SLAMF6-driven co-stimulation of human peripheral T cells is defective in SLE T cells

Autoimmunity. 2011 May;44(3):211-8. doi: 10.3109/08916934.2010.530627. Epub 2011 Jan 14.

Abstract

The CD28 co-stimulatory pathway is well established for T cell activation. However, there is evidence suggesting the existence of additional co-stimulatory pathways. Here we report that a member of the SLAM superfamily, SLAMF6, or CD352 plays an important role in T cell co-stimulation. Cross-linking of SLAMF6 with anti-CD3 primes human T cell to secrete Th1 cytokines. Among the T cell subsets, CD8(+) and CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) cells display the highest Th1 production responses. Engagement of SLAMF6 mobilizes the modulation of the same set of NF-κB-associated genes. Although the expression of SLAMF6 on the surface of T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) T cells is comparable to that on the normal T cells, engagement of SLAMF6 results in severely reduced Th1 and IL-2 cytokine production. Our results suggest the existence of an additional co-stimulatory pathway in human T cells, which is defective in SLE T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / immunology*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • CD28 Antigens / immunology
  • CD3 Complex / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • NF-kappa B / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / immunology*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • CD28 Antigens
  • CD3 Complex
  • Cytokines
  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • SLAMF6 protein, human
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family
  • Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule Family Member 1