Cutting edge: molecular mechanisms of synergy between CD40 and the B cell antigen receptor: role for TNF receptor-associated factor 2 in receptor interaction.
Optimal Ag-specific B lymphocyte activation requires both recognition of Ag by the B cell Ag receptor (BCR) and contact-mediated interactions with Ag-specific Th lymphocytes. One of these interactions involves ligation of B cell CD40 by T cell-expressed CD154. CD40 signaling is crucial for Ab production, isotype switching, up-regulation of surface molecules, development of germinal centers, and the humoral memory response. The signaling pathways emanating from the BCR and CD40 are able to cooperate, but the molecular mechanisms responsible for this interaction are incompletely understood. The present study explored the roles of signaling motifs in the CD40 cytoplasmic tail in this synergy. We find that threonine in the PXQXT motif in the TNFR-associated factor-2 binding site is critical for synergistic effects of CD40 and BCR signals, independent of its phosphorylation. Furthermore, data suggest an indirect role for TNFR-associated factor-2 in the cooperative signaling.
Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
Sokol A
SA
Haxhinasto
Bruce S
BS
Hostager
Gail A
GA
Bishop
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D002460:Cell Line; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D011506:Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / Q000502:physiology*; D047992:TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2; D048008:TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3
D019013:CD40 Antigens; D011506:Proteins; D011947:Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell; D047992:TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2; D048008:TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 3