The coreceptor CD2 uses plasma membrane microdomains to transduce signals in T cells

J Cell Biol. 2009 May 4;185(3):521-34. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200809136. Epub 2009 Apr 27.

Abstract

The interaction between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell (APC) can trigger a signaling response that leads to T cell activation. Prior studies have shown that ligation of the T cell receptor (TCR) triggers a signaling cascade that proceeds through the coalescence of TCR and various signaling molecules (e.g., the kinase Lck and adaptor protein LAT [linker for T cell activation]) into microdomains on the plasma membrane. In this study, we investigated another ligand-receptor interaction (CD58-CD2) that facilities T cell activation using a model system consisting of Jurkat T cells interacting with a planar lipid bilayer that mimics an APC. We show that the binding of CD58 to CD2, in the absence of TCR activation, also induces signaling through the actin-dependent coalescence of signaling molecules (including TCR-zeta chain, Lck, and LAT) into microdomains. When simultaneously activated, TCR and CD2 initially colocalize in small microdomains but then partition into separate zones; this spatial segregation may enable the two receptors to enhance signaling synergistically. Our results show that two structurally distinct receptors both induce a rapid spatial reorganization of molecules in the plasma membrane, suggesting a model for how local increases in the concentration of signaling molecules can trigger T cell signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • CD2 Antigens / immunology*
  • CD58 Antigens / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion / immunology
  • Cell Membrane / immunology*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / immunology
  • Membrane Microdomains / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD2 Antigens
  • CD58 Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1