The N terminus of SKAP55 enables T cell adhesion to TCR and integrin ligands via distinct mechanisms

J Cell Biol. 2013 Dec 23;203(6):1021-41. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201305088.

Abstract

The T cell receptor (TCR) triggers the assembly of "SLP-76 microclusters," which mediate signals required for T cell activation. In addition to regulating integrin activation, we show that Src kinase-associated phosphoprotein of 55 kD (SKAP55) is required for microcluster persistence and movement, junctional stabilization, and integrin-independent adhesion via the TCR. These functions require the dimerization of SKAP55 and its interaction with the adaptor adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein (ADAP). A "tandem dimer" containing two ADAP-binding SKAP55 Src homology 3 (SH3) domains stabilized SLP-76 microclusters and promoted T cell adhesion via the TCR, but could not support adhesion to integrin ligands. Finally, the SKAP55 dimerization motif (DM) enabled the coimmunoprecipitation of the Rap1-dependent integrin regulator Rap1-GTP-interacting adaptor molecule (RIAM), the recruitment of talin into TCR-induced adhesive junctions, and "inside-out" signaling to β1 integrins. Our data indicate that SKAP55 dimers stabilize SLP-76 microclusters, couple SLP-76 to the force-generating systems responsible for microcluster movement, and enable adhesion via the TCR by mechanisms independent of RIAM, talin, and β1 integrins.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Dimerization
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Ligands
  • Phosphoproteins / chemistry
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Integrins
  • Ligands
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • SKAP1 protein, human
  • SLP-76 signal Transducing adaptor proteins