Regulation of the adapter molecule Grb2 by the Fc epsilon R1 in the mast cell line RBL2H3

Destabilization of TNF-α mRNA by Rapamycin

Stimulation of mast cells through the high affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) induces degranulation, lipid mediator release, and cytokine secretion leading to allergic reactions. Although various signaling pathways have been characterized to be involved in the FcεRI-mediated responses, little is known about the precious mechanism for the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in mast cells. Here, we report that rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), reduces the expression of TNF-α in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. IgE or specific antigen stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells increases the expression of TNF-α and activates various signaling molecules including S6K1, Akt and p38 MAPK. Rapamycin specifically inhibits antigen-induced TNF-α mRNA level, while other kinase inhibitors have no effect on TNF-α mRNA level. These data indicate that mTOR signaling pathway is the main regulation mechanism for antigen-induced TNF-α expression. TNF-α mRNA stability analysis using reporter construct containing TNF-α adenylate/uridylate-rich elements (AREs) shows that rapamycin destabilizes TNF-α mRNA via regulating the AU-rich element of TNF-α mRNA. The antigen-induced activation of S6K1 is inhibited by specific kinase inhibitors including mTOR, PI3K, PKC and Ca²⁺chelator inhibitor, while TNF-α mRNA level is reduced only by rapamycin treatment. These data suggest that the effects of rapamycin on the expression of TNF-α mRNA are not mediated by S6K1 but regulated by mTOR. Taken together, our results reveal that mTOR signaling pathway is a novel regulation mechanism for antigen-induced TNF-α expression in RBL-2H3 cells.

Adapters in the organization of mast cell signaling

Mast cells are pivotal in innate immunity and play an important role in amplifying adaptive immunity. Nonetheless, they have long been known to be central to the initiation of allergic disorders. This results from the dysregulation of the immune response whereby normally innocuous substances are recognized as non-self, resulting in the production of IgE antibodies to these 'allergens'. Preformed and newly synthesized inflammatory (allergic) mediators are released from the mast cell following allergen-mediated aggregation of allergen-specific IgE bound to the high-affinity receptors for IgE (FcepsilonRI). Thus, the process by which the mast cell is able to interpret the engagement of FcepsilonRI into the molecular events necessary for release of their allergic mediators is of considerable therapeutic interest. Unraveling these molecular events has led to the discovery of a functional class of proteins that are essential in organizing activated signaling molecules and in coordinating and compartmentalizing their activity. These so-called 'adapters' bind multiple signaling proteins and localize them to specific cellular compartments, such as the plasma membrane. This organization is essential for normal mast cell responses. Here, we summarize the role of adapter proteins in mast cells focusing on the most recent advances toward understanding how these molecules work upon FcepsilonRI engagement.

The function study on the interaction between Grb2 and AMPK

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is an extensively studied adaptor protein involved in cell signaling. Grb2 is a highly flexible protein composed of a single SH2 domain flanked by two SH3 domains. The evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), functions as a cellular fuel gauge that regulates metabolic pathways in glucose and fatty acid metabolism and protein synthesis. AMPK regulates the activation of TSC2 by phosphorylating TSC2. Here we report for the first time on the interaction of Grb2 with AMPK. SH2 domain of Grb2 and KIS domain of AMPK are both required for the combination of Grb2 and AMPK. Furthermore, Grb2 function as a factor which mediates phosphorylation of AMPK at Thr172, and potentially involves in metabolism pathways and AMPK-TSC2-mTOR cell growth pathway through regulating the activation of AMPK.

Impaired degranulation but enhanced cytokine production after Fc epsilonRI stimulation of diacylglycerol kinase zeta-deficient mast cells

Calcium and diacylglycerol are critical second messengers that together effect mast cell degranulation after allergen cross-linking of immunoglobulin (Ig)E-bound FcepsilonRI. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK)zeta is a negative regulator of diacylglycerol-dependent signaling that acts by converting diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. We reported previously that DGKzeta-/- mice have enhanced in vivo T cell function. Here, we demonstrate that these mice have diminished in vivo mast cell function, as revealed by impaired local anaphylactic responses. Concordantly, DGKzeta-/- bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) demonstrate impaired degranulation after Fc epsilonRI cross-linking, associated with diminished phospholipase Cgamma activity, calcium flux, and protein kinase C-betaII membrane recruitment. In contrast, Ras-Erk signals and interleukin-6 production are enhanced, both during IgE sensitization and after antigen cross-linking of Fc epsilonRI. Our data demonstrate dissociation between cytokine production and degranulation in mast cells and reveal the importance of DGK activity during IgE sensitization for proper attenuation of Fc epsilonRI signals.

Changes in structural dynamics of the Grb2 adaptor protein upon binding of phosphotyrosine ligand to its SH2 domain

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is an extensively studied adaptor protein involved in cell signaling. Grb2 is a highly flexible protein composed of a single SH2 domain flanked by two SH3 domains. Here we report on the structural dynamic effects upon interaction of a phosphopeptide ligand derived from the recognition sequence of the Shc adaptor protein with (i) the isolated SH2 domain of Grb2 (Grb2 SH2) and (ii) the full-length Grb2 protein. From kinetic studies using surface plasmon resonance, it was deduced that a conformation change occurred in the SH2 protein as well as the full-length Grb2 after binding. Measurements of hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) in the isolated SH2 domain and full-length Grb2 protein as monitored by electrospray mass spectrometry, showed that binding reduces the overall flexibility of the proteins, possibly via slightly different mechanisms for the single SH2 domain and the full-length Grb2 protein.

