A complex of Neuroplastin and Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ATPase controls T cell activation

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 21;7(1):8358. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08519-4.

Abstract

The outcome of T cell activation is determined by mechanisms that balance Ca2+ influx and clearance. Here we report that murine CD4 T cells lacking Neuroplastin (Nptn -/-), an immunoglobulin superfamily protein, display elevated cytosolic Ca2+ and impaired post-stimulation Ca2+ clearance, along with increased nuclear levels of NFAT transcription factor and enhanced T cell receptor-induced cytokine production. On the molecular level, we identified plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs) as the main interaction partners of Neuroplastin. PMCA levels were reduced by over 70% in Nptn -/- T cells, suggesting an explanation for altered Ca2+ handling. Supporting this, Ca2+ extrusion was impaired while Ca2+ levels in internal stores were increased. T cells heterozygous for PMCA1 mimicked the phenotype of Nptn -/- T cells. Consistent with sustained Ca2+ levels, differentiation of Nptn -/- T helper cells was biased towards the Th1 versus Th2 subset. Our study thus establishes Neuroplastin-PMCA modules as important regulators of T cell activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*

Substances

  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • neuroplastin protein, mouse
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • Atp2b1 protein, mouse
  • Calcium