Leukocyte-specific protein 1 links TNF receptor-associated factor 1 to survival signaling downstream of 4-1BB in T cells

J Leukoc Biol. 2013 May;93(5):713-21. doi: 10.1189/jlb.1112579. Epub 2013 Feb 27.

Abstract

4-1BB is a member of the TNFR superfamily, which contributes to the activation of signaling pathways required for the survival of activated and memory T cells. We have shown previously that TRAF1, an adaptor protein recruited to 4-1BB, is required for 4-1BB-mediated CD8 T cell survival in vivo. With the use of a proteomics approach in primary T cells, we have identified LSP1 as a novel protein recruited to the 4-1BB signaling complex in a TRAF1-dependent manner. Further characterization of the interaction between TRAF1 and LSP1 revealed that LSP1 requires the TRAF-N domain of TRAF1 for direct association. Similarly to TRAF1(-/-) T cells, LSP1(-/-) T cells exhibit impaired ERK activation following stimulation through 4-1BB and consequently, are unable to down-modulate expression of the proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member Bim. Moreover, we demonstrate that the absence of LSP1 expression leads to defective expansion and survival of T cells in response to 4-1BB stimulation. Thus, we have identified LSP1 as a new mediator involved in 4-1BB signaling and T cell survival. Collectively, our work shows that TRAF1 and LSP1 cooperate downstream of 4-1BB to activate ERK signaling and down-modulate the levels of Bim leading to enhanced T cell survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / analysis
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / chemistry
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Cell Survival
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / analysis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / analysis
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 1 / chemistry
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 1 / physiology*
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 / physiology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9 / physiology*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Bcl-2-Like Protein 11
  • Bcl2l11 protein, mouse
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Lsp1 protein, mouse
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 1
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases