta chain [IL-2Rbeta] extracellular domain fused to the cytoplasmic tail of IL-4Ralpha) is targeted to the T lymphoid lineage using the proximal lck promoter. This chimera transduced IL-4-specific signals in response to IL-2 binding and dramatically enhanced type 2 responses (IL-4, IL-5, and immunoglobulin E production) upon in vitro TCR stimulation or in vivo antigen challenge. Thus, type 2 effector function was augmented by IL-4 signals transduced through a chimeric receptor expressed in a T cell-specific manner. This influence was sufficient for establishment of antigen-induced allergic airway hyperresponsiveness on a disease-resistant background (C57BL/6).

Characterization of a Mobile Stat6 Activation Motif in the Human IL-4 Receptor

The IL-4R induces proliferation and gene expression through the use of conserved tyrosine residues located in growth and gene regulation domains, respectively. We demonstrate that residues surrounding these conserved tyrosines (juxtatyrosine residues) are essential for the proper activation of the signaling molecules IRS-2 and Stat6, as well as for IL-4-induced gene expression. Further, we found that the IL-4R gene regulation domain (amino acids 557–657) contains a tyrosine-based sequence (EAGYKAF) that can convey Stat6 DNA binding and gene expression activities to a minimally active IL-4R mutant, Δ557. Thus, this tyrosine-based sequence can function as a mobile Stat6 activation cassette. However, mutants bearing this sequence induced CD23 expression much less efficiently than did wild-type IL-4R, requiring 150-fold more IL-4 to reach maximal CD23 expression. Our results indicate the importance of juxtatyrosine residues in IL-4R signaling and argue for an essential role of extended domain structure in the recognition and function of juxtatyrosine sequences.

Regulation of Apoptosis by Tyrosine-Containing Domains of IL-4Rα: Y497 and Y713, But Not the STAT6-Docking Tyrosines, Signal Protection from Apoptosis

IL-4 is a cytokine with important antiapoptotic activity. We have analyzed the role that tyrosine-containing domains within the cytoplasmic tail of IL-4Rα play in IL-4-mediated protection from apoptosis. 32D cells expressing a wt huIL-4Rα or one truncated at aa 557 were protected by huIL-4 from apoptosis while cells expressing a receptor truncated at aa 657 were not, suggesting that the carboxyl-terminal domain signals protection from apoptosis. However, changing Y713 within this region to phenylalanine had no effect. To analyze the contribution of tyrosine-containing domains independently, we transplanted regions of the huIL-4Rα to a truncated form of the huIL-2Rβ that could not signal protection from apoptosis. Transplantation of the huIL-4Rα domains containing Y497 or Y713 partially prevented cell death and together signaled protection from apoptosis in response to IL-2 as well as the wt IL-2Rβ. Mutation of Y497 and Y713 to phenylalanine inhibited protection. In contrast, transplantation of the domain containing the potential STAT6-docking tyrosines alone had no effect, yet it inhibited the protection mediated by the other domains. Although IL-4Rα signals Shc and SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) phosphorylation, we could not establish an association between their activation and protection from apoptosis. Taken together, this study suggests that the domains of the huIL-4Rα containing Y497 and Y713 positively regulate protection from apoptosis while the domain containing the STAT6 docking sites suppresses this protection, and that additional signaling molecules other than insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1), Shc, or SHIP may be involved in antiapoptotic signaling.