Antigen-independent signalosome of CARMA1, PKCθ, and TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) determines NF-κB signaling in T cells

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Feb 15;108(7):2903-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1008765108. Epub 2011 Jan 31.

Abstract

NF-κB activation is essential for T-cell responses, and costimulatory molecules in the TNF receptor (TNFR) superfamily are viewed as a major source of this signal. Although the TNFR family recruits TNFR-associated factor (TRAF) molecules leading to IKKα/β/γ activation, it is not clear whether simple binding of TRAFs explains why they are such strong activators of NF-κB and so important for T-cell immunity. We now show that one TNFR family member, OX40 (CD134), after ligation by OX40L, assembles a unique complex that not only contains TRAF2, RIP, and IKKα/β/γ but also CARMA1, MALT1, BCL10, and PKC, molecules previously shown to regulate NF-κB activation through the T-cell receptor (TCR). The OX40 signalosome is formed in membrane microdomains irrespective of TCR engagement, and strongly promotes NF-κB activation only if CARMA1 and PKC are recruited. This NF-κB signal allows effector/memory T cells to survive when antigen is no longer available. Thus, by recruiting TCR-related intracellular molecules into the TRAF2 complex, OX40 provides the T cell with a high level of NF-κB activity needed for longevity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / immunology
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Isoenzymes / immunology
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Multiprotein Complexes / immunology
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism*
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinase C / immunology
  • Protein Kinase C / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinase C-theta
  • Receptors, OX40 / immunology
  • Receptors, OX40 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 / immunology
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 / metabolism*
  • Ultracentrifugation

Substances

  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Card11 protein, mouse
  • Isoenzymes
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, OX40
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2
  • Prkcq protein, mouse
  • Protein Kinase C
  • Protein Kinase C-theta