Hematopoietic adaptors in T-cell signaling: potential applications to transplantation

Am J Transplant. 2003 Oct;3(10):1204-10. doi: 10.1046/j.1600-6143.2003.00230.x.

Abstract

Recent advances have been made in understanding the basis of T-cell signaling with the identification of hematopoeitic-specific adaptor proteins, or molecular scaffolds that facilitate protein complex formation and the integration of signals from the surface of T cells. Their potential relevance as targets in the modulation of transplantation relates to their immune-cell-specific expression and their ability to integrate signals needed for T-cell/APC conjugate formation, cytokine production and the clonal expansion of T cells. While LAT, GADS and SLP-76 are needed for TcR-induced cytokine production, the adaptors ADAP, VAV and SKAP-55 play specialized roles in the regulation of integrin adhesion and conjugation. Given the importance of these functions to the reactivity of T cells to allodeterminants of tissue grafts (GvH), and in the recognition and destruction of leukemic cells (GvL), these adaptors represent a new generation of potential targets in the modulation of transplantation.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing*
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Graft Survival
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / methods
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Models, Biological
  • Organ Transplantation / methods*
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Transplantation Immunology*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Cytokines
  • GRAP2 protein, human
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Phosphoproteins
  • SKAP1 protein, human
  • SLP-76 signal Transducing adaptor proteins