CD146 bound to LCK promotes T cell receptor signaling and antitumor immune responses in mice

J Clin Invest. 2021 Nov 1;131(21):e148568. doi: 10.1172/JCI148568.

Abstract

Initiation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling involves the activation of the tyrosine kinase LCK; however, it is currently unclear how LCK is recruited and activated. Here, we have identified the membrane protein CD146 as an essential member of the TCR network for LCK activation. CD146 deficiency in T cells substantially impaired thymocyte development and peripheral activation, both of which depend on TCR signaling. CD146 was found to directly interact with the SH3 domain of coreceptor-free LCK via its cytoplasmic domain. Interestingly, we found CD146 to be present in both monomeric and dimeric forms in T cells, with the dimerized form increasing after TCR ligation. Increased dimerized CD146 recruited LCK and promoted LCK autophosphorylation. In tumor models, CD146 deficiency dramatically impaired the antitumor response of T cells. Together, our data reveal an LCK activation mechanism for TCR initiation. We also underscore a rational intervention based on CD146 for tumor immunotherapy.

Keywords: Adaptive immunity; Cancer immunotherapy; Cell Biology; Immunology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD146 Antigen / genetics
  • CD146 Antigen / immunology
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck) / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck) / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / immunology*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • CD146 Antigen
  • Mcam protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck)