Migration of Th1 lymphocytes is regulated by CD152 (CTLA-4)-mediated signaling via PI3 kinase-dependent Akt activation

PLoS One. 2012;7(3):e31391. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031391. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

Efficient adaptive immune responses require the localization of T lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs and inflamed tissues. To achieve correct localization of T lymphocytes, the migration of these cells is initiated and directed by adhesion molecules and chemokines. It has recently been shown that the inhibitory surface molecule CD152 (CTLA-4) initiates Th cell migration, but the molecular mechanism underlying this effect remains to be elucidated. Using CD4 T lymphocytes derived from OVA-specific TCR transgenic CD152-deficient and CD152-competent mice, we demonstrate that chemokine-triggered signal transduction is differentially regulated by CD152 via phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent activation of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). In the presence of CD152 signaling, the chemoattractant CCL4 selectively induces the full activation of Akt via phosphorylation at threonine 308 and serine 473 in pro-inflammatory Th lymphocytes expressing the cognate chemokine receptor CCR5. Akt signals lead to cytoskeleton rearrangements, which are indispensable for migration. Therefore, this novel Akt-modulating function of CD152 signals affecting T cell migration demonstrates that boosting CD152 or its down-stream signal transduction could aid therapies aimed at sensitizing T lymphocytes for optimal migration, thus contributing to a precise and effective immune response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / genetics
  • CTLA-4 Antigen / metabolism*
  • Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / immunology*
  • Enzyme Activation / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Receptors, CCR / metabolism
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Th1 Cells / enzymology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology*

Substances

  • CTLA-4 Antigen
  • Receptors, CCR
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt