A Themis:SHP complex promotes T cell survival

ABSTRACT: THEMIS is critical for conventional T cell development but its precise molecular function remains elusive. Here we show that THEMIS constitutively associates with the phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. This complex requires the adapter GRB2, which bridges SHP to Themis in a Tyr-phosphorylation-independent fashion. Rather, SHP1 and THEMIS engage with the N-SH3 and C-SH3 domains of GRB2, respectively, a configuration that allows GRB2-SH2 to recruit the complex onto LAT. Coherent with THEMIS-mediated recruitment of SHP to the TCR signalosome, THEMIS knockdown increased TCR-induced TCR- phosphorylation, Erk activation and CD69 expression, however not Lck phosphorylation. This generalized TCR signalling increase led to augmented apoptosis, a phenotype mirrored by SHP-1 knockdown. Remarkably, a KI mutation of Lck Ser59, previously suggested to be key in ERK-mediated resistance towards SHP-1 negative feedback, did not affect TCR signalling nor ligand discrimination in vivo. Thus, THEMIS:SHP complex dampens early TCR signalling by a previously unknown molecular mechanism that favors T cell survival. We discuss possible implications of this mechanism in modulating TCR output signals towards conventional T cell development and differentiation.

INSTRUMENT(S): LTQ Orbitrap

ORGANISM(S): Homo Sapiens (human)

TISSUE(S): T Cell, Jurkat Cell

SUBMITTER: Kristin Katsch  

LAB HEAD: Professor Oreste Acuto

PROVIDER: PXD001410 | Pride | 2015-01-07

REPOSITORIES: Pride