CD150 association with either the SH2-containing inositol phosphatase or the SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase is regulated by the adaptor protein SH2D1A

CD150 (SLAM/IPO-3) is a cell surface receptor that, like the B cell receptor, CD40, and CD95, can transmit positive or negative signals. CD150 can associate with the SH2-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP), the SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP-2), and the adaptor protein SH2 domain protein 1A (SH2D1A/DSHP/SAP, also called Duncan's disease SH2-protein (DSHP) or SLAM-associated protein (SAP)). Mutations in SH2D1A are found in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Here we report that SH2D1A is expressed in tonsillar B cells and in some B lymphoblastoid cell lines, where CD150 coprecipitates with SH2D1A and SHIP. However, in SH2D1A-negative B cell lines, including B cell lines from X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome patients, CD150 associates only with SHP-2. SH2D1A protein levels are up-regulated by CD40 cross-linking and down-regulated by B cell receptor ligation. Using GST-fusion proteins with single replacements of tyrosine at Y269F, Y281F, Y307F, or Y327F in the CD150 cytoplasmic tail, we found that the same phosphorylated Y281 and Y327 are essential for both SHP-2 and SHIP binding. The presence of SH2D1A facilitates binding of SHIP to CD150. Apparently, SH2D1A may function as a regulator of alternative interactions of CD150 with SHP-2 or SHIP via a novel TxYxxV/I motif (immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM)). Multiple sequence alignments revealed the presence of this TxYxxV/I motif not only in CD2 subfamily members but also in the cytoplasmic domains of the members of the SHP-2 substrate 1, sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin, carcinoembryonic Ag, and leukocyte-inhibitory receptor families.     

B cell induction of IL-13 expression in NK cells: role of CD244 and SLAM-associated protein

NK cells are an important component of the innate immune system that can also interact with B cells in a mutually productive manner. We have previously shown that activated B cells can induce NK cells to up-regulate their secretion of IFN-gamma. In this study, we show that B cells, and, particularly, marginal zone B cells, can, in addition, induce NK cells via direct cell-cell interactions to express mRNA encoding the Th2 cytokine IL-13. The induction of NK cell IL-13 mRNA expression requires the ligation of the CD244 receptor by the CD48 ligand on B cells via signaling pathways that depend upon expression of the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease gene product, SH2D1A/DSHP/SAP (SLAM-associated protein, or SAP) in NK cells. Thus, the positive signals attributed to the B cell activation of CD244 on murine NK cells appears to be more similar to the activity of CD244 on human cells. The induction of IL-13 mRNA by B cells may account for the effect of NK cells on the generation of Th2-type responses in the presence of some adjuvants.     

The two SH2-domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2 are coexpressed in human T lymphocytes.

The activation of many hematopoietic cells via cytokine receptors, as well as B and T cell receptors, leads to the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and its association with both Grb2-Sos1 complexes and with a 145 kDa protein referred to as the SH2 containing inositol 5-phosphatase (SHIP1). In a search of putative 5-phosphatase isoenzymes, we have isolated a second SH2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatase, referred to as (SHIP2). Both SHIP1 and SHIP2 are coexpressed in human T lymphocytes. This was shown at the protein level by Western blot analysis in transformed T cell lines and in peripheral blood T lymphocytes either unstimulated or after in vitro activation through TCR-CD3 complex. SHIP1 protein level was not modulated after activation of T lymphocytes, in contrast to SHIP2, which was increased after long-term stimulation. SHIP1 was tyrosine phosphorylated in resting naive T cells. This was not observed in the transformed T cell lines. T lymphocyte is therefore a model of coexpression of the two SH2-containing inositol 5-phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2.     

Recruitment and phosphorylation of SH2-containing inositol phosphatase and Shc to the B-cell Fc gamma immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif peptide motif.

Recently, we and others have demonstrated that negative signaling in B cells selectively induces the tyrosine phosphorylation of a novel inositol polyphosphate phosphatase, p145SHIP. In this study, we present data indicating that p145SHIP binds directly a phosphorylated motif, immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM), present in the cytoplasmic domain of Fc gammaRIIB1. Using recombinant SH2 domains, we show that binding is mediated via the Src homology region 2 (SH2)-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) SH2 domain. SHIP also bound to a phosphopeptide derived from CD22, raising the possibility that SHIP contributes to negative signaling by this receptor as well as Fc gammaRIIB1. The association of SHIP with the ITIM phosphopeptide was activation independent, while coassociation with Shc was activation dependent. Furthermore, experiments with Fc gammaRIIB1-deficient B cells demonstrated a genetic requirement for expression of Fc gammaRIIB1 in the induction of SHIP phosphorylation and its interaction with Shc. Based on these results, we propose a model of negative signaling in which co-cross-linking of surface immunoglobulin and Fc gammaRIIB1 results in sequential tyrosine phosphorylation of the ITIM, recruitment and phosphorylation of p145SHIP, and subsequent binding of Shc.     

The cell surface expression of SAP-binding receptor CD229 is regulated via its interaction with clathrin-associated adaptor complex 2 (AP-2)

CD229 (Ly9) is a cell surface receptor selectively expressed on T and B lymphocytes, and it belongs to the CD150 receptor family. Like other receptors of this family, CD229 interacts with SAP/SH2D1a protein, mutation of which is responsible for the fatal X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Receptors of the CD150 family function as costimulatory molecules, regulating cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Thus, their signaling and regulation in lymphocytes may be critical to an understanding of the pathogenesis of the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. Here we show that CD229 interacts with the mu(2) chain of the AP-2 adaptor complex that links transmembrane proteins to clathrin-coated pits. CD229 was the only member of the CD150 family associated with AP-2. We also show that the mu(2) chain interacts with the Y(470)EKL motif of CD229. The integrity of this site was necessary for CD229 internalization, but it was not involved in SAP recruitment. Moreover, CD229 binds to the AP-2 complex in T and B cell lines, and it is internalized rapidly from the cell surface on T cells after antibody ligation. In contrast, cross-linking of CD229 receptors with intact antibody inhibited CD229 internalization on B cells. However, when F(ab')(2) antibodies were used, CD229 internalization was similar on T and B cells, suggesting that Fcgamma receptors control CD229 cell surface expression. Furthermore, CD229 was regulated by T cell receptor and B cell receptor signaling because coligation with antibodies against anti-CD3 and anti-IgM increased the rate of CD229 endocytosis. These data suggest that CD229 cell surface expression on lymphocytes surface is strongly and differentially regulated within the CD150 family members.     

Identification and characterization of SF2000 and SF2001, two new members of the immune receptor SLAM/CD2 family

The SLAM family of human genes currently consists of seven related members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, membrane-associated proteins, including CD150 (SLAM), CD244 (2B4), CD84, CD229 ( Ly-9), BLAME, CD48, and 19A. These genes are expressed to varying degrees in subsets of immune cells (T, B, natural killer, and myeloid cells) and may function as ligands or receptors. This set of genes, related to CD2 and CD58 on Chromosome (Chr) 1p98, are found clustered close together in the human genome on Chr 1q22. Four of these family members (CD150, CD244, CD84, CD229) contain conserved tyrosine motifs in their cytoplasmic tails that enable them to bind intracellular signaling molecules SAP and EAT-2. SAP is mutated in human X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP), and studies in XLP patients have shown that improper signaling via molecules that bind SAP contributes to the disease. We have identified two new members of the SLAM family (SF), which we term SF2000 and SF2001, which are expressed in immune cells and map in the SLAM gene cluster. SF2001 does not contain SAP-binding motifs in its short cytoplasmic tail. SF2000, which is co-expressed with SAP in T cells, binds both SAP and EAT-2. The data suggest that signaling through SF2000, together with CD150, CD244, CD84, and CD229, is controlled by SAP and therefore contributes to the pathogenesis of XLP.     

Cloning of the genomic locus of mouse SH2 containing inositol 5-phosphatase (SHIP) and a novel 110-kDa splice isoform, SHIPdelta

The SH2 domain containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIP) was initially described as a 145-kDa protein phosphorylated on tyrosines upon growth factor and cytokine stimulation. It was shown to be phosphorylated after Fc and B cell receptor activation and plays a role in negative signaling. Different isoforms of the SHIP protein result from alternative mRNA splicing, proteolysis, or a combination of both. The expression of discrete SHIP isoforms changes with the potential developmental-dependent maturation state of myeloid cells, suggesting mechanisms for the regulation of SHIP interactions with other signaling molecules. A p135 (SHIPbeta) spliced isoform is known to be expressed in developing myeloid cells. Now we have identified a new SHIP isoform, SHIPdelta, which is the product of an out-of-frame splice with a deletion of 167 nucleotides in the C-terminal region, resulting in an approximately 110-kDa protein. Biochemically, SHIPdelta differs from SHIPalpha by exhibiting little or no tyrosine phosphorylation or association with the signaling protein Shc after M-CSF activation of FD-Fms cells. In addition, we have characterized the structure of the entire SHIP genomic locus, which provides a basis for understanding the alternative splicing events. SHIP is expressed in hematopoiesis and spermatogenesis, and we also describe the promoter for the SHIP gene, which has potential for explaining the tissue-specific expression pattern.     

p135 src homology 2 domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIPbeta ) isoform can substitute for p145 SHIP in fcgamma RIIB1-mediated inhibitory signaling in B cells

The inositol 5'-phosphatase, SHIP (also referred to as SHIP-1 or SHIPalpha), is expressed in all cells of the hematopoietic lineage. Depending on the cell type being investigated and the state of differentiation, SHIP isoforms of several different molecular masses (170, 160, 145, 135, 125, and 110 kDa) have been seen in immunoblots. However, the function of the individual isoforms and the effect of expressing multiple isoforms simultaneously are not understood. Some of these SHIP isoforms have recently been characterized at the level of primary sequence. In this report, we investigated the function of the recently characterized 135-kDa SHIP isoform (SHIPbeta), which appears to possess the catalytic domain but lacks some of the protein-protein interaction motifs at the C terminus. By reconstituting SHIP-deficient DT40 B cells with either SHIPbeta or the better-characterized p145 SHIPalpha, we addressed the function of SHIPbeta in the complete absence of SHIPalpha. We observed that SHIPbeta had enzymatic activity comparable with SHIPalpha and that SHIPbeta was able to reconstitute F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of B cell receptor-induced signaling events such as calcium flux and Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. SHIPbeta was readily phosphorylated in response to B cell receptor cross-linking with the inhibitory receptor F(c)gammaRIIB1 and SHIPbeta also interacted with the adapter protein Shc. During these studies we also observed that the SHIPalpha or SHIPbeta interaction with Grb2 is not required for F(c)gammaRIIB1-mediated inhibition of calcium flux. These data suggest that SHIPbeta, which is normally expressed in B cells along with SHIPalpha, functions comparably with SHIPalpha and that these two isoforms are not likely to be antagonistic in their function in vivo.     

Abnormal T cell receptor signal transduction of CD4 Th cells in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome

The molecular basis of X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease has been attributed to mutations in the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP), an src homology 2 domain-containing intracellular signaling molecule known to interact with the lymphocyte-activating surface receptors signaling lymphocytic activation molecule and 2B4. To investigate the effect of SAP defects on TCR signal transduction, herpesvirus saimiri-immortalized CD4 Th cells from XLP patients and normal healthy individuals were examined for their response to TCR stimulation. CD4 T cells of XLP patients displayed elevated levels of tyrosine phosphorylation compared with CD4 T cells from healthy individuals. In addition, downstream serine/threonine kinases are constitutively active in CD4 T cells of XLP patients. In contrast, TCR-mediated activation of Akt, c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinases, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases in XLP CD4 T cells was transient and rapidly diminished when compared with that in control CD4 T cells. Consequently, XLP CD4 T cells exhibited severe defects in up-regulation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma cytokine production upon TCR stimulation and in MLRs. Finally, SAP specifically interacted with a 75-kDa tyrosine-phosphorylated protein upon TCR stimulation. These results demonstrate that CD4 T cells from XLP patients exhibit aberrant TCR signal transduction and that the defect in SAP function is likely responsible for this phenotype.     

Functional requirements for interactions between CD84 and Src homology 2 domain-containing proteins and their contribution to human T cell activation

Cell surface receptors belonging to the CD2 subset of the Ig superfamily of molecules include CD2, CD48, CD58, 2B4, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), Ly9, CD84, and the recently identified molecules NTB-A/Ly108/SLAM family (SF) 2000, CD84H-1/SF2001, B lymphocyte activator macrophage expressed (BLAME), and CRACC (CD2-like receptor-activating cytotoxic cells)/CS-1. Some of these receptors, such as CD2, SLAM, 2B4, CRACC, and NTB-A, contribute to the activation and effector function of T cells and NK cells. Signaling pathways elicited via some of these receptors are believed to involve the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing cytoplasmic adaptor protein SLAM-associated protein (SAP), as it is recruited to SLAM, 2B4, CD84, NTB-A, and Ly-9. Importantly, mutations in SAP cause the inherited human immunodeficiency X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP), suggesting that XLP may result from perturbed signaling via one or more of these SAP-associating receptors. We have now studied the requirements for SAP recruitment to CD84 and lymphocyte activation elicited following ligation of CD84 on primary and transformed human T cells. CD84 was found to be rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated following receptor ligation on activated T cells, an event that involved the Src kinase Lck. Phosphorylation of CD84 was indispensable for the recruitment of SAP, which was mediated by Y(262) within the cytoplasmic domain of CD84 and by R(32) within the SH2 domain of SAP. Furthermore, ligating CD84 enhanced the proliferation of anti-CD3 mAb-stimulated human T cells. Strikingly, this effect was also apparent in SAP-deficient T cells obtained from patients with XLP. These results reveal a novel function of CD84 on human lymphocytes and suggest that CD84 can activate human T cells via a SAP-independent mechanism.     

Susceptibility of human dendritic cells (DCs) to measles virus (MV) depends on their activation stages in conjunction with the level of CDw150: role of Toll stimulators in DC maturation and MV amplification

Human CD46 (membrane cofactor protein, or MCP) and CDw150 (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule, or SLAM) serve as receptors for measles virus (MV), which induces marked host immune suppression. Although monocytes express CD46, they are considerably resistant to MV. Once monocytes differentiate into immature myeloid dendritic cells (iDCs) (GM-CSF + IL-4-treated), the cells become susceptible to MV. Therefore, we have identified CD46-adapted and CDw150-adapted strains of MV, and the dynamics of CD46 and CDw150 during monocyte-iDC conversion were examined in conjunction with MV susceptibility. Strikingly, CDw150 was not detected in monocytes and moderately induced in iDCs, while CD46 was constantly expressed in monocyte-to-iDC differentiation. Thus, iDCs were found to become highly permissive to CDw150-adapted MV strains via expression of CDw150. In fact, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that specifically blocked the MV receptor function of CD46 or CDw150 cancelled MV replication in iDCs according to the preferential usage of either CD46 or CDw150 in each strain of MV. Next, we showed that DCs that matured via stimulation of their Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and/or 4 exhibited an approximately fivefold increase in CDw150 at the protein level, and concomitantly, higher levels of MV amplification were observed in mixed culture of lymphocytes than in iDCs without TLR2/4 stimuli. Hence, amplification of CDw150-dependent MV strains was augmented in DCs parallel with the levels of CDw150 in the presence of lymphocytes possessing CDw150. TLR-mediated functional potential of DCs may affect the degree of MV amplification through distinct MV strain-specific receptor usage of CDw150 or CD46.     

The Adaptor Protein SAP Directly Associates with CD3ζ Chain and Regulates T Cell Receptor Signaling

Mutations altering the gene encoding the SLAM associated protein (SAP) are responsible for the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease or XLP1. Its absence is correlated with a defective NKT cells development, a decrease in B cell functions and a reduced T cells and NK cells cytotoxic activities, thus leading to an immunodeficiency syndrome. SAP is a small 128 amino-acid long protein that is almost exclusively composed of an SH2 domain. It has been shown to interact with the CD150/SLAM family of receptors, and in a non-canonical manner with SH3 containing proteins such as Fyn, βPIX, PKCθ and Nck1. It would thus play the role of a minimal adaptor protein. It has been shown that SAP plays an important function in the activation of T cells through its interaction with the SLAM family of receptors. Therefore SAP defective T cells display a reduced activation of signaling events downstream of the TCR-CD3 complex triggering. In the present work, we evidence that SAP is a direct interactor of the CD3ζ chain. This direct interaction occurs through the first ITAM of CD3ζ, proximal to the membrane. Additionally, we show that, in the context of the TCR-CD3 signaling, an Sh-RNA mediated silencing of SAP is responsible for a decrease of several canonical T cell signaling pathways including Erk, Akt and PLCγ1 and to a reduced induction of IL-2 and IL-4 mRNA. Altogether, we show that SAP plays a central function in the T cell activation processes through a direct association with the CD3 complex.     

SAP binds to CD22 and regulates B cell inhibitory signaling and calcium flux

The signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP or SH2D1A) is an important regulator of immune function which, when mutated or deleted, causes the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP). Because B cell lymphoma is a major phenotype of XLP, it is important to understand the function of SAP in B cells. Here we report that SAP is expressed endogenously in mouse splenic B cells, is inducibly expressed in the human BJAB cells, and co-localizes and interacts with CD22. We also show that SAP binding to the inhibitory immunoreceptor CD22 regulates calcium mobilization in B cells. Moreover, forced expression of SAP leads to constitutive CD22 tyrosine phosphorylation and decreased Ca²⁺ response in B cells. Biochemical analysis reveals that, in response to IgM cross-linking, the phosphorylation of Syk, Blnk, or PLCγ2 and their interactions with one another were either diminished or completely abolished in SAP-expressing cells compared to cells that lack SAP. Collectively our work identifies a novel role for SAP in B cells and extends its function to inhibitory immunoreceptor signaling and calcium mobilization.     

Functional requirement for SAP in 2B4-mediated activation of human natural killer cells as revealed by the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is an immunodeficiency characterized by life-threatening infectious mononucleosis and EBV-induced B cell lymphoma. The gene mutated in XLP encodes SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein)-associated protein (SAP), a small SH2 domain-containing protein. SAP associates with 2B4 and SLAM, activating receptors expressed by NK and T cells, and prevents recruitment of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 SHP-2) to the cytoplasmic domains of these receptors. The phenotype of XLP may therefore result from perturbed signaling through SAP-associating receptors. We have addressed the functional consequence of SAP deficiency on 2B4-mediated NK cell activation. Ligating 2B4 on normal human NK cells with anti-2B4 mAb or interaction with transfectants bearing the 2B4 ligand CD48 induced NK cell cytotoxicity. In contrast, ligation of 2B4 on NK cells from a SAP-deficient XLP patient failed to initiate cytotoxicity. Despite this, CD2 or CD16-induced cytotoxicity of SAP-deficient NK cells was similar to that of normal NK cells. Thus, selective impairment of 2B4-mediated NK cell activation may contribute to the immunopathology of XLP.     

The adaptor protein 3BP2 binds human CD244 and links this receptor to Vav signaling, ERK activation, and NK cell killing

Adaptor proteins, molecules that mediate intermolecular interactions, are crucial for cellular activation. The adaptor 3BP2 has been shown to positively regulate NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In this study we present evidence for a physical interaction between 3BP2 and the CD244 receptor. CD244, a member of the CD150 family, is a cell surface protein expressed on NK, CD8+ T, and myeloid cells. CD244 interacts via its Src homology 2 domain with the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease gene product signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein (SAP)/SH2 domain protein 1A. 3BP2 interacts with human but not murine CD244. CD244-3BP2 interaction was direct and regulated by phosphorylation, as shown by a three-hybrid analysis in yeast and NK cells. Tyr337 on CD244, part of a consensus motif for SAP/SH2 domain protein 1A binding, was critical for the 3BP2 interaction. Although mutation of Tyr337 to phenylalanine abrogated human 3BP2 binding, we still observed SAP association, indicating that this motif is not essential for SAP recruitment. CD244 ligation induced 3BP2 phosphorylation and Vav-1 recruitment. Overexpression of 3BP2 led to an increase in the magnitude and duration of ERK activation, after CD244 triggering. This enhancement was concomitant with an increase in cytotoxicity due to CD244 ligation. However, no differences in IFN-gamma secretion were found when normal and 3BP2-transfected cells were compared. These results indicate that CD244-3BP2 association regulates cytolytic function but not IFN-gamma release, reinforcing the hypothesis that, in humans, CD244-mediated cytotoxicity and IFN-gamma release involve distinct NK pathways.     

CD229 (Ly9) lymphocyte cell surface receptor interacts homophilically through its N-terminal domain and relocalizes to the immunological synapse

CD229 is a member of the CD150 family of the Ig superfamily expressed on T and B cells. Receptors of this family regulate cytokine production and cytotoxicity of lymphocytes and NK cells. The cytoplasmic tail of CD229 binds to SAP, a protein that is defective in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome. To identify the CD229 ligand, we generated a soluble Ig fusion protein containing the two N-terminal extracellular domains of human CD229 (CD229-Ig). CD229-Ig bound to CD229-transfected cells, whereas no binding was detected on cells expressing other CD150 family receptors, showing that CD229 binds homophilically. Both human and mouse CD229 interacted with itself. Domain deletion mutants showed that the N-terminal Ig-domain mediates homophilic adhesion. CD229-CD229 binding was severely compromised when the charged amino acids E27 and E29 on the predicted B-C loop and R89 on the F-G loop of the N-terminal domain were mutated to alanine. In contrast, one mutation, R44A, enhanced the homophilic interaction. Confocal microscopy image analysis revealed relocalization of CD229 to the contact area of T and B cells during Ag-dependent immune synapse formation. Thus, CD229 is its own ligand and participates in the immunological synapse.     

1F7, a novel cell surface molecule, involved in helper function of CD4 cells

We have developed a monoclonal antibody, anti-1F7, that inhibits soluble Ag-driven T cell proliferation as well as PWM-driven IgG synthesis. Anti-1F7 antibody reacts with approximately 57% of unfractionated T cells, 62% of CD4+ cells, and 54% of CD8+ cells. Although the 1F7 Ag is widely distributed among lymphoid cells, this Ag on CD4+ cells is preferentially expressed on the CDw29(4B4+) helper population. Moreover, anti-1F7 antibody further subdivides the CD4+CDw29+ cell subset into CDw29+1F7+ and CDw29+1F7- populations. The CD4+CDw29+1F7+ population of cells maximally proliferates to recall Ag such as tetanus toxoid, whereas helper function for PWM-driven IgG synthesis by B cells belongs to both the CD4+CDw29+1F7+ and CD4+CDw29+1F7- population of cells. The most prominent structure defined by this antibody is a 110-kDa molecule that is different from the 135-kDa, 160-kDa, and 185-kDa glycoproteins identified by anti-CDw29 antibody and the 180-kDa glycoprotein identified by UCHL-1 antibody. It is, however, related to the molecule recognized by anti-Ta1, an activation Ag on T cells. Furthermore, although the Ta1 molecule is recognized by anti-1F7 mAb, the 1F7 family of structures also includes molecules distinct from Ta1.     

Structural basis for the interaction of the free SH2 domain EAT-2 with SLAM receptors in hematopoietic cells.

The T and natural killer (NK) cell-specific gene SAP (SH2D1A) encodes a 'free SH2 domain' that binds a specific tyrosine motif in the cytoplasmic tail of SLAM (CD150) and related cell surface proteins. Mutations in SH2D1A cause the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, a primary immunodeficiency. Here we report that a second gene encoding a free SH2 domain, EAT-2, is expressed in macrophages and B lympho cytes. The EAT-2 structure in complex with a phosphotyrosine peptide containing a sequence motif with Tyr281 of the cytoplasmic tail of CD150 is very similar to the structure of SH2D1A complexed with the same peptide. This explains the high affinity of EAT-2 for the pTyr motif in the cytoplasmic tail of CD150 but, unlike SH2D1A, EAT-2 does not bind to non-phosphorylated CD150. EAT-2 binds to the phosphorylated receptors CD84, CD150, CD229 and CD244, and acts as a natural inhibitor, which interferes with the recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. We conclude that EAT-2 plays a role in controlling signal transduction through at least four receptors expressed on the surface of professional antigen-presenting cells.     

Novel mode of ligand binding by the SH2 domain of the human XLP disease gene product SAP/SH2D1A

BACKGROUND: The Src homology 2 (SH2) domains of cytoplasmic signaling proteins generally bind phosphotyrosine (pTyr) sites in the context of carboxy-terminal residues. SAP (also known as SH2D1A or DSHP), the product of the gene that is mutated in human X-linked lymphoproliferative (XLP) disease, comprises almost exclusively a single SH2 domain, which may modulate T-cell signaling by engaging T-cell co-activators such as SLAM, thereby blocking binding of other signaling proteins that contain SH2 domains. The SAP-SLAM interaction can occur in a phosphorylation-independent manner. RESULTS: To characterize the interaction between SAP and SLAM, we synthesized peptides corresponding to the SAP-binding site at residue Y281 in SLAM. Both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated versions of an 11-residue SLAM peptide bound SAP, with dissociation constants of 150 nM and 330 nM, respectively. SLAM phosphopeptides that were truncated either at the amino or carboxyl terminus bound with high affinity to SAP, suggesting that the SAP SH2 domain recognizes both amino-terminal and carboxy-terminal sequences relative to the pTyr residue. These results were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies on (15)N- and (13)C-labeled SAP complexed with three SLAM peptides: an amino-terminally truncated phosphopeptide, a carboxy-terminally truncated phosphopeptide and a non-phosphorylated Tyr-containing full-length peptide. CONCLUSIONS: The SAP SH2 domain has a unique specificity. Not only does it bind peptides in a phosphorylation-independent manner, it also recognizes a pTyr residue either preceded by amino-terminal residues or followed by carboxy-terminal residues. We propose that the three 'prongs' of a peptide ligand (the amino and carboxyl termini and the pTyr) can engage the SAP SH2 domain, accounting for its unusual properties. These data point to the flexibility of modular protein-interaction domains.