Ig alpha and Ig beta are functionally homologous to the signaling proteins of the T-cell receptor

Ig beta tyrosine residues contribute to the control of B cell receptor signaling by regulating receptor internalization

Immunoglobulin (Ig)alpha and Igbeta initiate B cell receptor (BCR) signaling through immune receptor tyrosine activation motifs (ITAMs) that are targets of SH2 domain-containing kinases. To examine the function of Igbeta ITAM tyrosine resides in mature B cells in vivo, we exchanged these residues for alanine by gene targeting (Igbeta(AA)). Mutant mice showed normal development of all B cell subtypes with the exception of B1 cells that were reduced by fivefold. However, primary B cells purified from Igbeta(AA) mice showed significantly decreased steady-state and ligand-mediated BCR internalization and higher levels of cell surface IgM and IgD. BCR cross-linking resulted in decreased Src and Syk activation but paradoxically enhanced and prolonged BCR signaling, as measured by cellular tyrosine phosphorylation, Ca(++) flux, AKT, and ERK activation. In addition, B cells with the ITAM mutant receptor showed an enhanced response to a T-independent antigen. Thus, Igbeta ITAM tyrosines help set BCR signaling threshold by regulating receptor internalization.

Role of the BCR complex in B cell development, activation, and leukemic transformation

A primary focus of signal transduction in B cells, from the pre-B cell to the mature B cell, is the B cell receptor complex. Here we describe work demonstrating the importance of signaling via the pre-B cell receptor complex (pre-BCR) to the pre-B cell transition, the central checkpoint in B-cell development. We have shown tht pre-BCR complex components Igalpha and Igbeta are critical to allowing the pre-B cell to move through this transition, but may not be required for allelic exclusion. Pre-BCR expression also directly affects the response of leukemic cells to steroid treatment, suggesting that signals initiated by the pre-BCR complex may present therapeutic targets in acute leukemia. Additionally, interleukin-7 may also modulate the response of leukemic cells arising from early B-cell stages to treatment. This observation has lead directly to proposals to test drugs which may antagonize early B-cell growth signals, such as rapamycin, in acute lymphoid leukemia.

A B cell receptor with two Igalpha cytoplasmic domains supports development of mature but anergic B cells

B cell receptor (BCR) signaling is mediated through immunoglobulin (Ig)alpha and Igbeta a membrane-bound heterodimer. Igalpha and Igbeta are redundant in their ability to support early B cell development, but their roles in mature B cells have not been defined. To examine the function of Igalpha-Igbeta in mature B cells in vivo we exchanged the cytoplasmic domain of Igalpha for the cytoplasmic domain of Igbeta by gene targeting (Igbetac-->alphac mice). Igbetac-->alphac B cells had lower levels of surface IgM and higher levels of BCR internalization than wild-type B cells. The mutant B cells were able to complete all stages of development and were long lived, but failed to differentiate into B1a cells. In addition, Igbetac-->alphac B cells showed decreased proliferative and Ca2+ responses to BCR stimulation in vitro, and were anergic to T-independent and -dependent antigens in vivo.

Bovine leukemia virus gp30 transmembrane (TM) protein is not tyrosine phosphorylated: examining potential interactions with host tyrosine-mediated signaling

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) causes persistent lymphocytosis, a preneoplastic, polyclonal expansion of B lymphocytes. The expansion increases viral transmission to new hosts, but the mechanisms of this expansion have not been determined. We hypothesized that BLV infection contributes to B-cell expansion by signaling initiated via viral transmembrane protein motifs undergoing tyrosine phosphorylation. Viral mimicry of host cell proteins is a well-demonstrated mechanism by which viruses may increase propagation or decrease recognition by the host immune system. The cytoplasmic tail of BLV transmembrane protein gp30 (TM) has multiple areas of homology to motifs of host cell signaling proteins, including two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) and two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs), which are homologous to B-cell receptor and inhibitory co-receptor motifs. Signaling by these motifs in B cells typically relies on tyrosine phosphorylation, followed by interactions with Src-homology-2 (SH2) domains of nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases or phosphatases. Phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic tail of TM was tested in four systems including ex vivo cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BLV infected cows, BLV-expressing fetal lamb kidney cell and bat lung cell lines, and DT40 B cells transfected with a fusion of mouse extracellular CD8alpha and cytoplasmic TM. No phosphorylation of TM was detected in our experiments in any of the cell types utilized, or with various stimulation methods. Detection was attempted by immunoblotting for phosphotyrosines, or by metabolic labeling of cells. Thus BLV TM is not likely to modify host signal pathways through interactions between phosphorylated tyrosines of the ITAM or ITIM motifs and host-cell tyrosine kinases or phosphatases.

B cell receptor signaling and autoimmunity

The immune receptors of lymphocytes are able to sense the nature of bound ligands. Through coupled signaling pathways the generated signals are appropriately delivered to the intracellular machinery, allowing specific functional responses. A central issue in contemporary immunology is how the fate of B lymphocytes is determined at the successive developmental stages and how the B cell receptor distinguishes between signals that induce immune response or tolerance. Experiments with mice expressing transgenes or lacking signal transduction molecules that lead to abnormal lymphocyte development and/or response are providing important clues to the mechanisms that regulate signaling thresholds at different developmental stages. The studies are also revealing novel potential mechanisms of induction of autoimmunity, which may have a bearing on the understanding of human diseases.

Widespread B29 (CD79b) gene defects and loss of expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, and is characterized by a monoclonal proliferation of primarily immature CD5+ B lymphocytes. The molecular biology of chronic leukemias and lymphomas remains largely unresolved. Surface immunoglobulin (Ig) expression, which is often decreased in CLL, requires the protein product of the B29 gene for translocation of the B cell antigen receptor complex (BCR) to the cell surface and for signal transduction. Because B29 is essential for intracellular assembly and transport of the B cell antigen receptor complex to the cell surface, we postulate that a perturbation in B29 could result in the diminished expression and function of surface Ig in leukemic CLL cells. We have found recurrent aberrations affecting the B29 gene in CLL cells. Analyses of 27 unselected cases of CLL demonstrate that over 75% had low to absent B29 expression which correlated directly to their level of surface Ig expression. Half of these surface B29(low/-) cases had either no or barely detectable levels of B29 mRNA by RNAse protection assay. To date, all of the CLL samples with normal B29 mRNA levels have been found to have point mutations or truncations which would significantly effect the structure and/or function of B29 protein. Strategies directed at correcting these B29 mutations are expected to induce increased Ig surface expression in CLL and may improve the sensitivity of CLL cells to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Role of μ Heavy Chain in B Cell Development. I. Blocked B Cell Maturation But Complete Allelic Exclusion in the Absence of Igα/β

There is good evidence for a signaling role played by Ig heavy chain in the developmental transition through the pre-B cell stage. We have previously described signal-capable or signal-incapable mutants of μ heavy chain in which a signaling defect is caused by failure to associate with the Igα/β heterodimer. To further characterize the role of Ig heavy chain-mediated signaling in vivo, as well as in B cell development and allelic exclusion, we have created transgenic mice in which the B cells express these signal-capable and signal-incapable mutant μ chains. Failure of μ to signal via Igα/β results in a block in B cell development in mice expressing the signal-incapable μ. A small number of B cells in these animals do escape the developmental block and are expressed in the spleen and the periphery as B220+ transgenic IgM+ cells. These cells respond to LPS by proliferating but show no response to T-independent-specific Ag. In contrast, B cells expressing the signal-capable B cell receptor show a strong signaling response to Ag-specific stimulus. There is no Igα seen in association with signal-deficient IgM. Thus, the B cell receptor complex is not assembled, and no signal can be delivered. Despite the block in developmental signaling, allelic exclusion is complete. There is no detectable coexpression of transgenic IgM and endogenous murine IgM, nor is there rearrangement of the endogenous heavy chain genes. This suggests that differing signaling mechanisms are responsible for the developmental transition and allelic exclusion and thus allows for separate examination of these signaling mechanisms.

Asymmetrical Phosphorylation and Function of Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-Based Activation Motif Tyrosines in B Cell Antigen Receptor Signal Transduction

CD79a and CD79b function as transducers of B cell antigen receptor signals via a cytoplasmic sequence, termed the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). ITAMs contain two conserved tyrosines that may become phosphorylated upon receptor aggregation and bind distinct effectors by virtue of the distinct preference of phosphotyrosyl-containing sequences for SH2 domains. To explore the function of CD79a and CD79b ITAM tyrosines, we created membrane molecules composed of MHC class II I-Ak extracellular and transmembrane domains, and CD79a or CD79b cytoplasmic domains in which one or both of the ITAM tyrosines were mutated to phenylalanine. Functional analysis revealed that both ITAM tyrosines are required for ligand-induced Syk phosphorylation. However CD79a-ITAM and CD79b-ITAM tyrosine phosphorylations were asymmetrical, with >80% of phosphorylation occurring on the N-terminal tyrosine (Y-E-G-L). Thus, these findings suggest that following receptor ligation, only a minor proportion of phosphorylated ITAMs are doubly phosphorylated and thus can engage Syk. Only the N-terminal ITAM tyrosine of CD79a was required for ligand-mediated phosphorylation of the receptor and a subset of downstream substrates, including p62, p110, and Shc, and for Ca2+ mobilization. However, responses mediated through CD79b exhibited a greater dependence on the presence of both tyrosines. Neither tyrosine in CD79a or CD79b appeared absolutely essential for Src family kinase phosphorylation. These results indicate that phosphorylations of the tyrosines in CD79a and CD79b occur with very different stoichiometry, and the respective tyrosyl residues have distinct functions.

Aberrations of the B-Cell Receptor B29 (CD79b) Gene in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Leukemic B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) typically exhibit low or undetectable surface Ig. Because the B29 (CD79b and Igβ) and mb-1 (CD79a and Igα) gene products are required for surface Ig display in the B-cell receptor complex (BCR), we analyzed the expression of these genes in B-CLL cells. The majority (83%) of the randomly selected B-CLL patient samples analyzed exhibited low or undetectable surface BCR measured by μ heavy chain and B29 expression. Levels of mb-1 mRNA in these B-CLL samples with low surface BCR were similar to those in normal B cells. Among those with decreased surface expression, B29 mRNA was not detected in half of these B-CLL samples. The remaining B-CLL samples with diminished surface BCR contained normal levels of B29 mRNA. Further analysis of cDNA clones from the majority of these latter samples contained point mutations, insertions, or deletions that were largely located in the B29 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. These results indicate the occurrence of somatic mutations predicted to affect B29 expression and/or function in the majority of B-CLL and suggest that these aberrations underlie the diminished surface BCR display and loss of BCR signaling characteristic of this leukemia.

Aberrations of the B-Cell Receptor B29 (CD79b) Gene in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Leukemic B cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) typically exhibit low or undetectable surface Ig. Because the B29 (CD79b and Igβ) and mb-1 (CD79a and Igα) gene products are required for surface Ig display in the B-cell receptor complex (BCR), we analyzed the expression of these genes in B-CLL cells. The majority (83%) of the randomly selected B-CLL patient samples analyzed exhibited low or undetectable surface BCR measured by μ heavy chain and B29 expression. Levels of mb-1 mRNA in these B-CLL samples with low surface BCR were similar to those in normal B cells. Among those with decreased surface expression, B29 mRNA was not detected in half of these B-CLL samples. The remaining B-CLL samples with diminished surface BCR contained normal levels of B29 mRNA. Further analysis of cDNA clones from the majority of these latter samples contained point mutations, insertions, or deletions that were largely located in the B29 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. These results indicate the occurrence of somatic mutations predicted to affect B29 expression and/or function in the majority of B-CLL and suggest that these aberrations underlie the diminished surface BCR display and loss of BCR signaling characteristic of this leukemia.

B cell antigen receptor desensitization: disruption of receptor coupling to tyrosine kinase activation

Antigen binding to the B cell receptor (BCR) induces receptor desensitization, a condition characterized by cellular unresponsiveness to subsequent Ag stimulation despite the continued ability to bind Ag. To better understand the molecular mechanism of this unresponsiveness, we have used complementary lymphoma (K46 mu) and Ig transgenic (3-83 mu delta) mouse models to study regulation of BCR signaling. Our findings in the lymphoma model show that an initial Ag encounter renders receptors unresponsive to subsequent Ag challenge, as measured by their inability to mobilize Ca2+ and to mediate phosphorylation of receptor-proximal kinases, including Lyn, Blk, and Syk. Most importantly, the Ig alpha and Ig beta components of desensitized receptors are not phosphorylated, and receptor-associated kinases are not activated upon Ag challenge. The molecular defect does not appear to result from Lyn inactivation, sequestration, or repression, since Lyn from desensitized cell lysates is activated in vitro by synthetic doubly phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif peptides. A similar deficit in Ag-induced receptor phosphorylation was observed in desensitized B cells from 3-83 mu delta transgenic mice. These studies indicate that Ag receptor desensitization reflects an inability to initiate activation of receptor-associated kinases that normally phosphorylate receptor Ig alphabeta subunits, leading to signal propagation.

Qualitatively distinct signaling through T cell antigen receptor subunits

T cell antigen receptors (TCR) contain several subunits including CD3gamma, delta, and epsilon, and TCRzeta and eta which are capable of mediating signal transduction. It is unclear whether the signaling function of these subunits is completely redundant. To assess the relative signaling capabilities of TCR subunits, we compared proximal events in signal transduction by wild-type TCR complexes and TCR devoid of functional zeta subunits, as well as chimeric receptors containing the cytoplasmic domains of TCRzeta or CD3epsilon. Results demonstrate that in BW5147 wild-type TCR, tail-less zeta TCR, CD3epsilon, and TCRzeta transduce signals leading to tyrosine phosphorylation of similar sets of cellular substrates, including the receptor subunits, Fyn, ZAP-70, and phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1). Surprisingly, unlike wild-type TCR, tail-less zeta TCR, and CD3epsilon, TCRzeta was incapable of transducing signals resulting in inositol triphosphate (IP3) generation or intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization. These data indicate that tyrosine phosphorylation of PLCgamma1 is not sufficient to drive IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization. Most importantly, data presented indicate that TCRzeta and CD3epsilon engage partially distinct signaling pathways.

Regulation of ITAM signaling by specific sequences in Ig-beta B cell antigen receptor subunit

B cell antigen receptors (BCR) are composed of an antigen binding subunit, the membrane Ig, and Ig-alpha/Ig-beta heterodimers, that contain a transducing motif named ITAM for "immuno-receptor tyrosine-based activation motif." Ig-alpha and Ig-beta ITAMs only differ by four amino acids located before the second conserved tyrosine (DCSM in Ig-alpha and QTAT in Ig-beta), which determine the in vitro association of Ig-alpha with the src kinase fyn. We have previously shown that Ig-alpha and Ig-beta BCR subunits activate different signaling pathways by expressing, in B cells, FcgammaRII chimeras containing the cytoplasmic tails of Ig-alpha or Ig-beta. We report here that the signaling capacity of Ig-beta ITAM is regulated by peptide sequences located inside (QTAT region) or outside the ITAM (flanking sequences). Furthermore, when isolated, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta ITAM have similar abilities as the entire Ig-alpha tail and the whole BCR in triggering tyrosine kinase activation, an increase of intracellular calcium concentration as well as late events of cell activation as assessed by cytokine secretion. These data show that alterations that modify the ability of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta to interact in vitro with the src kinase fyn (switch between QTAT and DCSM) also determine signal transduction capabilities of these molecules expressed in B cells.

Use of isolated immature-stage B cells to understand negative selection and tolerance induction at the molecular level

Encounter with antigen by newly developing antigen receptor-positive B cells leads to negative selection. This process positions the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) in a central role for initiating the process of negative selection and suggests developmental regulation of its signaling. The observation that immature B cells are more susceptible to negative selection than are mature B cells has been demonstrated in a number of in vitro and in vivo model systems and support the idea of developmental regulation of BCR-initiated responses. Since identical antigen receptors are expressed on immature and mature B cells, the critical fate-determining distinction between these developmental stages must lie downstream of the receptor-ligand interaction itself, in the form of different BCR-linked signaling processes or with different secondary events occurring subsequent to BCR cross-linking. To address the first possibility, our laboratory and others have sought to define the differences in BCR-mediated signal transduction in immature and mature B lymphocytes. In this review article we will discuss current in vitro systems to study this question in primary, nontransformed murine B lymphocytes. In addition, we will discuss our previously published work in order to illustrate how these model systems have been useful in beginning to unravel the molecular basis for immune B cell negative selection and tolerance.

Distinct mechanisms mediate SHC association with the activated and resting B cell antigen receptor

Ligation of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) complex initiates tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor's transducer components, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta and tyrosine kinase-dependent accumulation of GTP-bound, activated p21ras. The mechanism of receptor coupling to p21ras activation and the roles of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta are unknown. The results reported here indicate that the resting, nonphosphorylated BCR associates with the Grb-2/Sos-linker SHC via the Ig-alpha immunoreceptor-based tyrosine activation motif (ITAM). Ig-alpha specificity of this interaction is determined by the sequence DCSM found in Ig-alpha, but not Ig-beta. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta ITAM allows recruitment of SHC, which now binds directly to both Ig-alpha and Ig-beta via a phosphotyrosine/SH2 interaction. In confirmation of recent studies by Saxton et al. (J. Immunol. 1994. 153: 623) receptor ligation leads to tyrosine phosphorylation of SHC and to the formation of a phospho-SHC/Grb2/Sos complex. In view of previous studies which demonstrated p21ras co-capping with ligated BCR, the data presented here suggest that Ig-alpha/beta- and SHC tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent recruitment of the Grb2/Sos complex to the receptor can occur and may provide a mechanism by which the nucleotide exchange activity of Sos could mediate activation of BCR-localized p21ras.

Compartmentalization of B-cell antigen receptor functions

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), like the PDGF-receptor, translate information from the extracellular environment into cytoplasmic signals that regulate a spectrum of cellular functions. RTK molecules consist of ligand binding extracellular domains, cytoplasmic kinase domains and tyrosine phosphorylation sites [Ullrich and Schlessinger, 1990 (Cell 61, 203-212); Heldin, 1992 (EMBO J. 11, 4251-4259)]. Upon ligand-induced RTK oligomerization, the kinase domains will become activated and induce auto(trans)phosphorylation of a number of cytoplasmic tyrosine residues. These phosphorylated tyrosine residues are incorporated in distinct sequence motifs and act as specific docking sites for SH2 domain-containing proteins [Songyang et al., 1993 (Cell 72, 767-778)]. In contrast to single- or oligo-chain RTK, immunological receptors such as antigen receptors, FcR and cytokine receptors are multi-chain complexes in which distinct receptor functions appear to be compartmentalized in distinct polypeptides. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the structural and functional characteristics of the B-cell antigen receptor complex (BCR) and address the specific ability of accessory molecules to recruit intracellular signaling intermediates towards the activated receptor complex.

T cell antigen receptor signal transduction pathways

The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) regulates the activation and growth of T lymphocytes. The initial membrane proximal event triggered by the TCR is activation of protein tyrosine kinases with the resultant phosphorylation of cellular proteins. This biochemical response couples the TCR to a divergent array of signal transduction molecules including enzymes that regulate lipid metabolism, GTP binding proteins, serine/threonine kinases, and adapter molecules. The ultimate aim of studies of intracellular signaling mechanisms is to understand the functional consequences of a particular biochemical event for receptor function. The control of cytokine gene expression is one of the mechanism that allows the TCR to control immune responses. Accordingly, one object of the present review is to discuss the role of the different TCR signal transduction pathways in linking the TCR to nuclear targets: the transcription factors that control the expression of cytokine genes.

Genetic analysis of tyrosine kinase function in B cell development

B lymphopoiesis is regulated by multiple signals from stromal cell contact, soluble cytokines, antigen, and T helper cells. In vitro and biochemical experiments have implicated tyrosine kinases as key components of many of these signaling pathways. Genetic analysis of the role of these tyrosine kinases has been facilitated by recent advance in transgenic and gene targeting technology as well as by the identification of the genetic basis of several human and murine immune deficiencies. This review discusses the effect of gain and loss of function mutations of selected tyrosine kinases and their regulators and substrates on B cell development and function.

