Downstream signaling molecules bind to different phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) peptides of the high affinity IgE receptor

Research Advances in Mast Cell Biology and Their Translation Into Novel Therapies for Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an acute, potentially life-threatening systemic allergic reaction for which there are no known reliable preventative therapies. Its primary cell mediator, the mast cell, has several pathophysiologic roles and functions in IgE-mediated reactions that continue to be poorly understood. Recent advances in the understanding of allergic mechanisms have identified novel targets for inhibiting mast cell function and activation. The prevention of anaphylaxis is within reach with new drugs that could modulate immune tolerance, mast cell proliferation and differentiation, and IgE regulation and production. Several US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs for chronic urticaria, mastocytosis, and cancer are also being repurposed to prevent anaphylaxis. New therapeutics have not only shown promise in potential efficacy for preventing IgE-mediated reactions, but in some cases, they are able to inform us about mast cell mechanisms in vivo. This review summarizes the most recent advances in the treatment of anaphylaxis that have arisen from new pharmacologic tools and our current understanding of mast cell biology.

Identification of redundancy between human FcεRIβ and MS4A6A proteins points toward additional complex mechanisms for FcεRI trafficking and signaling

BACKGROUND

Allergic diseases are triggered by signaling through the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI. In both mast cells (MCs) and basophils, FcεRI is a tetrameric receptor complex comprising a ligand-binding α subunit (FcεRIα), a tetraspan β subunit (FcεRIβ, MS4A2) responsible for trafficking and signal amplification, and a signal transducing dimer of single transmembrane γ subunits (FcεRIγ). However, FcεRI also exists as presumed trimeric complexes that lack FcεRIβ and are expressed on several cell types outside the MC and basophil lineages. Despite known differences between humans and mice in the presence of the trimeric FcεRI complex, questions remain as to how it traffics and whether it signals in the absence of FcεRIβ. We have previously reported that targeting FcεRIβ with exon-skipping oligonucleotides eliminates IgE-mediated degranulation in mouse MCs, but equivalent targeting in human MCs was not effective at reducing degranulation.

RESULTS

Here, we report that the FcεRIβ-like protein MS4A6A exists in human MCs and compensates for FcεRIβ in FcεRI trafficking and signaling. Human MS4A6A promotes surface expression of FcεRI complexes and facilitates degranulation. MS4A6A and FcεRIβ are encoded by highly related genes within the MS4A gene family that cluster within the human gene loci 11q12-q13, a region linked to allergy and asthma susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest the presence of either FcεRIβ or MS4A6A is sufficient for degranulation, indicating that MS4A6A could be an elusive FcεRIβ-like protein in human MCs that performs compensatory functions in allergic disease.

Drug repositioning of anti-microbial agent nifuratel to treat mast cell-mediated allergic responses

Objectives: Our objective was to assess the effects and mechanisms of nifuratel on IgE-mediated mast cell (MC) degranulation and anaphylaxis in both in vitro and in vivo settings.Methods: The anti-allergic activity of nifuratel was evaluated in mast cell cultures and the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model. The effects of nifuratel on signaling pathways stimulated by antigen in mast cells were measured by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, in vitro protein tyrosine kinase assay, and other molecular biological methods.Results: Nifuratel reversibly inhibited antigen-induced degranulation of MCs (IC50, approximately 0.34 μM for RBL-2H3 cells; approximately 0.94 μM for BMMCs) and suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (IC50, approximately 0.74 μM) and TNF-α (IC50, approximately 0.48 μM). Mechanism studies showed that nifuratel inhibited the phosphorylation of Syk by antigen via the inhibition of recruitment of cytosolic Syk to the ɣ subunit of FcεRI, and decreased the activation of Syk downstream signaling proteins LAT, Akt, and MAPKs. Finally, nifuratel dose-dependently suppressed the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice (ED50, approximately 22 mg/kg).Conclusion: Our findings suggest that nifuratel inhibits pathways essential for the activation of mast cells to suppress anaphylaxis, thereby indicating that the anti-microbial drug, nifuratel, could be a potential drug candidate for IgE-mediated allergic disorders.

Docking of Syk to FcεRI is enhanced by Lyn but limited in duration by SHIP1

The high-affinity immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor, FcεRI, is the primary immune receptor found on mast cells and basophils. Signal initiation is classically attributed to phosphorylation of FcεRI β− and γ-subunits by the Src family kinase (SFK) Lyn, followed by the recruitment and activation of the tyrosine kinase Syk. FcεRI signaling is tuned by the balance between Syk-driven positive signaling and the engagement of inhibitory molecules, including SHIP1. Here, we investigate the mechanistic contributions of Lyn, Syk, and SHIP1 to the formation of the FcεRI signalosome. Using Lyn-deficient RBL-2H3 mast cells, we found that another SFK can weakly monophosphorylate the γ-subunit, yet Syk still binds the incompletely phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). Once recruited, Syk further enhances γ-phosphorylation to propagate signaling. In contrast, the loss of SHIP1 recruitment indicates that Lyn is required for phosphorylation of the β-subunit. We demonstrate two noncanonical Syk binding modes, trans γ-bridging and direct β-binding, that can support signaling when SHIP1 is absent. Using single particle tracking, we reveal a novel role of SHIP1 in regulating Syk activity, where the presence of SHIP1 in the signaling complex acts to increase the Syk:receptor off-rate. These data suggest that the composition and dynamics of the signalosome modulate immunoreceptor signaling activities.

Novel Approaches in the Inhibition of IgE-Induced Mast Cell Reactivity in Food Allergy

Allergy is an IgE-dependent type-I hypersensitivity reaction that can lead to life-threatening systemic symptoms such as anaphylaxis. In the pathogenesis of the allergic response, the common upstream event is the binding of allergens to specific IgE, inducing cross-linking of the high-affinity FcεRI on mast cells, triggering cellular degranulation and the release of histamine, proteases, lipids mediators, cytokines and chemokines with inflammatory activity. A number of novel therapeutic options to curb mast cell activation are in the pipeline for the treatment of severe allergies. In addition to anti-IgE therapy and allergen-specific immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies targeted against several key Th2/alarmin cytokines (i.e. IL-4Rα, IL-33, TSLP), active modification of allergen-specific IgE (i.e. inhibitory compounds, monoclonal antibodies, de-sialylation), engagement of inhibitory receptors on mast cells and allergen-specific adjuvant vaccines, are new promising options to inhibit the uncontrolled release of mast cell mediators upon allergen exposure. In this review, we critically discuss the novel approaches targeting mast cells limiting allergic responses and the immunological mechanisms involved, with special interest on food allergy treatment.

