RasGRP1 transduces low-grade TCR signals which are critical for T cell development, homeostasis, and differentiation.
Two important Ras-guanyl nucleotide exchange factors, Sos and RasGRP1, control Ras activation in thymocytes. However, the relative contribution of these two exchange factors to Ras/ERK activation and their resulting impact on positive and negative selection is unclear. We have produced two lines of RasGRP1(-/-) TCR transgenic mice to determine the effect of RasGRP1 in T cell development under conditions of defined TCR signaling. Our results demonstrate that RasGRP1 is crucial for thymocytes expressing weakly selecting TCRs whereas those that express stronger selecting TCRs are more effective at utilizing RasGRP1-independent mechanisms for ERK activation and positive selection. Analysis of RasGRP1(-/-) peripheral T cells also revealed hitherto unidentified functions of RasGRP1 in regulating T cell homeostasis and sustaining antigen-induced developmental programming.
Priatel
John J
JJ
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Teh
Soo-Jeet
SJ
Dower
Nancy A
NA
Stone
James C
JC
Teh
Hung-Sia
HS
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; C112278:Rasgrp1 protein, mouse; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell