Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I recognition by natural killer cells

NK cells express clonally distributed receptors specific for MHC class I molecules. Structurally, these receptors belong to the C-type lectin superfamily in mouse and to the immunoglobulin superfamily in human. Functionally, they can be distinguished as inhibitory or stimulatory. Inhibitory receptors block NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity upon binding to HLA class I ligands. This function is mediated by phosphorylation of cytoplasmic tyrosines, which recruit the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Stimulatory receptors also bind HLA class I, lack cytoplasmic tyrosine-based motifs, and trigger NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. All these receptors are characterized by a limited diversity allowing for sensitive detection of loss of MHC class I molecules on autologous transformed and virally infected cells.     

Bacterial superantigens induce down-modulation of CC chemokine responsiveness in human monocytes via an alternative chemokine ligand-independent mechanism

Staphylococcal superantigens (SAgs) are very potent T cell mitogens, but they can also activate monocytes by binding directly to MHC class II molecules in a manner independent of TCR coengagement. Induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokine expression in monocytes by superantigens has recently been reported. Here we report that superantigen stimulation of human peripheral blood monocytes results in a rapid, dose-dependent, and specific down-regulation of chemokine (macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and MIP-1beta) binding sites (e.g., CCR1, CCR2, and CCR5), which correlates with a concomitant hyporesponsiveness of human monocytes to these CC chemokine ligands. This down-regulation occurs 15-30 min following superantigen stimulation and is specific to chemokine receptors, in that binding and responsiveness of monocytes to the chemoattractant formyl-tripeptide FMLP are not affected. We further demonstrate that SAg-induced down-modulation of chemokine binding and monocyte hyporesponsiveness to the chemokines MIP-1alpha, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and MIP-1beta is mediated through cellular protein tyrosine kinases, and the down-modulation can be mimicked by an MHC class II-specific mAb. Additionally, our observations indicate that SAg-induced loss of chemokine binding and monocyte responsiveness is probably mediated by secreted serine proteinases. Bacterial SAg-induced down-modulation of chemokine responsiveness represents a previously unrecognized strategy by some bacteria to subvert immune responses by affecting the intricate balance between chemokine and chemokine receptor expression and function.     

Dependence on the motif YIPP for the physical association of Jak2 kinase with the intracellular carboxyl tail of the angiotensin II AT1 receptor

Angiotensin II is the effector molecule of the renin-angiotensin system. Virtually all of its biochemical actions are mediated through a single class of cell-surface receptors called AT1. These receptors contain the structural features of the seven-transmembrane, G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Angiotensin II, acting through the AT1 receptor, also stimulates the Jak/STAT pathway by inducing ligand-dependent Jak2 tyrosine phosphorylation and activation. Here, we show that a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein containing the carboxyl-terminal 54 amino acids of the rat AT1A receptor physically binds to Jak2 in an angiotensin II-dependent manner. Deletional analysis, using both in vitro protocols and cell transfection analysis, showed that this association is dependent on the AT1A receptor motif YIPP (amino acids 319-322). The wild-type AT1A receptor can induce Jak2 tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, an AT1A receptor lacking the YIPP motif is unable to induce ligand-dependent phosphorylation of Jak2. Competition experiments with synthetic peptides suggest that each of the YIPP amino acids, including tyrosine 319, is important in Jak2 binding to the AT1A receptor. The binding of the AT1A receptor to the intracellular tyrosine kinase Jak2 supports the concept that the seven-transmembrane superfamily of receptors can physically associate with enzymatically active intracellular proteins, creating a signaling complex mechanistically similar to that observed with growth factor and cytokine receptors.     

A negative regulatory region in the intracellular domain of the human interferon-alpha receptor

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)-mediated intracellular signaling is initiated by ligand-induced receptor dimerization, tyrosine phosphorylation of the Tyk2 and Jak1 tyrosine kinases, and subsequent phosphorylation of the Stat1 and Stat2 proteins. The IFN-alpha receptor consists of at least two distinct subunits. One subunit, IFNAR1, has low affinity binding for interferon yet is required for signal transduction. We introduced mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of human IFNAR1 in order to identify residues involved in the mediation of biological responses. We took advantage of the species specificity of the interferon receptors by analyzing human IFN-alpha-induced major histocompatibility complex class I antigen expression in mouse L929 cells stably transfected with mutant human receptors. The membrane proximal 60-amino acids were insufficient to signal a biological response even though within these residues Tyk2 and Stat2 binding sites have been identified. IFN-alpha-induced receptor tyrosine phosphorylation was not critical for signaling because mutation of Tyr residues to Phe did not prevent the biological response to IFN-alpha. The deletion of a 16-amino acid region highly homologous between species created a receptor which signals an enhanced response. Tyrosine dephosphorylation is a component of this enhanced response as mutation of the Tyr residues within this region to Phe resulted in a receptor with increased sensitivity to IFN. The known signaling molecules that interact with IFNAR1 are positive regulators of IFN-alpha function. The presence of this domain in the COOH-terminal region suggests that the receptor may interact with signaling molecules that negatively regulate interferon responses.     

