Regulation of a late phase of T cell polarity and effector functions by Crtam

Cell. 2008 Mar 7;132(5):846-59. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2008.01.013.

Abstract

Spatial organization of cellular proteins plays an important role in establishment of cellular polarity to regulate cell division, differentiation, migration, and organogenesis. Activation of T cells by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) results in the formation of an immunological synapse (IS), assembly of a signaling scaffold at the T cell receptor (TCR) contact, cytoskeletal reorganization, and generation of second messengers within the first hours following intercellular contact. We demonstrate here that Crtam (class-I MHC-restricted T-cell associated molecule), an immunoglobulin-superfamily transmembrane protein, coordinates a signaling complex anchored by the Scrib polarity protein to establish a later phase of T cell polarity on a subset of CD4+ T cells >6 hours following activation. Maintenance of this late cellular polarity results in the ability of CD4+Crtam+ T cells to selectively produce more IFNgamma and IL22. Crtam engagement thus modulates signals many hours beyond the initial activation event and dynamically influences the adaptive immune response.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Polarity*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Immunoglobulins / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulins / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / metabolism
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Interleukins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • class-I restricted T cell-associated molecule
  • scribble protein, mouse
  • Interferon-gamma