Co-aggregation of FcgammaRII with FcepsilonRI on human mast cells inhibits antigen-induced secretion and involves SHIP-Grb2-Dok complexes

Signaling through the high affinity IgE receptor FcepsilonRI on human basophils and rodent mast cells is decreased by co-aggregating these receptors to the low affinity IgG receptor FcgammaRII. We used a recently described fusion protein, GE2, which is composed of key portions of the human gamma1 and the human epsilon heavy chains, to dissect the mechanisms that lead to human mast cell and basophil inhibition through co-aggregation of FcgammaRII and FcepsilonRI. Unstimulated human mast cells derived from umbilical cord blood express the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing receptor FcgammaRII but not FcgammaRI or FcgammaRIII. Interaction of the mast cells with GE2 alone did not cause degranulation. Co-aggregating FcepsilonRI and FcgammaRII with GE2 1) significantly inhibited IgE-mediated histamine release, cytokine production, and Ca(2+) mobilization, 2) reduced the antigen-induced morphological changes associated with mast cell degranulation, 3) reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular substrates, and 4) increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of the adapter protein downstream of kinase 1 (p62(dok); Dok), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), and SH2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatase (SHIP). Tyrosine phosphorylation of Dok was associated with increased binding to Grb2. Surprisingly, in non-stimulated cells, there were complexes of phosphorylated SHIP-Grb2-Dok that were lost upon IgE receptor activation but retained under conditions of Fcepsilon-Fcgamma co-aggregation. Finally, studies using mast cells from Dok-1 knock-out mice showed that IgE alone triggers degranulation supporting an inhibitory role for Dok degranulation. Our results demonstrate how human FcepsilonRI-mediated responses can be inhibited by co-aggregation with FcgammaRIIB and implicate Dok, SHIP, and Grb2 as key intermediates in regulating antigen-induced mediator release.

Amiodarone minimizes experimental autoimmune myocarditis in rats

Amiodarone, a promising drug for the treatment of tachyarrythmias, was recently found to have immunomodulatory effects in vitro. We hypothesized that amiodarone would affect the immune system in vivo and examined the effect of amiodarone on myocarditis in rats. We induced experimental autoimmune myocarditis in rats by cardiac myosin immunization and treated the animals with an intraperitoneal injection of amiodarone at 25 mg/kg/every other day, 10 times after the induction of experimental autoimmune myocarditis. In the treated group, both microscopic and macroscopic examinations showed reduced heart weights, a mild and localized infiltration of inflammatory cells and fibrosis in the myocardium, and a mild congestion in the liver and lungs as compared with the control group. The phenotypic distribution of lymphocytes in peripheral blood showed a significant decrease in the CD4/CD8a ratio in the treated group, but not in the control group. The proportion of mast cells involved in inflammatory cell infiltration was lower in the treated group than the control group. In vitro, amiodarone inhibited the proliferation of mast cells by arresting them in the G2 phase of the cell cycle. These results indicated that amiodarone minimized the progression of experimental autoimmune myocarditis, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for amiodarone treatment in patients suffering from myocarditis, especially myocarditis complicated by cardiac arrhythmias. One possible mechanism by which amiodarone minimizes the progression of experimental autoimmune myocarditis may be to affect the immune system via the immunomodulatory effects on T cell and mast cell functions.

Molecular adapters in Fc(epsilon)RI signaling and the allergic response

IgE-dependent activation of mast cells is central to the allergic response. The engagement of IgE-occupied receptors initiates a series of molecular events that cause the release of preformed, and de novo synthesis of, allergic mediators. Recent investigations demonstrate a critical role for non-enzymatic proteins that facilitate the activation and coordination of biochemical signals required for mast cell activation. Among these LAT, SLP-76 and Gab2 are critically important as adapters that facilitate events initiated by IgE receptor-dependent activation of Src family protein tyrosine kinases, Lyn and Fyn. An evaluation of the role of these adapters points to complementary but independent steps in early signaling and the possibility that preference for one or another adaptor complex may result in selective mast cell responses.

The conserved process of TCR/CD3 complex down-modulation by SIV Nef is mediated by the central core, not endocytic motifs

The Nef protein of Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) associates with multiple T lymphocyte signaling proteins, including the T cell receptor (TCR) zeta chain. We demonstrate here that these interactions are conserved and highly specific. Nefs derived from genetically diverse strains of SIV (SIV(mac)239, SIV(smm)PBj, and SIV(smm)DeltaB670) all interacted with TCR zeta on two separate domains, referred to as SIV Nef interaction domains (SNIDs), as examined in both yeast two-hybrid and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) fusion protein pull-down assays. Multiple HIV-1 Nefs were examined and none interacted with TCR zeta. In contrast, HIV-2(UC1) Nef, similar to SIV Nef, interacted with TCR zeta on two domains, although only the SIV Nefs potently reduced cell-surface expression of the TCR/CD3 complex in T cells. In addition, we examined the abilities of SIV, HIV-2, and HIV-1 Nefs to interact with the cytoplasmic domains of other signaling molecules including CD3epsilon, CD3gamma, and FcepsilonRIgamma, which also contain YxxL motifs, and determined that SIV and HIV-2 Nefs interacted only with TCR zeta, whereas HIV-1 Nef did not interact with any signal-transducing cytoplasmic domain examined. Last, to gain further insight into the mechanism by which Nef down-modulates the TCR/CD3 complex, we mutated or deleted regions on Nef involved in endocytosis, localization of Nef to the plasma membrane, interaction with cellular kinases, or that were conserved among multiple strains of SIV. Mutation of the myristoylation site and a conserved region surrounding a putative PKC phosphorylation site were the only mutations that abrogated Nef-mediated down-modulation of the TCR/CD3 complex. These findings demonstrate there is a spectrum of associations between SIV, HIV-2, and HIV-1 Nefs, and the TCR/CD3 complex, and suggest that down-modulation of the TCR/CD3 complex occurs via association with subsets of cellular proteins that are different from those involved in CD4 and CD28 down-modulation.

RasGRP4, a new mast cell-restricted Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein with calcium- and diacylglycerol-binding motifs. Identification of defective variants of this signaling protein in asthma, mastocytosis, and mast cell leukemia patients and demonstration of the importance of RasGRP4 in mast cell development and function

A cDNA was isolated from interleukin 3-developed, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (MCs) that contained an insert (designated mRasGRP4) that had not been identified in any species at the gene, mRNA, or protein level. By using a homology-based cloning approach, the approximately 2.6-kb hRasGRP4 transcript was also isolated from the mononuclear progenitors residing in the peripheral blood of normal individuals. This transcript information was then used to locate the RasGRP4 gene in the mouse and human genomes, to deduce its exon/intron organization, and then to identify 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human gene that result in 5 amino acid differences. The >15-kb hRasGRP4 gene consists of 18 exons and resides on a region of chromosome 19q13.1 that had not been sequenced by the Human Genome Project. Human and mouse MCs and their progenitors selectively express RasGRP4, and this new intracellular protein contains all of the domains present in the RasGRP family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors even though it is <50% identical to its closest homolog. Recombinant RasGRP4 can activate H-Ras in a cation-dependent manner. Transfection experiments also suggest that RasGRP4 is a diacylglycerol/phorbol ester receptor. Transcript analysis of an asthma patient, a mastocytosis patient, and the HMC-1 cell line derived from a MC leukemia patient revealed the presence of substantial amounts of non-functional forms of hRasGRP4 due to an inability to remove intron 5 in the precursor transcript. Because only abnormal forms of hRasGRP4 were identified in the HMC-1 cell line, this immature MC progenitor was used to address the function of RasGRP4 in MCs. HMC-1 leukemia cells differentiated and underwent granule maturation when induced to express a normal form of RasGRP4. Thus, RasGRP4 plays an important role in the final stages of MC development.

Aggregation of the high-affinity IgE receptor Fc(epsilon)RI on human monocytes and dendritic cells induces NF-kappaB activation

In contrast to mast cells and basophils, the high-affinity IgE receptor (Fc(epsilon)RI) on monocytes and dendritic cells (DC), including epidermal Langerhans cells, is not constitutively expressed and lacks the beta-chain. Fc(epsilon)RI is upregulated on Langerhans cells of atopic individuals, particularly in atopic dermatitis skin. Although Fc(epsilon)RI provides IgE-mediated antigen focusing on monocytes and DC/Langerhans cells, its relevance for cell activation remains elusive, and the transcription factors regulating Fc(epsilon)RI-induced genes are unknown. We show that NF-kappaB, known to regulate genes essential for inflammatory responses and DC differentiation and function, is activated upon Fc(epsilon)RI ligation in primary human monocytes and DC. In Langerhans cells isolated from epidermis, NF-kappaB activation is restricted to donors expressing high Fc(epsilon)RI amounts. Fc(epsilon)RI-induced NF-kappaB complexes in monocytes and DC contain p50 and p65, but no other NF-kappaB subunits despite increased RelB expression during differentiation. NF-kappaB activation is preceded by serine phosphorylation and degradation of its inhibitory protein IkappaB-alpha without involving other IkappaB proteins. Finally, we show that Fc(epsilon)RI ligation on monocytes and DC leads to synthesis and release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, which is decreased by two mechanistically distinct inhibitors of NF-kappaB activation. Thus NF-kappaB activation represents a novel mechanism by which Fc(epsilon)RI on monocytes and DC potentially controls inflammatory reactions.

Localizing a control region in the pathway to leukotriene C(4) secretion following stimulation of human basophils with anti-IgE antibody

Mediator release from human basophils is a self-limited process, but down-regulation of the signaling cascades leading to secretion of leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) is controlled independently of the pathway leading to IL-4 secretion. In the current studies, we have explored the regulation of upstream signaling events leading to activation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERKs; previously shown to be required for LTC(4) generation) in human basophils. IgE-, but not FMLP-mediated activation, induced sustained tyrosine phosphorylation of syk, of shc, and an association of shc to the Grb2/son of sevenless 2 complex. In contrast, IgE-mediated activation resulted in transient activation of p21(ras) and mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase 1, which were kinetically associated with phosphorylation of ERKs. The canonical Shc/Grb2/son of sevenless pathway to activation of p21(ras) is therefore sustained, while p21(ras) activity is not. We have previously shown that phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase activity is required for p21(ras) activity and, in the current studies, we show that of the p85-sensitive forms of p110 possible, basophils express only p110 delta and that there are no changes in association between p21(ras) and p110 delta in stimulated basophils. We used the generation of phospho-Akt as a marker of the presence of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate and found that phospho-Akt is transient on a time scale consistent with p21(ras) activity. On the basis of information obtained in these and other studies, we localize down-regulation of IgE-mediated LTC(4) secretion to a region of the signaling cascade antecedent to p21(ras) activation, downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase activity and probably involving regulation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate levels.

Structure-function analysis of Lyn kinase association with lipid rafts and initiation of early signaling events after Fcepsilon receptor I aggregation

The first step in immunoreceptor signaling is represented by ligand-dependent receptor aggregation, followed by receptor phosphorylation mediated by tyrosine kinases of the Src family. Recently, sphingolipid- and cholesterol-rich plasma membrane microdomains, called lipid rafts, have been identified and proposed to function as platforms where signal transduction molecules may interact with the aggregated immunoreceptors. Here we show that aggregation of the receptors with high affinity for immunoglobulin E (FcepsilonRI) in mast cells is accompanied by a co-redistribution of the Src family kinase Lyn. The co-redistribution requires Lyn dual fatty acylation, Src homology 2 (SH2) and/or SH3 domains, and Lyn kinase activity, in cis or in trans. Palmitoylation site-mutated Lyn, which is anchored to the plasma membrane but exhibits reduced sublocalization into lipid rafts, initiates the tyrosine phosphorylation of FcepsilonRI subunits, Syk protein tyrosine kinase, and the linker for activation of T cells, along with an increase in the concentration of intracellular Ca(2+). However, Lyn mutated in both the palmitoylation and myristoylation sites does not anchor to the plasma membrane and is incapable of initiating FcepsilonRI phosphorylation and early signaling events. These data, together with our finding that a constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated FcepsilonRI does not exhibit an increased association with lipid rafts, suggest that FcepsilonRI phosphorylation and early activation events can be initiated outside of lipid rafts.

Growth hormone interferes with the progression of myocarditis in rats

In this study, we investigated whether recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) influences the progression of myocarditis. We induced experimental autoimmune myocarditis in F344 rats by subcutaneous injection of cardiac myosin, and divided the rats into three groups: (1) control group, saline injection; (2) pre-treated group, subcutaneous injection of rhGH (100 mIU/rat/day for 10 days) before induction of experimental autoimmune myocarditis; and (3) post-treated group, subcutaneous injection of rhGH (100 mIU/rat/day for 10 days) after induction of experimental autoimmune myocarditis. On the 35th day after induction of experimental autoimmune myocarditis, all rats were sacrificed and the hearts were examined. The increase in body weight was smaller in the control group than the pre-treated group and the rate of heart weight/body weight was larger in the control group than in the two treated groups. Histopathologically, rats in the control group showed multifocal infiltration by inflammatory cells, mainly neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, extensive fibrosis, and a higher proportion of mast cells in the inflamed region. In contrast, rats in the two treated groups showed only minor changes. We found that rhGH did not influence the distribution of lymphocytes in peripheral blood in the three groups, and that rhGH induced G1 checkpoint dysfunction, thereby arresting the cell cycle in G1 and inhibiting the proliferation of mast cells in vitro. These findings suggest a possible role for mast cells in the progression of myocarditis and the rhGH may be a candidate for use as a new tool to treat myocarditis.

Ras regulation and function in lymphocytes

The GTPase, Ras, is rapidly activated in antigen receptor stimulated T. cells, B cells and mast cells. Ras can bind to diverse effector molecules when activated and thereby switch on multiple downstream effector pathways. In lymphocytes Ras plays an important role in the signalling pathways that activate transcription factors involved in cytokine gene induction. Ras is also a key component of the complex regulatory networks that control T and B cell development.

LAT is essential for Fc(epsilon)RI-mediated mast cell activation

The linker molecule LAT is a substrate of the tyrosine kinases activated following TCR engagement of T cells. LAT is also expressed in platelets, NK, and mast cells. Although LAT-deficient mice contain normal numbers of mast cells, we found that LAT-deficient mice were resistant to IgE-mediated passive systemic anaphylaxis. LAT-deficient bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) showed normal growth and development. Whereas tyrosine phosphorylation of Fc(epsilon)RI, Syk, and Vav was intact in LAT-deficient BMMCs following Fc(epsilon)RI engagement, tyrosine phosphorylation of SLP-76, PLC-gamma1, and PLC-gamma2 and calcium mobilization were dramatically reduced. LAT-deficient BMMCs also exhibited profound defects in activation of MAPK, degranulation, and cytokine production after Fc(epsilon)RI cross-linking. These results show that LAT plays a critical role in Fc(epsilon)RI-mediated signaling in mast cells.

The Src homology 2 domain of Vav is required for its compartmentation to the plasma membrane and activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 1

Vav is a hematopoietic cell-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) whose activation is mediated by receptor engagement. The relationship of Vav localization to its function is presently unclear. We found that Vav redistributes to the plasma membrane in response to Fcin receptor I (FcinRI) engagement. The redistribution of Vav was mediated by its Src homology 2 (SH2) domain and required Syk activity. The FcinRI and Vav were found to colocalize and were recruited to glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains (GEMs). The scaffold protein, linker for activation of T cells (LAT), and Rac1 (a target of Vav activity) were constitutively present in GEMs. Expression of an SH2 domain-containing COOH-terminal fragment of Vav inhibited Vav phosphorylation and movement to the GEMs but had no effect on the tyrosine phosphorylation of the adaptor protein, SLP-76 (SH2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kD), and LAT. However, assembly of the multiprotein complex containing these proteins was inhibited. In addition, FcinRI-dependent activation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) was also inhibited. Thus, Vav localization to the plasma membrane is mediated by its SH2 domain and may serve to regulate downstream effectors like JNK1.

Signalling through the high-affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilonRI

The Fc epsilonRI complex forms a high-affinity cell-surface receptor for the Fc region of antigen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) molecules. Fc epsilonRI is multimeric and is a member of a family of related antigen/Fc receptors which have conserved structural features and similar roles in initiating intracellular signalling cascades. In humans, Fc epsilonRI controls the activation of mast cells and basophils, and participates in IgE-mediated antigen presentation. Multivalent antigens bind and crosslink IgE molecules held at the cell surface by Fc epsilonRI. Receptor aggregation induces multiple signalling pathways that control diverse effector responses. These include the secretion of allergic mediators and induction of cytokine gene transcription, resulting in secretion of molecules such as interleukin-4, interleukin-6, tumour-necrosis factor-alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Fc epsilonRI is therefore central to the induction and maintenance of an allergic response and may confer physiological protection in parasitic infections.

Requirement for a negative charge at threonine 60 of the FcRgamma for complete activation of Syk

Aggregation of FcepsilonRI on mast cells results in the phosphorylation of the FcepsilonRIgamma chain on tyrosine and threonine residues within the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. In the present study we sought to identify the site of threonine phosphorylation in FcepsilonRIgamma and investigate its functional importance. We found that threonine 60 was phosphorylated in vitro and in vivo. Expression of a mutated FcepsilonRIgamma (T60A), in either FcepsilonRIgamma-deficient or gamma-null mast cells, resulted in a delay of FcepsilonRI endocytosis, inhibition of TNF-alpha mRNA production, and inhibition of degranulation but did not affect FcepsilonRI-induced cell adhesion. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the T60A mutant gamma chain was normal, but Syk phosphorylation was dramatically reduced in these transfectants. This correlated with reduced co-immunoprecipitation of FcepsilonRIgamma with Syk. Substitution of an aspartic residue for threonine 60 of the FcepsilonRIgamma reconstituted complete activation of Syk and co-immunoprecipitation of FcepsilonRIgamma with Syk. We conclude that the negative charge provided by phosphorylation of threonine 60 of the FcepsilonRIgamma is required for the appropriate interaction and activation of Syk. This is a likely requirement for immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs involved in Syk activation.

