T cell development and function in CrkL-deficient mice.
The adapter protein CrkL has been implicated in multiple signal transduction pathways in hematopoietic cells. In T lymphocytes, the recruitment of CrkL-C3G complexes has been correlated with hyporesponsiveness, implicating CrkL as a potential negative regulator. To test this hypothesis we examined T cell activation in CrkL-deficient mice. The CrkL(-/-) genotype was partially embryonic lethal. In viable CrkL(-/-) mice, peripheral blood counts were normal. The thymus from CrkL(-/-) mice had 40% fewer cells compared to littermates, but the proportion of thymocyte subsets was comparable. There was no discernable alteration in T cell function as reflected by T cell numbers, expression of memory markers, IL-2 production, proliferation, and differentiation into Th1/Th2 phenotypes. Immunization induced comparable levels of IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies. Chimeric mice, generated by transfer of CrkL(-/-) fetal liver cells into irradiated RAG2(-/-) recipients, also showed normal T cell function, arguing against selection via partial embryonic lethality. Our results indicate that CrkL is not absolutely required for T cell development or function, and argue against it being an essential component of a negative regulatory pathway in TCR signaling.
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000502:physiology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000502:physiology
D048868:Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing; C082869:CRKL protein; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; C499308:Rag2 protein, mouse; C064655:V(D)J recombination activating protein 2; D007371:Interferon-gamma