NK cells can recognize different forms of class I MHC

NK recognition and lysis of targets are mediated by activation receptor(s) whose effects may be over-ridden by inhibitory receptors recognizing class I MHC on the target. Incubation of normal lymphoblasts with a peptide that can bind to their class I MHC renders them sensitive to lysis by syngeneic NK cells. By binding to class I MHC, the peptide alters or masks the target structure recognized by an inhibitory NK receptor(s). This target structure is most likely an "empty" dimer of class I heavy chain and beta2m as opposed to a "full" class I trimer formed by binding of specific peptide that is recognized by CTL.     

Immunoreceptor DAP12 bearing a tyrosine-based activation motif is involved in activating NK cells

Natural killer (NK) cells express cell-surface receptors of the immunoglobulin and C-type lectin superfamilies that recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I peptides and inhibit NK-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These inhibitory receptors possess ITIM sequences (for immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs) in their cytoplasmic domains that recruit SH2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatases, resulting in inactivation of NK cells. Certain isoforms of these NK-cell receptors lack ITIM sequences and it has been proposed that these 'non-inhibitory' receptors may activate, rather than inhibit, NK cells. Here we show that DAP12, a disulphide-bonded homodimer containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain, non-covalently associates with membrane glycoproteins of the killer-cell inhibitory receptor (KIR) family without an ITIM in their cytoplasmic domain. Crosslinking of KIR-DAP12 complexes results in cellular activation, as demonstrated by tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins and upregulation of early-activation antigens. Phosphorylated DAP12 peptides bind ZAP-70 and Syk protein tyrosine kinases, suggesting that the activation pathway is similar to that of the T- and B-cell antigen receptors.     

Growth hormone and prolactin stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, -2, and -3, their association with p85 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), and concomitantly PI3-kinase activation via JAK2 kinase

Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) binding to their receptors, which belong to the cytokine receptor superfamily, activate Janus kinase (JAK) 2 tyrosine kinase, thereby leading to their biological actions. We recently showed that GH mainly stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor and its association with Grb2, and concomitantly stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase activity in liver, a major target tissue. Using specific antibodies, we now show that GH was also able to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1/IRS-2 in liver. In addition, the major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in anti-p85 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) immunoprecipitate from liver of wild-type mice was IRS-1, and IRS-2 in IRS-1 deficient mice, but not epidermal growth factor receptor. These data suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 may be a major mechanism for GH-induced PI3-kinase activation in physiological target organ of GH, liver. We also show that PRL was able to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of both IRS-1 and IRS-2 in COS cells transiently transfected with PRLR and in CHO-PRLR cells. Moreover, we show that tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-3 was induced by both GH and PRL in COS cells transiently transfected with IRS-3 and their cognate receptors. By using the JAK2-deficient cell lines or by expressing a dominant negative JAK2 mutant, we show that JAK2 is required for the GH- and PRL-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1, -2, and -3. Finally, a specific PI3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, completely blocked the anti-lipolytic effect of GH in 3T3 L1 adipocytes. Taken together, the role of IRS-1, -2, and -3 in GH and PRL signalings appears to be phosphorylated by JAK2, thereby providing docking sites for p85 PI3-kinase and activating PI3-kinase and its downstream biological effects.     

Binding of H-2Kb-specific peptides to TAP and major histocompatibility complex class I in microsomes from wild-type, TAP1, and beta2-microglobulin mutant mice

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are trimolecular complexes consisting of a heavy chain (HC), beta2-microglobulin (beta2m), and a short peptide. Assembly of MHC class I molecules is thought to take place early during biosynthesis. Deficiency in either beta2m or the transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) results in accumulation of class I molecules in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In this study, we have assessed peptide binding to TAP and MHC class I in purified microsomes derived from wild-type, TAP1(-/-), beta2m-/-, and TAP1/beta2m-/- mice using a cross-linkable H-2Kb-binding peptide. This enabled us to study the influence of an intact TAP complex and beta2m on peptide binding to MHC class I and to analyze the stepwise interaction of peptide with TAP and MHC class I molecules. Peptide bound both immature and mature (terminally glycosylated) class I molecules in intact as well as permeabilized microsomes from wild-type mice. Efficient peptide binding to immature class I molecules was also detected in permeabilized microsomes from TAP1(-/-) mice. In contrast, no peptide binding to beta2m-free HC was detected in permeabilized microsomes from beta2m-/- and TAP1/beta2m-/- mice. However, the addition of exogenous beta2m allowed peptide binding to class I in permeabilized beta2m-/- and TAP1/beta2m-/- microsomes. These results demonstrate that a preformed class I HC middle dotbeta2m heterodimer is necessary for efficient peptide binding under physiological conditions. The observed peptide binding to class I in permeabilized TAP1(-/-) microsomes further suggests that TAP1 is not required for peptide binding to class I in the ER. Finally, kinetic studies allowed the demonstration of a stepwise binding of peptide to TAP, subsequent translocation across the ER membrane, a step that required ATP hydrolysis, and binding of peptide to preformed class I HC.beta2m heterodimers.     

Angiotensin II-induced association of phospholipase Cgamma1 with the G-protein-coupled AT1 receptor

An early event in signaling by the G-protein-coupled angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells is the tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1). In the present study, we show that stimulation of this event by Ang II in vascular smooth muscle cells is accompanied by binding of PLCgamma1 to the AT1 receptor in an Ang II- and tyrosine phophorylation-dependent manner. The PLCgamma1-AT1 receptor interaction appears to depend on phosphorylation of tyrosine 319 in a YIPP motif in the C-terminal intracellular domain of the AT1 receptor and binding of the phosphorylated receptor by the most C-terminal of two Src homology 2 domains in PLCgamma1. PLCgamma1 thus binds to the same site in the receptor previously identified for binding by the SHP-2 phosphotyrosine phosphatase.JAK2 tyrosine kinase complex. A single site in the C-terminal tail of the AT1 receptor can, therefore, be bound in a ligand-dependent manner by two different downstream effector proteins. These data demonstrate that G-protein-coupled receptors can physically associate with intracellular proteins other than G proteins, creating membrane-delimited signal transduction complexes similar to those observed for classic growth factor receptors.     

Differential association of phosphatases with hematopoietic co-receptors bearing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs

A novel family of inhibitory co-receptors has been recently defined according to the presence in their intracytoplasmic domain of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIM). In particular, this family includes a low-affinity receptor for IgG, Fc gammaRIIB, which is widely expressed on hematopoietic cells, as well as killer cell inhibitory receptors (KIR) for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins, expressed on both T and natural killer (NK) lymphocytes. Fc gammaRIIB and KIR inhibitory function depends upon the tyrosine phosphorylation of their respective ITIM. Phosphorylated Fc gammaRIIB and KIR ITIM bind the tandem SH2 tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2. Recently, Fc gammaRIIB has been shown to associate with a polyphosphate inositol 5-phosphatase, SHIP, which appears to be involved in its inhibitory function. Using cell lysate adsorption to phosphorylated ITIM peptides and surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrate here that, in contrast to Fc gammaRIIB, KIR (CD158b: p58.2) do not bind to SHIP, and only recruit SHP-1 and SHP-2. In addition, we show that point mutation of the amino acid residue in position tyrosine-2 of Fc gammaRIIB and KIR ITIM abolihes their binding to SHP-1 and SHP-2, but leaves intact the association of SHIP with Fc gammaRIIB ITIM. These data contribute to the structural definition of ITIM and document a differential recruitment of phosphatases by distinct ITIM. These findings also reveal that diverse strategies of inhibition are used by distinct members of the ITIM-bearing co-receptor family.     

Insulin stimulates sequestration of beta-adrenergic receptors and enhanced association of beta-adrenergic receptors with Grb2 via tyrosine 350

G-protein-linked receptors, such as the beta2-adrenergic receptor, are substrates for growth factor receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity (Karoor, V., Baltensperger, K., Paul, H., Czech, M. P., and Malbon C. C. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 25305-25308). In the present work, the counter-regulatory action of insulin on catecholamine action is shown to stimulate enhanced sequestration of beta2-adrenergic receptors in either DDT1MF-2 smooth muscle cells or Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing beta2-adrenergic receptors. Both insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulate internalization of beta-adrenergic receptors, contributing to the counter-regulatory effects of these growth factors on catecholamine action. In combination with beta-adrenergic agonists, insulin stimulates internalization of 50-60% of the complement of beta-adrenergic receptors. Insulin administration in vitro and in vivo stimulates phosphorylation of Tyr-350 of the beta-adrenergic receptor, creating an Src homology 2 domain available for binding of the adaptor molecule Grb2. The association of Grb2 with beta-adrenergic receptors was established using antibodies to Grb2 as well as a Grb2-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein. Insulin treatment of cells provokes binding of Grb2 to beta2-adrenergic receptors. Insulin also stimulates association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and dynamin, via the Src homology 3 domain of Grb2. Both these interactions as well as internalization of the beta-adrenergic receptor are shown to be enhanced by insulin, beta-agonist, or both. The Tyr-350 --> Phe mutant form of the beta2-adrenergic receptor, lacking the site for tyrosine phosphorylation, fails to bind Grb2 in response to insulin, fails to display internalization of beta2-adrenergic receptor in response to insulin, and is no longer subject to the counter-regulatory effects of insulin on cyclic AMP accumulation. These data are the first to demonstrate the ability of a growth factor insulin to counter-regulate G-protein-linked receptor, the beta-adrenergic receptor, via a new mechanism, i.e. internalization.     

The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 associates with tyrosine-phosphorylated adhesion molecule PECAM-1 (CD31)

Aggregation of many cell-surface receptors results in tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous proteins. We previously observed the tyrosine phosphorylation of the platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule, PECAM-1 (CD31), after FcepsilonRI stimulation in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Here we found that PECAM-1 was also transiently tyrosine-phosphoryated after adherence of these cells to fibronectin. Similarly aggregation of the T cell receptor on Jurkat cells also induced this tyrosine phosphorylation. The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 is a widely expressed cytosolic enzyme with two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. SHP-2, but not the related protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, associated with PECAM-1. This association of the two proteins correlated with the extent of the tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1. A fusion protein containing the two SH2 domains of SHP-2 precipitated PECAM-1 from cell lysates and also directly bound to phosphorylated PECAM-1. In immune precipitate phosphatase assays, there was tyrosine dephosphorylation of PECAM-1. Therefore, integrin and immune receptor activation results in tyrosine phosphorylation of PECAM-1 and the binding of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2, which could regulate receptor-mediated signaling in cells.     

The murine nonclassical class I major histocompatibility complex-like CD1.1 molecule protects target cells from lymphokine-activated killer cell cytolysis

Classical class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, as well as the nonclassical class I histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E molecule, can negatively regulate natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity through engagement of NK inhibitory receptors. We show that expression of murine (m)CD1.1, a nonpolymorphic nonclassical MHC class I-like molecule encoded outside the MHC, protects NK-sensitive RMA/S target cells from adherent lymphokine-activated killer cell (A-LAK) cytotoxicity. Passage of effector cells in recombinant interleukin (rIL)-2 enhanced protection by mCD1.1, suggesting an expansion of relevant A-LAK population(s) or modulation of A-LAK receptor expression. Murine CD1. 1 conferred protection from lysis by rIL-2-activated spleen cells of recombination activating gene (Rag)-1(-/-) mice, which lack B and T cells, demonstrating that mCD1.1 can protect RMA/S cells from lysis by NK cells. An antibody specific for mCD1.1 partially restored A-LAK lysis of RMA/S.CD1.1 transfectants, indicating that cell surface mCD1.1 can confer protection from lysis; therefore, mCD1.1 possibly acts through interaction with an NK inhibitory receptor. CD1.1 is by far the most divergent class I molecule capable of regulating NK cell activity. Finally, mCD1.1 expression rendered RMA/S cells resistant to lysis by A-LAK of multiple mouse strains. The conserved structure of mCD1.1 and pattern of mCD1.1 resistance from A-LAK lysis suggest that mCD1.1 may be a ligand for a conserved NK inhibitory receptor.     

Mouse Ly-49D recognizes H-2Dd and activates natural killer cell cytotoxicity

Although activation of natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity is generally inhibited by target major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I expression, subtle features of NK allorecognition suggest that NK cells possess receptors that are activated by target MHC I. The mouse Ly-49D receptor has been shown to activate NK cytotoxicity, although recognition of MHC class I has not been demonstrated previously. To define Ly-49D-ligand interactions, we transfected the mouse Ly-49D receptor into the rat NK line, RNK-16 (RNK.mLy-49D). As expected, anti- Ly-49D monoclonal antibody 12A8 specifically stimulated redirected lysis of the Fc receptor- bearing rat target YB2/0 by RNK.mLy-49D transfectants. RNK.mLy-49D effectors were tested against YB2/0 targets transfected with the mouse MHC I alleles H-2Dd, Db, Kk, or Kb. RNK.mLy-49D cells lysed YB2/0.Dd targets more efficiently than untransfected YB2/0 or YB2/0 transfected with Db, Kk, or Kb. This augmented lysis of H-2Dd targets was specifically inhibited by F(ab')2 anti-Ly-49D (12A8) and F(ab')2 anti-H-2Dd (34-5-8S). RNK.mLy-49D effectors were also able to specifically lyse Concanavalin A blasts isolated from H-2(d) mice (BALB/c, B10.D2, and DBA/2) but not from H-2(b) or H-2(k) mice. These experiments show that the activating receptor Ly-49D specifically interacts with the MHC I antigen, H-2Dd, demonstrating the existence of alloactivating receptors on murine NK cells.