Essential role of LAT in T cell development

The linker molecule LAT is a substrate of the tyrosine kinases activated following TCR engagement. Phosphorylated LAT binds many critical signaling molecules. The central role of this molecule in TCR-mediated signaling has been demonstrated by experiments in a LAT-deficient cell line. To probe the role of LAT in T cell development, the LAT gene was disrupted by targeting. LAT-deficient mice appeared healthy. Flow cytometric analysis revealed normal B cell populations but the absence of any mature peripheral T cells. Intrathymic development was blocked within the CD4- CD8- stage. No gross abnormality of NK or platelet function was observed. LAT is thus critical to both T cell activation and development.

TNF-alpha and IL-5 gene induction in IgE plus antigen-stimulated mast cells require common and distinct signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Mast cells produce a variety of cytokines and chemokines in a timely and tightly controlled fashion if stimulated via the FcepsilonRI. Evidence is accumulating that the transcriptional induction of the corresponding genes and the release of these mediators are dependent on common and mediator-specific components of the signal transduction and transcription factor machinery.

METHODS

We addressed this issue by comparing the effects of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway inhibitors and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors on the induction of TNF-alpha and IL-5 after IgE plus antigen (Ag) stimulation in CPII mouse mast cells using Western blot analyses and transient transfections of reporter gene plasmids.

RESULTS

TNF-alpha shows a strict dependence on the MAP kinase pathway, while IL-5 is either activated by PMA-dependent PKCs or along the MAP kinase pathway. In addition, both mediators are sensitive to PKCmu inhibition, suggesting involvement of this atypical, non-PMA dependent PKC in the overall induction process.

CONCLUSION

While the two cytokines were recently shown to be regulated by a member of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT) transcription factor family, activator protein 1 (AP1) was identified as a cofactor at the TNF-alpha promoter while a GATA family member comprised the cofactor at the IL-5 promoter. This suggests that the differences in requirement for signal transduction cascades are the result of a different usage of NF-AT cofactors for transcription of each cytokine in mast cells.

MEK and ERK Activation in Ras-Disabled RBL-2H3 Mast Cells and Novel Roles for Geranylgeranylated and Farnesylated Proteins in FcεRI-Mediated Signaling

Cross-linking the high affinity IgE receptor FcεRI of basophils and mast cells activates receptor-associated protein-tyrosine kinases and stimulates a signaling cascade leading to secretion, ruffling, spreading, and cytokine production. Previous evidence that the pan-prenylation inhibitor lovastatin blocks Ag-stimulated Ca2+ influx, secretion, and membrane/cytoskeletal responses implicated isoprenylated proteins in the FcεRI-coupled signaling cascade but could not distinguish between contributions of C15 (farnesylated) and C20 (geranylgeranylated) species. Here we establish concentrations of lovastatin and the farnesyl-specific inhibitor BZA-5B that inhibit the farnesylation and Ag-induced activation of Ras species in RBL-2H3 cells (H-Ras, K-RasA, and K-RasB). These inhibitors have little effect on tyrosine kinase activation, which initiates FcεRI signaling. Although Ras is disabled, only lovastatin substantially blocks Raf-1 activation, and neither inhibitor affects mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase kinase (MEK) or ERK1/ERK2 activation. Thus, the pathway to FcεRI-mediated MEK/ERK and ERK activation can apparently bypass Ras and Raf-1. Predictably, only lovastatin inhibits Ag-induced ruffling, spreading, and secretion, previously linked to geranylgeranylated Rho and Rab family members. Additionally, only lovastatin inhibits phospholipase Cγ-mediated inositol (1,4,5) trisphosphate production, sustained Ca2+ influx, and Ca2+-dependent IL-4 production, suggesting novel roles for geranylgeranylated (lovastatin-sensitive, BZA-5B-insensitive) proteins in FcεRI signal propagation. Remarkably, BZA-5B concentrations too low to inactivate Ras reduce the lag time to Ag-induced Ca2+ stores release and enhance secretion. These results link a non-Ras farnesylated protein(s) to the negative regulation of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and secretion. We identified no clear role for Ras in FcεRI-coupled signaling but suggest its involvement in mast cell growth regulation based on the inhibition of cell proliferation by both BZA-5B and lovastatin.

The src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) is the gatekeeper of mast cell degranulation

To clarify the role that the src homology 2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) plays in mast cell degranulation, the gene for SHIP was disrupted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Bone-marrow-derived mast cells from SHIP+/+, +/-, and -/- F2 littermates were compared. SHIP-/- mast cells were found to be far more prone to degranulation, after the crosslinking of IgE preloaded cells, than SHIP+/- or +/+ cells. Intriguingly, IgE alone also stimulated massive degranulation in SHIP-/- but not in +/+ mast cells. This degranulation with IgE alone, which may be due to low levels of IgE aggregates, correlated with a higher and more sustained intracellular calcium level than that observed with SHIP+/+ cells and was dependent upon the entry of extracellular calcium. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed that the addition of IgE alone to normal mast cells stimulates multiple cascades, which are prevented from progressing to degranulation by SHIP. PI 3-kinase inhibitor studies suggested that IgE-induced activation of PI 3-kinase is upstream of the entry of extracellular calcium and that SHIP restricts this entry by hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol 3,4, 5-trisphosphate. These results show the critical role that SHIP plays in setting the threshold for degranulation and that SHIP directly modulates a "positive-acting" receptor.

