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Lipid rafts are small laterally mobile microdomains that are highly enriched in lymphocyte signaling molecules. GM1 gangliosides are a common lipid raft component and have been shown to be important in many T-cell functions. The aggregation of specific GM1 lipid rafts can control many T-cell activation events, including their novel association with T-cell integrins. We found that clustering GM1 lipid rafts can regulate β1 integrin function. This was apparent through increased resistance to shear flow-dependent detachment of T cells adherent to the α4β1 and α5β1 integrin ligand fibronectin (FN). Adhesion strengthening as a result of clustering GM1 enriched lipid rafts correlated with increased cellular rigidity and morphology through the localization of cortical F-actin, the resistance to shear-induced cell stretching, and an increase in the surface area and symmetry of the contact area between the cell surface and adhesive substrate. Furthermore, clustering GM1 lipid rafts could initiate integrin ‘inside-out’ signaling mechanisms. This was seen through increased integrin–cytoskeleton associations and enhanced soluble binding of FN and VCAM-1, suggesting the induction of high-affinity integrin conformations. The activation of these adhesion-strengthening characteristics appears to be specific for the aggregation of GM1 lipid rafts as the aggregation of the heterogeneous raft-associated molecule CD59 failed to activate these functions. These findings indicate a novel mechanism to signal to β1 integrins and to activate adhesion-strengthening processes.Immunology and Cell Biology (2009) 87, 324–336; doi:10.1038/icb.2008.103; published online 13 January 2009 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CD45RA T cells are fully co-activated by natural β1 integrin ligands fibronectin (FN) and VCAM-1, as well as monoclonal antibody (mAb) 19H8, which binds a combinatorial epitope of the α4β1 heterodimer. These integrin ligands stimulate CD3-dependent proliferation and the upregulation of early activation markers CD25 and CD69. However, β1-specific antibody 33B6, which binds to a similar range of the predominant T-cell integrins as natural ligands FN (α4β1 and α5β1) and VCAM-1 (α4β1), failed to costimulate proliferation in the CD45RA subset, while retaining the ability to costimulate early activation markers CD25 and CD69. After addition of exogenous human interleukin-2 to the culture media, 33B6 costimulation of proliferation is restored. These data provide evidence that a branch of the α4β1 integrin-signaling pathway in CD45RA T cells can be independently regulated and exploited through the use of partial agonist ligands, including mAbs to the integrin heterodimer.Immunology and Cell Biology (2008) 86, 381–384; doi:10.1038/sj.icb.7100165; published online 15 January 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rho family GTPase regulation of the actin cytoskeleton governs a variety of cell responses. In this report, we have analyzed the role of the GTPase Rho in maintenance of the T lymphocyte actin cytoskeleton. Results: Inactivation of the GTPase Rho in the human T lymphocytic cell line HPB-ALL does not inhibit constitutively high adhesion to the integrin β1 substrate fibronectin. It did however result in the aberrant extension of finger-like dendritic processes on the substrates VCAM-1, Fn, and mAb specific to β1 integrins. Time-lapse video microscopy demonstrated that C3 induced extensions were primarily the result of an altered pseudopod elongation rather than retraction. Once the stellate pseudopodia extended, none retracted, and cells became completely immobile. Filipodial structures were absent and the dendritic-like processes in C3 treated cells were rich in filamentous actin. Immunolocalization of RhoA in untreated HPB-ALL cells spreading on fibronectin demonstrated a diffuse staining pattern within the pseudopodia. In C3 treated cells, clusters of RhoA were pronounced and localized within the altered extensions. Conclusions: GTPase Rho is actively involved in the regulation of T lymphocyte morphology and motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the ability of isolated native or recombinant MHC class II analog protein (Map) to modulate the Th 1-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity response in mice. Methods; Results; Data on Map-induced inhibition of T cell proliferation.

The regulation of integrin-mediated adhesion is of vital importance to adaptive and innate immunity. Integrins are versatile proteins and mediate T cell migration and trafficking by binding to extracellular matrix or other cells as well as initiating intracellular signaling cascades promoting survival or activation. The MAPK pathway is known to be downstream from integrins and to regulate survival, differentiation, and motility. However, secondary roles for canonical MAPK pathway members are being discovered. We show that chemical inhibition of RAF by sorafenib or shRNA-mediated knockdown of B-Raf reduces T cell resistance to shear stress to α4β1 integrin ligands vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and fibronectin, whereas inhibition of MEK/ERK by U0126 had no effect. Microscopy showed that RAF inhibition leads to significant inhibition of T cell spreading on VCAM-1. The association of α4β1 integrin with the actin cytoskeleton was shown to be dependent on B-Raf activity or expression, whereas α4β1 integrin affinity for soluble VCAM-1 was not. These effects were shown to be specific for α4β1 integrin and not other integrins, such as α5β1 or LFA-1, or a variety of membrane proteins. We demonstrate a novel role for B-Raf in the selective regulation of α4β1 integrin-mediated adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The identity of TH2 memory cells and the mechanism regulating their maintenance during allergic inflammation remain elusive. We report that circulated human CD4+ T cells expressing the prostaglandin D2 receptor (CRTH2) are TH2 central memory T cells, characterized by their phenotype, TH2 cytokine production, gene-expression profile, and the ability to respond to allergens. Only dendritic cells (DCs) activated by thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) can induce a robust expansion of CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 memory cells, while maintaining their central memory phenotype and TH2 commitments. CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 memory cells activated by TSLP-DCs undergo further TH2 polarization and express cystatin A, Charcot-Leydon crystal protein, and prostaglandin D2 synthase, implying their broader roles in allergic inflammation. Infiltrated CRTH2+CD4+ TH2 effector memory T cells in skin lesion of atopic dermatitis were associated with activated DCs, suggesting that TSLP-DCs play important roles not only in TH2 priming, but also in the maintenance and further polarization of TH2 central memory cells in allergic diseases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]