Cooperativity and segregation of function within the Ig-alpha/beta heterodimer of the B cell antigen receptor complex

The B cell antigen receptor complex contains heterodimers of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta. The cytoplasmic tails of each of these chains contain two conserved tyrosines, phosphorylation of which initiates the signal transduction cascades activated by the receptor complex. Although the cytoplasmic domains of Ig-alpha and Ig-beta have been expressed individually and demonstrated to be competent signal transduction units, we postulated that within the context of a heterodimer, Ig-alpha and Ig-beta could have new, complementary or even synergistic functions. Therefore we developed a system to compare the signal transducing capacities of dimers of Ig-alpha/Ig-alpha, Ig-beta/Ig-beta, or Ig-alpha/Ig-beta. This was done by fusing the extracellular and transmembrane domains of either human platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) alpha or beta to the cytoplasmic tail of either Ig-alpha or Ig-beta. Three cell lines expressing PDGFRbeta/Ig-alpha, PDGFRbeta/Ig-beta, or PDGFRalpha/Ig-beta together with PDGFRbeta/Ig-alpha were established in the murine B cell line A20 IIA1.6. While aggregation of each dimer by itself could induce the tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular substrates, only aggregation of the heterodimer induced the phosphorylation of substrates similar in range and intensity to that induced by the endogenous B cell antigen receptor complex. Interestingly, Ig-beta remarkably enhanced the rapidity (Tmax decreased from 5 to 1 min) and intensity (greater than 10-fold enhancement) of Ig-alpha phosphorylation. Conversely, the phosphorylation of Ig-beta was reduced to undetectable levels when co-aggregated with Ig-alpha. The enhancement of Ig-alpha phosphorylation by Ig-beta correlated with a lowering of the stimulation threshold for tyrosine kinase activation.

Reconstitution of the B cell antigen receptor signaling components in COS cells

To elucidate interactions occurring between B cell protein tyrosine kinases and the signaling components of the B cell antigen receptor, we have co-transfected into COS cells individual tyrosine kinases together with chimeric cell surface receptors containing the cytoplasmic domains of Ig alpha or Ig beta. Of the tyrosine kinases transfected (Lyn, Blk, Hck, Syk, Fyn), only Blk was able to phosphorylate and subsequently associate with cotransfected Ig alpha and Ig beta chimeras in vivo. Association between Blk and the Ig alpha and Ig beta cytoplasmic domains was shown by mutational analyses to be the result of an SH2-phosphotyrosine interaction. We identified the tyrosine residues of the Ig alpha and Ig beta cytoplasmic domains was shown by mutational analyses to be the result of an SH2-phosphotyrosine interaction. We identified the tyrosine residues of the Ig alpha and Ig beta cytoplasmic domains phosphorylated by Blk. The enzymatic activity and membrane association of Blk were required for the observed phosphorylation of the Ig alpha and Ig beta chimeras. Sequences within the amino-terminal unique domain of Blk are responsible for recognition and subsequent phosphorylation of the Ig alpha chimera since transfer of the unique region of Blk to Fyn results in the chimeric kinase's ability to phosphorylate the cytoplasmic domain of Ig alpha. These findings indicate that the unique domain of Src family kinases may direct recognition of certain substrates leading to their phosphorylation.

Solution structure of the C-terminal SH2 domain of the human tyrosine kinase Syk complexed with a phosphotyrosine pentapeptide

BACKGROUND

Recruitment of the intracellular tyrosine kinase Syk to activated immune-response receptors is a critical early step in intracellular signaling. In mast cells, Syk specifically associates with doubly phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) that are found within the IgE receptor. The mechanism by which Syk recognizes these motifs is not fully understood. Both Syk SH2 (Src homology 2) domains are required for high-affinity binding to these motifs, but the C-terminal SH2 domain (Syk-C) can function independently and can bind, in isolation, to the tyrosine-phosphorylated IgE receptor in vitro. In order to improve understanding of the cellular function of Syk, we have determined the solution structure of Syk-C complexed with a phosphotyrosine peptide derived from the gamma subunit of the IgE receptor.

RESULTS

The Syk-C:peptide structure is compared with liganded structures of both the SH2 domain of Src and the C-terminal SH2 domain of ZAP-70 (the 70 kDa zeta-associated protein). The topologies of these domains are similar, although significant differences occur in the loop regions. In the Syk-C structure, the phosphotyrosine and leucine residues of the peptide ligand interact with pockets on the protein, and the intervening residues are extended.

CONCLUSIONS

Syk-C resembles other SH2 domains in its peptide-binding interactions and overall topology, a result that is consistent with its ability to function as an independent SH2 domain in vitro. This result suggests that Syk-C plays a unique role in the intact Syk protein. The determinants of the binding affinity and selectivity of Syk-C may reside in the least-conserved structural elements that comprise the phosphotyrosine- and leucine-binding sites. These structural features can be exploited for the design of Syk-selective SH2 antagonists for the treatment of allergic disorders and asthma.