Phosphorylation of GTP cyclohydrolase I and modulation of its activity in rodent mast cells. GTP cyclohydrolase I hyperphosphorylation is coupled to high affinity IgE receptor signaling and involves protein kinase C

GTP cyclohydrolase I controls the de novo pathway for the synthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin, which is the essential cofactor for tryptophan 5-monooxygenase and thus, for serotonin production. In mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, the kit ligand selectively up-regulates GTP cyclohydrolase I activity (Ziegler, I., Hültner, L. , Egger, D., Kempkes, B., Mailhammer, R., Gillis, S., and Rödl, W. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 12544-12551). Immunoblot analysis now confirms that this long term enhancement is caused by increased expression of the enzyme. Furthermore we show that GTP cyclohydrolase I is subject to modification at the post-translational level. In vivo labeling with [32P]orthophosphate demonstrates that in primary mast cells and in transfected RBL-2H3 cells overexpressing GTP cyclohydrolase I, the enzyme exists in a phosphorylated form. Antigen binding to the high affinity receptor for IgE triggers an additional and transient phosphorylation of GTP cyclohydrolase I with a concomitant rise in its activity, and in consequence, cellular tetrahydrobiopterin levels increase. These events culminate 8 min after stimulation and can be mimicked by phorbol ester. The hyperphosphorylation is greatly reduced by the protein kinase C inhibitor Ro-31-8220. In vitro phosphorylation studies indicate that GTP cyclohydrolase I is a substrate for both casein kinase II and protein kinase C.

Rac-1 regulates nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) C1 nuclear translocation in response to Fcepsilon receptor type 1 stimulation of mast cells

Transcription factors of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family play a key role in antigen receptor-mediated responses in lymphocytes by controlling induction of a wide variety of cytokine genes. The GTPases Ras and Rac-1 have essential functions in regulation of NFAT transcriptional activity in the mast cell system, where Fcepsilon receptor type 1 (FcepsilonR1) ligation results in induction of multiple NFAT target genes. This report examines the precise biochemical basis for the Rac-1 dependency of FcepsilonR1 activation of NFAT in mast cells. We are able to place Rac-1 in two positions in the signaling network that regulates the assembly and activation of NFAT transcriptional complexes in lymphocytes. First, we show that activity of Rac-1 is required for FcepsilonR1-mediated NFATC1 dephosphorylation and nuclear import. Regulation of NFAT localization by the FcepsilonR1 is a Rac-dependent but Ras-independent process. This novel signaling role for Rac-1 is distinct from its established regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Our data also reveal a second GTPase signaling pathway regulating NFAT transcriptional activity, in which Rac-1 mediates a Ras signal. These data illustrate that the GTPase Rac-1 should now be considered as a component of the therapeutically important pathways controlling NFATC1 subcellular localization. They also reveal that GTPases may serve multiple functions in cellular responses to antigen receptor ligation.

Identification of the Fc epsilonRI-activated tyrosine kinases Lyn, Syk, and Zap-70 in human basophils

BACKGROUND

In human blood basophils, cross-linking the high-affinity IgE receptor Fc epsilonRI with multivalent antigen activates a signaling pathway leading to Ca2+ mobilization, actin polymerization, shape changes, secretion, and cytokine production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The role of tyrosine kinases in human Fc epsilonRI signaling was explored by using human basophils isolated by Percoll gradient centrifugation followed by negative and/or positive selection with antibody-coated magnetic beads. Fc epsilonRI cross-linking of more than 95% pure basophil preparations activates the protein-tyrosine kinases Lyn and Syk, previously linked to Fc epsilonRI-coupled rodent mast cell activation, as well as Zap-70, previously implicated in T-cell receptor signaling, and causes the tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins. The presence of Lyn, Syk, and Zap-70 in basophils was confirmed by Western blotting in lysates of highly purified basophils and independently by confocal fluorescence microscopy in cells labeled simultaneously with kinase-specific antibodies and with the basophil-specific antibody 2D7. Comparable amounts of Lyn and Syk were found in basophils and B cells, whereas T cells appear to have greater amounts of Zap-70 than basophils. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor piceatannol spares IgE-mediated Lyn activation but inhibits IgE-induced Syk and Zap-70 activation as well as overall protein tyrosine phosphorylation and secretion. Overall protein-tyrosine phosphorylation increases steadily over a range of anti-IgE concentrations that are low to optimal for secretion. However, tyrosine phosphorylation continues to increase at high anti-IgE concentrations that elicit very little secretion (the characteristic high-dose inhibition of secretion).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate the association of anti-IgE-stimulated, protein-tyrosine phosphorylation by a cascade of tyrosine kinases, including Zap-70 as well as Lyn and Syk, with the initiation of Fc epsilonRI-mediated signaling in human basophils.

GTPases in antigen receptor signalling

Immunological interest in small GTPases has focused for some years almost exclusively on the role of Ras in promoting lymphocyte activation and development. A new concept in this field is that GTPases are linked to multiple biochemical effector signalling pathways and are consequently able to regulate diverse cellular processes. It is also now recognised that GTPases other than Ras regulate lymphocyte biology. Rap 1 has been suggested as a negative regulator of lymphocyte responses and Rho GTPases are important components of signalling pathways used by antigen receptors and by costimulatory, cytokine and chemokine receptors to regulate the immune response.

Common and Distinct Signaling Pathways Mediate the Induction of TNF-α and IL-5 in IgE Plus Antigen-Stimulated Mast Cells

A small number of signaling cascades represented by mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphoinositol-3-kinase, protein kinase C, signal transducers and activators of transcription, Ca2+/calcineurin, and a few other molecules are linked to an incomparably large number of surface receptors. Parallel activation of several of these pathways and the existence of isozymes for a number of signal transmitting molecules generate the required complexity and specificity matching the receptor variety. Here we show that the proinflammatory mediator TNF-α and the growth factor IL-5 are activated along common and distinct signaling cascades in allergically stimulated murine mast cells. Both of them are dependent on Ca2+ influx, activation of calcineurin and nuclear factor of activated T cells as well as a member of the atypical PKC family, most likely PKCμ. Additionally, mitogen-activated protein kinases for TNF-α and members of the classical or nonclassical PKCs for IL-5, respectively, were identified as additional required pathways. Inhibition of the classical and nonclassical PKCs, however, does not abrogate IL-5 induction but instead leads to a switch to mitogen-activated protein kinases, which then become essential. The activated branches of this “salvage” signaling cascade are represented by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and c-jun NH2 terminal kinase 1 in allergically stimulated mast cells.

The negative signaling molecule SH2 domain-containing inositol-polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (SHIP) binds to the tyrosine-phosphorylated beta subunit of the high affinity IgE receptor

The SH2 domain-containing inositol-polyphosphate 5-phosphatase, SHIP, associates with FcgammaRIIB and negatively regulates both B-cell and mast cell function. We report here that SHIP was tyrosine-phosphorylated after high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) aggregation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. The tyrosine phosphorylation of SHIP was an early event after receptor aggregation and was present in cells deficient in the protein-tyrosine kinase Syk. Furthermore it was not secondary to the increase of intracellular calcium or the activation of protein kinase C. SHIP was precipitated by immobilized phosphorylated synthetic peptides based on the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) of the beta but not the gamma subunit of the high affinity IgE receptor. Tyrosine phosphorylation of SHIP and its association with the tyrosine-phosphorylated beta subunit of FcepsilonRI could play an important role in down-regulating receptor-mediated signal transduction in mast cells. Thus, whereas the activation molecule Syk associates with the gamma subunit ITAM, the beta subunit ITAM binds the negative signaling molecule SHIP. Therefore, unlike B cells where the antigen receptor and coreceptors such as FcgammaRIIB or CD22 each recruits molecules with opposite effects, the FcepsilonRI contains subunits which recruit molecules that activate and inhibit signal transduction.

SLP-76 is a substrate of the high affinity IgE receptor-stimulated protein tyrosine kinases in rat basophilic leukemia cells

Stimulation of the IgE high affinity receptor on rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells results in activation of protein tyrosine kinases and rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of several substrates, many of which remain unidentified. In this report, we demonstrate that the Grb2 adapter protein, when expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein, associates with four tyrosine-phosphorylated molecules (116, 76, 36, and 31 kDa) from lysates of stimulated RBL-2H3 cells. We show further that the 76-kDa protein is SLP-76, a hematopoietic cell-specific protein first identified as a Grb2-binding protein in T cells. Upon stimulation of the high affinity receptor for IgE, SLP-76 undergoes rapid tyrosine phosphorylation and associates with two additional tyrosine phosphoproteins of 62 and 130 kDa via the SH2 domain of SLP-76. Additional studies demonstrate that the SLP-76 SH2 domain also binds a protein kinase from stimulated RBL-2H3 cell lysates. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of SLP-76 requires Syk activity but is not dependent on Ca+2 mobilization. These data, together with our previous work documenting its role in T-cell activation, suggest that SLP-76 and the proteins with which it associates may play a fundamental role in coupling signaling events in multiple cell types in the immune system.

Distinct Ras effector pathways are involved in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 and NFAT in mast cells

Activation of Ras GTPases is a conserved feature of antigen receptor signaling, including Fc epsilon R1 activation of mast cells. Antigenic cross-linking of the Fc epsilon R1 on mast cells results in secretion of allergic mediators and induction of immediate early and cytokine genes. Here we examine the role of Ras in coupling the Fc epsilon R1 to transcriptional regulation. The transcription factors Elk-1, an immediate early gene regulator and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), in the context of the IL-4 gene, are identified as Ras targets in mast cells. Ras mediates diverse effects via its diverse effector pathways, which may include other members of the Ras GTPase family such as RhoA and Rac-1. We observe that Elk-1 and NFAT are targeted by distinct Ras effector pathways in mast cells. Activation of the "classical" Ras/Raf-1/MEK/ ERK cascade is necessary and sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of Elk-1. Ras function is required, but not sufficient for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. However, activation or inhibition of Ras markedly shifts the antigen dose-response for Fc epsilon R1 induction of NFAT. The effector pathway for Ras activation of NFAT is not Raf-1/MEK. We identify that the Rac-1 GTPase is critical in Fc epsilon R1 regulation of NFAT, acting either in parallel with or as an effector of Ras. These data place Ras in a crucial position in mast cells, regulating disparate nuclear targets. Moreover, we identify that two GTPases, Ras and Rac-1, are important regulators of NFAT, and therefore of cytokine expression in mast cells.

Cross-linking of the high-affinity IgE receptor induces the expression of cyclo-oxygenase 2 and attendant prostaglandin generation requiring interleukin 10 and interleukin 1 beta in mouse cultured mast cells

When mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) developed in interleukin (IL)-3 were activated with IgE and antigen (IgE/antigen) in the presence of both IL-10 and IL-1 beta, two sequential phases of prostaglandin (PG)D2 generation were elicited, in which the first phase occurred by 1 h and the second phase from 2 to 10 h. The delayed phase of PGD2 generation was accompanied by a marked induction of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA, which reached a peak at 1-2 h, followed by that of its protein from 2-10 h, with a peak at 5 h. The immediate phase of PGD2 generation was completely abrogated by the irreversible inhibition of pre-existing COX-1 by aspirin pretreatment, whereas the delayed phase of PGD2 generation was almost undetectable in the presence of the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. A detailed analysis of the individual effects of IgE/antigen, IL-10 and IL-1 beta on COX-2 expression revealed that IgE/antigen and IL-10 each initiated and stabilized COX-2 mRNA expression, leading to an increase in the expression of its protein. Conversely, IL-1 beta stabilized the COX-2 protein without affecting its mRNA level. The induction of COX-2 by IgE/antigen with IL-10 and IL-1 beta preceded the induction of transcripts for endogenous cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1 beta and IL-10. The inhibition of PGD2 generation by indomethacin did not affect the induction of COX-2 or these cytokines. Thus the two major delayed-phase responses of BMMC after IgE-dependent activation, namely COX-2-dependent PGD2 generation and cytokine production, are regulated independently.