Novel phospho-specific monoclonal antibodies reveal differential regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation within the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif of the Fc receptor γ subunit leading to fine tuning of Syk activation

The cytoplasmic region of the γ chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) contains a consensus sequence termed the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). Phosphorylation of the two tyrosine residues (N-terminal Y47 and C-terminal Y58) in the ITAM sequence is crucial for the recruitment and activation of Syk, a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase with central signaling roles in mast cells. Using a reconstitution system in which individual tyrosine-to-phenylalanine substituted γ chains were expressed in γ-chain-deficient mast cells, we previously reported differential dephosphorylation of these tyrosines. Herein, we developed monoclonal antibodies highly specific to the phosphorylated Y47 and Y58 residues, which enables monitoring their phosphorylation under more physiological conditions. Using these antibodies, preferential dephosphorylation of Y58 following FcεRI stimulation was confirmed. Furthermore, Y58 is potentially more susceptible to phosphorylation than is Y47. Consistent with this, an in vitro kinase assay using these phospho-specific antibodies demonstrated that the Src family kinase Lyn, which is primarily responsible for ITAM phosphorylation, phosphorylates Y58 more efficiently than Y47. These results indicate that Y58 is more susceptible to dephosphorylation and phosphorylation than is Y47. Because a phosphate group on Y58 is more important for Syk binding than is a phosphate group on Y47, the preferential phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of Y58 may contribute to the fine tuning of Syk activity by promoting rapid recruitment and reducing excessive activation.

IgE Activates Monocytes from Cancer Patients to Acquire a Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype

IgE contributes to host-protective functions in parasitic and bacterial infections, often by monocyte and macrophage recruitment. We previously reported that monocytes contribute to tumour antigen-specific IgE-mediated tumour growth restriction in rodent models. Here, we investigate the impact of IgE stimulation on monocyte response, cellular signalling, secretory and tumour killing functions. IgE cross-linking on human monocytes with polyclonal antibodies to mimic formation of immune complexes induced upregulation of co-stimulatory (CD40, CD80, CD86), and reduced expression of regulatory (CD163, CD206, MerTK) monocyte markers. Cross-linking and tumour antigen-specific IgE antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of cancer cells by cancer patient-derived monocytes triggered release of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNFα, MCP-1, IL-10, CXCL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23). High intratumoural gene expression of these mediators was associated with favourable five-year overall survival in ovarian cancer. IgE cross-linking of trimeric FcεRI on monocytes stimulated the phosphorylation of intracellular protein kinases widely reported to be downstream of mast cell and basophil tetrameric FcεRI signalling. These included recently-identified FcεRI pathway kinases Fgr, STAT5, Yes and Lck, which we now associate with monocytes. Overall, anti-tumour IgE can potentiate pro-inflammatory signals, and prime tumour cell killing by human monocytes. These findings will inform the development of IgE monoclonal antibody therapies for cancer.

The FcεRIβ homologue, MS4A4A, promotes FcεRI signal transduction and store-operated Ca2+ entry in human mast cells

Members of the membrane spanning 4A (MS4A) gene family are clustered around 11q12-13, a region linked to allergy and asthma susceptibility. Other than the known functions of FcεRIβ (MS4A2) and CD20 (MS4A1) in mast cell and B cell signaling, respectively, functional studies for the remaining MS4A proteins are lacking. We thus explored whether MS4A4A, a mast cell expressed homologue of FcεRIβ, has related functions to FcεRIβ in FcεRI signaling. We establish in this study that MS4A4A promotes phosphorylation of PLCγ1, calcium flux and degranulation in response to IgE-mediated crosslinking of FcεRI. We previously demonstrated that MS4A4A promotes recruitment of KIT into caveolin-1-enriched microdomains and signaling through PLCγ1. Caveolin-1 itself is an important regulator of IgE-dependent store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) and promotes expression of the store-operated Ca²⁺ channel pore-forming unit, Orai1. We thus further report that MS4A4A functions through interaction with caveolin-1 and recruitment of FcεRI and KIT into lipid rafts. In addition to proximal FcεRI signaling, we similarly show that MS4A4A regulates Orai1-mediated calcium entry downstream of calcium release from stores. Both MS4A4A and Orai1 had limited effects with compound 48/80 stimulation, demonstrating some degree of selectivity of both proteins to FcεRI receptor signaling over Mas-related G Protein coupled receptor X2 signaling. Overall, our data are consistent with the conclusion that MS4A4A performs a related function to the homologous FcεRIβ to promote PLCγ1 signaling, SOCE, and degranulation through FcεRI in human mast cells and thus represents a new target in the regulation of IgE-mediated mast cell activation.

Selection and characterization of FcεRI phospho-ITAM specific antibodies

Post-translational modifications, such as the phosphorylation of tyrosines, are often the initiation step for intracellular signaling cascades. Pan-reactive antibodies against modified amino acids (e.g., anti-phosphotyrosine), which are often used to assay these changes, require isolation of the specific protein prior to analysis and do not identify the specific residue that has been modified (in the case that multiple amino acids have been modified). Phosphorylation state-specific antibodies (PSSAs) developed to recognize post-translational modifications within a specific amino acid sequence can be used to study the timeline of modifications during a signal cascade. We used the FcϵRI receptor as a model system to develop and characterize high-affinity PSSAs using phage and yeast display technologies. We selected three β-subunit antibodies that recognized: 1) phosphorylation of tyrosines Y₂₁₈ or Y₂₂₄; 2) phosphorylation of the Y₂₂₈ tyrosine; and 3) phosphorylation of all three tyrosines. We used these antibodies to study the receptor activation timeline of FcϵR1 in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) upon stimulation with DNP₂₄-BSA. We also selected an antibody recognizing the N-terminal phosphorylation site of the γ-subunit (Y₆₅) of the receptor and applied this antibody to evaluate receptor activation. Recognition patterns of these antibodies show different timelines for phosphorylation of tyrosines in both β and γ subunits. Our methodology provides a strategy to select antibodies specific to post-translational modifications and provides new reagents to study mast cell activation by the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcϵRI.

The many faces of FcγRI: implications for therapeutic antibody function

Fcγ receptor I (FcγRI or CD64) is the sole human Fc receptor with high affinity for monovalent IgG. While it contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif in its cytoplasmic domain, binding of FcγRI can result in a complex array of activating and inhibitory outcomes. For instance, binding of monomeric IgG provides a low-intensity tonic signal through FcγRI that is necessary for full interferon γ receptor signaling in the same cell. Interaction of FcγRI with larger high-avidity complexes can result in phagocytosis, the generation of reactive oxygen species, as well as the synthesis and release of inflammatory cytokines. However, numerous reports also document potent anti-inflammatory effects brought about by FcγRI engagement with immune complexes such as the inhibition of IFNγ and TLR4 signaling, and secretion of interleukin-10. This has led to conflicting hypotheses regarding the function of FcγRI, especially with regard to its role in the efficacy of several therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. While many of these issues are still unclear, continued characterization of the regulation and context dependence of FcγRI function, as well as the molecular mechanisms responsible for these various outcomes, will improve our understanding of FcγRI biology as well as the therapeutic strategies designed to harness or constrain its actions.

Of ITIMs, ITAMs, and ITAMis: revisiting immunoglobulin Fc receptor signaling

Receptors for immunoglobulin Fc regions play multiple critical roles in the immune system, mediating functions as diverse as phagocytosis, triggering degranulation of basophils and mast cells, promoting immunoglobulin class switching, and preventing excessive activation. Transmembrane signaling associated with these functions is mediated primarily by two amino acid sequence motifs, ITAMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs) and ITIMs (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs) that act as the receptors' interface with activating and inhibitory signaling pathways, respectively. While ITAMs mobilize activating tyrosine kinases and their consorts, ITIMs mobilize opposing tyrosine and inositol-lipid phosphatases. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of signaling by these receptors/motifs and their sometimes blurred lines of function.

Inhibition of AMPK through Lyn-Syk-Akt enhances FcεRI signal pathways for allergic response

AMPK was shown to negatively regulate FcεRI activation, and FcεR-mediated Fyn activation can counteract the LKB1/AMPK axis in mast cells. However, the relationship between the major Src family kinase Lyn and AMPK remains poorly defined. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism for AMPK inhibition by FcεRI-Lyn signaling in rat RBL-2H3 cells. We found that FcεRI activation could rapidly inhibit AMPK activation through increased AMPK phosphorylation at the inhibitory Ser485/491 residues without a change at the activating Th172 residue, and this was accompanied by a reduction of ACC phosphorylation. Using specific inhibitors and gene silencing, we found that such AMPK inhibition involved a signaling cascade through Lyn-Syk-Akt. When AMPK was activated by AICAR, A769662 and metformin, FcεRI-mediated Syk, ERK, JNK and p38 activation, and TNFα release were all inhibited. Consistently, AMPK inhibition by compound C increased FcεRI-mediated Lyn activation. Moreover, AMPK activation dominantly impaired IgE-induced recruitment of signal proteins to the FcεRI by blocking the formation of FcεRIβ-Lyn-Syk, FcεRIγ-Lyn-Syk, and AMPK-FcεRIβ complexes. In vitro kinase assay further revealed the ability of AMPKα2 to phosphorylate FcεRIβ in the complex. In vivo, AMPK activation by metformin could readily reduce vascular permeability and ear swelling in a mouse model of passive cutaneous anaphylaxis mediated by IgE. In summary, our findings demonstrate that IgE-mediated FcεRI activation results in AMPK inhibition through activation of Lyn-Syk-Akt pathway, and as such FcεRI receptor can efficiently propagate Lyn-mediated allergic signaling and response. These results provide important insights into the use of AMPK activators for the treatment of allergic diseases.

KEY MESSAGES

AMPK is inhibited by FcεRI via Lyn-Syk-Akt signaling in RBL-2H3 cells. AMPK inhibition supports FcεRI-mediated Lyn signaling and allergic response. Metformin has inhibitory effect on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis.

Shifting FcγRIIA-ITAM from activation to inhibitory configuration ameliorates arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated (RA-associated) inflammation is mediated through the interaction between RA IgG immune complexes and IgG Fc receptors on immune cells. Polymorphisms within the gene encoding the human IgG Fc receptor IIA (hFcγRIIA) are associated with an increased risk of developing RA. Within the hFcγRIIA intracytoplasmic domain, there are 2 conserved tyrosine residues arranged in a noncanonical immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). Here, we reveal that inhibitory engagement of the hFcγRIIA ITAM either with anti-hFcγRII F(ab')2 fragments or intravenous hIgG (IVIg) ameliorates RA-associated inflammation, and this effect was characteristic of previously described inhibitory ITAM (ITAMi) signaling for hFcαRI and hFcγRIIIA, but only involves a single tyrosine. In hFcγRIIA-expressing mice, arthritis induction was inhibited following hFcγRIIA engagement. Moreover, hFcγRIIA ITAMi-signaling reduced ROS and inflammatory cytokine production through inhibition of guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV-1 and IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1), respectively. ITAMi signaling was mediated by tyrosine 304 (Y304) within the hFcγRIIA ITAM, which was required for recruitment of tyrosine kinase SYK and tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Anti-hFcγRII F(ab')2 treatment of inflammatory synovial cells from RA patients inhibited ROS production through induction of ITAMi signaling. These data suggest that shifting constitutive hFcγRIIA-mediated activation to ITAMi signaling could ameliorate RA-associated inflammation.

A quantitative proteomics-based competition binding assay to characterize pITAM-protein interactions

Characterization of ligand-protein binding is of crucial importance in drug discovery. Classical competition binding assays measure the binding of a labeled ligand in the presence of various concentrations of unlabeled ligand and typically use single purified proteins. Here, we introduce a high-throughput approach to study ligand-protein interactions by coupling competition binding assays with mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics. With the use of a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (pITAM) peptide as a model, we characterized pITAM-interacting partners in human lymphocytes. The shapes of competition binding curves of various interacting partners constructed in a single set of quantitative proteomics experiments reflect relative affinities for the pITAM peptide. This strategy can provide an efficient approach to distinguish specific interacting partners, including two signaling kinases possessing tandem SH2 domains, SYK and ZAP-70, as well as other SH2 domain-containing proteins such as CSK and PI3K, from contaminants and to measure relative binding affinities of multiple proteins in a single experiment.

Regulation and function of syk tyrosine kinase in mast cell signaling and beyond

The protein tyrosine kinase Syk plays a critical role in FcεRI signaling in mast cells. Binding of Syk to phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (p-ITAM) of the receptor subunits results in conformational changes and tyrosine phosphorylation at multiple sites that leads to activation of Syk. The phosphorylated tyrosines throughout the molecule play an important role in the regulation of Syk-mediated signaling. Reconstitution of receptor-mediated signaling in Syk^−/− cells by wild-type Syk or mutants which have substitution of these tyrosines with phenylalanine together with in vitro assays has been useful strategies to understand the regulation and function of Syk.

Mast cell signaling: the role of protein tyrosine kinase Syk, its activation and screening methods for new pathway participants

The aggregation by antigen of the IgE bound to its high affinity receptor on mast cells initiates a complex series of biochemical events that result in the release of inflammatory mediators. The essential role of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk has been appreciated for some time, and newer results have defined the mechanism of its activation. The use of siRNA has defined the relative contribution of Syk, Fyn and Gab2 to signaling and has made possible a screening study to identify previously unrecognized molecules that are involved in these pathways.

Adapters in the organization of mast cell signaling

Mast cells are pivotal in innate immunity and play an important role in amplifying adaptive immunity. Nonetheless, they have long been known to be central to the initiation of allergic disorders. This results from the dysregulation of the immune response whereby normally innocuous substances are recognized as non-self, resulting in the production of IgE antibodies to these 'allergens'. Preformed and newly synthesized inflammatory (allergic) mediators are released from the mast cell following allergen-mediated aggregation of allergen-specific IgE bound to the high-affinity receptors for IgE (FcepsilonRI). Thus, the process by which the mast cell is able to interpret the engagement of FcepsilonRI into the molecular events necessary for release of their allergic mediators is of considerable therapeutic interest. Unraveling these molecular events has led to the discovery of a functional class of proteins that are essential in organizing activated signaling molecules and in coordinating and compartmentalizing their activity. These so-called 'adapters' bind multiple signaling proteins and localize them to specific cellular compartments, such as the plasma membrane. This organization is essential for normal mast cell responses. Here, we summarize the role of adapter proteins in mast cells focusing on the most recent advances toward understanding how these molecules work upon FcepsilonRI engagement.

Cooperation of adapter molecules in proximal signaling cascades during allergic inflammation

Activation of mast cells through their high-affinity immunoglobulin E receptor (FcepsilonRI) plays an important role in allergic disorders. Other mast cell-activating stimuli, such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, synergize with FcepsilonRI to enhance allergic inflammation. Thus, there is much interest in understanding how signaling occurs downstream of these receptors. One key event for FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell activation is the inducible formation of multimolecular proximal signaling complexes. These complexes are nucleated by adapter proteins, scaffolds that localize various signaling molecules through their multiple molecule-binding domains. Here we review recent findings in proximal signaling cascades with an emphasis on how adapter molecules cooperate with each other to generate an optimal signal in mast cells, and we discuss how signals crosstalk between FcepsilonRI and TLRs in enhancing mast cell activation. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms leading to mast cell activation will hopefully bring new ideas for the development of novel therapeutics to control allergic diseases.

Positive and negative regulation of antigen receptor signaling by the Shc family of protein adapters

The Shc adapter family includes four members that are expressed as multiple isoforms and participate in signaling by a variety of cell-surface receptors. The biological relevance of Shc proteins as well as their variegated function, which relies on their highly conserved modular structure, is underscored by the distinct and dramatic phenotypic alterations resulting from deletion of individual Shc isoforms both in the mouse and in two model organisms, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. The p52 isoform of ShcA couples antigen and cytokine receptors to Ras activation in both lymphoid and myeloid cells. However, the recognition of the spectrum of activities of p52ShcA in the immune system has been steadily expanding in recent years to other fundamental processes both at the cell and organism levels. Two other Shc family members, p66ShcA and p52ShcC/Rai, have been identified recently in T and B lymphocytes, where they antagonize survival and attenuate antigen receptor signaling. These developments reveal an unexpected and complex interplay of multiple Shc proteins in lymphocytes.

Tyrosines in the carboxyl terminus regulate Syk kinase activity and function

The Syk tyrosine kinase family plays an essential role in immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling. The binding of Syk to tyrosine-phosphorylated ITAM subunits of immunoreceptors, such as FcepsilonRI on mast cells, results in a conformational change, with an increase of enzymatic activity of Syk. This conformational change exposes the COOH-terminal tail of Syk, which has three conserved Tyr residues (Tyr-623, Tyr-624, and Tyr-625 of rat Syk). To understand the role of these residues in signaling, wild-type and mutant Syk with these three Tyr mutated to Phe was expressed in Syk-deficient mast cells. There was decreased FcepsilonRI-induced degranulation, nuclear factor for T cell activation and NFkappaB activation with the mutated Syk together with reduced phosphorylation of MAP kinases p38 and p42/44 ERK. In non-stimulated cells, the mutated Syk was more tyrosine phosphorylated predominantly as a result of autophosphorylation. In vitro, there was reduced binding of mutated Syk to phosphorylated ITAM due to this increased phosphorylation. This mutated Syk from non-stimulated cells had significantly reduced kinase activity toward an exogenous substrate, whereas its autophosphorylation capacity was not affected. However, the kinase activity and the autophosphorylation capacity of this mutated Syk were dramatically decreased when the protein was dephosphorylated before the in vitro kinase reaction. Furthermore, mutation of these tyrosines in the COOH-terminal region of Syk transforms it to an enzyme, similar to its homolog ZAP-70, which depends on other tyrosine kinases for optimal activation. In testing Syk mutated singly at each one of the tyrosines, Tyr-624 but especially Tyr-625 had the major role in these reactions. Therefore, these results indicate that these tyrosines in the tail region play a critical role in regulating the kinase activity and function of Syk.

The tyrosine kinase network regulating mast cell activation

Mast cell mediator release represents a pivotal event in the initiation of inflammatory reactions associated with allergic disorders. These responses follow antigen-mediated aggregation of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-occupied high-affinity receptors for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) on the mast cell surface, a response which can be further enhanced following stem cell factor-induced ligation of the mast cell growth factor receptor KIT (CD117). Activation of tyrosine kinases is central to the ability of both Fc epsilon RI and KIT to transmit downstream signaling events required for the regulation of mast cell activation. Whereas KIT possesses inherent tyrosine kinase activity, Fc epsilon RI requires the recruitment of Src family tyrosine kinases and Syk to control the early receptor-proximal signaling events. The signaling pathways propagated by these tyrosine kinases can be further upregulated by the Tec kinase Bruton's tyrosine kinase and downregulated by the actions of the tyrosine Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) and SHP-2. In this review, we discuss the regulation and role of specific members of this tyrosine kinase network in KIT and Fc epsilon RI-mediated mast cell activation.

Analysis of Proteins Binding to the ITAM Motif of the β-Subunit of the High-Affinity Receptor for IgE (FcεRI)

Aggregation of the multichain (alphabetagamma2) high-affinity IgE receptor (Fcepsilon RI) initiates a signaling cascade that results in the release of allergic mediators. The cytoplasmic tails of the FcepsilonRI-beta and -gamma subunits contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). Phosphorylation of the gammaITAM mediates activation of Syk kinase and is sufficient for triggering the responses induced by Fcepsilon RI crosslinking. Phosphorylation of the betaITAM is insufficient to mediate cell activation. The rat betaITAM contains three tyrosines (Tyr218, Tyr224, and Tyr228) with an intermediate noncanonical tyrosine. Synthetic peptides based on the ITAM of the FcepsilonRI-beta subunit were used to investigate the role of each phosphotyrosine in the binding of signaling proteins to this motif. Among the proteins that bind to phosphorylated beta ITAM are Syk, Grb2, Shc, SHIP, and SHP-1, and binding does not depend on previous cell activation. Nonphosphorylated peptides do not bind these proteins. Syk binding to beta-peptides is dependent on the number and position of phosphotyrosines in the ITAM. Phosphorylation of Tyr218 seems to be most important for Syk binding. Recruitment of Syk and other signaling proteins to the beta-subunit might be important for its amplifier role.

Differential dephosphorylation of the FcRgamma immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif tyrosines with dissimilar potential for activating Syk

The cell surface-expressed gamma chain of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) can be phosphorylated on two tyrosine residues of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), leading to recruitment and activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a kinase that is essential for mast cell signaling and allergic responses. However, it is not known whether preferential phosphorylation or dephosphorylation of the two individual FcRgamma tyrosines (the N-terminal Tyr47 and C-terminal Tyr58) could regulate Syk activation. Herein we report that phosphorylation of only Tyr58 was able to elicit Syk phosphorylation and a weak rise in intracellular calcium, suggesting that Tyr58 phosphorylation may be distinctively important for Syk activation. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that both Tyr47 and Tyr58 could be similarly phosphorylated. However, mass spectrometric analysis of the phosphorylated FcepsilonRgamma from bone marrow-derived mast cells showed that phosphorylation at Tyr47 was at least 2-fold greater than at Tyr58. This suggested that, once phosphorylated, Tyr58 is preferentially dephosphorylated. In vitro studies demonstrated more efficient dephosphorylation of Tyr58 (by the receptor-associated phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2) than of Tyr47. Analysis of Syk binding to wild type and mutant phosphorylated FcepsilonRI revealed that mutation at Tyr58 almost completely ablated Syk binding, whereas mutation at Tyr47 moderately reduced Syk binding. The findings argue for a novel regulatory mechanism, where dephosphorylation of phospho-Tyr58 is likely to promote the down-regulation of Syk activation and suppression of mast cell responses.

Spleen tyrosine kinase: a novel target for therapeutic intervention of rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

In the last few years, significant progress has been made in understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and in defining the role of relevant cells and molecules in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various therapies, both biological (anti-TNF, anti-interleukins [e.g., IL-1]) and small molecule inhibitors have been explored for the treatment of RA.

OBJECTIVE

To date, no single signaling pathway inhibitor as wide acting as the corticosteroids, is known. However, treatment with corticosteroids is also associated with allied side effects. Despite a lot of efforts in the category of small molecule inhibitors, no inhibitor is available to deal with RA at both fronts (inflammation and tissue damage), without causing immense side effects.

METHOD

This present review explores the role of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) in the pathogenesis of RA and also discusses how it may meet the present day therapeutic requirements for the treatment of RA. This review gives an in-depth discussion on the role of Syk signaling in RA, the possibilities of using Syk as a target and also discusses the possible side effects that could be associated with its inhibition.

CONCLUSION

We propose Syk inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of RA.

Proximal signaling events in FcɛRI-mediated mast cell activation

Mast cells are central mediators of allergic diseases. Their involvement in allergic reactions is largely dependent on activation through the specific receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI). Cross-linking of Fc epsilon RI on mast cells initiates a cascade of signaling events that eventually results in degranulation, cytokine/chemokine production, and leukotriene release, contributing to allergic symptomology. Because of the importance of IgE in allergy, much focus has been placed on deciphering the signaling events that take place downstream of Fc epsilon RI. Studies have identified spleen tyrosine kinase as a key proximal regulator of Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling. In this review, we discuss the multiple pathways that diverge from spleen tyrosine kinase with emphasis on the role of adapter molecules to orchestrate these signaling events. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mast cell activation ideally will provide insights into the development of novel therapeutics to control allergic disease.

K1 protein of human herpesvirus 8 suppresses lymphoma cell Fas-mediated apoptosis

Expression of the K1 gene of human herpesvirus 8 activates nuclear factor-kappaB and induces lymph node hyperplasia and lymphomas in transgenic mice. To further delineate its role in cell survival, we determined whether K1 altered apoptosis of lymphoma cells. K1 protein is expressed in Kaposi sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma. We retrovirally transfected BJAB lymphoma, THP-1, U937, and Kaposi sarcoma SLK cells to express K1 and a K1 mutant with the deleted immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (K1m). We challenged cells with an agonistic anti-Fas antibody, Fas ligand, irradiation, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. K1 transfectants but not K1m transfectants exhibited reduced levels of apoptosis induced by the anti-Fas antibody but not apoptosis induced by the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand or irradiation. K1 expression resulted in reduced apoptosis rates as shown in several assays. K1 induced a modest reduction in levels of Fas-associated death domain protein, and procaspase 8 recruited to the death-inducing signaling complex. Finally, K1 transfectants cleaved procaspase 8 at significantly lower rates than did K1m transfectants. K1-transfected mice, compared with vector-transfected mice, showed lower death rates after challenge with anti-Fas antibody. K1 may contribute to lymphoma development by stimulating cell survival by selectively blocking Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Scaffolding adapter Grb2-associated binder 2 requires Syk to transmit signals from FcepsilonRI

Scaffolding adapter Grb2-associated binder 2 (Gab2) is a key component of FcepsilonRI signaling in mast cells, required for the activation of PI3K. To understand how Gab2 is activated in FcepsilonRI signaling, we asked which protein tyrosine kinase is required for Gab2 phosphorylation. We found that Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation requires Lyn and Syk. In agreement with published results, we found that Fyn also contributes to Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. However, Syk activation is defective in Fyn(-/-) mast cells, suggesting that Syk is the proximal kinase responsible for Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. Then, we asked which domains in Gab2 are required for Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. We found that the Grb2-Src homology 3 (SH3) binding sites are required for, whereas the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain contributes to, Gab2 tyrosyl phosphorylation. Using a protein/lipid overlay assay, we determined that the Gab2 PH domain preferentially binds the PI3K lipid products, PI3, 4,5P3 and PI3, 4P2. Furthermore, the Grb2-SH3 binding sites and PH domain binding to PI3K lipid products are required for Gab2 function in FcepsilonRI-evoked degranulation and Akt activation. Our data strongly suggest a model for Gab2 action in FcepsilonRI signaling. The Grb2 SH3 binding sites play a critical role in bringing Gab2 to FcepsilonRI, whereupon Gab2 becomes tyrosyl-phosphorylated in a Syk-dependent fashion. Phosphorylated Gab2 results in recruitment and activation of PI3K, whose lipid products bind the PH domain of Gab2 and acts in positive feedback loop for sustained PI3K recruitment and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate production, required for FcepsilonRI-evoked degranulation of mast cells.

Regulation of rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cell secretion by a constitutive Lyn kinase interaction with the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI)

Signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor is initiated by noncovalently associated Lyn kinase, resulting in the secretion of inflammatory mediators from mast cells. A fraction of the total cellular Lyn is associated via its N-terminal unique domain with the cytoplasmic domain of the Fc epsilonRI beta subunit before receptor aggregation. In the current study, we stably transfected the unique domain of Lyn into rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 mast cells and examined the consequences on Fc epsilonRI-induced signal transduction and mediator secretion to further define the role of the unique domain of Lyn in mast cell secretion. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc epsilonRI beta and gamma subunits was partially inhibited in the Lyn unique domain transfectants after Ag stimulation. Ag stimulation of Lyn unique domain transfectants was accompanied by enhanced phosphorylation of MEK and ERK-2, which are required for leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release, and production of LTC4 was increased 3- to 5-fold, compared with cells transfected with vector alone. Conversely, tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein Gab2, which is essential for mast cell degranulation, was inhibited after Ag stimulation of Lyn unique domain transfectants, and Ag-induced release of histamine was inhibited up to 48%. In rat basophilic leukemia-2H3 cells, Lyn thus plays a dual role by positively regulating Fc epsilonRI phosphorylation and degranulation while negatively regulating LTC4 production. This study provides further evidence that the constitutive interaction between the unique domain of Lyn and the Fc epsilonRI beta subunit is a crucial step in the initiation of Fc epsilonRI signaling and that Lyn is limiting for Fc epsilonRI-induced secretion of inflammatory mediators.

Fc receptors and their role in immune regulation and autoimmunity

The activation threshold of cells in the immune system is often tuned by cell surface molecules. The Fc receptors expressed on various hematopoietic cells constitute critical elements for activating or downmodulating immune responses and combines humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Thus, Fc receptors are the intelligent sensors of the immune status in the individual. However, impaired regulation by Fc receptors will lead to unresponsiveness or hyperreactivity to foreign as well as self-antigens. Murine models for autoimmune disease indicate the indispensable roles of the inhibitory Fc receptor in the suppression of such disorders, whereas activating-type FcRs are crucial for the onset and exacerbation of the disease. The development of many autoimmune diseases in humans may be caused by impairment of the human Fc receptor regulatory system. This review is aimed at providing a current overview of the mechanism of Fc receptor-based immune regulation and the possible scenario of how autoimmune disease might result from their dysfunction.

Targeting Syk as a treatment for allergic and autoimmune disorders

Recent advances in our understanding of allergic and autoimmune disorders have begun to translate into novel, effective and safe medicines for these common maladies. Examples include an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody recently approved for severe asthmatics and the TNF-alpha antagonists that have demonstrated their ability to suppress rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and other chronic inflammatory processes. However, protein therapies are difficult and expensive to develop, manufacture and administer. Clearly, there is also a need for small-molecule inhibitors of novel targets that have safe and effective characteristics. Syk is an intracellular protein tyrosine kinase that was discovered 15 years ago as a key mediator of immunoreceptor signalling in a host of inflammatory cells including B cells, mast cells, macrophages and neutrophils. These immunoreceptors, including Fc receptors and the B-cell receptor, are important for both allergic diseases and antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases and thus pharmacologically interfering with Syk could conceivably treat these disorders. In addition, as Syk is positioned upstream in the cell signalling pathway, therapies targeting Syk may be more advantageous relative to drugs that inhibit a single downstream event. Syk inhibition during an allergic or asthmatic response will block three mast cell functions: the release of preformed mediators such as histamine, the production of lipid mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins and the secretion of cytokines. In contrast, commonly used antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists target only a single mediator of this complex cascade. Despite its expression in platelets and other non-haematopoietic cells, the role of Syk in regulating vascular homeostasis and other housekeeping functions is minimal or masked by redundant Syk-independent pathways. This suggests that targeting Syk would be an optimal approach to effectively treat a multitude of chronic inflammatory diseases without undue toxicity.

Role of the FcepsilonRI beta-chain ITAM as a signal regulator for mast cell activation with monomeric IgE

The beta-chain of the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) plays a crucial role for amplification of the intracellular signaling in mast cells upon FcepsilonRI cross-linking by IgE*antigen complexes (IgE*Ag). Some monomeric IgE as well as IgE*Ag stimulate FcepsilonRI-signaling pathways, leading to cell activation, whereas the biological functions of the beta-chain in the monomeric IgE-mediated mast cell signaling and responses are largely unknown. In the present study, FcepsilonRI is reconstituted with either wild-type beta-chain or mutated beta-chain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) employing retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into the FcepsilonRI beta-chain-/- mast cells. We demonstrated that the transfectants with mutated beta-chain ITAM stimulated with monomeric IgE sufficiently produce inflammatory cytokines, although degranulation, intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization and leukotriene C(4) synthesis are significantly reduced. Furthermore, analyses of molecular mechanisms of the signaling revealed that the expression of cytokine genes and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and protein kinase C were significantly delayed in the beta-chain ITAM mutant cells stimulated with monomeric IgE, suggesting that the beta-chain ITAM regulates kinetics of gene transcriptions and signaling pathways for cytokine production. These findings for the first time revealed the unique functions of the beta-chain ITAM in both chemical mediator release and cytokine production of mast cells upon monomeric IgE stimulation.

Differential regulation of phospholipase Cgamma subtypes through FcepsilonRI, high affinity IgE receptor

The high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) usually exists as a tetramer composed of alphabetagamma2 subunits. The COOH-tail of beta and gamma subunits contains consensus sequence termed 'immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif' (ITAM). Tyrosine phosphorylated ITAM interacts with signaling proteins that contain the Src homology domain, forming a main amplifying and signaling route for FcepsilonRI. Unlike the COOH-tail, the functional role of NH(2)-tail of beta subunit in the signaling of FcepsilonRI is not clear because it lacks the ITAM sequences. To study the roles of NH(2)-tail of beta subunit, the cDNA library of RBL-2H3 cells was screened by yeast two-hybrid assay, and the NH(2)-tail of the beta subunit was found to interact with phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2) but not with PLCgamma1. Since both PLCgamma1 and PLCgamma2 are expressed in RBL-2H3 cells and they possess identical cellular functions, the functional meaning of the protein-protein interaction between PLCgamma2 and NH(2)-tail of beta subunit was studied by comparing the regulatory pathways that control the FcepsilonRI-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the two enzymes. Our study shows that PI3-kinase and PMA-sensitive PKCs were required exclusively for the FcepsilonRI-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma1. Also the FcepsilonRI-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma1 was more sensitive to the inhibitors of Src and Syk kinases. These results therefore suggest that PLCgamma1 is involved in dynamic regulation of protein kinase C activity and inositol triphosphate levels in response to cellular needs. In contrast, PLCgamma2, through continuous interaction with the NH(2)-tail of beta subunit, co-localizes with FcepsilonRI in the same signaling domain, and maintains the basal cellular PLC activity.

Reciprocal signaling by integrin and nonintegrin receptors during collagen activation of platelets

Activation of platelets by exposed collagen after vessel wall injury is a primary event in the pathogenesis of stroke and myocardial infarction. Two collagen receptors, integrin alpha2beta1 and glycoprotein VI (GPVI), are expressed at similar levels on human and mouse platelets, but their individual roles during collagen activation remain poorly defined. Recent genetic and pharmacologic experiments have revealed an essential role for GPVI but have failed to define the role of alpha2beta1 or explain how two structurally distinct collagen receptors might function together to mediate platelet collagen responses. Discriminating the roles of these two collagen receptors is complicated by evidence suggesting that GPVI and platelet integrins may activate a common intracellular signaling pathway. To determine how alpha2beta1 and GPVI activate platelets in response to collagen, we have (i) examined collagen signaling conferred by expression of these receptors in hematopoietic cell lines; (ii) determined the effect of blocking each receptor on the activation of human platelets by collagen; (iii) generated low-GPVI mice in which the alpha2beta1/GPVI receptor ratio has been altered from 1:1 to 50:1 to expose alpha2beta1 function; (iv) studied the collagen responses of mouse platelets lacking LAT, an adaptor protein critical for GPVI but not integrin signaling; and (v) addressed the mechanism by which soluble collagens activate wild-type platelets. These studies demonstrate that alpha2beta1 requires inside-out signals to participate in collagen signaling and that alpha2beta1 is required for collagen activation of platelets when GPVI signals are reduced by blocking anti-GPVI antibody, low receptor number, specific disruption of the GPVI signaling pathway, or forms of collagen that bind weakly to GPVI relative to alpha2beta1. We propose a reciprocal two-receptor model of collagen signaling in platelets in which the nonintegrin receptor GPVI provides the primary collagen signal that activates and recruits the integrin receptor alpha2beta1 to further amplify collagen signals and fully activate platelets through a common intracellular signaling pathway. This model explains many of the genetic and pharmacologic observations regarding collagen signaling in platelets and demonstrates a novel mechanism by which hematopoietic cells integrate signaling by structurally distinct receptors that share a common ligand.

Competing functions encoded in the allergy-associated F(c)epsilonRIbeta gene

Allergic reactions are triggered via crosslinking of the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E, F(c)epsilonRI. In humans, F(c)epsilonRI is expressed as a tetramer (alphabetagamma(2)) and a trimer (alphagamma(2)). The beta subunit is an amplifier of F(c)epsilonRI surface expression and signaling. Here, we show that as a consequence of alternative splicing, the F(c)epsilonRIbeta gene encodes two proteins with opposing and competing functions. One isoform is the full-length classical beta, the other a novel truncated form, beta(T). In contrast to beta, beta(T) prevents F(c)epsilonRI surface expression by inhibiting alpha chain maturation. Moreover, beta(T) competes with beta to control F(c)epsilonRI surface expression in vitro. We propose that the relative abundance of the products of the beta gene may control the level of F(c)epsilonRI surface expression and thereby influence susceptibility to allergic diseases.

Protein tyrosine kinase Syk in mast cell signaling

The tyrosine kinase Syk is essential for signaling from FcrepsilonRI in mast cells. The Src homology domain mediated binding of Syk to the phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based motif (ITAM) of the receptor subunits results in a conformational change and activation. Studies in Syk deficient mast cells have defined the pathways that are activated upstream and downstream of Syk and have demonstrated the functional importance of the linker region of Syk in signaling in mast cells.

Protein kinase C-delta is a negative regulator of antigen-induced mast cell degranulation

Regulation of mast cell degranulation is dependent on the subtle interplay of cellular signaling proteins. The Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing inositol-5'-phosphatase (SHIP), which acts as the gatekeeper of degranulation, binds via both its SH2 domain and its phosphorylated NPXY motifs to the adapter protein Shc via the latter's phosphorylated tyrosines and phosphotyrosine-binding domain, respectively. This theoretically leaves Shc's SH2 domain available to bind proteins, which might be part of the SHIP/Shc complex. In a search for such proteins, protein kinase C-delta (PKC-delta) was found to coprecipitate in mast cells with Shc and to interact with Shc's SH2 domain following antigen or pervanadate stimulation. Phosphorylation of PKC-delta's Y(332), most likely by Lyn, was found to be responsible for PKC-delta's binding to Shc's SH2 domain. Using PKC-delta(-/-) bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), we found that the antigen-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc was similar to that in wild-type (WT) BMMCs while that of SHIP was significantly increased. Moreover, increased translocation of PKC-delta to the membrane, as well as phosphorylation at T505, was observed in SHIP(-/-) BMMCs, demonstrating that while PKC-delta regulates SHIP phosphorylation, SHIP regulates PKC-delta localization and activation. Interestingly, stimulation of PKC-delta(-/-) BMMCs with suboptimal doses of antigen yielded a more sustained calcium mobilization and a significantly higher level of degranulation than that of WT cells. Altogether, our data suggest that PKC-delta is a negative regulator of antigen-induced mast cell degranulation.

The adapter molecule Gab2 regulates Fc epsilon RI-mediated signal transduction in mast cells

The recently cloned scaffolding molecule Gab2 can assemble multiple molecules involved in signaling pathways. Bone marrow-derived mast cells isolated from Gab2(-/-) mice have defective signaling probably due to the lack of the activation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3-kinase). In this study, we investigated the role of Gab2 using the rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cell line mast cells. Fc epsilon RI aggregation induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab2 and translocation of a significant fraction of it from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. As in other cells, Gab2 was found to associate with several signaling molecules including Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2, Grb2, Lyn, and phospholipase C gamma (PLC gamma). The association of Gab2 with Lyn and PLC gamma were enhanced after receptor aggregation. Overexpression of Gab2 in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 cell line cells inhibited the Fc epsilon RI-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the subunits of the receptor, and the phosphorylation and/or activation of Syk and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Downstream events such as calcium mobilization, degranulation, and induction of TNF-alpha and IL-6 gene transcripts were decreased in Gab2 overexpressing cells, although Akt phosphorylation as a measure of PI3-kinase activation was unaffected. These results suggest that in addition to the positive effects mediated by PI3-kinase that are apparent in Gab2(-/-) mast cells, Gab2 by interacting with Lyn and PLC gamma may have negative regulatory effects on Fc epsilon RI-induced mast cell signaling and functions.

SH2 domain-mediated targeting, but not localization, of Syk in the plasma membrane is critical for FcepsilonRI signaling

Aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of subunits of the receptor and the subsequent association with the receptor of the cytosolic protein tyrosine kinase Syk. The current experiments examined the functional importance of membrane association of Syk and the role of the SH2 domain in receptor-mediated signal transduction. Wild-type Syk and chimeric Syk molecules with the c-Src myristylation sequence at the amino-terminus were expressed in a Syk-negative mast cell line. Chimeric Syk with the myristylation sequence was membrane associated, and a small fraction was constitutively colocalized with FcepsilonRI, Lyn, and LAT (linker for T-cell activation) in the glycolipid-enriched microdomains or rafts. However, even under these conditions, the tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk and the downstream propagation of signals required FcepsilonRI aggregation. This chimeric Syk was less active than wild-type Syk in FcepsilonRI-mediated signal transduction. In contrast, a truncated membrane-associated form of Syk that lacked the SH2 domains was not tyrosine phosphorylated by receptor aggregation and failed to transduce intracellular signals. These findings suggest that SH2 domain-mediated membrane translocation of Syk is essential for the FcepsilonRI-mediated activation of Syk for downstream signaling events leading to histamine release. Furthermore, the localization of Syk in glycolipid-enriched microdomains by itself is not enough to generate or enhance signaling events.

Activating and inhibitory signaling in mast cells: new opportunities for therapeutic intervention?

Immune responses are tightly controlled by the activities of both activating and inhibitory signals. At the cellular level, these signals are generated through engagement of membrane-associated receptors and coreceptors. The high-affinity IgE receptor FcepsilonRI is expressed on mast cells and basophils and, on cross-linking by multivalent antigen (allergen), stimulates the release of inflammatory mediators that induce acute allergic responses. Activation signals mediated by a variety of immune receptors (eg, B-cell receptor, T-cell receptor, and FcepsilonRI) are subject to negative regulation by a growing family of structurally and functionally related inhibitory receptors. Recent studies indicate that mast cells express multiple inhibitory receptors that may regulate FcepsilonRI-induced mast cell activation through similar mechanisms. The ability of inhibitory receptors to attenuate IgE-mediated allergic responses implicates them as potential targets for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of atopic disease. Indeed, coaggregation of activating and inhibitory receptors has been suggested as one possible mechanism to explain the beneficial effects of specific immunotherapy in the treatment of allergy. In this review we summarize the current knowledge of inhibitory receptors expressed in mast cells and the mechanisms through which they regulate mast cell function.

Positive regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and TNF-alpha production but not histamine release by SHP-1 in RBL-2H3 mast cells

The SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase1 (SHP-1) is important for signaling from immune receptors. To investigate the role of SHP-1 in mast cells we overexpressed the wild-type and the phosphatase-inactive forms of SHP-1 in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 (RBL-2H3) mast cell line. The phosphatase-inactive SHP-1 (C453S or D419A) retains its ability to bind tyrosine phosphorylated substrates and thereby competes with the endogenous wild-type enzyme. Overexpression of wild-type SHP-1 decreased the FcepsilonRI aggregation-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta and gamma subunits of the receptor whereas the dominant negative SHP-1 enhanced phosphorylation. There were also similar changes in the tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk. However, receptor-induced histamine release in the cells expressing either wild-type or dominant negative SHP-1 was similar to that in the parental control cells. In contrast, compared with the parental RBL-2H3 cells, FcepsilonRI-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation and the level of TNF-alpha mRNA was increased in the cells overexpressing wild-type SHP-1 whereas the dominant negative SHP-1 had the opposite effect. The substrate-trapping mutant SHP1/D419A identified pp25 and pp30 as two major potential substrates of SHP-1 in RBL-2H3 cells. Therefore, SHP-1 may play a role in allergy and inflammation by regulating mast cell cytokine production.

Point mutation of a tyrosine in the linker region of Syk results in a gain of function

The protein tyrosine kinase Syk plays an essential role in Fc epsilon RI-mediated histamine release in mast cells by regulating the phosphorylation of other proteins. We investigated the functional role of a putative Syk phosphorylation site, Tyr317. This tyrosine in the linker region of Syk is a possible site for binding by the negative regulator Cbl. Syk with Tyr317 mutated to Phe (Y317F) was expressed in a Syk-negative variant of the RBL-2H3 mast cells. Compared with cells expressing wild-type Syk, expression of the Y317F mutant resulted in an increase in the Fc epsilon RI-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma and a dramatic enhancement of histamine release. The in vivo Fc epsilon RI-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of wild-type Syk and that of the Y317F mutant were similar. Although the Fc epsilon RI-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of total cellular proteins was enhanced in the cells expressing the Y317F Syk, the phosphorylation of some other molecules, including the receptor subunits, Vav and mitogen-activated protein kinase, was not increased. The Fc epsilon RI-induced phosphorylation of Cbl was downstream of Syk kinase activity and was unchanged by expression of the Y317F mutation. These data indicate that Tyr317 in the linker region of Syk functions to negatively regulate the signals leading to degranulation.

CD45 Is Essential for FcεRI Signaling by ZAP70, But Not Syk, in Syk-Negative Mast Cells

The ZAP70/Syk family of protein tyrosine kinases plays an important role in Ag receptor signaling. Structural similarity of Syk and ZAP70 suggests their functional overlap. Previously, it was observed that expression of either ZAP70 or Syk reconstitutes Ag receptor signaling in Syk-negative B cells. However, in CD45-deficient T cells, Syk, but not ZAP70, restores T cell receptor-signaling pathway. To study the function of Syk, ZAP70, and CD45 in mast cells, a Syk/CD45 double-deficient variant of RBL-2H3 cells was characterized. After transfection, stable cell lines were isolated that expressed ZAP70, Syk, CD45, ZAP70 plus CD45, and Syk plus CD45. IgE stimulation did not induce degranulation in parental double-deficient cells, nor in the cells expressing only CD45. ZAP70 expression did not restore FcεRI signaling unless CD45 was coexpressed in the cells. However, Syk alone restored the IgE signal transduction pathway. The coexpression of CD45 with Syk had no significant effects on the responses to FcεRI-aggregation. There was much better binding of Syk than ZAP70 to the phosphorylated FcεRIγ-ITAM. Furthermore, unlike Syk, ZAP70 required CD45 to display receptor-induced increase in kinase activity. Therefore, in mast cells, ZAP70, but not Syk, requires CD45 for Ag receptor-induced signaling.

The TCR ζ-Chain Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Activation Motifs Are Sufficient for the Activation and Differentiation of Primary T Lymphocytes

The TCR complex signals through a set of 10 intracytoplasmic motifs, termed immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), contained within the γ-, δ-, ε-, and ζ-chains. The need for this number of ITAMs is uncertain. Limited and contradictory studies have examined the ability of subsets of the TCR’s ITAMs to signal into postthymic primary T lymphocytes. To study signaling by a restricted set of ITAMs, we expressed in transgenic mice a chimeric construct containing the IAs class II MHC extracellular and transmembrane domains linked to the cytoplasmic domain of the TCR ζ-chain. Tyrosine phosphorylation and receptor cocapping studies indicate that this chimeric receptor signals T cells independently of the remainder of the TCR. We show that CD4+ and CD8+ primary T cells, as well as naive and memory T cells, are fully responsive to stimulation through the IAs-ζ receptor. Further, IAs-ζ stimulation can induce primary T cell differentiation into CTL, Th1, and Th2 type cells. These results show that the ζ-chain ITAMs, in the absence of the γ, δ, and ε ITAMs, are sufficient for the activation and functional maturation of primary T lymphocytes. It also supports the isolated use of the ζ-chain ITAMs in the development of surrogate TCRs for therapeutic purposes.

Altered expression of tyrosine kinases of the Src and Syk families in human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-infected T-cell lines

During the late phase of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, a severe lymphoproliferative disorder caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), leukemic cells no longer produce interleukin-2. Several studies have reported the lack of the Src-like protein tyrosine kinase Lck and overexpression of Lyn and Fyn in these cells. In this report we demonstrate that, in addition to the downregulation of TCR, CD45, and Lck (which are key components of T-cell activation), HTLV-1-infected cell lines demonstrate a large increase of FynB, a Fyn isoform usually poorly expressed in T cells. Furthermore, similar to anergic T cells, Fyn is hyperactive in one of these HTLV-1-infected T-cell lines, probably as a consequence of Csk downregulation. A second family of two proteins, Zap-70 and Syk, relay the signal of T-cell activation. We demonstrate that in contrast to uninfected T cells, Zap-70 is absent in HTLV-1-infected T cells, whereas Syk is overexpressed. In searching for the mechanism responsible for FynB overexpression and Zap-70 downregulation, we have investigated the ability of the Tax and Rex proteins to modulate Zap-70 expression and the alternative splicing mechanism which gives rise to either FynB or FynT. By using Jurkat T cells stably transfected with the tax and rex genes or inducibly expressing the tax gene, we found that the expression of Rex was necessary to increase fynB expression, suggesting that Rex controls fyn gene splicing. Conversely, with the same Jurkat clones, we found that the expression of Tax but not Rex could downregulate Zap-70 expression. These results suggest that the effect of Tax and Rex must cooperate to deregulate the pathway of T-cell activation in HTLV-1-infected T cells.

Terreic acid, a quinone epoxide inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays pivotal roles in mast cell activation as well as in B cell development. Btk mutations lead to severe impairments in proinflammatory cytokine production induced by cross-linking of high-affinity IgE receptor on mast cells. By using an in vitro assay to measure the activity that blocks the interaction between protein kinase C and the pleckstrin homology domain of Btk, terreic acid (TA) was identified and characterized in this study. This quinone epoxide specifically inhibited the enzymatic activity of Btk in mast cells and cell-free assays. TA faithfully recapitulated the phenotypic defects of btk mutant mast cells in high-affinity IgE receptor-stimulated wild-type mast cells without affecting the enzymatic activities and expressions of many other signaling molecules, including those of protein kinase C. Therefore, this study confirmed the important roles of Btk in mast cell functions and showed the usefulness of TA in probing into the functions of Btk in mast cells and other immune cell systems. Another insight obtained from this study is that the screening method used to identify TA is a useful approach to finding more efficacious Btk inhibitors.