The Sts proteins target tyrosine phosphorylated, ubiquitinated proteins within TCR signaling pathways

Roles of TULA-family proteins in T cells and autoimmune diseases

The T cell Ubiquitin Ligand (TULA) protein family contains two members, UBASH3A and UBASH3B, that display similarities in protein sequence and domain structure. Both TULA proteins act to repress T cell activation via a combination of overlapping and nonredundant functions. UBASH3B acts mainly as a phosphatase that suppresses proximal T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. In contrast, UBASH3A acts primarily as an adaptor protein, interacting with other proteins (including UBASH3B) in T cells upon TCR stimulation and resulting in downregulation of TCR signaling and NF-κB signaling. Human genetic and functional studies have revealed another notable distinction between UBASH3A and UBASH3B: numerous genome-wide association studies have identified statistically significant associations between genetic variants in and around the UBASH3A gene and at least seven different autoimmune diseases, suggesting a key role of UBASH3A in autoimmunity. However, the evidence for an independent role of UBASH3B in autoimmune disease is limited. This review summarizes key findings regarding the roles of TULA proteins in T cell biology and autoimmunity, highlights the commonalities and differences between UBASH3A and UBASH3B, and speculates on the individual and joint effects of TULA proteins on T cell signaling.

CD6 regulates CD4 T follicular helper cell differentiation and humoral immunity during murine coronavirus infection

During activation, the T cell transmembrane receptor CD6 becomes incorporated into the T cell immunological synapse where it can exert both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory functions. Given the ability of CD6 to carry out opposing functions, this study sought to determine how CD6 regulates early T cell activation in response to viral infection. Infection of CD6-deficient mice with a neurotropic murine coronavirus resulted in greater activation and expansion of CD4 T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Further analysis demonstrated that there was also preferential differentiation of CD4 T cells into T follicular helper cells, resulting in accelerated germinal center responses and emergence of high-affinity virus-specific antibodies. Given that CD6 conversely supports CD4 T cell activation in many autoimmune models, we probed potential mechanisms of CD6-mediated suppression of CD4 T cell activation during viral infection. Analysis of CD6 binding proteins revealed that infection-induced upregulation of Ubash3a, a negative regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, was hindered in CD6-deficient lymph nodes. Consistent with greater T cell activation and reduced UBASH3a activity, the T cell receptor signal strength was intensified in CD6-deficient CD4 T cells. These results reveal a novel immunoregulatory role for CD6 in limiting CD4 T cell activation and deterring CD4 T follicular helper cell differentiation, thereby attenuating antiviral humoral immunity.

IMPORTANCE

CD6 monoclonal blocking antibodies are being therapeutically administered to inhibit T cell activation in autoimmune disorders. However, the multifaceted nature of CD6 allows for multiple and even opposing functions under different circumstances of T cell activation. We therefore sought to characterize how CD6 regulates T cell activation in the context of viral infections using an in vivo murine coronavirus model. In contrast to its role in autoimmunity, but consistent with its function in the presence of superantigens, we found that CD6 deficiency enhances CD4 T cell activation and CD4 T cell help to germinal center-dependent antiviral humoral responses. Finally, we provide evidence that CD6 regulates transcription of its intracellular binding partner UBASH3a, which suppresses T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and consequently T cell activation. These findings highlight the context-dependent flexibility of CD6 in regulating in vivo adaptive immune responses, which may be targeted to enhance antiviral immunity.

CD6 Regulates CD4 T Follicular Helper Cell Differentiation and Humoral Immunity During Murine Coronavirus Infection

During activation the T cell transmembrane receptor CD6 becomes incorporated into the T cell immunological synapse where it can exert both co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory functions. Given the ability of CD6 to carry out opposing functions, this study sought to determine how CD6 regulates early T cell activation in response to viral infection. Infection of CD6 deficient mice with a neurotropic murine coronavirus resulted in greater activation and expansion of CD4 T cells in the draining lymph nodes. Further analysis demonstrated that there was also preferential differentiation of CD4 T cells into T follicular helper cells, resulting in accelerated germinal center responses and emergence of high affinity virus specific antibodies. Given that CD6 conversely supports CD4 T cell activation in many autoimmune models, we probed potential mechanisms of CD6 mediated suppression of CD4 T cell activation during viral infection. Analysis of CD6 binding proteins revealed that infection induced upregulation of Ubash3a, a negative regulator of T cell receptor signaling, was hindered in CD6 deficient lymph nodes. Consistent with greater T cell activation and reduced UBASH3a activity, the T cell receptor signal strength was intensified in CD6 deficient CD4 T cells. These results reveal a novel immunoregulatory role for CD6 in limiting CD4 T cell activation and deterring CD4 T follicular helper cell differentiation, thereby attenuating antiviral humoral immunity.

Rebamipide and Derivatives are Potent, Selective Inhibitors of Histidine Phosphatase Activity of the Suppressor of T Cell Receptor Signaling Proteins

The suppressor of T cell receptor signaling (Sts) proteins are negative regulators of immune signaling. Genetic inactivation of these proteins leads to significant resistance to infection. From a 590,000 compound high-throughput screen, we identified the 2-(1H)-quinolinone derivative, rebamipide, as a putative inhibitor of Sts phosphatase activity. Rebamipide, and a small library of derivatives, are competitive, selective inhibitors of Sts-1 with IC50 values from low to submicromolar. SAR analysis indicates that the quinolinone, the acid, and the amide moieties are all essential for activity. A crystal structure confirmed the SAR and reveals key interactions between this class of compound and the protein. Although rebamipide has poor cell permeability, we demonstrated that a liposomal preparation can inactivate the phosphatase activity of Sts-1 in cells. These studies demonstrate that Sts-1 enzyme activity can be pharmacologically inactivated and provide foundational tools and insights for the development of immune-enhancing therapies that target the Sts proteins.

TCR signaling promotes formation of an STS1-Cbl-b complex with pH-sensitive phosphatase activity that suppresses T cell function in acidic environments

T cell responses are inhibited by acidic environments. T cell receptor (TCR)-induced protein phosphorylation is negatively regulated by dephosphorylation and/or ubiquitination, but the mechanisms underlying sensitivity to acidic environments are not fully understood. Here, we found that TCR stimulation induced a molecular complex of Cbl-b, an E3-ubiquitin ligase, with STS1, a pH-sensitive unconventional phosphatase. The induced interaction depended upon a proline motif in Cbl-b interacting with the STS1 SH3 domain. STS1 dephosphorylated Cbl-b interacting phosphoproteins. The deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b diminished the sensitivity of T cell responses to the inhibitory effects of acid in an autocrine or paracrine manner in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, the deficiency of STS1 or Cbl-b promoted T cell proliferative and differentiation activities in vivo and inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and improved T cell fitness in tumor models. Thus, a TCR-induced STS1-Cbl-b complex senses intra- or extra-cellular acidity and regulates T cell responses, presenting a potential therapeutic target for improving anti-tumor immunity.

STS-1 and STS-2, Multi-Enzyme Proteins Equipped to Mediate Protein-Protein Interactions

STS-1 and STS-2 form a small family of proteins that are involved in the regulation of signal transduction by protein-tyrosine kinases. Both proteins are composed of a UBA domain, an esterase domain, an SH3 domain, and a PGM domain. They use their UBA and SH3 domains to modify or rearrange protein-protein interactions and their PGM domain to catalyze protein-tyrosine dephosphorylation. In this manuscript, we discuss the various proteins that have been found to interact with STS-1 or STS-2 and describe the experiments used to uncover their interactions.

TULA Proteins in Men, Mice, Hens, and Lice: Welcome to the Family

The two members of the UBASH3/STS/TULA protein family have been shown to critically regulate key biological functions, including immunity and hemostasis, in mammalian biological systems. Negative regulation of signaling through immune receptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)- and hemITAM-bearing receptors mediated by Syk-family protein tyrosine kinases appears to be a major molecular mechanism of the down-regulatory effect of TULA-family proteins, which possess protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity. However, these proteins are likely to carry out some PTP-independent functions as well. Whereas the effects of TULA-family proteins overlap, their characteristics and their individual contributions to cellular regulation also demonstrate clearly distinct features. Protein structure, enzymatic activity, molecular mechanisms of regulation, and biological functions of TULA-family proteins are discussed in this review. In particular, the usefulness of the comparative analysis of TULA proteins in various metazoan taxa, for identifying potential roles of TULA-family proteins outside of their functions already established in mammalian systems, is examined.

The Sts Proteins: Modulators of Host Immunity

The suppressor of TCR signaling (Sts) proteins, Sts-1 and Sts-2, are a pair of closely related signaling molecules that belong to the histidine phosphatase (HP) family of enzymes by virtue of an evolutionarily conserved C-terminal phosphatase domain. HPs derive their name from a conserved histidine that is important for catalytic activity and the current evidence indicates that the Sts HP domain plays a critical functional role. Sts-1HP has been shown to possess a readily measurable protein tyrosine phosphatase activity that regulates a number of important tyrosine-kinase-mediated signaling pathways. The in vitro catalytic activity of Sts-2HP is significantly lower than that of Sts-1HP, and its signaling role is less characterized. The highly conserved unique structure of the Sts proteins, in which additional domains, including one that exhibits a novel phosphodiesterase activity, are juxtaposed together with the phosphatase domain, suggesting that Sts-1 and -2 occupy a specialized intracellular signaling niche. To date, the analysis of Sts function has centered predominately around the role of Sts-1 and -2 in regulating host immunity and other responses associated with cells of hematopoietic origin. This includes their negative regulatory role in T cells, platelets, mast cells and other cell types, as well as their less defined roles in regulating host responses to microbial infection. Regarding the latter, the use of a mouse model lacking Sts expression has been used to demonstrate that Sts contributes non-redundantly to the regulation of host immunity toward a fungal pathogen (C. albicans) and a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen (F. tularensis). In particular, Sts-/- animals demonstrate significant resistance to lethal infections of both pathogens, a phenotype that is correlated with some heightened anti-microbial responses of phagocytes derived from mutant mice. Altogether, the past several years have seen steady progress in our understanding of Sts biology.

STS1 and STS2 Phosphatase Inhibitor Baicalein Enhances the Expansion of Hematopoietic and Progenitor Stem Cells and Alleviates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Myelosuppression

STS1 and STS2, as the protein phosphatases that dephosphorylate FLT3 and cKIT, negatively regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). To obtain the small molecule inhibitors of STS1/STS2 phosphatase activity used to expand HSPCs both in vitro and in vivo, we establish an in vitro phosphatase assay using the recombinant proteins of the STS1/STS2 histidine phosphatase (HP) domain, by which we screened out baicalein (BC) as one of the effective inhibitors targeting STS1 and STS2. Then, we further demonstrate the direct binding of BC with STS1/STS2 using molecular docking and capillary electrophoresis and verify that BC can restore the phosphorylation of FLT3 and cKIT from STS1/STS2 inhibition. In a short-term in vitro culture, BC promotes profound expansion and enhances the colony-forming capacity of both human and mouse HSPCs along with the elevation of phospho-FLT3 and phospho-cKIT levels. Likewise, in vivo administration with BC significantly increases the proportions of short-term hematopoietic stem cells (ST-HSCs), multipotent progenitors (MPPs) and especially long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs) in healthy mouse bone marrow and increases the numbers of colony-forming units (CFU) formed by HSPCs as well. More importantly, pre-administration of BC significantly enhances the survival of mice with lethal 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injection due to the alleviation of 5-FU-induced myelosuppression, as evidenced by the recovery of bone marrow histologic injury, the increased proportions of LT-HSCs, ST-HSCs and MPPs, and enhanced colony-forming capacity. Collectively, our study not only suggests BC as one of the small molecule candidates to stimulate HSPC expansion both in vitro and in vivo when needed in either physiologic or pathologic conditions, but also supports STS1/STS2 as potential therapeutic drug targets for HSPC expansion and hematopoietic injury recovery.

TULA-Family Regulators of Platelet Activation

The two members of the UBASH3/TULA/STS-protein family have been shown to critically regulate cellular processes in multiple biological systems. The regulatory function of TULA-2 (also known as UBASH3B or STS-1) in platelets is one of the best examples of the involvement of UBASH3/TULA/STS proteins in cellular regulation. TULA-2 negatively regulates platelet signaling mediated by ITAM- and hemITAM-containing membrane receptors that are dependent on the protein tyrosine kinase Syk, which currently represents the best-known dephosphorylation target of TULA-2. The biological responses of platelets to collagen and other physiological agonists are significantly downregulated as a result. The protein structure, enzymatic activity and regulatory functions of UBASH3/TULA/STS proteins in the context of platelet responses and their regulation are discussed in this review.

Protein Phosphohistidine Phosphatases of the HP Superfamily

Histidine phosphorylation of proteins is increasingly recognised as an important regulatory posttranslational modification in eukaryotes as well as prokaryotes. The HP (Histidine Phosphatase) superfamily, named for a key catalytic His residue, harbors two known groups of protein phosphohistidine phosphatases (PPHPs). The bacterial SixA protein acts as a regulator of His-Asp phosphorelays with two substrates characterized in vitro and/or in vivo. The recently characterized eukaryotic PHPP PGAM5 only has one currently known substrate, NDPK-B, through which it helps regulate T-cell signaling. SixA and PGAM5 appear to share no particular sequence or structural features relating to their PPHP activity suggesting that PHPP activity has arisen independently in different lineages of the HP superfamily. Further members of the HP superfamily may thus harbor (additional) unsuspected PHPP activity.

TULA proteins as signaling regulators

Two members of the UBASH3/STS/TULA family exhibit a unique protein domain structure, which includes a histidine phosphatase domain, and play a key role in regulating cellular signaling. UBASH3A/STS-2/TULA is mostly a lymphoid protein, while UBASH3B/STS-1/TULA-2 is expressed ubiquitously. Dephosphorylation of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins by TULA-2 and, probably to a lesser extent, by TULA critically contribute to the molecular basis of their regulatory effect. The notable differences between the effects of the two family members on cellular signaling and activation are likely to be linked to the difference between their specific enzymatic activities. However, these differences might also be related to the functions of their domains other than the phosphatase domain and independent of their phosphatase activity. The down-regulation of the Syk/Zap-70-mediated signaling, which to-date appears to be the best-studied regulatory effect of TULA family, is discussed in detail in this publication.

FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 3/FLT3: From Basic Science to Clinical Implications

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed almost exclusively in the hematopoietic compartment. Its ligand, FLT3 ligand (FL), induces dimerization and activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Activation of FLT3 leads to its autophosphorylation and initiation of several signal transduction cascades. Signaling is initiated by the recruitment of signal transduction molecules to activated FLT3 through binding to specific phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of FLT3. Activation of FLT3 mediates cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. It acts in synergy with several other cytokines to promote its biological effects. Deregulated FLT3 activity has been implicated in several diseases, most prominently in acute myeloid leukemia where around one-third of patients carry an activating mutant of FLT3 which drives the disease and is correlated with poor prognosis. Overactivity of FLT3 has also been implicated in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The observation that gain-of-function mutations of FLT3 can promote leukemogenesis has stimulated the development of inhibitors that target this receptor. Many of these are in clinical trials, and some have been approved for clinical use. However, problems with acquired resistance to these inhibitors are common and, furthermore, only a fraction of patients respond to these selective treatments. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding structural and functional aspects of FLT3 signaling, both under normal and pathological conditions, and discusses challenges for the future regarding the use of targeted inhibition of these pathways for the treatment of patients.

CD5, an Undercover Regulator of TCR Signaling

T cells are critical components of adaptive immunity. As such, their activation is regulated by the T cell receptor (TCR) that constantly scan peptides associated with major histocompatibility complexes (MHC). TCR engagement initiates a series of molecular events leading to cytokine secretion, proliferation, and differentiation of T cells. As a second coincident event, activation of co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD28, synergize with the TCR in order to prolong and/or amplify intracellular signals. With the recent advances in immunotherapies targeting T cells, co-inhibitory receptors are of growing interest for immunologists due to their potential modulatory properties on T cell functions. However, special attention should be dedicated to avoid unwanted clinical outcomes (1). In particular, Manichean categorization of receptors based on incomplete functional knowledge can lead to an over-simplistic view of complex cellular regulations. Thus, analysis of the functions that characterize these receptors in diverse physiological contexts remains essential for their rational use in therapeutic protocols. Here we focus on CD5, a transmembrane receptor that regulates T cell functions and development but remains poorly characterized at the molecular level. We will review its roles in physiological conditions and suggest potential molecular effectors that could account for CD5-dependent regulation of TCR signaling.

TULA-family proteins: Jacks of many trades and then some

UBASH3/STS/TULA is a novel two-member family, which exerts several key regulatory effects in multiple cell types. UBASH3B/STS-1/TULA-2 is a highly active protein tyrosine phosphatase; its major target appears to be a specific regulatory site of protein tyrosine kinases of the Syk family, dephosphorylation of which inhibits Syk and Zap-70 kinases and suppresses receptor signaling mediated by these kinases. UBASH3A/STS-2/TULA exhibits substantial homology to UBASH3B/STS-1/TULA-2, but possesses only a small fraction of phosphatase activity of UBASH3B/STS-1/TULA-2, and thus, its regulatory effect may be based also on the phosphatase-independent mechanisms. Critical physiologic effects of these proteins have been demonstrated in T lymphocytes, platelets, stem cells, and other important cell types. These proteins have also been shown to play a key role in such pathologic conditions as autoimmunity, cancer, and thrombosis. The review focuses on the recent studies of this important family of cellular regulators.

Deubiquitinases as pivotal regulators of T cell functions

T cells efficiently respond to foreign antigens to mediate immune responses against infections but are tolerant to self-tissues. Defect in T cell activation is associated with severe immune deficiencies, whereas aberrant T cell activation contributes to the pathogenesis of diverse autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. An emerging mechanism that regulates T cell activation and tolerance is ubiquitination, a reversible process of protein modification that is counter-regulated by ubiquitinating enzymes and deubiquitinases (DUBs). DUBs are isopeptidases that cleave polyubiquitin chains and remove ubiquitin from target proteins, thereby controlling the magnitude and duration of ubiquitin signaling. It is now well recognized that DUBs are crucial regulators of T cell responses and serve as potential therapeutic targets for manipulating immune responses in the treatment of immunological disorders and cancer. This review will discuss the recent progresses regarding the functions of DUBs in T cells.

Posttranscriptional regulation of T helper cell fate decisions

Hoefig and Heissmeyer review how microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, RNA-binding proteins, and ubiquitin-modifying enzymes regulate T helper cell differentiation downstream of transcription.

T helper cell subsets orchestrate context- and pathogen-specific responses of the immune system. They mostly do so by secreting specific cytokines that attract or induce activation and differentiation of other immune or nonimmune cells. The differentiation of T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, T follicular helper, Th17, and induced regulatory T cell subsets from naive T cells depends on the activation of intracellular signal transduction cascades. These cascades originate from T cell receptor and costimulatory receptor engagement and also receive critical input from cytokine receptors that sample the cytokine milieu within secondary lymphoid organs. Signal transduction then leads to the expression of subset-specifying transcription factors that, in concert with other transcription factors, up-regulate downstream signature genes. Although regulation of transcription is important, recent research has shown that posttranscriptional and posttranslational regulation can critically shape or even determine the outcome of Th cell differentiation. In this review, we describe how specific microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, RNA-binding proteins, and ubiquitin-modifying enzymes regulate their targets to skew cell fate decisions.

Suppressor of TCR signaling-2 (STS-2) suppresses arthritis development in mice

OBJECTIVES

Suppressor of TCR signaling-2 (STS-2) is one of the RA susceptibility genes identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We tried to verify the involvement of STS-2 on the development of autoimmune arthritis in a mouse model.

METHODS

STS-2 knock-out (KO) and wild type (WT) mice were immunized with chicken type II collagen (CII). For CD4⁺ helper T cell (Th) subset analysis, intracellular cytokines in splenocytes and lymph node cells were stained and analyzed by flow cytometry. Regulatory T cell (Treg) function was analyzed by co-culturing effector CD4⁺T cells and Tregs collected from non-immunized mice.

RESULTS

CII-immunized STS-2 KO mice developed arthritis more frequently than WT mice. Although the T cell activation profile and Th subset in spleen and LNs were similar between STS-2 KO and WT mice, STS-2 KO mice showed increased IL-2-producing CD4⁺T cells in spleen when compared with WT mice. Accordingly, STS-2 KO CD4⁺T cells promoted IL-2 production by TCR stimulation. However, STS-2 KO Tregs normally suppressed T cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

We proved that STS-2 is involved in the arthritis development by collagen-induced arthritis. Higher IL-2 production from STS-2 KO T cells is suggested to have a main pathogenic role in arthritis development.

Structural and Functional Characterization of the Histidine Phosphatase Domains of Human Sts-1 and Sts-2

The suppressor of T cell signaling (Sts) proteins, Sts-1 and Sts-2, are homologous phosphatases that negatively regulate signaling pathways downstream of the T cell receptor. Functional inactivation of Sts-1 and Sts-2 in a murine model leads to resistance to systemic infection by the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans. This suggests that modulation of the host immune response by inhibiting Sts function may be a viable strategy for treating these deadly fungal pathogen infections. To better understand the molecular determinants of function and structure, we characterized the structure and steady-state kinetics of the histidine phosphatase domains of human Sts-1 (Sts-1_HP) and Sts-2 (Sts-2_HP). We determined the X-ray crystal structures of unliganded Sts-1_HP and Sts-1_HP in complex with sulfate to 2.5 and 1.9 Å, respectively, and the structure of Sts-2_HP with sulfate to 2.4 Å. The steady-state kinetic analysis shows, as expected, that Sts-1_HP has a phosphatase activity significantly higher than that of Sts-2_HP and that the human and mouse proteins behave similarly. In addition, comparison of the phosphatase activity of full-length Sts-1 protein to Sts-1_HP reveals similar kinetics, indicating that Sts-1_HP is a functional surrogate for the native protein. We also tested known phosphatase inhibitors and determined that the SHP-1 inhibitor, PHPS1, is a potent inhibitor of Sts-1 (K_i = 1.05 ± 0.15 μM). Finally, we demonstrated that human Sts-1 has robust phosphatase activity against the substrate, Zap-70, in a cell-based assay. Collectively, these data suggest that the human Sts proteins are druggable targets and provide a structural basis for future drug development efforts.

Ubiquitin enzymes in the regulation of immune responses

Ubiquitination plays a central role in the regulation of various biological functions including immune responses. Ubiquitination is induced by a cascade of enzymatic reactions by E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme, E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme, and E3 ubiquitin ligase, and reversed by deubiquitinases. Depending on the enzymes, specific linkage types of ubiquitin chains are generated or hydrolyzed. Because different linkage types of ubiquitin chains control the fate of the substrate, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of ubiquitin enzymes is central. In this review, we highlight the most recent knowledge of ubiquitination in the immune signaling cascades including the T cell and B cell signaling cascades as well as the TNF signaling cascade regulated by various ubiquitin enzymes. Furthermore, we highlight the TRIM ubiquitin ligase family as one of the examples of critical E3 ubiquitin ligases in the regulation of immune responses.

Ubiquitin signaling in immune responses

Ubiquitination has emerged as a crucial mechanism that regulates signal transduction in diverse biological processes, including different aspects of immune functions. Ubiquitination regulates pattern-recognition receptor signaling that mediates both innate immune responses and dendritic cell maturation required for initiation of adaptive immune responses. Ubiquitination also regulates the development, activation, and differentiation of T cells, thereby maintaining efficient adaptive immune responses to pathogens and immunological tolerance to self-tissues. Like phosphorylation, ubiquitination is a reversible reaction tightly controlled by the opposing actions of ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases. Deregulated ubiquitination events are associated with immunological disorders, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Negative regulation of TCR signaling by ubiquitination of Zap-70 Lys-217

The tyrosine kinase Zap-70 is a key regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling downstream of antigen presentation, with coordinated regulation of Zap-70 kinase activity critical for proper T cell proliferation, differentiation, and effector function during an immune response. Zap-70 is cytosolic in unstimulated T cells, but is rapidly recruited to the TCR complex following receptor stimulation. Its activity is regulated both by binding to subunits of the TCR and by phosphorylation on multiple tyrosine residues. Zap-70 also has been reported to be ubiquitinated following TCR stimulation. Herein, we confirm the ubiquitination of Zap-70 in T cell lines and in primary human and mouse T cells, and report the identification of nine novel Zap-70 ubiquitination sites. Three sites, including Lys-193, Lys-217, and Lys-376, displayed greater than 20-fold increase in modification levels following TCR stimulation. Abrogation of Lys-217 ubiquitination results in increased kinase activation, enhanced activation of downstream signaling pathways, and elevated IL-2 production following TCR stimulation. These data suggest that Zap-70 ubiquitination contributes to the regulation of Zap-70 signaling following TCR stimulation.

Usp9X Is Required for Lymphocyte Activation and Homeostasis through Its Control of ZAP70 Ubiquitination and PKCβ Kinase Activity

To achieve a durable adaptive immune response, lymphocytes must undergo clonal expansion and induce a survival program that enables the persistence of Ag-experienced cells and the development of memory. During the priming phase of this response, CD4(+)T lymphocytes either remain tolerized or undergo clonal expansion. In this article, we show that Usp9X functions as a positive regulatory switch during T lymphocyte priming through removal of inhibitory monoubiquitination from ZAP70. In the absence of Usp9X, an increased amount of ZAP70 localized to early endosomes consistent with the role of monoubiquitin in endocytic sorting. Usp9X becomes competent to deubiquitinate ZAP70 through TCR-dependent phosphorylation and enhancement of its catalytic activity and association with the LAT signalosome. In B lymphocytes, Usp9X is required for the induction of PKCβ kinase activity after BCR-dependent activation. Accordingly, inUsp9Xknockout B cells, there was a significant reduction in phospho-CARMA1 levels that resulted in reduced CARMA1/Bcl-10/MALT-1 complex formation and NF-κB-dependent cell survival. The pleiotropic effect of Usp9X during Ag-receptor signaling highlights its importance for the development of an effective and durable adaptive immune response.

Otud7b facilitates T cell activation and inflammatory responses by regulating Zap70 ubiquitination

Signal transduction from the T cell receptor (TCR) is crucial for T cell-mediated immune responses and, when deregulated, also contributes to the development of autoimmunity. How TCR signaling is regulated is incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate a ubiquitin-dependent mechanism in which the deubiquitinase Otud7b has a crucial role in facilitating TCR signaling. Upon TCR ligation, Otud7b is rapidly recruited to the tyrosine kinase Zap70, a central mediator of TCR-proximal signaling. Otud7b deficiency attenuates the activation of Zap70 and its downstream pathways and impairs T cell activation and differentiation, rendering mice refractory to T cell-mediated autoimmune and inflammatory responses. Otud7b facilitated Zap70 activation by deubiquitinating Zap70, thus preventing the association of Zap70 with the negative-regulatory phosphatases Sts1 and Sts2. These findings establish Otud7b as a positive regulator of TCR-proximal signaling and T cell activation, highlighting the importance of deubiquitination in regulating Zap70 function.

The Phosphatases STS1 and STS2 Regulate Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Fitness

FLT3 and c-KIT are crucial regulators of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We investigated the role of STS1 and STS2 on FLT3 and c-KIT phosphorylation, activity, and function in normal and stress-induced hematopoiesis. STS1/STS2-deficient mice show a profound expansion of multipotent progenitor and lymphoid primed multipotent progenitor cells with elevated colony-forming capacity. Although long-term hematopoietic stem cells are not increased in numbers, lack of STS1 and STS2 significantly promotes long-term repopulation activity, demonstrating a pivotal role of STS1/STS2 in regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fitness. Biochemical analysis identified STS1/STS2 as direct phosphatases of FLT3 and c-KIT. Loss of STS1/STS2 induces hyperphosphorylation of FLT3, enhances AKT signaling, and confers a strong proliferative advantage. Therefore, our study reveals that STS1 and STS2 may serve as novel pharmaceutical targets to improve hematopoietic recovery after bone marrow transplantation.

Lack of association between polymorphisms in the UBASH3A gene and autoimmune thyroid disease: a case control study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate UBASH3A gene variation association with autoimmune thyroid disease and clinical features in a Chinese Han population.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 667 AITD patients (417 GD and 250 HT) and 301 healthy controls were genotyped for two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs11203203, rs3788013 of UBASH3A gene, utilizing the Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS) Platform.

RESULTS

Between the control group and AITD, GD and HT group, no statistically significant difference was observed in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the two SNPs. There was no significant difference in allelic frequencies of the two SNPs between GD with and without ophthalmopathy. There was no significant difference in haplotype distributions between the control group and AITD, GD or HT group.

CONCLUSION

Rs11203203 and rs3788013 in UBASH3A gene may not be associated with AITD patients in Chinese Han population.

Enhanced response of T cells from murine gammaherpesvirus 68-infected mice lacking the suppressor of T cell receptor signaling molecules Sts-1 and Sts-2

The human gammaherpesviruses establish life-long infections that are associated with the development of lymphomas and neoplasms, especially in immunocompromised individuals. T cells play a crucial role in the control of gammaherpesvirus infection through multiple functions, including the direct killing of infected cells, production of cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and costimulation of B cells. Impaired T cell function in mice infected with murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) leads to increased reactivation and pathologies, including a higher incidence of lymphoid hyperplasia. Here we report that the absence of Suppressor of TCR signaling −1 and −2 (Sts-1^-/-/2^-/-) during MHV68 infection leads to the generation of T cells with significantly heightened responses. Transient differences in the T and B cell response of infected Sts-1^-/-/2^-/- (Sts dKO) mice were also observed when compared to WT mice. However, these alterations in the immune response and the overall absence of Sts-1 and Sts-2 did not impact viral pathogenesis or lead to pathology. Acute lytic replication in the lungs, establishment of latency in the spleen and reactivation from latency in the spleen in the Sts dKO mice were comparable to WT mice. Our studies indicate that Sts-1 and Sts-2 are not required for the immune control of MHV68 in a normal course of gammaherpesvirus infection, but suggest that interference with negative regulators of T cell responses might be further explored as a safe and efficacious strategy to improve adoptive T cell therapy.

A new look at T cell receptor signaling to nuclear factor-κB

Antigen stimulation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling to nuclear factor (NF)-κB is required for T cell proliferation and differentiation of effector cells. The TCR-to-NF-κB pathway is generally viewed as a linear sequence of events in which TCR engagement triggers a cytoplasmic cascade of protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, ultimately culminating in the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. However, recent findings suggest a more complex picture in which distinct signalosomes, previously unrecognized proteins, and newly identified regulatory mechanisms play key roles in signal transmission. In this review, we evaluate recent data and suggest areas of future emphasis in the study of this important pathway.

Once phosphorylated, tyrosines in carboxyl terminus of protein-tyrosine kinase Syk interact with signaling proteins, including TULA-2, a negative regulator of mast cell degranulation

Activation of the high affinity IgE-binding receptor (FcεRI) results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of two conserved tyrosines located close to the COOH terminus of the protein-tyrosine kinase Syk. Synthetic peptides representing the last 10 amino acids of the tail of Syk with these two tyrosines either nonphosphorylated or phosphorylated were used to precipitate proteins from mast cell lysates. Proteins specifically precipitated by the phosphorylated peptide were identified by mass spectrometry. These included the adaptor proteins SLP-76, Nck-1, Grb2, and Grb2-related adaptor downstream of Shc (GADS) and the protein phosphatases SHIP-1 and TULA-2 (also known as UBASH3B or STS-1). The presence of these in the precipitates was further confirmed by immunoblotting. Using the peptides as probes in far Western blots showed direct binding of the phosphorylated peptide to Nck-1 and SHIP-1. Immunoprecipitations suggested that there were complexes of these proteins associated with Syk especially after receptor activation; in these complexes are Nck, SHIP-1, SLP-76, Grb2, and TULA-2 (UBASH3B or STS-1). The decreased expression of TULA-2 by treatment of mast cells with siRNA increased the FcεRI-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the activation loop tyrosines of Syk and the phosphorylation of phospholipase C-γ2. There was parallel enhancement of the receptor-induced degranulation and activation of nuclear factor for T cells or nuclear factor κB, indicating that TULA-2, like SHIP-1, functions as a negative regulator of FcεRI signaling in mast cells. Therefore, once phosphorylated, the terminal tyrosines of Syk bind complexes of proteins that are positive and negative regulators of signaling in mast cells.

Sts-2 is a phosphatase that negatively regulates zeta-associated protein (ZAP)-70 and T cell receptor signaling pathways

T cell activity is controlled in large part by the T cell receptor (TCR). The TCR detects the presence of foreign pathogens and activates the T cell-mediated immune reaction. Numerous intracellular signaling pathways downstream of the TCR are involved in the process of T cell activation. Negative regulation of these pathways helps prevent excessive and deleterious T cell responses. Two homologous proteins, Sts-1 and Sts-2, have been shown to function as critical negative regulators of TCR signaling. The phosphoglycerate mutase-like domain of Sts-1 (Sts-1(PGM)) has a potent phosphatase activity that contributes to the suppression of TCR signaling. The function of Sts-2(PGM) as a phosphatase has been less clear, principally because its intrinsic enzyme activity has been difficult to detect. Here, we demonstrate that Sts-2 regulates the level of tyrosine phosphorylation on targets within T cells, among them the critical T cell tyrosine kinase Zap-70. Utilizing new phosphorylated substrates, we demonstrate that Sts-2(PGM) has clear, albeit weak, phosphatase activity. We further pinpoint Sts-2 residues Glu-481, Ser-552, and Ser-582 as specificity determinants, in that an Sts-2(PGM) triple mutant in which these three amino acids are altered to their counterparts in Sts-1(PGM) has substantially increased activity. Our results suggest that the phosphatase activities of both suppressor of TCR signaling homologues cooperate in a similar but independent fashion to help set the threshold for TCR-induced T cell activation.

The 1.35 A resolution structure of the phosphatase domain of the suppressor of T-cell receptor signaling protein in complex with sulfate

The suppressor of T-cell signaling (Sts) proteins are multidomain proteins that negatively regulate the signaling of membrane-bound receptors, including the T-cell receptor (TCR) and the epidermal growth-factor receptor (EGFR). They contain at their C-terminus a 2H-phosphatase homology (PGM) domain that is responsible for their protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Here, the crystal structure of the phosphatase domain of Sts-1, Sts-1(PGM), was determined at pH 4.6. The asymmetric unit contains two independent molecules and each active site is occupied by a sulfate ion. Each sulfate is located at the phosphate-binding site and makes similar interactions with the catalytic residues. The structure suggests an explanation for the lower Michaelis-Menten constants at acidic pH.