Downstream signals initiated in mast cells by Fc epsilon RI and other receptors

The significant contributions this past year to our understanding of IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RI) signaling in mast cells include studies with truncated Syk in a vaccinia expression system and Syk-negative variants of rat basophilic (RBL-2H3) cells. These studies demonstrate an essential role for Syk in initiating signals for secretion and release of arachidonic acid via phospholipase A2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase. A newly recognized addition to the repertoire of Fc epsilon RI-mediated signaling systems is the activation of sphingosine kinase, which contributes to calcium mobilization in mast cells. Advances have been made in our understanding of other receptors that regulate proliferation and differentiation of mast cells, and in our understanding of the ability of mast cells to mount acquired and acute responses to antigenic and bacterial challenge.

The inositol 5'-phosphatase SHIP binds to immunoreceptor signaling motifs and responds to high affinity IgE receptor aggregation

Immunoreceptors such as the high affinity IgE receptor, FcepsilonRI, and T-cell receptor-associated proteins share a common motif, the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). We used the yeast tribrid system to identify downstream effectors of the phosphorylated FcepsilonRI ITAM-containing subunits beta and gamma. One novel cDNA was isolated that encodes a protein that is phosphorylated on tyrosine, contains a Src-homology 2 (SH2) domain, inositolpolyphosphate 5-phosphatase activity, three NXXY motifs, several proline-rich regions, and is called SHIP. Mutation of the conserved tyrosine or leucine residues within the FcepsilonRI beta or gamma ITAMs eliminates SHIP binding and indicates that the SHIP-ITAM interaction is specific. SHIP also binds to ITAMs from the CD3 complex and T cell receptor zeta chain in vitro. SHIP protein possesses both phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 5'-phosphatase and inositol-1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate 5'-phosphatase activity. Phosphorylation of SHIP by a protein-tyrosine kinase, Lck, results in a reduction in enzyme activity. FcepsilonRI activation induces the association of several tyrosine phosphoproteins with SHIP. SHIP is constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated and associated with Shc and Grb2. These data suggest that SHIP may serve as a multifunctional linker protein in receptor activation.

Downstream signaling molecules bind to different phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) peptides of the high affinity IgE receptor

The cytoplasmic tails of both the beta and gamma subunits of the high affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) contain a consensus sequence termed the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). This motif plays a critical role in receptor-mediated signal transduction. Synthetic peptides based on the ITAM sequences of the beta and gamma subunits of FcepsilonRI were used to investigate which proteins associate with these motifs. Tyrosine-phosphorylated beta and gamma ITAM peptides immobilized on beads precipitated Syk, Lyn, Shc, Grb2, and phospholipase C-gamma1 from lysates of rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Syk was precipitated predominantly by the tyrosine-diphosphorylated gamma ITAM peptide, but much less by the diphosphorylated beta ITAM peptide or by the monophosphorylated peptides. Phospholipase C-gamma1, Shc, and Grb2 were precipitated only by the diphosphorylated beta ITAM peptide. Non-phosphorylated ITAM peptides did not precipitate these proteins. In membrane binding assays, fusion proteins containing the Src homology 2 domains of phospholipase C-gamma1, Shc, Syk, and Lyn directly bound the tyrosine-phosphorylated ITAM peptides. Although the ITAM sequences of the beta and gamma subunits of FcepsilonRI are similar, once they are tyrosine-phosphorylated they preferentially bind different downstream signaling molecules. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the ITAM of the gamma subunit recruits and activates Syk, whereas the beta subunit may be important for the Ras signaling pathway.

Association of a p95 Vav-containing signaling complex with the FcepsilonRI gamma chain in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line. Evidence for a constitutive in vivo association of Vav with Grb2, Raf-1, and ERK2 in an active complex

Aggregation of the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI) on the mucosal mast cell line, RBL-2H3, results in the rapid and persistent tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav. Immunoprecipitation of Vav from activated cells revealed co-immunoprecipitated phosphoproteins of molecular weights identical to the FcepsilonRI beta and gamma chains, and the former was reactive with antibody to the FcepsilonRI beta chain. Conversely, Western blots revealed the presence of p95 Vav in FcepsilonRI immunoprecipitates. The association of Vav and of Grb2 with the receptor was found to be regulated by aggregation of the receptor, and the interaction of Vav with the FcepsilonRI was localized to the gamma chain. To gain insight on the signaling pathway in which Vav participates, we investigated the in vivo associations of Vav with other molecules. A reducible chemical cross-linking agent was used to covalently maintain protein interactions under nonreducing conditions. A fraction of Vav increased in mass to form a complex of >300 kDa in molecular mass. Under reducing conditions the cross-linked Vav immunoprecipitates showed the presence of Grb2, Raf-1, and p42(mapk) (ERK2). In vitro kinase assays of Raf-1 activity associated with Vav revealed that this complex had an activity greater than that of Raf-1 derived from nonactivated cells, and aggregation of the FcepsilonRI did not modulate this activity. In contrast, aggregation of the FcepsilonRI increased the total Raf-1 activity by 2-5-fold. These results demonstrate that Vav associates constitutively with components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to form an active multimeric signaling complex whose in vivo activity and associations may be directed by aggregation of the FcepsilonRI. The findings of this study may also be relevant to other members of the immune recognition receptor family that share the T-cell antigen receptor zeta/gamma chains.

Syk-dependent phosphorylation of Shc. A potential link between FcepsilonRI and the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway through SOS and Grb2

Antigen receptors on T- and B-cells activate Ras through a signaling pathway that results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and the formation of a complex of Shc with the Grb2 adaptor protein. The high affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E (FcepsilonRI) in cultured mast (RBL-2H3) cells has been reported to function differently. Here we show to the contrary that engagement of FcepsilonRI with antigen leads to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and the association of Shc with Grb2 and other proteins (p120 and p140). Like the FcepsilonRI-mediated activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, these responses are dependent on the tyrosine kinase Syk; they are enhanced by overexpression of Syk and are blocked by expression of dominant-negative Syk. Sos is constitutively associated with Grb2 in these cells but dissociates from Shc on stimulation with antigen. These reactions are rapid, reversible, and associated with the activation of Ras. Therefore, the Syk-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and its association with Grb2 may provide a pathway through Sos for activation of Ras by FcepsilonRI.