Arp2/3 complex controls T cell homeostasis by maintaining surface TCR levels via regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 21;7(1):8952. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08357-4.

Abstract

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is important for T cell homeostasis and function. However, how surface TCR levels are regulated and its biological significance on T cells remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the T cell-specific deletion of Arpc2, a component of Arp2/3 complex, results in compromised peripheral T cell homeostasis. Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin filaments are essential for maintaining surface TCR levels by regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking in resting state and controlling polarization of TCR+ endosomes during immune synapse formation in T cells. Additionally, Arpc2-TKO T cells are unable to form immune synapse. Interestingly, defected T cell homeostasis is caused by reduced surface TCR levels but not impaired immune synapse formation. Collectively, our findings suggest that Arp2/3 complex-nucleated actin filaments are required for maintaining surface TCR levels via regulating TCR+ endosome trafficking which is essential for T cell homeostasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actin-Related Protein 2 / genetics*
  • Actin-Related Protein 2 / metabolism
  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / genetics*
  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Protein Transport
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • ARPC2 protein, human
  • Actin-Related Protein 2
  • Actin-Related Protein 2-3 Complex
  • Actr2 protein, mouse
  • Arpc2 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell