Regulation of T cell receptor-induced activation of the Ras-ERK pathway by diacylglycerol kinase zeta

Novel insights into the regulation of exosomal PD-L1 in cancer: From generation to clinical application

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) interacts with programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), leading to T cell exhaustion and promoting tumor cell survival, ultimately mediating immunosuppression. While FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have shown success in cancer treatment, some patients experience limited and short-lived therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have identified PD-L1 expression not only on tumor cell surfaces but also on exosomes, with secretion pathways including both conventional and unconventional endocytosis routes, presenting a unique therapeutic opportunity. Emerging evidence suggests that exosomal PD-L1 contributes to systemic immunosuppression, potentially counteracting the effects of anti-PD-1 checkpoint therapies. However, the significance of exosomal PD-L1 in clinical cancer patients unresponsive to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy, as well as the factors regulating its generation, remain unclear. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying PD-L1 expression on exosomes and its regulation in cancer are yet to be fully elucidated. This review primarily focuses on the mechanisms modulating exosomal PD-L1 generation in cancer, while also outlining its involvement in immunosuppression, tumor proliferation, and response to cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, we explore the potential of exosomal PD-L1 as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of this emerging field and its implications for cancer treatment and diagnosis.

Harnessing the tumor microenvironment to boost adoptive T cell therapy with engineered lymphocytes for solid tumors

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) and T Cell Receptor (TCR) engineered T cells represents an innovative therapeutic approach for the treatment of hematological malignancies, yet its application for solid tumors is still suboptimal. The tumor microenvironment (TME) places several challenges to overcome for a satisfactory therapeutic effect, such as physical barriers (fibrotic capsule and stroma), and inhibitory signals impeding T cell function. Some of these obstacles can be faced by combining ACT with other anti-tumor approaches, such as chemo/radiotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. On the other hand, cutting edge technological tools offer the opportunity to overcome and, in some cases, take advantage of TME intrinsic characteristics to boost ACT efficacy. These include: the exploitation of chemokine gradients and integrin expression for preferential T-cell homing and extravasation; metabolic changes that have direct or indirect effects on TCR-T and CAR-T cells by increasing antigen presentation and reshaping T cell phenotype; introduction of additional synthetic receptors on TCR-T and CAR-T cells with the aim of increasing T cells survival and fitness.

Diacylglycerol kinase is a keystone regulator of signaling relevant to the pathophysiology of asthma

Signal transduction by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and immunoreceptors converge at the activation of phospholipase C (PLC) for the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). This is a point for second-messenger bifurcation where DAG via protein kinase C (PKC) and IP3 via calcium activate distinct protein targets and regulate cellular functions. IP3 signaling is regulated by multiple calcium influx and efflux proteins involved in calcium homeostasis. A family of lipid kinases belonging to DAG kinases (DGKs) converts DAG to phosphatidic acid (PA), negatively regulating DAG signaling and pathophysiological functions. PA, through a series of biochemical reactions, is recycled to produce new molecules of PIP2. Therefore, DGKs act as a central switch in terminating DAG signaling and resynthesis of membrane phospholipids precursor. Interestingly, calcium and PKC regulate the activation of α and ζ isoforms of DGK that are predominantly expressed in airway and immune cells. Thus, DGK forms a feedback and feedforward control point and plays a crucial role in fine-tuning phospholipid stoichiometry, signaling, and functions. In this review, we discuss the previously underappreciated complex and intriguing DAG/DGK-driven mechanisms in regulating cellular functions associated with asthma, such as contraction and proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells and inflammatory activation of immune cells. We highlight the benefits of manipulating DGK activity in mitigating salient features of asthma pathophysiology and shed light on DGK as a molecule of interest for heterogeneous diseases such as asthma.

Exploring the multifaceted role of RASGRP1 in disease: immune, neural, metabolic, and oncogenic perspectives

RAS guanyl releasing protein 1 (RASGRP1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) characterized by the presence of a RAS superfamily GEF domain. It functions as a diacylglycerol (DAG)-regulated nucleotide exchange factor, specifically activating RAS through the exchange of bound GDP for GTP. Activation of RAS by RASGRP1 has a wide range of downstream effects at the cellular level. Thus, it is not surprising that many diseases are associated with RASGRP1 disorders. Here, we present an overview of the structure and function of RASGRP1, its crucial role in the development, expression, and regulation of immune cells, and its involvement in various signaling pathways. This review comprehensively explores the relationship between RASGRP1 and various diseases, elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms of RASGRP1 in each disease, and identifies potential therapeutic targets. This study provides novel insights into the role of RASGRP1 in insulin secretion and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for diabetes. The limitations and challenges associated with studying RASGRP1 in disease are also discussed.

Diacylglycerol kinases: A look into the future of immunotherapy

Cancer still represents the second leading cause of death right after cardiovascular diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer provoked around 10 million deaths in 2020, with lung and colon tumors accounting for the deadliest forms of cancer. As tumor cells become resistant to traditional therapeutic approaches, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel strategy for tumor control. T lymphocytes are key players in immune responses against tumors. Immunosurveillance allows identification, targeting and later killing of cancerous cells. Nevertheless, tumors evolve through different strategies to evade the immune response and spread in a process called metastasis. The ineffectiveness of traditional strategies to control tumor growth and expansion has led to novel approaches considering modulation of T cell activation and effector functions. Program death receptor 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) showed promising results in the early 90s and nowadays are still being exploited together with other drugs for several cancer types. Other negative regulators of T cell activation are diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) a family of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA). In T cells, DGKα and DGKζ limit the PLCγ/Ras/ERK axis thus attenuating DAG mediated signaling and T cell effector functions. Upregulation of either of both isoforms results in impaired Ras activation and anergy induction, whereas germline knockdown mice showed enhanced antitumor properties and more effective immune responses against pathogens. Here we review the mechanisms used by DGKs to ameliorate T cell activation and how inhibition could be used to reinvigorate T cell functions in cancer context. A better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved upon T cell activation will help to improve current therapies with DAG promoting agents.

DGKα/ζ inhibition lowers the TCR affinity threshold and potentiates antitumor immunity

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) attenuate diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling by converting DAG to phosphatidic acid, thereby suppressing pathways downstream of T cell receptor signaling. Using a dual DGKα/ζ inhibitor (DGKi), tumor-specific CD8 T cells with different affinities (TRP1high and TRP1low), and altered peptide ligands, we demonstrate that inhibition of DGKα/ζ can lower the signaling threshold for T cell priming. TRP1high and TRP1low CD8 T cells produced more effector cytokines in the presence of cognate antigen and DGKi. Effector TRP1high- and TRP1low-mediated cytolysis of tumor cells with low antigen load required antigen recognition, was mediated by interferon-γ, and augmented by DGKi. Adoptive T cell transfer into mice bearing pancreatic or melanoma tumors synergized with single-agent DGKi or DGKi and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), with increased expansion of low-affinity T cells and increased cytokine production observed in tumors of treated mice. Collectively, our findings highlight DGKα/ζ as therapeutic targets for augmenting tumor-specific CD8 T cell function.

DGKα/ζ inhibitors combine with PD-1 checkpoint therapy to promote T cell-mediated antitumor immunity

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Although PD-1 blockade is effective in a subset of patients with cancer, many fail to respond because of either primary or acquired resistance. Thus, next-generation strategies are needed to expand the depth and breadth of clinical responses. Toward this end, we designed a human primary T cell phenotypic high-throughput screening strategy to identify small molecules with distinct and complementary mechanisms of action to PD-1 checkpoint blockade. Through these efforts, we selected and optimized a chemical series that showed robust potentiation of T cell activation and combinatorial activity with αPD-1 blockade. Target identification was facilitated by chemical proteomic profiling with a lipid-based photoaffinity probe, which displayed enhanced binding to diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα) in the presence of the active compound, a phenomenon that correlated with the translocation of DGKα to the plasma membrane. We further found that optimized leads within this chemical series were potent and selective inhibitors of both DGKα and DGKζ, lipid kinases that constitute an intracellular T cell checkpoint that blunts T cell signaling through diacylglycerol metabolism. We show that dual DGKα/ζ inhibition amplified suboptimal T cell receptor signaling mediated by low-affinity antigen presentation and low major histocompatibility complex class I expression on tumor cells, both hallmarks of resistance to PD-1 blockade. In addition, DGKα/ζ inhibitors combined with αPD-1 therapy to elicit robust tumor regression in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Together, these findings support targeting DGKα/ζ as a next-generation T cell immune checkpoint strategy.

Identification and characterization of diacylglycerol kinase ζ as a novel enzyme producing ceramide-1-phosphate

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) is a sphingolipid formed by the phosphorylation of ceramide; it regulates various physiological functions, including cell survival, proliferation, and inflammatory responses. In mammals, ceramide kinase (CerK) is the only C1P-producing enzyme currently known. However, it has been suggested that C1P is also produced by a CerK-independent pathway, although the identity of this CerK-independent C1P was unknown. Here, we identified human diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) ζ as a novel C1P-producing enzyme and demonstrated that DGKζ catalyzes the phosphorylation of ceramide to produce C1P. Analysis using fluorescently labeled ceramide (NBD-ceramide) demonstrated that only DGKζ among ten kinds of DGK isoforms increased C1P production by transient overexpression of the DGK isoforms. Furthermore, an enzyme activity assay using purified DGKζ revealed that DGKζ could directly phosphorylate ceramide to produce C1P. Furthermore, genetic deletion of DGKζ decreased the formation of NBD-C1P and the levels of endogenous C_18:1/24:1- and C_18:1/26:0-C1P. Interestingly, the levels of endogenous C_18:1/26:0-C1P were not decreased by the knockout of CerK in the cells. These results suggest that DGKζ is also involved in the formation of C1P under physiological conditions.

A Focused Review of Ras Guanine Nucleotide-Releasing Protein 1 in Immune Cells and Cancer

Four Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing proteins (RasGRP1 through 4) belong to the family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). RasGRPs catalyze the release of GDP from small GTPases Ras and Rap and facilitate their transition from an inactive GDP-bound to an active GTP-bound state. Thus, they regulate critical cellular responses via many downstream GTPase effectors. Similar to other RasGRPs, the catalytic module of RasGRP1 is composed of the Ras exchange motif (REM) and Cdc25 domain, and the EF hands and C1 domain contribute to its cellular localization and regulation. RasGRP1 can be activated by a diacylglycerol (DAG)-mediated membrane recruitment and protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated phosphorylation. RasGRP1 acts downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR), B cell receptors (BCR), and pre-TCR, and plays an important role in the thymocyte maturation and function of peripheral T cells, B cells, NK cells, mast cells, and neutrophils. The dysregulation of RasGRP1 is known to contribute to numerous disorders that range from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and schizophrenia to neoplasia. Given its position at the crossroad of cell development, inflammation, and cancer, RASGRP1 has garnered interest from numerous disciplines. In this review, we outline the structure, function, and regulation of RasGRP1 and focus on the existing knowledge of the role of RasGRP1 in leukemia and other cancers.

Manipulation of diacylglycerol and ERK-mediated signaling differentially controls CD8+ T cell responses during chronic viral infection

Introduction

Activation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critical for clonal expansion of CD8+ T cells. However, the effects of augmenting TCR signaling during chronic antigen exposure is less understood. Here, we investigated the role of diacylglycerol (DAG)-mediated signaling downstream of the TCR during chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13 (LCMV CL13) infection by blocking DAG kinase zeta (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG.

Methods

We examined the activation, survival, expansion, and phenotype of virus-specific T cell in the acute and chronic phases of LCMV CL13-infected in mice after DGKζ blockade or selective activation of ERK.

Results

Upon LCMV CL13 infection, DGKζ deficiency promoted early short-lived effector cell (SLEC) differentiation of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells, but this was followed by abrupt cell death. Short-term inhibition of DGKζ with ASP1570, a DGKζ-selective pharmacological inhibitor, augmented CD8+ T cell activation without causing cell death, which reduced virus titers both in the acute and chronic phases of LCMV CL13 infection. Unexpectedly, the selective enhancement of ERK, one key signaling pathway downstream of DAG, lowered viral titers and promoted expansion, survival, and a memory phenotype of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells in the acute phase with fewer exhausted T cells in the chronic phase. The difference seen between DGKζ deficiency and selective ERK enhancement could be potentially explained by the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway by DGKζ deficiency, since the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin rescued the abrupt cell death seen in virus-specific DGKζ KO CD8+ T cells.

Discussion

Thus, while ERK is downstream of DAG signaling, the two pathways lead to distinct outcomes in the context of chronic CD8+ T cell activation, whereby DAG promotes SLEC differentiation and ERK promotes a memory phenotype.

Regulation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Diacylglycerol Kinase: Relevance to Airway Remodeling in Asthma

Airway remodeling in asthma involves the hyperproliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. However, the molecular signals that regulate ASM growth are not completely understood. Gq-coupled G protein-coupled receptor and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling regulate ASM cell proliferation via activation of phospholipase C, generation of inositol triphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) converts DAG into phosphatidic acid (PA) and terminates DAG signaling while promoting PA-mediated signaling and function. Herein, we hypothesized that PA is a pro-mitogenic second messenger in ASM, and DGK inhibition reduces the conversion of DAG into PA resulting in inhibition of ASM cell proliferation. We assessed the effect of pharmacological inhibition of DGK on pro-mitogenic signaling and proliferation in primary human ASM cells. Pretreatment with DGK inhibitor I (DGKI) significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated ASM cell proliferation. Anti-mitogenic effect of DGKI was associated with decreased mTOR signaling and expression of cyclin D1. Exogenous PA promoted pro-mitogenic signaling and rescued DGKI-induced attenuation of ASM cell proliferation. Finally, house dust mite (HDM) challenge in wild type mice promoted airway remodeling features, which were attenuated in DGKζ-/- mice. We propose that DGK serves as a potential drug target for mitigating airway remodeling in asthma.

Genome Editing as a Vehicle to Drive Successful Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapies to the Clinic

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have emerged as an effective therapy for patients with relapsed and refractory haematological malignancies. However, there are many challenges preventing clinical efficacy and thus broader translation of this approach. These hurdles include poor autologous T cell fitness, manufacturing issues and lack of conserved tumour-restricted antigens to target. Recent efforts have been directed toward incorporating genome editing technologies to address these challenges and develop potent CAR T cell therapies for a diverse array of haematopoietic cancers. In this review, the authors discuss gene editing strategies that have been employed to augment CAR T cell fitness, generate allogeneic ‘off-the-shelf’ CAR T cell products, and safely target elusive myeloid and T cell cancers that often lack appropriate tumour-specific antigens.

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in health and disease

Interaction of the T cell receptor (TCR) with an MHC-antigenic peptide complex results in changes at the molecular and cellular levels in T cells. The outside environmental cues are translated into various signal transduction pathways within the cell, which mediate the activation of various genes with the help of specific transcription factors. These signaling networks propagate with the help of various effector enzymes, such as kinases, phosphatases, and phospholipases. Integration of these disparate signal transduction pathways is done with the help of adaptor proteins that are non-enzymatic in function and that serve as a scaffold for various protein-protein interactions. This process aids in connecting the proximal to distal signaling pathways, thereby contributing to the full activation of T cells. This review provides a comprehensive snapshot of the various molecules involved in regulating T cell receptor signaling, covering both enzymes and adaptors, and will discuss their role in human disease.

Tumor-derived exosomal PD-L1 in progression of cancer and immunotherapy

Cancer is a gravely important health issue all over the world and has been spreading fast. In recent years immune checkpoint treatment options have been used extensively as a primary line of treatment for different cancer types. PD-1 and its ligand, PD-L1, are members of the immune-checkpoints superfamily. Anti-PD-L1 and anti-PD-1 antibodies have shown efficacy against different cancer types, but fewer than 30% of patients have shown robust therapeutic responses and, therefore, it is hypothesized that exosomal PD-L1 is the mechanism to blame for failure in primary immune checkpoint therapy. The identical membrane topology of exosomal PD-L1 with tumor cell membrane-type provides the possibility to mimic immunosuppressive effects of tumor cell membrane PD-L1. In this review, it is discussed whether exosomal PD-L1 binds to antibodies and hence resistance to immunotherapy will be developed, and targeting exosome biogenesis inhibition can provide a new strategy to overcome tumor resistance to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Diagnostic and prognostic values of exosomal PD-L1 in different cancer types are discussed. Multiple clinical studies conclude that the level of tumor-derived exosomes (TEXs) as a biomarker for diagnosis could distinguish cancer patients from healthy controls. Elevated exosomal PD-L1 levels may be predictive of advanced disease stages, cancer metastasis, lower response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, lower overall survival rates, and poor tumor prognosis. These novel findings of TEXs serve as promising therapeutic targets for early diagnosis and prevention of cancer progression.

Diacylglycerol kinase α inhibition cooperates with PD-1-targeted therapies to restore the T cell activation program

BACKGROUND

Antibody-based therapies blocking the programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) axis have provided unprecedent clinical success in cancer treatment. Acquired resistance, however, frequently occurs, commonly associated with the upregulation of additional inhibitory molecules. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) α limits the extent of Ras activation in response to antigen recognition, and its upregulation facilitates hypofunctional, exhausted T cell states. Pharmacological DGKα targeting restores cytotoxic function of chimeric antigen receptor and CD8⁺ T cells isolated from solid tumors, suggesting a mechanism to reverse T cell exhausted phenotypes. Nevertheless, the contribution of DGKα downstream of the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory axis in human T cells and the consequences of combining DGKα and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are still unresolved relevant issues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used a human triple parameter reporter cell line to investigate DGKα contribution to the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory pathway. We also addressed the impact of deleting DGKα expression in the growth dynamics and systemic tumor-derived effects of a PD-1-related tumor model, the MC38 colon adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

We identify DGKα as a contributor to the PD-1/PD-L1 axis that strongly limits the Ras/ERK/AP-1 pathway. DGKα function reinforces exhausted T cell phenotypes ultimately promoting tumor growth and generalized immunosuppression. Pharmacological DGKα inhibition selectively enhances AP-1 transcription and, importantly, cooperates with antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interrelation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that DGKα inhibition could provide an important mechanism to revert exhausted T lymphocyte phenotypes and thus favor proper anti-tumor T cell responses. The cooperative effect observed after PD-1/PD-L1 and DGKα blockade offers a promising strategy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.

The role of diacylglycerol kinases in allergic airway disease

Asthma is an obstructive inflammatory airway disease. Airway obstruction is mediated by hyperresponsive airway smooth muscle cell contraction, which is induced and compounded by inflammation caused by T lymphocytes. One important signal transduction pathway that is involved in the activation of these cell types involves the generation of a lipid second messenger known as diacylglycerol (DAG). DAG levels are controlled in cells by a negative regulator known as DAG kinase (DGK). In this review, we discuss how the DAG signaling pathway attenuates the pathological function of immune cells and airway smooth muscle cells in allergic airway disease and asthma. Furthermore, we discuss how the enhancement of the DAG signaling pathway through the inhibition of DGK may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for these diseases.

Subcellular Localization Relevance and Cancer-Associated Mechanisms of Diacylglycerol Kinases

An increasing number of reports suggests a significant involvement of the phosphoinositide (PI) cycle in cancer development and progression. Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are very active in the PI cycle. They are a family of ten members that convert diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA), two-second messengers with versatile cellular functions. Notably, some DGK isoforms, such as DGKα, have been reported to possess promising therapeutic potential in cancer therapy. However, further studies are needed in order to better comprehend their involvement in cancer. In this review, we highlight that DGKs are an essential component of the PI cycle that localize within several subcellular compartments, including the nucleus and plasma membrane, together with their PI substrates and that they are involved in mediating major cancer cell mechanisms such as growth and metastasis. DGKs control cancer cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis by regulating Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. In addition, some DGKs control cancer cell migration by regulating the activities of the Rho GTPases Rac1 and RhoA.

Diacylglycerol kinase ζ is a negative regulator of GPVI-mediated platelet activation

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that convert diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA). The ζ isoform of DGK (DGKζ) has been reported to inhibit T-cell responsiveness by downregulating intracellular levels of DAG. However, its role in platelet function remains undefined. In this study, we show that DGKζ was expressed at significant levels in both platelets and megakaryocytes and that DGKζ-knockout (DGKζ-KO) mouse platelets were hyperreactive to glycoprotein VI (GPVI) agonists, as assessed by aggregation, spreading, granule secretion, and activation of relevant signal transduction molecules. In contrast, they were less responsive to thrombin. Platelets from DGKζ-KO mice accumulated faster on collagen-coated microfluidic surfaces under conditions of arterial shear and stopped blood flow faster after ferric chloride-induced carotid artery injury. Other measures of hemostasis, as measured by tail bleeding time and rotational thromboelastometry analysis, were normal. Interestingly, DGKζ deficiency led to increased GPVI expression on the platelet and megakaryocyte surfaces without affecting the expression of other platelet surface receptors. These results implicate DGKζ as a novel negative regulator of GPVI-mediated platelet activation that plays an important role in regulating thrombus formation in vivo.

Negative control of diacylglycerol kinase ζ-mediated inhibition of T cell receptor signaling by nuclear sequestration in mice

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) play important roles in restraining diacylglycerol (DAG)-mediated signaling. Within the DGK family, the ζ isoform appears to be the most important isoform in T cells for controlling their development and function. DGKζ has been demonstrated to regulate T cell maturation, activation, anergy, effector/memory differentiation, defense against microbial infection, and antitumor immunity. Given its critical functions, DGKζ function should be tightly regulated to ensure proper signal transduction; however, mechanisms that control DGKζ function are still poorly understood. We report here that DGKζ dynamically translocates from the cytosol into the nuclei in T cells after TCR stimulation. In mice, DGKζ mutant defective in nuclear localization displayed enhanced ability to inhibit TCR-induced DAG-mediated signaling in primary T cells, maturation of conventional αβT and iNKT cells, and activation of peripheral T cells compared with WT DGKζ. Our study reveals for the first time nuclear sequestration of DGKζ as a negative control mechanism to spatially restrain it from terminating DAG mediated signaling in T cells. Our data suggest that manipulation of DGKζ nucleus-cytosol shuttling as a novel strategy to modulate DGKζ activity and immune responses for treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Interplay Between SNX27 and DAG Metabolism in the Control of Trafficking and Signaling at the IS

Recognition of antigens displayed on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) by T-cell receptors (TCR) of a T lymphocyte leads to the formation of a specialized contact between both cells named the immune synapse (IS). This highly organized structure ensures cell–cell communication and sustained T-cell activation. An essential lipid regulating T-cell activation is diacylglycerol (DAG), which accumulates at the cell–cell interface and mediates recruitment and activation of proteins involved in signaling and polarization. Formation of the IS requires rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, translocation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and vesicular compartments, and reorganization of signaling and adhesion molecules within the cell–cell junction. Among the multiple players involved in this polarized intracellular trafficking, we find sorting nexin 27 (SNX27). This protein translocates to the T cell–APC interface upon TCR activation, and it is suggested to facilitate the transport of cargoes toward this structure. Furthermore, its interaction with diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG, sustains the precise modulation of this lipid and, thus, facilitates IS organization and signaling. Here, we review the role of SNX27, DAG metabolism, and their interplay in the control of T-cell activation and establishment of the IS.

Recent insights of T cell receptor-mediated signaling pathways for T cell activation and development

T cell activation requires extracellular stimulatory signals that are mainly mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) complexes. The TCR recognizes antigens on major histocompatibility complex molecules with the cooperation of CD4 or CD8 coreceptors. After recognition, TCR-induced signaling cascades that propagate signals via various molecules and second messengers are induced. Consequently, many features of T cell-mediated immune responses are determined by these intracellular signaling cascades. Furthermore, differences in the magnitude of TCR signaling direct T cells toward distinct effector linages. Therefore, stringent regulation of T cell activation is crucial for T cell homeostasis and proper immune responses. Dysregulation of TCR signaling can result in anergy or autoimmunity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the pathways that govern how the TCR complex transmits signals into cells and the roles of effector molecules that are involved in these pathways.

DGK α and ζ Activities Control TH1 and TH17 Cell Differentiation

CD4⁺ T helper (T_H) cells are critical for protective adaptive immunity against pathogens, and they also contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. How T_H differentiation is regulated by the TCR's downstream signaling is still poorly understood. We describe here that diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), which are enzymes that convert diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid, exert differential effects on T_H cell differentiation in a DGK dosage-dependent manner. A deficiency of either DGKα or ζ selectively impaired T_H1 differentiation without obviously affecting T_H2 and T_H17 differentiation. However, simultaneous ablation of both DGKα and ζ promoted T_H1 and T_H17 differentiation in vitro and in vivo, leading to exacerbated airway inflammation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that dysregulation of T_H17 differentiation of DGKα and ζ double-deficient CD4⁺ T cells was, at least in part, caused by increased mTOR complex 1/S6K1 signaling.

Biological regulation of diacylglycerol kinases in normal and neoplastic tissues: New opportunities for cancer immunotherapy

In the recent years, the arsenal of anti-cancer therapies has evolved to target T lymphocytes and restore their capacity to destroy tumor cells. However, the clinical success is limited, with a large number of patients that never responds and others that ultimately develop resistances. Overcoming the hypofunctional state imposed by solid tumors to T cells has revealed critical but challenging due to the complex strategies that tumors employ to evade the immune system. The Diacylglycerol kinases (DGK) limit DAG-dependent functions in T lymphocytes and their upregulation in tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes contribute to limit T cell cytotoxic potential. DGK blockade could reinstate T cell attack on tumors, limiting at the same time tumor cell growth, thanks to the DGK positive input into several oncogenic pathways. In this review we summarize the latest findings regarding the regulation of specific DGK isoforms in healthy and anergic T lymphocytes, as well as their contribution to oncogenic phenotypes. We will also revise the latest advances in the search for pharmacological inhibitors and their potential as anti-cancer agents, either alone or in combination with immunomodulatory agents.

Graded diacylglycerol kinases α and ζ activities ensure mucosal-associated invariant T-cell development in mice

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells participate in both protective immunity and pathogenesis of diseases. Most murine MAIT cells express an invariant TCRVα19-Jα33 (iVα19) TCR, which triggers signals crucial for their development. However, signal pathways downstream of the iVα19TCR and their regulation in MAIT cells are unknown. Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a critical second messenger that relays the TCR signal to multiple downstream signaling cascades. DAG is terminated by DAG kinase (DGK)-mediated phosphorylation and conversion to phosphatidic acid. We have demonstrated here that downregulation of DAG caused by enhanced DGK activity impairs late-stage MAIT cell maturation in both thymus and spleen. Moreover, deficiency of DGKζ but not DGKα by itself causes modest decreases in MAIT cells, and deficiency of both DGKα and ζ results in severe reductions of MAIT cells in an autonomous manner. Our studies have revealed that DAG signaling is not only critical but also must be tightly regulated by DGKs for MAIT cell development and that both DGKα and, more prominently, DGKζ contribute to the overall DGK activity for MAIT cell development.

Efficient CD4Cre-Mediated Conditional KRas Expression in Alveolar Macrophages and Alveolar Epithelial Cells Causes Fatal Hyperproliferative Pneumonitis

The CD4Cre transgenic model has been widely used for T cell-specific gene manipulation. We report unexpected highly efficient Cre-mediated recombination in alveolar macrophages (AMFs), bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), and alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) in this strain of mice. Different from CD4 T cells, AMFs, AECs, and BECs do not express detectable Cre protein, suggesting that Cre protein is either very transiently expressed in these cells or only expressed in their precursors. Mice carrying a conditional constitutively active KRas (caKRas) allele and the CD4Cre transgene contain not only hyperactivated T cells but also develop severe AMF accumulation, AEC and BEC hyperplasia, and adenomas in the lung, leading to early lethality correlated with caKRas expression in these cells. We propose that caKRas-CD4Cre mice represent, to our knowledge, a novel model of proliferative pneumonitis involving macrophages and epithelial cells and that the CD4Cre model may offer unique usefulness for studying gene functions simultaneously in multilineages in the lung. Our observations, additionally, suggest that caution in data interpretation is warranted when using the CD4Cre transgenic model for T cell-specific gene manipulation, particularly when lung pathophysiological status is being examined.

Dysregulated miR34a/diacylglycerol kinase ζ interaction enhances T-cell activation in acquired aplastic anemia

Acquired aplastic anemia is an idiopathic paradigm of human bone marrow failure syndrome, which involves active destruction of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitors by cytotoxic T cells in the bone marrow. Aberrant expression of microRNAs in T cells has been shown to lead to development of certain autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we performed a microarray analysis of miRNA expression in bone marrow CD3⁺ T cells from patients with aplastic anemia and healthy controls. Overexpression of miR34a and underexpression of its target gene diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) ζ in bone marrow mononuclear cells were validated in 41 patients and associated with the severity of aplastic anemia. Further, the level of miR34a was higher in naïve T cells from patients than from controls. The role of miR34a and DGKζ in aplastic anemia was investigated in a murine model of immune-mediated bone marrow failure using miR34a^−/− mice. After T-cell receptor stimulation in vitro, lymph node T cells from miR34a^−/− mice demonstrated reduced activation and proliferation accompanied with a less profound down-regulation of DGKζ expression and decreased ERK phosphorylation compared to those from wild-type C57BL6 control mice. Infusion of 5 × 10⁶ miR34a^−/− lymph node T cells into sublethally irradiated CB6F1 recipients led to increased Lin^-Sca1⁺CD117⁺ cells and less vigorous expansion of CD8⁺ T cells than injection of same number of wild-type lymph node cells. Our study demonstrates that the miR34a/DGKζ dysregulation enhances T-cell activation in aplastic anemia and targeting miR34a may represent a novel molecular therapeutic approach for patients with aplastic anemia.

Unexpected positive control of NFκB and miR-155 by DGKα and ζ ensures effector and memory CD8+ T cell differentiation

Signals from the T-cell receptor (TCR) and γ-chain cytokine receptors play crucial roles in initiating activation and effector/memory differentiation of CD8 T-cells. We report here that simultaneous deletion of both diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) α and ζ (DKO) severely impaired expansion of CD8 effector T cells and formation of memory CD8 T-cells after Listeria monocytogenes infection. Moreover, ablation of both DGKα and ζ in preformed memory CD8 T-cells triggered death and impaired homeostatic proliferation of these cells. DKO CD8 T-cells were impaired in priming due to decreased expression of chemokine receptors and migration to the draining lymph nodes. Moreover, DKO CD8 T-cells were unexpectedly defective in NFκB-mediated miR-155 transcript, leading to excessive SOCS1 expression and impaired γ-chain cytokine signaling. Our data identified a DGK-NFκB-miR-155-SOCS1 axis that bridges TCR and γ-chain cytokine signaling for robust CD8 T-cell primary and memory responses to bacterial infection.

Diacylglycerol Kinases in T Cell Tolerance and Effector Function

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that regulate the relative levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA) in cells by phosphorylating DAG to produce PA. Both DAG and PA are important second messengers cascading T cell receptor (TCR) signal by recruiting multiple effector molecules, such as RasGRP1, PKCθ, and mTOR. Studies have revealed important physiological functions of DGKs in the regulation of receptor signaling and the development and activation of immune cells. In this review, we will focus on recent progresses in our understanding of two DGK isoforms, α and ζ, in CD8 T effector and memory cell differentiation, regulatory T cell development and function, and invariant NKT cell development and effector lineage differentiation.

Diacylglycerol Kinases (DGKs): Novel Targets for Improving T Cell Activity in Cancer

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the metabolism of diacylglycerol (DAG). Two isoforms of DGK, DGKα, and DGKζ, specifically regulate the pool of DAG that is generated as a second messenger after stimulation of the T cell receptor (TCR). Deletion of either isoform in mouse models results in T cells bearing a hyperresponsive phenotype and enhanced T cell activity against malignancy. Whereas, DGKζ appears to be the dominant isoform in T cells, rationale exists for targeting both isoforms individually or coordinately. Additional work is needed to rigorously identify the molecular changes that result from deletion of DGKs in order to understand how DAG contributes to T cell activation, the effect of DGK inhibition in human T cells, and to rationally develop combined immunotherapeutic strategies that target DGKs.

The Immunomodulatory Functions of Diacylglycerol Kinase ζ

The generation of diacylglycerol (DAG) is critical for promoting immune cell activation, regulation, and function. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) serves as an important negative regulator of DAG by enzymatically converting DAG into phosphatidic acid (PA) to shut down DAG-mediated signaling. Consequently, the loss of DGKζ increases DAG levels and the duration of DAG-mediated signaling. However, while the enhancement of DAG signaling is thought to augment immune cell function, the loss of DGKζ can result in both immunoactivation and immunomodulation depending on the cell type and function. In this review, we discuss how different immune cell functions can be selectively modulated by DGKζ. Furthermore, we consider how targeting DGKζ can be potentially beneficial for the resolution of human diseases by either promoting immune responses important for protection against infection or cancer or dampening immune responses in immunopathologic conditions such as allergy and septic shock.

Recent Developments in Active Tumor Targeted Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Combination Chemotherapy in Cancer Treatment and Imaging

Nanotechnology and combination therapy are two major fields that show great promise in the treatment of cancer. The delivery of drugs via nanoparticles helps to improve drug's therapeutic effectiveness while reducing adverse side effects associated wifh high dosage by improving their pharmacokinetics. Taking advantage of molecular markers over-expressing on tumor tissues compared to normal cells, an "active" molecular marker targeted approach would be-beneficial for cancer therapy. These actively targeted nanoparticles would increase drug concentration at the tumor site, improving efficacy while further reducing chemo-resistance. The multidisciplinary approach may help to improve the overall efficacy in cancer therapy. This review article summarizes recent developments of targeted multifunctional nanoparticles in the delivery, of various drugs for a combinational chemotherapy approach to cancer treatment and imaging.

mTOR and its tight regulation for iNKT cell development and effector function

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, which express the invariant Vα14Jα18 TCR that recognizes lipid antigens, have the ability to rapidly respond to agonist stimulation, producing a variety of cytokines that can shape both innate and adaptive immunity. iNKT cells have been implicated in host defense against microbial infection, in anti-tumor immunity, and a multitude of diseases such as allergies, asthma, graft versus host disease, and obesity. Emerging evidence has demonstrated crucial role for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in immune cells, including iNKT. In this review we will discuss current understanding of how mTOR and its tight regulation control iNKT cell development, effector lineage differentiation, and function.

Regulatory T cells require TCR signaling for their suppressive function

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a subset of CD4(+) T cells that maintain immune tolerance in part by their ability to inhibit the proliferation of conventional CD4(+) T cells (Tconvs). The role of the TCR and the downstream signaling pathways required for this suppressive function of Tregs are not fully understood. To yield insight into how TCR-mediated signals influence Treg suppressive function, we assessed the ability of Tregs with altered TCR-mediated signaling capacity to inhibit Tconv proliferation. Mature Tregs deficient in Src homology 2 domain containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76), an adaptor protein that nucleates the proximal signaling complex downstream of the TCR, were unable to inhibit Tconv proliferation, suggesting that TCR signaling is required for Treg suppressive function. Moreover, Tregs with defective phospholipase C γ (PLCγ) activation due to a Y145F mutation of SLP-76 were also defective in their suppressive function. Conversely, enhancement of diacylglycerol-mediated signaling downstream of PLCγ by genetic ablation of a negative regulator of diacylglycerol kinase ζ increased the suppressive ability of Tregs. Because SLP-76 is also important for integrin activation and signaling, we tested the role of integrin activation in Treg-mediated suppression. Tregs lacking the adaptor proteins adhesion and degranulation promoting adapter protein or CT10 regulator of kinase/CT10 regulator of kinase-like, which are required for TCR-mediated integrin activation, inhibited Tconv proliferation to a similar extent as wild-type Tregs. Together, these data suggest that TCR-mediated PLCγ activation, but not integrin activation, is required for Tregs to inhibit Tconv proliferation.

Downregulation of diacylglycerol kinase ζ enhances activation of cytokine-induced NF-κB signaling pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB family serves as a key component of many pathophysiological events such as innate and adaptive immune response, inflammation, apoptosis, and oncogenesis. Various cell signals trigger activation of the regulatory mechanisms of NF-κB, resulting in its nuclear translocation and transcriptional initiation. The diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) family, a lipid second messenger-metabolizing enzyme in phosphoinositide signaling, is shown to regulate widely various cellular processes. Results of recent studies suggest that one family member, DGKζ, is closely involved in immune and inflammatory responses. Nevertheless, little is known about the regulatory mechanism of DGKζ on NF-κB pathway in cytokine-induced inflammatory signaling. This study shows that siRNA-mediated DGKζ knockdown in HeLa cells facilitates degradation of IκB, followed by nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit. In addition, DGKζ-deficient MEFs show upregulation of p65 subunit phosphorylation at Serine 468 and 536 and its interaction with CBP transcriptional coactivator upon TNF-α stimulation. These modifications of p65 subunit might engender enhanced NF-κB transcriptional reporter assay of DGKζ knockdown cells. These findings provide further insight into the regulatory mechanisms of cytokine-induced NF-κB activation.

Expression of mRNAs for the diacylglycerol kinase family in immune cells during an inflammatory reaction

Phosphoinositide metabolism is intimately involved in cellular signal transduction. In response to extracellular stimuli, it generates diacylglycerol (DG), which serves as a lipid second messenger molecule to activate various proteins in various organs under pathophysiological conditions. Diacylglycerolkinase (DGK) constitutes an enzyme family that catalyzes conversion of DG to phosphatidic acid. It is therefore regarded as a regulator of the DG signal. Previous studies have revealed the critical role of α and ζ types of DGK in T cell functions. Nevertheless, little is known about the expression patterns of the DGK family in immune cells of various kinds. After examination of the expression profile of DGK isozymes in immune cells that are isolated from human blood, we investigated whether their mRNA expression levels would be changed during an inflammatory reaction. Results showed that DGK isozyme mRNAs are widely expressed in immune cells, except for DGKβ and DGKι. During an inflammatory reaction, DGKε mRNA was increased transiently in the initial phase (20-40 min) of stimulation with both LPS and IL-2 in T cell-derived HUT-102 cells and macrophage-derived RAW264 cells. At the organismal level, an intraperitoneal injection of LPS also induced upregulation of DGKε mRNA in the spleen in a similar,but not identical, manner. These results suggest that DGKε is involved in inflammatory processes of the cellular immune system.

Diacylglycerol kinase α establishes T cell polarity by shaping diacylglycerol accumulation at the immunological synapse

Polarization of the T cell microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) to the immunological synapse between the T cell and an antigen-presenting cell (APC) maintains the specificity of T cell effector responses by enabling directional secretion toward the APC. The reorientation of the MTOC is guided by a sharp gradient of the second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG), which is centered at the immunological synapse. We used a single-cell photoactivation approach to demonstrate that diacylglycerol kinase α (DGK-α), which catalyzes the conversion of DAG to phosphatidic acid, determined T cell polarity by limiting the diffusion of DAG. DGK-α-deficient T cells exhibited enlarged accumulations of DAG at the immunological synapse, as well as impaired reorientation of the MTOC. In contrast, T cells lacking the related isoform DGK-ζ did not display polarization defects. We also found that DGK-α localized preferentially to the periphery of the immunological synapse, suggesting that it constrained the area over which DAG accumulated. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity was required for the peripheral localization pattern of DGK-α, which suggests a link between DAG and phosphatidylinositol signaling during T cell activation. These results reveal a previously unappreciated function of DGK-α and provide insight into the mechanisms that determine lymphocyte polarity.

Non-overlapping functions of Nck1 and Nck2 adaptor proteins in T cell activation

Background

Signalling by the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) results in the activation of T lymphocytes. Nck1 and Nck2 are two highly related adaptor proteins downstream of the TCR that each contains three SH3 and one SH2 domains. Their individual functions and the roles of their SH3 domains in human T cells remain mostly unknown.

Results

Using specific shRNA we down-regulated the expression of Nck1 or Nck2 to approximately 10% each in Jurkat T cells. We found that down-regulation of Nck1 impaired TCR-induced phosphorylation of the kinases Erk and MEK, activation of the AP-1 and NFAT transcription factors and subsequently, IL-2 and CD69 expression. In sharp contrast, down-regulation of Nck2 hardly impacts these activation read-outs. Thus, in contrast to Nck2, Nck1 is a positive regulator for TCR-induced stimulation of the Erk pathway. Mutation of the third SH3 domain of Nck1 showed that this domain was required for this activity. Further, TCR-induced NFAT activity was reduced in both Nck1 and Nck2 knock-down cells, showing that both isoforms are involved in NFAT activation. Lastly, we show that neither Nck isoform is upstream of p38 phosphorylation or Ca²⁺influx.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Nck1 and Nck2 have non-redundant roles in human T cell activation in contrast to murine T cells.

Inhibition of diacylglycerol kinases as a physiological way to promote diacylglycerol signaling

Diacylglycerol is a key regulator of cell physiology, controlling the membrane recruitment and activation of signaling molecules. Accordingly, diacylglycerol generation and metabolism are strictly controlled, allowing for localized regulation of its concentration. While the increased production of diacylglycerol upon receptor triggering is well recognized, the modulation of diacylglycerol metabolism by diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) is less characterized. Some agonists induce DGK activation and recruitment to the plasma membrane, promoting diacylglycerol metabolism to phosphatidic acid. Conversely, several reports indicate that signaling pathways that selectively inhibits DGK isoforms can enhance cellular diacylglycerol levels and signal transduction. For example, the impairment of DGKθ activity by RhoA binding to the catalytic domain represents a conserved mechanism controlling diacylglycerol signaling from Caenorhabditis elegans motoneurons to mammalian hepatocytes. Similarly, DGKα activity is inhibited in lymphocytes by TCR signaling, thus contributing to a rise in diacylglycerol concentration for downstream signaling. Finally, DGKμ activity is inhibited by ischemia-reperfusion-generated reactive oxygen species in airway endothelial cells, promoting diacylglycerol-mediated ion channel opening and edema. In those systems, DGKs provide a gatekeeper function by blunting diacylglycerol levels or possibly establishing permissive domains for diacylglycerol signaling. In this review, I discuss the possible general relevance of DGK inhibition to enhanced diacylglycerol signaling.

The ζ isoform of diacylglycerol kinase plays a predominant role in regulatory T cell development and TCR-mediated ras signaling

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a critical second messenger that mediates T cell receptor (TCR)-stimulated signaling. The abundance of DAG is reduced by the diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), which catalyze the conversion of DAG to phosphatidic acid (PA) and thus inhibit DAG-mediated signaling. In T cells, the predominant DGK isoforms are DGKα and DGKζ, and deletion of the genes encoding either isoform enhances DAG-mediated signaling. We found that DGKζ, but not DGKα, suppressed the development of natural regulatory T (T(reg)) cells and predominantly mediated Ras and Akt signaling downstream of the TCR. The differential functions of DGKα and DGKζ were not attributable to differences in protein abundance in T cells or in their localization to the contact sites between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. RasGRP1, a key DAG-mediated activator of Ras signaling, associated to a greater extent with DGKζ than with DGKα; however, in silico modeling of TCR-stimulated Ras activation suggested that a difference in RasGRP1 binding affinity was not sufficient to cause differences in the functions of each DGK isoform. Rather, the model suggested that a greater catalytic rate for DGKζ than for DGKα might lead to DGKζ exhibiting increased suppression of Ras-mediated signals compared to DGKα. Consistent with this notion, experimental studies demonstrated that DGKζ was more effective than DGKα at catalyzing the metabolism of DAG to PA after TCR stimulation. The enhanced effective enzymatic production of PA by DGKζ is therefore one possible mechanism underlying the dominant functions of DGKζ in modulating T(reg) cell development.

Diacylglycerol kinase ζ limits the generation of natural regulatory T cells

Natural regulatory T (nT(reg)) cells are important for maintaining tolerance to self- and foreign antigens, and they are thought to develop from thymocytes that receive strong T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signals in the thymus. TCR engagement leads to the activation of phospholipase C-γ1, which generates the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. We used mice that lack the ζ isoform of DAG kinase (DGKζ), which metabolizes DAG to terminate its signaling, to enhance TCR-mediated signaling and identify critical signaling events in nT(reg) cell development. Loss of DGKζ resulted in increased numbers of thymic CD25(+)Foxp3(-)CD4(+) nT(reg) cell precursors and Foxp3(+)CD4(+) nT(reg) cells in a cell-autonomous manner. DGKζ-deficient T cells exhibited increased nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor κB subunit c-Rel, as well as enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in response to TCR stimulation, suggesting that these downstream pathways may contribute to nT(reg) cell development. Indeed, reducing c-Rel abundance or blocking ERK phosphorylation abrogated the increased generation of nTreg cells by DGKζ-deficient thymocytes. The extent of ERK phosphorylation correlated with TCR-mediated acquisition of Foxp3 in immature thymocytes in vitro. Furthermore, the development of nT(reg) cells was augmented in mice in which ERK activation was selectively enhanced in T cells. Together, these data suggest that DGKζ regulates the development of nT(reg) cells by limiting the extent of activation of the ERK and c-Rel signaling pathways.

Role of diacylglycerol kinases in T cell development and function

Diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger generated by phospholipase Cγ1 activity upon engagement of a T-cell receptor, triggers several signaling cascades that play important roles in T cell development and function. A family of enzymes called DAG kinases (DGKs) catalyzes the phosphorylation of DAG to phosphatidic acid, acting as a braking mechanism that terminates DAG-mediated signals. Two DGK isoforms, α and ζ, are expressed predominantly in T cells and synergistically regulate the development of both conventional αβ T cells and invariant natural killer T cells in the thymus. In mature T cells, the activity of these DGK isoforms aids in the maintenance of self-tolerance by preventing T-cell hyperactivation upon T cell receptor stimulation and by promoting T-cell anergy. In CD8 cells, reduced DGK activity is associated with enhanced primary responses against viruses and tumors. Recent work also has established an important role for DGK activity at the immune synapse and identified partners that modulate DGK function. In addition, emerging evidence points to previously unappreciated roles for DGK function in directional secretion and T-cell adhesion. This review describes the multitude of roles played by DGKs in T cell development and function and emphasizes recent advances in the field.

MicroRNA-34a enhances T cell activation by targeting diacylglycerol kinase ζ

The engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) induces the generation of diacylglycerol (DAG), an important second messenger activating both the Ras/Erk and PKCθ/NFκB pathways. DAG kinases (DGKs) participate in the metabolism of DAG by converting it to phosphatidic acid. DGKζ has been demonstrated to be able to inhibit DAG signaling following TCR engagement. Deficiency of DGKζ increases the sensitivity of T cells to TCR stimulation, resulting in enhanced T cell activation ex vivo and in vivo. However, the mechanisms that control DGKζ expression are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that DGKζ mRNA is a direct target of a cellular microRNA miR-34a. The DGKζ transcript is decreased, whereas the primary miR-34a is upregulated upon TCR stimulation. Ectopic miR-34a expression suppresses DGKζ protein expression through the seed match binding to both the 3' untranslated region and coding region of DGKζ mRNA, leading to increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation and surface expression of the T cell activation marker CD69 following TCR cross-linking. In contrast, overexpression of a miR-34a competitive inhibitor increases DGKζ expression and suppresses TCR-mediated T cell activation. Together, our data demonstrate that miR-34a is a negative regulator for DGKζ and may play an important role in regulating T cell activation.

Diacylglycerol kinase zeta positively controls the development of iNKT-17 cells

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play important roles in bridging innate and adaptive immunity via rapidly producing a variety of cytokines. A small subset of iNKT cells produces IL-17 and is generated in the thymus during iNKT-cell ontogeny. The mechanisms that control the development of these IL-17-producing iNKT-17 cells (iNKT-17) are still not well defined. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) belongs to a family of enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation and conversion of diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid, two important second messengers involved in signaling from numerous receptors. We report here that DGKζ plays an important role in iNKT-17 development. A deficiency of DGKζ in mice causes a significant reduction of iNKT-17 cells, which is correlated with decreased RORγt and IL-23 receptor expression. Interestingly, iNKT-17 defects caused by DGKζ deficiency can be corrected in chimeric mice reconstituted with mixed wild-type and DGKζ-deficient bone marrow cells. Taken together, our data identify DGKζ as an important regulator of iNKT-17 development through iNKT-cell extrinsic mechanisms.

Regulation of Lipid Signaling by Diacylglycerol Kinases during T Cell Development and Function

Diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA) are bioactive lipids synthesized when the T cell receptor binds to a cognate peptide-MHC complex. DAG triggers signaling by recruiting Ras guanyl-releasing protein 1, PKCθ, and other effectors, whereas PA binds to effector molecules that include mechanistic target of rapamycin, Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1, and Raf1. While DAG-mediated pathways have been shown to play vital roles in T cell development and function, the importance of PA-mediated signals remains less clear. The diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) family of enzymes phosphorylates DAG to produce PA, serving as a molecular switch that regulates the relative levels of these critical second messengers. Two DGK isoforms, α and ζ, are predominantly expressed in T lineage cells and play an important role in conventional αβ T cell development. In mature T cells, the activity of these DGK isoforms aids in the maintenance of self-tolerance by preventing T cell hyper-activation and promoting T cell anergy. In this review, we discuss the roles of DAG-mediated pathways, PA-effectors, and DGKs in T cell development and function. We also highlight recent work that has uncovered previously unappreciated roles for DGK activity, for instance in invariant NKT cell development, anti-tumor and anti-viral CD8 responses, and the directional secretion of soluble effectors.

Diacylglycerol kinases: regulated controllers of T cell activation, function, and development

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) are a diverse family of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG), a crucial second messenger of receptor-mediated signaling, to phosphatidic acid (PA). Both DAG and PA are bioactive molecules that regulate a wide set of intracellular signaling proteins involved in innate and adaptive immunity. Clear evidence points to a critical role for DGKs in modulating T cell activation, function, and development. More recently, studies have elucidated factors that control DGK function, suggesting an added complexity to how DGKs act during signaling. This review summarizes the available knowledge of the function and regulation of DGK isoforms in signal transduction with a particular focus on T lymphocytes.

Mnk1 and 2 are dispensable for T cell development and activation but important for the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

T cell development and activation are usually accompanied by expansion and production of numerous proteins that require active translation. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binds to the 5' cap structure of mRNA and is critical for cap-dependent translational initiation. It has been hypothesized that MAPK-interacting kinase 1 and 2 (Mnk1/2) promote cap-dependent translation by phosphorylating eIF4E at serine 209 (S209). Pharmacologic studies using inhibitors have suggested that Mnk1/2 have important roles in T cells. However, genetic evidence supporting such conclusions is lacking. Moreover, the signaling pathways that regulate Mnk1/2 in T cells remain unclear. We demonstrate that TCR engagement activates Mnk1/2 in primary T cells. Such activation is dependent on Ras-Erk1/2 signaling and is inhibited by diacylglycerol kinases α and ζ. Mnk1/2 double deficiency in mice abolishes TCR-induced eIF4E S209 phosphorylation, indicating their absolute requirement for eIF4E S209 phosphorylation. However, Mnk1/2 double deficiency does not affect the development of conventional αβ T cells, regulatory T cells, or NKT cells. Furthermore, T cell activation, in vivo primary and memory CD8 T cell responses to microbial infection, and NKT cell cytokine production were not obviously altered by Mnk1/2 deficiency. Although Mnk1/2 deficiency causes decreased IL-17 and IFN-γ production by CD4 T cells following immunization of mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide in complete Freund's adjuvant, correlating with milder experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis scores, it does not affect Th cell differentiation in vitro. Together, these data suggest that Mnk1/2 has a minimal role in T cell development and activation but may regulate non-T cell lineages to control Th1 and Th17 differentiation in vivo.

T cell Receptor Signal Transduction in T lymphocytes

The T cell receptor (TCR) recognizes self or foreign antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Engagement of the TCR triggers the formation of multi-molecular signalosomes that lead to the generation of second messengers and subsequent activation of multiple distal signaling cascades, such as the Ca+2-calcineurin-NFAT, RasGRP1-Ras-Erk1/2, PKCθ-IKK-NFκB, and TSC1/2-mTOR pathways. These signaling cascades control many aspects of T cell biology. Mechanisms have been evolved to fine-tune TCR signaling to maintain T cell homeostasis and self-tolerance, and to properly mount effective responses to microbial infection. Defects or deregulation of TCR signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple human diseases.

Stathmin regulates microtubule dynamics and microtubule organizing center polarization in activated T cells

Polarization of T cells involves reorientation of the microtubule organizing center (MTOC). Because activated ERK is localized at the immunological synapse, we investigated its role by showing that ERK activation is important for MTOC polarization. Suspecting that ERK phosphorylates a regulator of microtubules, we next focused on stathmin, a known ERK substrate. Our work indicates that during T cell activation, ERK is recruited to the synapse, allowing it to phosphorylate stathmin molecules near the immunological synapse. Supporting an important role of stathmin phosphorylation in T cell activation, we showed that T cell activation results in increased microtubule growth rate dependent on the presence of stathmin. The significance of this finding was demonstrated by results showing that CTLs from stathmin(-/-) mice displayed defective MTOC polarization and defective target cell cytolysis. These data implicate stathmin as a regulator of the microtubule network during T cell activation.

Differential regulation of primary and memory CD8 T cell immune responses by diacylglycerol kinases

The manipulation of signals downstream of the TCR can have profound consequences for T cell development, function, and homeostasis. Diacylglycerol (DAG) produced after TCR stimulation functions as a secondary messenger and mediates the signaling to Ras-MEK-Erk and NF-κB pathways in T cells. DAG kinases (DGKs) convert DAG into phosphatidic acid, resulting in termination of DAG signaling. In this study, we demonstrate that DAG metabolism by DGKs can serve a crucial function in viral clearance upon lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection. Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells from DGKα(-/-) and DGKζ(-/-) mice show enhanced expansion and increased cytokine production after lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, yet DGK-deficient memory CD8(+) T cells exhibit impaired expansion after rechallenge. Thus, DGK activity plays opposing roles in the expansion of CD8(+) T cells during the primary and memory phases of the immune response, whereas consistently inhibiting antiviral cytokine production.