Homogenous expression of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) on polyclonal natural killer cells detected by a monoclonal antibody to KIR2D

Cell surface expression of channel catfish leukocyte immune-type receptors (IpLITRs) and recruitment of both Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-1 and SHP-2

Channel catfish leukocyte immune-type receptors (IpLITRs) are immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) members believed to play a role in the control and coordination of cellular immune responses in teleost. Putative stimulatory and inhibitory IpLITRs are co-expressed by different types of catfish immune cells (e.g. NK cells, T cells, B cells, and macrophages) but their signaling potential has not been determined. Following cationic polymer-mediated transfections into human cell lines we examined the surface expression, tyrosine phosphorylation, and phosphatase recruitment potential of two types of putative inhibitory IpLITRs using 'chimeric' expression constructs and an epitope-tagged 'native' IpLITR. We also cloned and expressed the teleost Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases (SHP)-1 and SHP-2 and examined their expression in adult tissues and developing zebrafish embryos. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments support the inhibitory signaling potential of distinct IpLITR-types that bound both SHP-1 and SHP-2 following the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues within their cytoplasmic tail (CYT) regions. Phosphatase recruitment by IpLITRs represents an important first step in understanding their influence on immune cell effector functions and suggests that certain inhibitory signaling pathways are conserved among vertebrates.

Identification of CLEC12B, an inhibitory receptor on myeloid cells

Activation of immune cells has to be tightly controlled to prevent detrimental hyperactivation. In this regulatory process molecules of the C-type lectin-like family play a central role. Here we describe a new member of this family, CLEC12B. The extracellular domain of CLEC12B shows considerable homology to the activating natural killer cell receptor NKG2D, but unlike NKG2D, CLEC12B contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif in its intracellular domain. Despite the homology, CLEC12B does not appear to bind NKG2D ligands and therefore does not represent the inhibitory counterpart of NKG2D. However, CLEC12B has the ability to counteract NKG2D-mediated signaling, and we show that this function is dependent on the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif and the recruitment of the phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. Using monoclonal anti-CLEC12B antibodies we found de novo expression of this receptor on in vitro generated human macrophages and on the human myelo-monocytic cell line U937 upon phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment, suggesting that this receptor plays a role in myeloid cell function.

Molecular basis for positive and negative signaling by the natural killer cell receptor 2B4 (CD244)

Triggering of 2B4 (CD244) can induce natural killer (NK)-cell activation, costimulation, or even inhibition of NK-cell activity. Here, we investigate the molecular basis for the different signals generated by 2B4. We show that the first immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM) within the cytoplasmic tail of 2B4 is sufficient for 2B4-mediated NK-cell activation, whereas the third ITSM can negatively influence 2B4 signaling. We further identify signaling molecules that associate with 2B4. Signaling lymphocyte activation molecule-associated protein (SAP) can bind to all 4 ITSMs of 2B4 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The phosphorylated third ITSM can additionally recruit the phosphatases SHP-1, SHP-2, SHIP, and the inhibitory kinase Csk. SAP acts as an inhibitor of interactions between 2B4 and these negative regulatory molecules, explaining how 2B4 inhibits NK-cell activation in the absence of functional SAP, as occurs in cells from patients with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP). Recently, another function for SAP was proposed: SAP can recruit the kinase Fyn to the SLAM (CD150) immune receptor. We now show that Fyn can also associate with phosphorylated 2B4. Finally, we demonstrate that Fyn and Csk can both phosphorylate 2B4, suggesting a possible mechanism of 2B4 phosphorylation.

Cutting Edge: NTB-A Activates NK Cells via Homophilic Interaction

NK cells are an important component of the innate immune system. Their activity is tightly regulated by activating and inhibitory surface receptors. However, the exact functions of many activating surface receptors, as well as their ligands, still remain to be elucidated. NTB-A is a receptor on the surfaces of human NK, T, and B cells, mediating a signal whose malfunction may be involved in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. However, the ligand of NTB-A has remained elusive so far. Using trimeric recombinant proteins, we now show that NTB-A is its own ligand. Homophilic interaction of NTB-A enhances NK cell cytotoxicity and influences NK cell proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion. We suggest that NTB-A is an interlymphocyte signaling molecule, which serves to orchestrate the activities of immune cells.