scholarly journals Conditional Knockout Mice Reveal an Essential Role of Protein Phosphatase 4 in Thymocyte Development and Pre-T-Cell Receptor Signaling

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jr-Wen Shui ◽  
Mickey C.-T. Hu ◽  
Tse-Hua Tan
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Okadaic Acid ◽  
Protein Phosphatase ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Conditional Knockout ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Deficient Mice

ABSTRACT Okadaic acid-sensitive serine/threonine phosphatases have been shown to regulate interleukin-2 transcription and T-cell activation. Okadaic acid inhibits protein phosphatase 4 (PP4), a novel PP2A-related serine/threonine phosphatase, at a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) comparable to that for PP2A. This raises the possibility that some cellular functions of PP2A, determined in T cells by using okadaic acid, may in fact be those of PP4. To investigate the in vivo roles of PP4 in T cells, we generated conventional and T-cell-specific PP4 conditional knockout mice. We found that the ablation of PP4 led to the embryonic lethality of mice. PP4 gene deletion in the T-cell lineage resulted in aberrant thymocyte development, including T-cell arrest at the double-negative 3 stage (CD4− CD8− CD25+ CD44−), abnormal thymocyte maturation, and lower efficacy of positive selection. PP4-deficient thymocytes showed decreased proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in vivo. Analysis of pre-T-cell receptor (pre-TCR) signaling further revealed impaired calcium flux and phospholipase C-γ1-extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation in the absence of PP4. Anti-CD3 injection in PP4-deficient mice led to enhanced thymocyte apoptosis, accompanied by increased proapoptotic Bim but decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-xL protein levels. In the periphery, antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and T-cell-mediated immune responses in PP4-deficient mice were dramatically compromised. Thus, our results indicate that PP4 is essential for thymocyte development and pre-TCR signaling.

scholarly journals Restricting Zap70 Expression to CD4+CD8+ Thymocytes Reveals a T Cell Receptor–dependent Proofreading Mechanism Controlling the Completion of Positive Selection

2003 ◽  
Vol 197 (3) ◽  
pp. 363-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaolong Liu ◽  
Anthony Adams ◽  
Kathryn F. Wildt ◽  
Bruce Aronow ◽  
Lionel Feigenbaum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Positive Selection ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
Tcr Signals

Although T cell receptor (TCR) signals are essential for intrathymic T cell–positive selection, it remains controversial whether they only serve to initiate this process, or whether they are required throughout to promote thymocyte differentiation and survival. To address this issue, we have devised a novel approach to interfere with thymocyte TCR signaling in a developmental stage-specific manner in vivo. We have reconstituted mice deficient for Zap70, a tyrosine kinase required for TCR signaling and normally expressed throughout T cell development, with a Zap70 transgene driven by the adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene enhancer, which is active in CD4+CD8+ thymocytes but inactive in CD4+ or CD8+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes. In such mice, termination of Zap70 expression impaired TCR signal transduction and arrested thymocyte development after the initiation, but before the completion, of positive selection. Arrested thymocytes had terminated Rag gene expression and up-regulated TCR and Bcl-2 expression, but failed to differentiate into mature CD4 or CD8 SP thymocytes, to be rescued from death by neglect or to sustain interleukin 7Rα expression. These observations identify a TCR-dependent proofreading mechanism that verifies thymocyte TCR specificity and differentiation choices before the completion of positive selection.

scholarly journals Loss of tonic T-cell receptor signals alters the generation but not the persistence of CD8+ memory T cells

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (25) ◽  
pp. 5560-5570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karla R. Wiehagen ◽  
Evann Corbo ◽  
Michelle Schmidt ◽  
Haina Shin ◽  
E. John Wherry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis ◽  
Sh2 Domain ◽  
Normal Numbers ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Tcr Signals

