Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is a negative regulator of T cell receptor signaling

J Exp Med. 2000 Feb 7;191(3):463-74. doi: 10.1084/jem.191.3.463.

Abstract

Initiation of T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling is dependent on Lck, a Src family kinase. The Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) contains Src homology (SH)3 and SH2 domains, which are highly homologous to those of Lck and other Src family members. Because of the structural similarity between Lck and SLAP, we studied its potential role in TCR signaling. Here, we show that SLAP is expressed in T cells, and that when expressed in Jurkat T cells it can specifically inhibit TCR signaling leading to nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)-, activator protein 1 (AP-1)-, and interleukin 2-dependent transcription. The SH3 and SH2 domains of SLAP are required for maximal attenuation of TCR signaling. This inhibitory activity can be bypassed by the combination of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin, suggesting that SLAP acts proximally in the TCR signaling pathway. SLAP colocalizes with endosomes in Jurkat and in HeLa cells, and is insoluble in mild detergents. In stimulated Jurkat cells, SLAP associates with a molecular signaling complex containing CD3zeta, ZAP-70, SH2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kD (SLP-76), Vav, and possibly linker for activation of T cells (LAT). These results suggest that SLAP is a negative regulator of TCR signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing*
  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Detergents
  • Down-Regulation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Mice
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src) / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src) / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src) / pharmacology*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / drug effects*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects
  • Transfection
  • src Homology Domains

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Detergents
  • Phosphoproteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • SLA protein, human
  • Sla protein, mouse
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins pp60(c-src)
  • Calcium