The role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the interaction of cellular tyrosine kinases with the T cell receptor zeta chain tyrosine-based activation motif

Immunoglobulin receptor family tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM) define a conserved signaling sequence, EX2YX2L/IX7YX2L/I, that mediates coupling of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) to protein tyrosine kinases (PTK). In the present study, we explored the role of phosphorylation of the two ITAM tyrosine residues in the interactions of the motif with the PTK ZAP-70 and p59fyn. The data show that the phosphorylation of a single tyrosine within the motif enables binding of p59fyn, whereas phosphorylation of both tyrosines within the motif is required for maximal binding of the PTK ZAP-70. Quantitative binding experiments show that nanomolar concentrations of the doubly phosphorylated zeta 1-ITAM are sufficient for ZAP-70 recruitment, whereas micromolar levels of singly phosphorylated ITAM are necessary for p59fyn binding. ZAP-70 binds with low efficiency to a singly phosphorylated ITAM, but shows preferential binding to the C-terminal phosphotyrosine in the ITAM, whereas p59fyn binds selectively to the N-terminal phosphotyrosine. The present data thus show that there is the potential for a singly phosphorylated ITAM to couple to cellular PTK. Moreover, the data suggest a mechanism for heterogeneity in signal transduction responses by the TCR, since ITAM could differentially couple the TCR to downstream signaling events depending on their phosphorylation state.

How do multichain immune recognition receptors signal? A structural hypothesis

Several cell surface receptors involved in cellular activation by antigen, such as the B-cell and T-cell antigen receptors, and receptors for IgE and IgG (Fc epsilon RI and Fc gamma RIII) show substantial similarities in structure and signaling pathways. An essential step in the activation of immune cells through these receptors is the phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues within certain consensus sequences found in the cytoplasmic tails of different chains belonging to each of these receptors. The mechanism by which aggregation of the receptors triggers these phosphorylation is still unknown. In this paper, a mechanistic model for this key event is proposed. This model assumes that the kinase(s) responsible for catalysing these phosphorylations do exist associated with the receptors, but for steric reasons they cannot phosphorylate tyrosine residues on chains of the same receptor complex. Upon aggregation, these kinases phosphorylate the tyrosines of a distinct receptor complex (cross-phosphorylation), thus starting the signaling cascade.

Nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase involvement in signal transduction and immunodeficiency disease

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) have been grouped into 10 different enzyme families based on predicted amino acid sequences. As the number of enzymes belonging to the nonreceptor class of PTK is increasing, one challenge is to determine how these various classes of PTKs interact within the cell to promote signal transduction. Herein, the activation of four classes of nonreceptor PTKs is discussed in relation to their interactions with each other as well as with other signaling molecules during the process of lymphocyte surface antigen receptor-mediated activation. Recent findings of nonreceptor PTK loss-of-function mutations in different immunodeficiency diseases has revealed the important contribution of this group of enzymes to lymphocyte development.

A comparison of the interaction of Shc and the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 with the T cell antigen receptor zeta chain tyrosine-based activation motif

Tyrosine-based activation motifs (TAMs) define a conserved signaling sequence, EX2YX2L/IX7YX2L/I, that couples the T cell antigen receptor to protein tyrosine kinases and adapter molecules. The present study shows that phosphorylation of both tyrosines within the motif is required for high affinity binding of the tyrosine kinase ZAP-70 whereas phosphorylation of the single COOH-terminal tyrosine within the motif is optimal for the binding of the adapter Shc. There were also quantitative differences in the ZAP-70 and Shc association with the zeta 1-TAM since nM concentrations of the doubly phosphorylated zeta 1-TAM are sufficient for ZAP-70 recruitment whereas micromolar levels of singly phosphorylated TAMs are necessary for Shc binding. Shc is tyrosine phosphorylated in antigen receptor-activated T cells and can potentially form a complex with the adapter molecule Grb2 and could thus recruit the Ras guanine nucleotide exchange protein Sos into the antigen receptor complex. The present data show that Grb2 can bind to the phosphorylated TAM, but this binding is independent of Shc and there is no formation of zeta 1-TAM.Shc.Grb2.Sos complexes in antigen receptor-activated cells. Accordingly, Shc function should not be considered in the context of Grb2/Sos recruitment to the T cell antigen receptor complex.

Multisubunit receptors in the immune system and their association with the cytoskeleton: in search of functional significance

Various multisubunit receptors of the immune system share similarities in structure and induce closely related signal transduction pathways upon ligand binding. Examples include the T cell antigen receptor (TCR), the B cell antigen receptor (BCR), and the high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (Fc epsilon RI). Although these receptors are devoid of intrinsic kinase activity, they can associate with a similar array of intracellular kinases, phosphatases and other signaling molecules. Furthermore, these receptor complexes all form an association with the cytoskeletal matrix. In this review, we compare the structural and functional characteristics of the TCR, BCR and Fc epsilon RI. We examine the role of the cytoskeleton in regulating receptor-mediated signal transduction, as analyzed in other well-characterized receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor and integrin receptors. On the basis of this evidence, we review the current data depicting a cytoskeletal association for multisubunit immune system receptors and explore the potential bearing of this interaction on signaling function.

Reconstitution of Syk function by the ZAP-70 protein tyrosine kinase

ZAP-70 and Syk are PTKs required for TCR and BCR function, respectively. Loss of the Syk PTK results in a nonfunctional BCR. We provide evidence here that ZAP-70 and Syk are functionally homologous in antigen receptor signaling by demonstrating that expression of ZAP-70 in Syk- B cells reconstitutes BCR function. Reconstitution required the presence of functional Src homology 2 (SH2) and catalytic domains of ZAP-70. Thus, drug targeting of a single SH2 domain within ZAP-70 should be sufficient to inhibit hematopoietic antigen receptor function. In addition, we demonstrate that both ZAP-70 and Syk can bind directly to the phosphorylated Ig alpha and Ig beta subunits with affinities comparable to their binding to the TCR CD3 epsilon subunit. These data suggest that ZAP-70 and Syk are comparable in their abilities to mediate hematopoietic antigen receptor signaling.

Regulation of the adapter molecule Grb2 by the Fc epsilon R1 in the mast cell line RBL2H3

Antigenic cross-linking of the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon R1) on mast cells results in protein tyrosine kinase activation. The object of the present study was to explore the regulation of the SH2 and SH3 domain containing adapter molecule Grb2 by Fc epsilon R1-stimulated PTK signal transduction pathways. Affinity purification of in vivo Grb2 complexes together with in vitro experiments with Grb2 glutathione S-transferase fusion proteins were used to analyze Grb2 complexes in the mast cell line RBL2H3. The data show that in RBL2H3 cells several different proteins are complexed to the SH3 domains of Grb2. These include the p21ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sos, two basally tyrosine-phosphorylated 110- and 120-kDa molecules, and a 75-kDa protein that is a substrate for Fc epsilon R1-activated PTKs. By analogy with Sos, p75, p110 and p120 are candidates for Grb2 effector proteins which suggests that Grb2 may be a pleiotropic adapter. Two Grb2 SH2-binding proteins were also characterized in RBL2H3 cells; the adapter Shc and a 33-kDa molecule. Shc is constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated in unstimulated cells and Fc epsilon R1 ligation induces no changes in its phosphorylation or binding to Grb2. In contrast, p33 is a substrate for Fc epsilon R1-activated PTKs and binds to Grb2 SH2 domains in Fc epsilon R1 activated but not quiescent cells. The beta subunit of the Fc epsilon R1 is a 33-kDa tyrosine phosphoprotein, but the p33 Grb2-binding protein described in the present report is not the Fc epsilon R1 beta chain and its identity is unknown. The present report thus demonstrates that there are multiple Grb2 containing protein complexes in mast cells of which a subset are Fc epsilon R1-regulated. Two other of the Grb2-binding proteins described herein are tyrosine phosphorylated in response to Fc epsilon R1 ligation: the 75-kDa protein which binds to Grb2 SH3 domains and the 33-kDa protein that associates with the Grb2 SH2 domain. We propose that protein complex formation by Grb2 is an important consequence of Fc epsilon R1 cross-linking and that this may be a signal transduction pathway which acts synergistically with calcium/PKC signals to bring about optimal mast cell end function.

Initiation of signal transduction by receptor aggregation: role of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases

Receptors which induce immune system effector function bear similar intracellular sequences and respond to aggregation through a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway. The mechanism by which receptor aggregation leads to cell activation is poorly understood, but recent experiments with chimeric receptors and kinases have begun to simplify the analysis.

Interactions of TCR tyrosine based activation motifs with tyrosine kinases

The tyrosine activating motif (TAM) is a conserved signaling motif present in many hematopoietic receptors. Although the exact definition and the function of these motifs is not known, it is likely that these motifs bind and activate protein tyrosine kinases. Here we summarize the data regarding tyrosine kinase interactions with the T cell receptor TAMs and integrate much of the information into a functional and testable model. We propose that phosphorylated TAMs are important for the activation of tyrosine kinases as well as for the recruitment of critical signaling molecules.

The B cell antigen receptor complex: mechanisms and implications of tyrosine kinase activation

The B cell receptor is a multimeric receptor complex whose constituent chains appear to mediate distinct and possibly interrelated functions. In this review we have focused on how one chain, immunoglobulin (Ig)-alpha, may function to activate tyrosine kinases and the consequences of that activation. The cytoplasmic domain of Ig-alpha contains a consensus sequence, the antigen recognition homology 1 (ARH 1) motif, which is found in Ig-beta and other antigen recognition receptor associated chains. We argue that this conserved structure reflects an underlying conserved mechanism of secondary effector activation. Our data also indicates that the specificity of each motif (i.e., the elements which restrict secondary effector binding to particular motifs) is encoded within divergent sequences found in each ARH 1 motif. In the particular case of kinase activation by Ig-alpha, the subsequent phosphorylation of multiple tyrosines on Ig-alpha, Ig-beta, CD19, CD22 and possibly other functionally related chains form recruitment sites for a myriad of secondary signal transducers. In this model, proximal tyrosine kinases and phosphatases do not function so much to mediate the linear transfer of information as to establish and modulate an interrelated network of signal transducers capable of driving complicated cellular responses.

The B-cell antigen receptor complex: structure and signal transduction

The specificity of the immune response is determined by the interaction between the B-cell receptor (BCR) and its cognate structure, antigen. Recent studies have provided considerable insight into the compartmentalization of function within this extremely versatile hetero-oligomeric receptor complex. In this article, Christopher Pleiman, Daniele D'Ambrosio and John Cambier consolidate new findings regarding BCR structure and signal transduction.

Regulation of B-cell activation by CD45: a question of mechanism

Recent studies have demonstrated that the protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 plays an integral role in regulation of B-cell function. Most notably, expression of this phosphatase is required for activation of B lymphocytes and entry into the cell cycle. Here, Louis Justement and colleagues review current information concerning the function of CD45 in the B cell. The discussion focuses on two questions that are of central importance: what are the physiological substrates for CD45 and how does reversible tyrosine phosphorylation affect their function?

In vitro characterization of major ligands for Src homology 2 domains derived from protein tyrosine kinases, from the adaptor protein SHC and from GTPase-activating protein in Ramos B cells

Antigen receptors of B lymphocytes transmit their activation signal to the cell interior by associating with and activation of specific non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Most of these kinases as well as other cytoplasmic effectors contain at least one Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, known to bind tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. We examined the binding specificity of SH2 domains from different signaling molecules in B cells and found that each of the SH2 domains tested bound distinct subsets of stimulation-dependent phosphoproteins in vitro. SH2 domains from Src-like tyrosine kinases bound predominantly to the HS1 phosphoprotein. The tandem SH2 domains of the ZAP-70 tyrosine kinase bound to phosphorylated Ig-beta but only weakly to Ig-alpha. Also the SHC-derived SH2 domain formed complexes with the tyrosine-phosphorylated Ig-alpha/beta heterodimer, while the C- and N-terminal SH2 domains of GTPase-activating protein displayed completely different binding preferences. These results suggest that cytoplasmic effector molecules can be recruited to the activated B cell receptor in an SH2-phosphotyrosine-mediated manner. The data also provide a possible explanation for the notion that Ig-alpha and Ig-beta might couple to different biochemical pathways.

Transmembrane signalling by the B-cell antigen receptor

Crosslinking the B-cell antigen receptor is sufficient to generate intracellular signals. Recent work has shown that this signalling capability can be ascribed to the presence of the alpha and beta sheath proteins within the antigen receptor that couple it to signal transduction pathways. However, a variety of other transmembrane proteins, including CD19, CD21, CD22, CD32 and CD45, can also associate with the receptor and we are beginning to understand how they may act in concert with it to efficiently regulate B lymphocyte activity in response to antigen.

Role of tyrosine kinases in lymphocyte activation

Interaction of T- and B-cell antigen receptors with cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine protein kinases is critical to the activation of lymphocytes by antigen. Both the src-family tyrosine protein kinases Lck, Fyn, Lyn and Blk and the syk-family tyrosine protein kinases Syk and ZAP-70 play a role in lymphocyte activation. The antigen receptors are coupled to this cluster of kinases by the cytoplasmic tails of the gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta, and eta subunits of the T-cell receptor, and the Ig-alpha and Ig-beta subunits of the B-cell receptor. Each of these proteins contains one or more 'tyrosine based activation motifs', with the amino acid sequence D/EX7D/EXXYXXL/IX7YXXL/I. This motif appears to allow binding of one or more src-like kinases, via their unique amino termini, before the onset of lymphocyte activation. Invariant tyrosines in the motif become phosphorylated following the triggering of lymphocyte activation, and this modification induces the binding of the src- and syk-family tyrosine protein kinases, and potentially other signalling molecules, through SH2 domains to the antigen receptors.

B-cell activation by wild type and mutant Ig-beta cytoplasmic domains

In B lymphocytes, the cytoplasmic domains of the membrane immunoglobulin-associated heterodimeric Ig-alpha and Ig-beta proteins link membrane immunoglobulin to intracellular signalling molecules. We constructed chimeric genes encoding the extracellular and transmembrane domain of human CD8 alpha and the cytoplasmic domain of Ig-alpha or Ig-beta and examined the ability of the chimeric proteins to induce signalling in the murine B-cell lymphoma A20. Crosslinking of CD8/Ig-alpha or CD8/Ig-beta induced both calcium mobilization and protein tyrosine phosphorylation, although induction by CD8/Ig-alpha was somewhat stronger. We also carried out mutagenesis of residues within the "Reth" motif of the CD8/Ig-beta cytoplasmic domain and determined the effects of these mutations on signalling in the murine B-cell hybridoma LK 35.2. Mutants in which alanine was substituted for glutamine 202, threonine 205, and isoleucine 209 retained the ability to induce protein tyrosine phosphorylation and calcium mobilization. In contrast, substitution of alanine for leucine 198 abrogated these responses, suggesting a critical role for this residue in interaction with cytoplasmic signalling proteins.