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Jeffreys N, Brockman JM, Zhai Y, Ingber DE, Mooney DJ. Mechanical forces amplify TCR mechanotransduction in T cell activation and function. APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 11:011304. [PMID: 38434676 PMCID: PMC10848667 DOI: 10.1063/5.0166848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive T cell immunotherapies, including engineered T cell receptor (eTCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapies, have shown efficacy in treating a subset of hematologic malignancies, exhibit promise in solid tumors, and have many other potential applications, such as in fibrosis, autoimmunity, and regenerative medicine. While immunoengineering has focused on designing biomaterials to present biochemical cues to manipulate T cells ex vivo and in vivo, mechanical cues that regulate their biology have been largely underappreciated. This review highlights the contributions of mechanical force to several receptor-ligand interactions critical to T cell function, with central focus on the TCR-peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC). We then emphasize the role of mechanical forces in (i) allosteric strengthening of the TCR-pMHC interaction in amplifying ligand discrimination during T cell antigen recognition prior to activation and (ii) T cell interactions with the extracellular matrix. We then describe approaches to design eTCRs, CARs, and biomaterials to exploit TCR mechanosensitivity in order to potentiate T cell manufacturing and function in adoptive T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunhao Zhai
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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2
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Fernández-Aguilar LM, Vico-Barranco I, Arbulo-Echevarria MM, Aguado E. A Story of Kinases and Adaptors: The Role of Lck, ZAP-70 and LAT in Switch Panel Governing T-Cell Development and Activation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1163. [PMID: 37759563 PMCID: PMC10525366 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Specific antigen recognition is one of the immune system's features that allows it to mount intense yet controlled responses to an infinity of potential threats. T cells play a relevant role in the host defense and the clearance of pathogens by means of the specific recognition of peptide antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), and, to do so, they are equipped with a clonally distributed antigen receptor called the T-cell receptor (TCR). Upon the specific engagement of the TCR, multiple intracellular signals are triggered, which lead to the activation, proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes into effector cells. In addition, this signaling cascade also operates during T-cell development, allowing for the generation of cells that can be helpful in the defense against threats, as well as preventing the generation of autoreactive cells. Early TCR signals include phosphorylation events in which the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP70 are involved. The sequential activation of these kinases leads to the phosphorylation of the transmembrane adaptor LAT, which constitutes a signaling hub for the generation of a signalosome, finally resulting in T-cell activation. These early signals play a relevant role in triggering the development, activation, proliferation and apoptosis of T cells, and the negative regulation of these signals is key to avoid aberrant processes that could generate inappropriate cellular responses and disease. In this review, we will examine and discuss the roles of the tyrosine kinases Lck and ZAP70 and the membrane adaptor LAT in these cellular processes.
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Grants
- PY20_01297 Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
- PID2020-113943RB-I00 Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain
- PR2022-037 University of Cádiz
- PAIDI2020/DOC_01433 Consejería de Transformación Económica, Industria, Conocimiento y Universidades, Junta de Andalucía, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Fernández-Aguilar
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Vico-Barranco
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Mikel M. Arbulo-Echevarria
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
| | - Enrique Aguado
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Cadiz (INIBICA), 11009 Cadiz, Spain; (L.M.F.-A.); (I.V.-B.); (M.M.A.-E.)
- Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health (Immunology), University of Cadiz, 11002 Cadiz, Spain
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3
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Laletin V, Bernard PL, Costa da Silva C, Guittard G, Nunes JA. Negative intracellular regulators of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling as potential antitumor immunotherapy targets. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005845. [PMID: 37217244 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies aim to mobilize immune defenses against tumor cells by targeting mainly T cells. Co-inhibitory receptors or immune checkpoints (ICPs) (such as PD-1 and CTLA4) can limit T cell receptor (TCR) signal propagation in T cells. Antibody-based blocking of immune checkpoints (immune checkpoint inhibitors, ICIs) enable escape from ICP inhibition of TCR signaling. ICI therapies have significantly impacted the prognosis and survival of patients with cancer. However, many patients remain refractory to these treatments. Thus, alternative approaches for cancer immunotherapy are needed. In addition to membrane-associated inhibitory molecules, a growing number of intracellular molecules may also serve to downregulate signaling cascades triggered by TCR engagement. These molecules are known as intracellular immune checkpoints (iICPs). Blocking the expression or the activity of these intracellular negative signaling molecules is a novel field of action to boost T cell-mediated antitumor responses. This area is rapidly expanding. Indeed, more than 30 different potential iICPs have been identified. Over the past 5 years, several phase I/II clinical trials targeting iICPs in T cells have been registered. In this study, we summarize recent preclinical and clinical data demonstrating that immunotherapies targeting T cell iICPs can mediate regression of solid tumors including (membrane associated) immune-checkpoint inhibitor refractory cancers. Finally, we discuss how these iICPs are targeted and controlled. Thereby, iICP inhibition is a promising strategy opening new avenues for future cancer immunotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Laletin
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Bernard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Cathy Costa da Silva
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Geoffrey Guittard
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Immunity and Cancer, Cancer Research Centre Marseille, Marseille, France
- Onco-hematology and immuno-oncology (OHIO), Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
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4
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Gangopadhyay K, Roy S, Sen Gupta S, Chandradasan A, Chowdhury S, Das R. Regulating the discriminatory response to antigen by T-cell receptor. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:BSR20212012. [PMID: 35260878 PMCID: PMC8965820 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell-mediated immune response constitutes a robust host defense mechanism to eliminate pathogens and oncogenic cells. T cells play a central role in such a defense mechanism and creating memories to prevent any potential infection. T cell recognizes foreign antigen by its surface receptors when presented through antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and calibrates its cellular response by a network of intracellular signaling events. Activation of T-cell receptor (TCR) leads to changes in gene expression and metabolic networks regulating cell development, proliferation, and migration. TCR does not possess any catalytic activity, and the signaling initiates with the colocalization of several enzymes and scaffold proteins. Deregulation of T cell signaling is often linked to autoimmune disorders like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. The TCR remarkably distinguishes the minor difference between self and non-self antigen through a kinetic proofreading mechanism. The output of TCR signaling is determined by the half-life of the receptor antigen complex and the time taken to recruit and activate the downstream enzymes. A longer half-life of a non-self antigen receptor complex could initiate downstream signaling by activating associated enzymes. Whereas, the short-lived, self-peptide receptor complex disassembles before the downstream enzymes are activated. Activation of TCR rewires the cellular metabolic response to aerobic glycolysis from oxidative phosphorylation. How does the early event in the TCR signaling cross-talk with the cellular metabolism is an open question. In this review, we have discussed the recent developments in understanding the regulation of TCR signaling, and then we reviewed the emerging role of metabolism in regulating T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustav Gangopadhyay
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
| | - Swarnendu Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
| | - Soumee Sen Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
| | - Athira C. Chandradasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
| | - Subhankar Chowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
| | - Rahul Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
- Centre for Advanced Functional Materials, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur campus, Mohanpur 741246, India
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5
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Liu Y, Yan X, Zhang F, Zhang X, Tang F, Han Z, Li Y. TCR-T Immunotherapy: The Challenges and Solutions. Front Oncol 2022; 11:794183. [PMID: 35145905 PMCID: PMC8822241 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.794183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor-engineered T cell (TCR-T) therapy is free from the limit of surface antigen expression of the target cells, which is a potential cellular immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Significant advances in the treatment of hematologic malignancies with cellular immunotherapy have aroused the interest of researchers in the treatment of solid tumors. Nevertheless, the overall efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors was not significantly high when compared with hematological malignancies. In this article, we pay attention to the barriers of TCR-T cell immunotherapy for solid tumors, as well as the strategies affecting the efficacy of TCR-T cell immunotherapy. To provide some reference for researchers to better overcome the impact of TCR-T cell efficiency in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Liu
- Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Han
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Key Laboratory of the Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yumin Li,
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6
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Schreiber S, Honz M, Mamozai W, Kurktschiev P, Schiemann M, Witter K, Moore E, Zielinski C, Sette A, Protzer U, Wisskirchen K. Characterization of a library of 20 HBV-specific MHC class II-restricted T cell receptors. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:476-489. [PMID: 34853796 PMCID: PMC8605085 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CD4+ T cells play an important role in the immune response against cancer and infectious diseases. However, mechanistic details of their helper function in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in particular, or their advantage for adoptive T cell therapy remain poorly understood as experimental and therapeutic tools are missing. Therefore, we identified, cloned, and characterized a comprehensive library of 20 MHC class II-restricted HBV-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) from donors with acute or resolved HBV infection. The TCRs were restricted by nine different MHC II molecules and specific for eight different epitopes derived from intracellularly processed HBV envelope, core, and polymerase proteins. Retroviral transduction resulted in a robust expression of all TCRs on primary T cells. A high functional avidity was measured for all TCRs specific for epitopes S17, S21, S36, and P774 (half-maximal effective concentration [EC50] <10 nM), or C61 and preS9 (EC50 <100 nM). Eight TCRs recognized peptide variants of HBV genotypes A to D. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells transduced with the MHC II-restricted TCRs were polyfunctional, producing interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-2, and granzyme B (GrzB), and killed peptide-loaded target cells. Our set of MHC class II-restricted TCRs represents an important tool for elucidating CD4+ T cell help in viral infection with potential benefit for T cell therapy.
