The WAVE2 complex regulates actin cytoskeletal reorganization and CRAC-mediated calcium entry during T cell activation

Jeffrey C. Nolz, Timothy S. Gomez, Peimin Zhu, Shuixing Li, Ricardo B. Medeiros, Yoji Shimizu, Janis K. Burkhardt, Bruce D. Freedman, Daniel D. Billadeau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

198 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: The engagement of the T cell receptor results in actin cytoskeletal reorganization at the immune synapse (IS) and the triggering of biochemical signaling cascades leading to gene regulation and, ultimately, cellular activation. Recent studies have identified the WAVE family of proteins as critical mediators of Rac1-induced actin reorganization in other cell types. However, whether these proteins participate in actin reorganization at the IS or signaling pathways in T cells has not been investigated. Results: By using a combination of biochemical, genetic, and cell biology approaches, we provide evidence that WAVE2 is recruited to the IS, is biochemically modified, and is required for actin reorganization and β-integrin-mediated adhesion after TCR crosslinking. Moreover, we show that WAVE2 regulates calcium entry at a point distal to PLCγ1 activation and IP3-mediated store release. Conclusions: These data reveal a role for WAVE2 in regulating multiple pathways leading to T cell activation. In particular, this work shows that WAVE2 is a key component of the actin regulatory machinery in T cells and that it also participates in linking intracellular calcium store depletion to calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel activation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)24-34
Number of pages11
JournalCurrent Biology
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 10 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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