Abstract The requirements for tonic T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in CD8+ memory T-cell generation and homeostasis are poorly defined. The SRC homology 2 (SH2)-domain–containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76) is critical for proximal TCR-generated signaling. We used temporally mediated deletion of SLP-76 to interrupt tonic and activating TCR signals after clearance of the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). SLP-76–dependent signals are required during the contraction phase of the immune response for the normal generation of CD8 memory precursor cells. Conversely, LCMV-specific memory CD8 T cells generated in the presence of SLP-76 and then acutely deprived of TCR-mediated signals persist in vivo in normal numbers for more than 40 weeks. Tonic TCR signals are not required for the transition of the memory pool toward a central memory phenotype, but the absence of SLP-76 during memory homeostasis substantially alters the kinetics. Our data are consistent with a model in which tonic TCR signals are required at multiple stages of differentiation, but are dispensable for memory CD8 T-cell persistence.

scholarly journals Pre–T Cell Receptor (Tcr) and Tcr-Controlled Checkpoints in T Cell Differentiation Are Set by Ikaros

1999 ◽  
Vol 190 (8) ◽  
pp. 1039-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Winandy ◽  
Li Wu ◽  
Jin-Hong Wang ◽  
Katia Georgopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Cell Differentiation ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Differentiation ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Double Positive ◽  
Single Positive ◽  
T Cell Malignancies ◽  
Deficient Mice

T cell differentiation relies on pre–T cell receptor (TCR) and TCR signaling events that take place at successive steps of the pathway. Here, we show that two of these T cell differentiation checkpoints are regulated by Ikaros. In the absence of Ikaros, double negative thymocytes can differentiate to the double positive stage without expression of a pre-TCR complex. Subsequent events in T cell development mediated by TCR involving transition from the double positive to the single positive stage are also regulated by Ikaros. Nonetheless, in Ikaros-deficient thymocytes, the requirement of pre-TCR expression for expansion of immature thymocytes as they progress to the double positive stage is still maintained, and the T cell malignancies that invariably arise in the thymus of Ikaros-deficient mice are dependent on either pre-TCR or TCR signaling. We conclude that Ikaros regulates T cell differentiation, selection, and homeostasis by providing signaling thresholds for pre-TCR and TCR.

scholarly journals The transcription factor Gli3 regulates differentiation of fetal CD4–CD8– double-negative thymocytes

Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (4) ◽  
pp. 1296-1304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ariadne L. Hager-Theodorides ◽  
Johannes T. Dessens ◽  
Susan V. Outram ◽  
Tessa Crompton
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
T Cell Differentiation ◽  
Double Negative ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Double Positive ◽  
Dose Dependent

AbstractGlioblastoma 3 (Gli3) is a transcription factor involved in patterning and oncogenesis. Here, we demonstrate a role for Gli3 in thymocyte development. Gli3 is differentially expressed in fetal CD4–CD8– double-negative (DN) thymocytes and is most highly expressed at the CD44+ CD25– DN (DN1) and CD44–CD25– (DN4) stages of development but was not detected in adult thymocytes. Analysis of null mutants showed that Gli3 is involved at the transitions from DN1 to CD44+ CD25+ DN (DN2) cell and from DN to CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) cell. Gli3 is required for differentiation from DN to DP thymocyte, after pre–T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling but is not necessary for pre-TCR–induced proliferation or survival. The effect of Gli3 was dose dependent, suggesting its direct involvement in the transcriptional regulation of genes controlling T-cell differentiation during fetal development.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of a Tyrosine Residue on Zap70 by Lck and Its Subsequent Binding via an SH2 Domain May Be a Key Gatekeeper of T Cell Receptor SignalingIn Vivo

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (18) ◽  
pp. 2396-2402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter A. Thill ◽  
Arthur Weiss ◽  
Arup K. Chakraborty
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Sh2 Domain ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
New Model ◽  
Downstream Signaling ◽  
Conventional Models

The initiation of signaling in T lymphocytes in response to the binding of the T cell receptor (TCR) to cognate ligands is a key step in the emergence of adaptive immune responses. Conventional models posit that TCR signaling is initiated by the phosphorylation of receptor-associated immune receptor activation motifs (ITAMs). The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Zap70 binds to phosphorylated ITAMs, is subsequently activated, and then propagates downstream signaling. While evidence for such models is provided by experiments with cell lines,in vivo, Zap70 is bound to phosphorylated ITAMs in resting T cells. However, Zap70 is activated only upon TCR binding to cognate ligand. We report the results of computational studies of a new model for the initiation of TCR signaling that incorporates thesein vivoobservations. Importantly, the new model is shown to allow better and faster TCR discrimination between self-ligands and foreign ligands. The new model is consistent with many past experimental observations, and experiments that could further test the model are proposed.

scholarly journals Identification of a Late Stage of Small Noncycling pTα−  Pre-T Cells as Immediate Precursors of T Cell Receptor α/β+  Thymocytes

1998 ◽  
Vol 188 (8) ◽  
pp. 1401-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Trigueros ◽  
Almudena R. Ramiro ◽  
Yolanda R. Carrasco ◽  
Virginia G. de Yebenes ◽  
Juan P. Albar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Developmental Model ◽  
Developmental Expression ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Cell Stage

During thymocyte development, progression from T cell receptor (TCR)β to TCRα rearrangement is mediated by a CD3-associated pre-TCR composed of the TCRβ chain paired with pre-TCRα (pTα). A major issue is how surface expression of the pre-TCR is regulated during normal thymocyte development to control transition through this checkpoint. Here, we show that developmental expression of pTα is time- and stage-specific, and is confined in vivo to a limited subset of large cycling human pre-T cells that coexpress low density CD3. This restricted expression pattern allowed the identification of a novel subset of small CD3− thymocytes lacking surface pTα, but expressing cytoplasmic TCRβ, that represent late noncycling pre-T cells in which recombination activating gene reexpression and downregulation of T early α transcription are coincident events associated with cell cycle arrest, and immediately preceding TCRα gene expression. Importantly, thymocytes at this late pre-T cell stage are shown to be functional intermediates between large pTα+ pre-T cells and TCRα/β+ thymocytes. The results support a developmental model in which pre-TCR–expressing pre-T cells are brought into cycle, rapidly downregulate surface pre-TCR, and finally become small resting pre-T cells, before the onset of TCRα gene expression.

scholarly journals Thymic progenitors of TCRαβ+ CD8αα intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes require RasGRP1 for development

2017 ◽  
Vol 214 (8) ◽  
pp. 2421-2435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic P. Golec ◽  
Romy E. Hoeppli ◽  
Laura M. Henao Caviedes ◽  
Jillian McCann ◽  
Megan K. Levings ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Positive Selection ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Intraepithelial Lymphocytes ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Clonal Deletion ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
Tcr Signals

Strong T cell receptor (TCR) signaling largely induces cell death during thymocyte development, whereas weak TCR signals induce positive selection. However, some T cell lineages require strong TCR signals for differentiation through a process termed agonist selection. The signaling relationships that underlie these three fates are unknown. RasGRP1 is a Ras activator required to transmit weak TCR signals leading to positive selection. Here, we report that, despite being dispensable for thymocyte clonal deletion, RasGRP1 is critical for agonist selection of TCRαβ+CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) progenitors (IELps), even though both outcomes require strong TCR signaling. Bim deficiency rescued IELp development in RasGRP1−/− mice, suggesting that RasGRP1 functions to promote survival during IELp generation. Additionally, expression of CD122 and the adhesion molecules α4β7 and CD103 define distinct IELp subsets with differing abilities to generate TCRαβ+CD8αα IEL in vivo. These findings demonstrate that RasGRP1-dependent signaling underpins thymic selection processes induced by both weak and strong TCR signals and is differentially required for fate decisions derived from a strong TCR stimulus.

scholarly journals Allelic Exclusion in pTα-deficient Mice: No Evidence for Cell Surface Expression of Two T Cell Receptor (TCR)-β Chains, but Less Efficient Inhibition of Endogeneous Vβ→ (D)Jβ Rearrangements in the Presence of a Functional TCR-β Transgene

1997 ◽  
Vol 186 (5) ◽  
pp. 767-775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Krotkova ◽  
Harald von Boehmer ◽  
Hans Jörg Fehling
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Cell Surface ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Cell Surface Expression ◽  
Allelic Exclusion ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Β Chain ◽  
Deficient Mice

Although individual T lymphocytes have the potential to generate two distinct T cell receptor (TCR)-β chains, they usually express only one allele, a phenomenon termed allelic exclusion. Expression of a functional TCR-β chain during early T cell development leads to the formation of a pre-T cell receptor (pre-TCR) complex and, at the same developmental stage, arrest of further TCR-β rearrangements, suggesting a role of the pre-TCR in mediating allelic exclusion. To investigate the potential link between pre-TCR formation and inhibition of further TCR-β rearrangements, we have studied the efficiency of allelic exclusion in mice lacking the pre-TCR-α (pTα) chain, a core component of the pre-TCR. Staining of CD3+ thymocytes and lymph node cells with antibodies specific for Vβ6 or Vβ8 and a pool of antibodies specific for most other Vβ elements, did not reveal any violation of allelic exclusion at the level of cell surface expression. This was also true for pTα-deficient mice expressing a functionally rearranged TCR-β transgene. Interestingly, although the transgenic TCR-β chain significantly influenced thymocyte development even in the absence of pTα, it was not able to inhibit fully endogeneous TCR-β rearrangements either in total thymocytes or in sorted CD25+ pre-T cells of pTα−/− mice, clearly indicating an involvement of the pre-TCR in allelic exclusion.

scholarly journals SKAP55 Coupled with CD45 Positively Regulates T-Cell Receptor-Mediated Gene Transcription

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 2673-2686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liangtang Wu ◽  
Jun Fu ◽  
Shi-Hsiang Shen
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Transcriptional Activation ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Jurkat Cells ◽  
Tcr Signaling

ABSTRACT CD45 plays a critical role in T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, SKAP55, the Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein of unknown function, was found as a substrate which associated with CD45 in vivo. Mutational analysis demonstrated the pivotal role of Tyr-232 in SKAP55 in the association with CD45. In Jurkat cells, anti-CD3 antibody stimulation promoted SKAP55 tyrosine phosphorylation and translocation from the cytoplasm to the membrane. Overexpression of SKAP55 in these cells induced transcriptional activation of the IL-2 promoter, while mutant SKAP55-Y232F totally suppressed the promoter activity. Furthermore, overexpression of SKAP55-Y232F also caused the tyrosine hyperphosphorylation of Fyn with a decreased kinase activity. Thus, SKAP55 is an essential adapter to couple CD45 with the Src family kinases for dephosphorylation and, thus, positively regulates TCR signaling.

scholarly journals Homeostatic Competition Among T Cells Revealed by Conditional Inactivation of the Mouse Cd4 Gene

2001 ◽  
Vol 194 (12) ◽  
pp. 1721-1730 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Wang ◽  
Julie Strong ◽  
Nigel Killeen
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
T Cell Receptor ◽  
Mhc Class Ii ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Homeostatic Proliferation ◽  
Thymocyte Development ◽  
Tcr Signaling ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
In Vivo Labeling

Absence of CD4 impairs the efficiency of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling in response to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–presented peptides. Here we use mice carrying a conditional Cd4 allele to study the consequences of impaired TCR signaling after the completion of thymocyte development. We show that loss of CD4 decreases the steady-state proliferation of T cells as monitored by in vivo labeling with bromo-deoxyuridine. Moreover, T cells lacking CD4 compete poorly with CD4-expressing T cells during proliferative expansion after transfer into lymphopenic recipients. The data suggest that T cells compete with one another during homeostatic proliferation, and indicate that the basis of this competition is TCR signaling.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document