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7
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Borowicz P, Sundvold V, Chan H, Abrahamsen G, Kjelstrup H, Nyman TA, Spurkland A. Tyr 192 Regulates Lymphocyte-Specific Tyrosine Kinase Activity in T Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1128-1137. [PMID: 34321230 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
TCR signaling critically depends on the tyrosine kinase Lck (lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase). Two phosphotyrosines, the activating pTyr394 and the inhibitory pTyr505, control Lck activity. Recently, pTyr192 in the Lck SH2 domain emerged as a third regulator. How pTyr192 may affect Lck function remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of Lck Tyr192 using CRISPR/Cas9-targeted knock-in mutations in the human Jurkat T cell line. Our data reveal that both Lck pTyr394 and pTyr505 are controlled by Lck Tyr192 Lck with a nonphosphorylated SH2 domain (Lck Phe192) displayed hyperactivity, possibly by promoting Lck Tyr394 transphosphorylation. Lck Glu192 mimicking stable Lck pTyr192 was inhibited by Tyr505 hyperphosphorylation. To overcome this effect, we further mutated Tyr505 The resulting Lck Glu192/Phe505 displayed strongly increased amounts of pTyr394 both in resting and activated T cells. Our results suggest that a fundamental role of Lck pTyr192 may be to protect Lck pTyr394 and/or pTyr505 to maintain a pool of already active Lck in resting T cells. This provides an additional mechanism for fine-tuning of Lck as well as T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Borowicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Vibeke Sundvold
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Hanna Chan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Greger Abrahamsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Hanna Kjelstrup
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Tuula A Nyman
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Spurkland
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and
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8
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Leitner J, Mahasongkram K, Schatzlmaier P, Pfisterer K, Leksa V, Pata S, Kasinrerk W, Stockinger H, Steinberger P. Differentiation and activation of human CD4 T cells is associated with a gradual loss of myelin and lymphocyte protein. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:848-863. [PMID: 33345332 PMCID: PMC8248321 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Upon generation of monoclonal antibodies to the T cell antigen receptor/CD3 (TCR/CD3) complex, we isolated mAb MT3, whose reactivity correlates inversely with the production of IFN‐γ by human peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Using eukaryotic expression cloning, we identified the MT3 antigen as myelin‐and‐lymphocyte (MAL) protein. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrates high surface expression of MAL on all naïve CD4+ T cells whereas MAL expression is diminished on central memory‐ and almost lost on effector memory T cells. MAL– T cells proliferate strongly in response to stimulation with CD3/CD28 antibodies, corroborating that MAL+ T cells are naïve and MAL– T cells memory subtypes. Further, resting MAL– T cells harbor a larger pool of Ser59‐ and Tyr394‐ double phosphorylated lymphocyte‐specific kinase (Lck), which is rapidly increased upon in vitro restimulation. Previously, lack of MAL was reported to prevent transport of Lck, the key protein tyrosine kinase of TCR/CD3 signaling to the cell membrane, and to result in strongly impaired human T cell activation. Here, we show that knocking out MAL did not significantly affect Lck membrane localization and immune synapse recruitment, or transcriptional T cell activation. Collectively, our results indicate that loss of MAL is associated with activation‐induced differentiation of human T cells but not with impaired membrane localization of Lck or TCR signaling capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kodchakorn Mahasongkram
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Philipp Schatzlmaier
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Pfisterer
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vladimir Leksa
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Supansa Pata
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Biomedical Technology Research Centre, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Watchara Kasinrerk
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Biomedical Technology Research Centre, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency at the Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hannes Stockinger
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Centre for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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9
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Noncanonical binding of Lck to CD3ε promotes TCR signaling and CAR function. Nat Immunol 2020; 21:902-913. [PMID: 32690949 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-020-0732-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Initiation of T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling involves phosphorylation of CD3 cytoplasmic tails by the tyrosine kinase Lck. How Lck is recruited to the TCR to initiate signaling is not well known. We report a previously unknown binding motif in the CD3ε cytoplasmic tail that interacts in a noncanonical mode with the Lck SH3 domain: the receptor kinase (RK) motif. The RK motif is accessible only upon TCR ligation, demonstrating how ligand binding leads to Lck recruitment. Binding of the Lck SH3 domain to the exposed RK motif resulted in local augmentation of Lck activity, CD3 phosphorylation, T cell activation and thymocyte development. Introducing the RK motif into a well-characterized 41BB-based chimeric antigen receptor enhanced its antitumor function in vitro and in vivo. Our findings underscore how a better understanding of the functioning of the TCR might promote rational improvement of chimeric antigen receptor design for the treatment of cancer.
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10
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Abstract
Lck is critical for T cell development and activation, as it is the first kinase transducing TCR signaling. Lck can be bound or not bound (free) to the coreceptors (CD4 and CD8) in thymocytes and T cells. After comparing molecular properties of free and coreceptor-bound Lck, free Lck presents higher mobility and activity compared to the coreceptor-bound Lck. The coreceptor-Lck coupling is found to be independent of TCR activation. This information is valuable for better understanding the initiation of TCR signaling and the regulation of T cell sensitivity. Src family kinase Lck plays critical roles during T cell development and activation, as it phosphorylates the TCR/CD3 complex to initiate TCR signaling. Lck is present either in coreceptor-bound or coreceptor-unbound (free) forms, and we here present evidence that the two pools of Lck have different molecular properties. We discovered that the free Lck fraction exhibited higher mobility than CD8α-bound Lck in OT-I T hybridoma cells. The free Lck pool showed more activating Y394 phosphorylation than the coreceptor-bound Lck pool. Consistent with this, free Lck also had higher kinase activity, and free Lck mediated higher T cell activation as compared to coreceptor-bound Lck. Furthermore, the coreceptor-Lck coupling was independent of TCR activation. These findings give insights into the initiation of TCR signaling, suggesting that changes in coreceptor-Lck coupling constitute a mechanism for regulation of T cell sensitivity.
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11
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Garcia E, Ismail S. Spatiotemporal Regulation of Signaling: Focus on T Cell Activation and the Immunological Synapse. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3283. [PMID: 32384769 PMCID: PMC7247333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a signaling network, not only the functions of molecules are important but when (temporal) and where (spatial) those functions are exerted and orchestrated is what defines the signaling output. To temporally and spatially modulate signaling events, cells generate specialized functional domains with variable lifetime and size that concentrate signaling molecules, enhancing their transduction potential. The plasma membrane is a key in this regulation, as it constitutes a primary signaling hub that integrates signals within and across the membrane. Here, we examine some of the mechanisms that cells exhibit to spatiotemporally regulate signal transduction, focusing on the early events of T cell activation from triggering of T cell receptor to formation and maturation of the immunological synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Garcia
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Shehab Ismail
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
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12
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Hilzenrat G, Pandžić E, Yang Z, Nieves DJ, Goyette J, Rossy J, Ma Y, Gaus K. Conformational States Control Lck Switching between Free and Confined Diffusion Modes in T Cells. Biophys J 2020; 118:1489-1501. [PMID: 32097620 PMCID: PMC7091564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell receptor phosphorylation by Lck is an essential step in T cell activation. It is known that the conformational states of Lck control enzymatic activity; however, the underlying principles of how Lck finds its substrate over the plasma membrane remain elusive. Here, single-particle tracking is paired with photoactivatable localization microscopy to observe the diffusive modes of Lck in the plasma membrane. Individual Lck molecules switched between free and confined diffusion in both resting and stimulated T cells. Lck mutants locked in the open conformation were more confined than Lck mutants in the closed conformation. Further confinement of kinase-dead versions of Lck suggests that Lck confinement was not caused by phosphorylated substrates. Our data support a model in which confined diffusion of open Lck results in high local phosphorylation rates, and inactive, closed Lck diffuses freely to enable long-range distribution over the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geva Hilzenrat
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO), Manufacturing, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elvis Pandžić
- BioMedical Imaging Facility, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zhengmin Yang
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel J Nieves
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jesse Goyette
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jérémie Rossy
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau, University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Yuanqing Ma
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katharina Gaus
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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13
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Xu X, Li H, Xu C. Structural understanding of T cell receptor triggering. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:193-202. [PMID: 32047259 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The T cell receptor (TCR) is one of the most complicated receptors in mammalian cells, and its triggering mechanism remains mysterious. As an octamer complex, TCR comprises an antigen-binding subunit (TCRαβ) and three CD3 signaling subunits (CD3ζζ, CD3δε, and CD3γε). Engagement of TCRαβ with an antigen peptide presented on the MHC leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in CD3 cytoplasmic domains (CDs), thus translating extracellular binding kinetics to intracellular signaling events. Whether conformational change plays an important role in the transmembrane signal transduction of TCR is under debate. Attracted by the complexity and functional importance of TCR, many groups have been studying TCR structure and triggering for decades using diverse biochemical and biophysical tools. Here, we synthesize these structural studies and discuss the relevance of the conformational change model in TCR triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, 200031, Shanghai, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, 201210, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Wan R, Wu J, Ouyang M, Lei L, Wei J, Peng Q, Harrison R, Wu Y, Cheng B, Li K, Zhu C, Tang L, Wang Y, Lu S. Biophysical basis underlying dynamic Lck activation visualized by ZapLck FRET biosensor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau2001. [PMID: 31223643 PMCID: PMC6584686 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Lck plays crucial roles in TCR signaling. We developed a new and sensitive FRET biosensor (ZapLck) to visualize Lck kinase activity with high spatiotemporal resolutions in live cells. ZapLck revealed that 62% of Lck signal was preactivated in T-cells. In Lck-deficient JCam T-cells, Lck preactivation was abolished, which can be restored to 51% by reconstitution with wild-type Lck (LckWT) but not a putatively inactive mutant LckY394F. LckWT also showed a stronger basal Lck-Lck interaction and a slower diffusion rate than LckY394F. Interestingly, aggregation of TCR receptors by antibodies in JCam cells led to a strong activation of reconstituted LckY394F similar to LckWT. Both activated LckY394F and LckWT diffused more slowly and displayed increased Lck-Lck interaction at a similar level. Therefore, these results suggest that a phosphorylatable Y394 is necessary for the basal-level interaction and preactivation of LckWT, while antibody-induced TCR aggregation can trigger the full activation of LckY394F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxue Wan
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jenny Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mingxing Ouyang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jiaming Wei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qin Peng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Reed Harrison
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yiqian Wu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Binbin Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kaitao Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yingxiao Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Shaoying Lu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Institute of Engineering in Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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15
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Glatzová D, Cebecauer M. Dual Role of CD4 in Peripheral T Lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2019; 10:618. [PMID: 31001252 PMCID: PMC6454155 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of T-cell receptors (TCRs) with self- and non-self-peptides in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) stimulates crucial signaling events, which in turn can activate T lymphocytes. A variety of accessory molecules further modulate T-cell signaling. Of these, the CD4 and CD8 coreceptors make the most critical contributions to T cell sensitivity in vivo. Whereas, CD4 function in T cell development is well-characterized, its role in peripheral T cells remains incompletely understood. It was originally suggested that CD4 stabilizes weak interactions between TCRs and peptides in the MHC and delivers Lck kinases to that complex. The results of numerous experiments support the latter role, indicating that the CD4-Lck complex accelerates TCR-triggered signaling and controls the availability of the kinase for TCR in the absence of the ligand. On the other hand, extremely low affinity of CD4 for MHC rules out its ability to stabilize the receptor-ligand complex. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on CD4 in T cells, with a special emphasis on the spatio-temporal organization of early signaling events and the relevance for CD4 function. We further highlight the capacity of CD4 to interact with the MHC in the absence of TCR. It drives the adhesion of T cells to the cells that express the MHC. This process is facilitated by the CD4 accumulation in the tips of microvilli on the surface of unstimulated T cells. Based on these observations, we suggest an alternative model of CD4 role in T-cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Glatzová
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia.,Laboratory of Leukocyte Signaling, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Marek Cebecauer
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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Stephen LA, ElMaghloob Y, McIlwraith MJ, Yelland T, Castro Sanchez P, Roda-Navarro P, Ismail S. The Ciliary Machinery Is Repurposed for T Cell Immune Synapse Trafficking of LCK. Dev Cell 2018; 47:122-132.e4. [PMID: 30220567 PMCID: PMC6179904 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Upon engagement of the T cell receptor with an antigen-presenting cell, LCK initiates TCR signaling by phosphorylating its activation motifs. However, the mechanism of LCK activation specifically at the immune synapse is a major question. We show that phosphorylation of the LCK activating Y394, despite modestly increasing its catalytic rate, dramatically focuses LCK localization to the immune synapse. We describe a trafficking mechanism whereby UNC119A extracts membrane-bound LCK by sequestering the hydrophobic myristoyl group, followed by release at the target membrane under the control of the ciliary ARL3/ARL13B. The UNC119A N terminus acts as a "regulatory arm" by binding the LCK kinase domain, an interaction inhibited by LCK Y394 phosphorylation, thus together with the ARL3/ARL13B machinery ensuring immune synapse focusing of active LCK. We propose that the ciliary machinery has been repurposed by T cells to generate and maintain polarized segregation of signals such as activated LCK at the immune synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Stephen
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Yasmin ElMaghloob
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | - Tamas Yelland
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Patricia Castro Sanchez
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain; 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas12), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pedro Roda-Navarro
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid 28040, Spain; 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute (imas12), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Shehab Ismail
- CR-UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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18
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Ji J, Yin Y, Ju H, Xu X, Liu W, Fu Q, Hu J, Zhang X, Sun B. Long non-coding RNA Lnc-Tim3 exacerbates CD8 T cell exhaustion via binding to Tim-3 and inducing nuclear translocation of Bat3 in HCC. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:478. [PMID: 29706626 PMCID: PMC5924754 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although one of the first comprehensive examinations of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression was performed in human CD8 T lymphocytes, little is known about their roles in CD8 T cells functions during the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we show that Lnc-Tim3 is upregulated and negatively correlates with IFN-γ and IL-2 production in tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells of HCC patients. Lnc-Tim3 plays a pivotal role in stimulating CD8 T exhaustion and the survival of the exhausted CD8 T cells. Mechanistically, Lnc-Tim3 specifically binds to Tim-3 and blocks its interaction with Bat3, thus suppressing downstream Lck/ NFAT1/AP-1 signaling, leading to nuclear localization of Bat3, and enhancing p300-dependent p53 and RelA transcriptional activation of anti-apoptosis genes including MDM2 and Bcl-2. In summary, Lnc-Tim3 promotes T cell exhaustion, a phenotype which is correlated with compromised anti-tumor immunity, suggesting that Lnc-Tim3 and its associated signaling pathways may influence the outcome of cancer therapies aimed at modulating the acquired immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ji
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin Yin
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huanyu Ju
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoliang Xu
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiaojiao Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Liver Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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19
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20
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Courtney AH, Lo WL, Weiss A. TCR Signaling: Mechanisms of Initiation and Propagation. Trends Biochem Sci 2017; 43:108-123. [PMID: 29269020 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 315] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which a T cell detects antigen using its T cell antigen receptor (TCR) are crucial to our understanding of immunity and the harnessing of T cells therapeutically. A hallmark of the T cell response is the ability of T cells to quantitatively respond to antigenic ligands derived from pathogens while remaining inert to similar ligands derived from host tissues. Recent studies have revealed exciting properties of the TCR and the behaviors of its signaling effectors that are used to detect and discriminate between antigens. Here we highlight these recent findings, focusing on the proximal TCR signaling molecules Zap70, Lck, and LAT, to provide mechanistic models and insights into the exquisite sensitivity and specificity of the TCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Courtney
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Wan-Lin Lo
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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21
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Baer A, Colon-Moran W, Xiang J, Stapleton JT, Bhattarai N. Src-family kinases negatively regulate NFAT signaling in resting human T cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187123. [PMID: 29073235 PMCID: PMC5658144 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell signaling is required for activation of both natural and therapeutic T cells including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. Identification of novel factors and pathways regulating T cell signaling may aid in development of effective T cell therapies. In resting human T cells, the majority of Src-family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are inactive due to phosphorylation of a conserved carboxy-terminal tyrosine residue. Recently, a pool of enzymatically active SFKs has been identified in resting T cells; however, the significance of these is incompletely understood. Here, we characterized the role of active SFKs in resting human T cells. Pharmacologic inhibition of active SFKs enhanced distal TCR signaling as measured by IL-2 release and CD25 surface expression following TCR-independent activation. Mechanistically, inhibition of the active pool of SFKs induced nuclear translocation of NFAT1, and enhanced NFAT1-dependent signaling in resting T cells. The negative regulation of NFAT1 signaling was in part mediated by the Src-kinase Lck as human T cells lacking Lck had increased levels of nuclear NFAT1 and demonstrated enhanced NFAT1-dependent gene expression. Inhibition of active SFKs in resting primary human T cells also increased nuclear NFAT1 and enhanced NFAT1-dependent signaling. Finally, the calcineurin inhibitor FK506 and Cyclosporin A reversed the effect of SFKs inhibition on NFAT1. Together, these data identified a novel role of SFKs in preventing aberrant NFAT1 activation in resting T cells, and suggest that maintaining this pool of active SFKs in therapeutic T cells may increase the efficacy of T cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Baer
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Winston Colon-Moran
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
| | - Jinhua Xiang
- Research Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Jack T. Stapleton
- Research Service, Iowa City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Nirjal Bhattarai
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland
- * E-mail:
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22
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Courtney AH, Amacher JF, Kadlecek TA, Mollenauer MN, Au-Yeung BB, Kuriyan J, Weiss A. A Phosphosite within the SH2 Domain of Lck Regulates Its Activation by CD45. Mol Cell 2017; 67:498-511.e6. [PMID: 28735895 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The Src Family kinase Lck sets a critical threshold for T cell activation because it phosphorylates the TCR complex and the Zap70 kinase. How a T cell controls the abundance of active Lck molecules remains poorly understood. We have identified an unappreciated role for a phosphosite, Y192, within the Lck SH2 domain that profoundly affects the amount of active Lck in cells. Notably, mutation of Y192 blocks critical TCR-proximal signaling events and impairs thymocyte development in retrogenic mice. We determined that these defects are caused by hyperphosphorylation of the inhibitory C-terminal tail of Lck. Our findings reveal that modification of Y192 inhibits the ability of CD45 to associate with Lck in cells and dephosphorylate the C-terminal tail of Lck, which prevents its adoption of an active open conformation. These results suggest a negative feedback loop that responds to signaling events that tune active Lck amounts and TCR sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam H Courtney
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jeanine F Amacher
- Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Theresa A Kadlecek
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 04143, USA
| | - Marianne N Mollenauer
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 04143, USA
| | - Byron B Au-Yeung
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John Kuriyan
- Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Division of Rheumatology, Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Arthritis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 04143, USA.
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23
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Philipsen L, Reddycherla AV, Hartig R, Gumz J, Kästle M, Kritikos A, Poltorak MP, Prokazov Y, Turbin E, Weber A, Zuschratter W, Schraven B, Simeoni L, Müller AJ. De novo phosphorylation and conformational opening of the tyrosine kinase Lck act in concert to initiate T cell receptor signaling. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/462/eaaf4736. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaf4736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Ballek O, Valečka J, Dobešová M, Broučková A, Manning J, Řehulka P, Stulík J, Filipp D. TCR Triggering Induces the Formation of Lck-RACK1-Actinin-1 Multiprotein Network Affecting Lck Redistribution. Front Immunol 2016; 7:449. [PMID: 27833610 PMCID: PMC5081367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The initiation of T-cell signaling is critically dependent on the function of the member of Src family tyrosine kinases, Lck. Upon T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) triggering, Lck kinase activity induces the nucleation of signal-transducing hubs that regulate the formation of complex signaling network and cytoskeletal rearrangement. In addition, the delivery of Lck function requires rapid and targeted membrane redistribution, but the mechanism underpinning this process is largely unknown. To gain insight into this process, we considered previously described proteins that could assist in this process via their capacity to interact with kinases and regulate their intracellular translocations. An adaptor protein, receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), was chosen as a viable option, and its capacity to bind Lck and aid the process of activation-induced redistribution of Lck was assessed. Our microscopic observation showed that T-cell activation induces a rapid, concomitant, and transient co-redistribution of Lck and RACK1 into the forming immunological synapse. Consistent with this observation, the formation of transient RACK1-Lck complexes were detectable in primary CD4+ T-cells with their maximum levels peaking 10 s after TCR-CD4 co-aggregation. Moreover, RACK1 preferentially binds to a pool of kinase active pY394Lck, which co-purifies with high molecular weight cellular fractions. The formation of RACK1-Lck complexes depends on functional SH2 and SH3 domains of Lck and includes several other signaling and cytoskeletal elements that transiently bind the complex. Notably, the F-actin-crosslinking protein, α-actinin-1, binds to RACK1 only in the presence of kinase active Lck suggesting that the formation of RACK1-pY394Lck-α-actinin-1 complex serves as a signal module coupling actin cytoskeleton bundling with productive TCR/CD4 triggering. In addition, the treatment of CD4+ T-cells with nocodazole, which disrupts the microtubular network, also blocked the formation of RACK1-Lck complexes. Importantly, activation-induced Lck redistribution was diminished in primary CD4+ T-cells by an adenoviral-mediated knockdown of RACK1. These results demonstrate that in T cells, RACK1, as an essential component of the multiprotein complex which upon TCR engagement, links the binding of kinase active Lck to elements of the cytoskeletal network and affects the subcellular redistribution of Lck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Ballek
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jan Valečka
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Martina Dobešová
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Adéla Broučková
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jasper Manning
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Řehulka
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Institute of Molecular Pathology , Hradec Králové , Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Stulík
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Institute of Molecular Pathology , Hradec Králové , Czech Republic
| | - Dominik Filipp
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Institute of Molecular Genetics AS CR , Prague , Czech Republic
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Rohrs JA, Wang P, Finley SD. Predictive Model of Lymphocyte-Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase (LCK) Autoregulation. Cell Mol Bioeng 2016; 9:351-367. [PMID: 27547268 PMCID: PMC4978775 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-016-0438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) is a key activator of T cells; however, little is known about the specific autoregulatory mechanisms that control its activity. We have constructed a model of LCK autophosphorylation and phosphorylation by the regulating kinase CSK. The model was fit to existing experimental data in the literature that presents an in vitro reconstituted membrane system, which provides more physiologically relevant kinetic measurements than traditional solution-based systems. The model is able to predict a robust mechanism of LCK autoregulation. It provides insights into the molecular causes of key site-specific phosphorylation differences between distinct experimental conditions. Probing the model also provides new hypotheses regarding the influence of individual binding and catalytic rates, which can be tested experimentally. This minimal model is required to elucidate the mechanistic interactions of LCK and CSK and can be further expanded to better understand T cell activation from a systems perspective. Our computational model enables the evaluation of LCK protein interactions that mediate T cell activation on a more quantitative level, providing new insights and testable hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Rohrs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, DRB 140, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, DRB 140, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA ; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 1042 Downey Way, DRB 140, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA ; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
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26
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Remarkably low affinity of CD4/peptide-major histocompatibility complex class II protein interactions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:5682-7. [PMID: 27114505 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1513918113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The αβ T-cell coreceptor CD4 enhances immune responses more than 1 million-fold in some assays, and yet the affinity of CD4 for its ligand, peptide-major histocompatibility class II (pMHC II) on antigen-presenting cells, is so weak that it was previously unquantifiable. Here, we report that a soluble form of CD4 failed to bind detectably to pMHC II in surface plasmon resonance-based assays, establishing a new upper limit for the solution affinity at 2.5 mM. However, when presented multivalently on magnetic beads, soluble CD4 bound pMHC II-expressing B cells, confirming that it is active and allowing mapping of the native coreceptor binding site on pMHC II. Whereas binding was undetectable in solution, the affinity of the CD4/pMHC II interaction could be measured in 2D using CD4- and adhesion molecule-functionalized, supported lipid bilayers, yielding a 2D Kd of ∼5,000 molecules/μm(2) This value is two to three orders of magnitude higher than previously measured 2D Kd values for interacting leukocyte surface proteins. Calculations indicated, however, that CD4/pMHC II binding would increase rates of T-cell receptor (TCR) complex phosphorylation by threefold via the recruitment of Lck, with only a small, 2-20% increase in the effective affinity of the TCR for pMHC II. The affinity of CD4/pMHC II therefore seems to be set at a value that increases T-cell sensitivity by enhancing phosphorylation, without compromising ligand discrimination.
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Blas-Rus N, Bustos-Morán E, Pérez de Castro I, de Cárcer G, Borroto A, Camafeita E, Jorge I, Vázquez J, Alarcón B, Malumbres M, Martín-Cófreces NB, Sánchez-Madrid F. Aurora A drives early signalling and vesicle dynamics during T-cell activation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11389. [PMID: 27091106 PMCID: PMC4838898 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora A is a serine/threonine kinase that contributes to the progression of mitosis by inducing microtubule nucleation. Here we have identified an unexpected role for Aurora A kinase in antigen-driven T-cell activation. We find that Aurora A is phosphorylated at the immunological synapse (IS) during TCR-driven cell contact. Inhibition of Aurora A with pharmacological agents or genetic deletion in human or mouse T cells severely disrupts the dynamics of microtubules and CD3ζ-bearing vesicles at the IS. The absence of Aurora A activity also impairs the activation of early signalling molecules downstream of the TCR and the expression of IL-2, CD25 and CD69. Aurora A inhibition causes delocalized clustering of Lck at the IS and decreases phosphorylation levels of tyrosine kinase Lck, thus indicating Aurora A is required for maintaining Lck active. These findings implicate Aurora A in the propagation of the TCR activation signal. Aurora A is a protein kinase that contributes to the progression of mitosis by stimulating microtubule nucleation. Here the authors show that Aurora A also functions during T cell activation by maintaining TCR signaling through Lck activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Blas-Rus
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Diego de León 62, Madrid 28006, Spain
| | - Eugenio Bustos-Morán
- Cell-cell Communication Laboratory, Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ignacio Pérez de Castro
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Guillermo de Cárcer
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Aldo Borroto
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Nicolás cabrera 1, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Emilio Camafeita
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Jorge
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Nicolás cabrera 1, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Marcos Malumbres
- Cell Division and Cancer Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Noa B Martín-Cófreces
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Diego de León 62, Madrid 28006, Spain.,Cell-cell Communication Laboratory, Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Francisco Sánchez-Madrid
- Servicio de Inmunología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/ Diego de León 62, Madrid 28006, Spain.,Cell-cell Communication Laboratory, Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/ Melchor Fdz Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Manz BN, Tan YX, Courtney AH, Rutaganira F, Palmer E, Shokat KM, Weiss A. Small molecule inhibition of Csk alters affinity recognition by T cells. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 26302204 PMCID: PMC4568592 DOI: 10.7554/elife.08088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), the primary negative regulator of Src-family kinases (SFK), plays a crucial role in controlling basal and inducible receptor signaling. To investigate how Csk activity regulates T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling, we utilized a mouse expressing mutated Csk (CskAS) whose catalytic activity is specifically and rapidly inhibited by a small molecule. Inhibition of CskAS during TCR stimulation led to stronger and more prolonged TCR signaling and to increased proliferation. Inhibition of CskAS enhanced activation by weak but strictly cognate agonists. Titration of Csk inhibition revealed that a very small increase in SFK activity was sufficient to potentiate T cell responses to weak agonists. Csk plays an important role, not only in basal signaling, but also in setting the TCR signaling threshold and affinity recognition. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08088.001 The immune system has ‘T’ cells that recognize when the body is infected with a virus or bacterium and mount an immune response that is targeted to that microbe. They can also find and eliminate cancer cells. The microbes and cancer cells produce molecules called antigens that are detected by proteins on the surface of the T cell called T cell receptors (TCR). Antigen recognition causes the TCRs to transmit signals to the inside of the T cell that trigger an immune response. The degree to which the TCRs are active, and the length of time that they transmit signals regulates the size of the immune response. Therefore, developing new drugs that manipulate the activity of TCRs could be useful to treat many diseases. An enzyme called Csk inhibits the activities of a small family of proteins involved in a variety of different processes. One protein that Csk targets is called Lck and is required for the activation of immune responses in T cells. However, it is not clear whether Csk interacting with this protein stops the release of signals from TCRs, or whether it alters the level to which TCRs need to be activated before they transmit the signals. Manz, Tan et al. studied T cells from mice that had a mutant form of Csk that is inhibited by a drug called 3-iodo-benzyl-PP1 (3-IB-PP1), but otherwise works normally. When these cells detected an antigen in the presence of the drug, its TCRs were more highly activated and transmitted signals for a longer period of time than cells not exposed to the drug. The drug especially enhanced immune responses to very weak antigens, ones that might not activate T cells under normal circumstances. Manz, Tan et al.'s findings confirm that Csk plays a negative role in the activation of T cells and suggest that Csk may be a useful target for drug therapies that aim to fine-tune immune responses. The next challenge is to find a drug that can inhibit normal Csk enzymes and test this in mice and other animals. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08088.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Boryana N Manz
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ying Xim Tan
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Adam H Courtney
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Florentine Rutaganira
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Ed Palmer
- Departments of Biomedicine and Nephrology, University Hospital Basel, University of basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Arthur Weiss
- Rosalind Russell and Ephraim P. Engleman Rheumatology Research Center, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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