The SKAP55 dimer stabilizes TCR-induced SLP-76 microclusters (121.27)

Abstract

Abstract The adapter molecule SKAP55 enables the formation of T-cell:APC conjugates, facilitates T-cell cytokine production, and is required for optimal T cell proliferation in response to antigen. However, the molecular basis for the involvement of SKAP55 in these events remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that both endogenous SKAP55 and exogenous SKAP55 chimeras enter T cell receptor (TCR)-induced signaling microclusters containing the adapter protein SLP-76. Using a SKAP55-deficient Jurkat T cell line, we demonstrate that SKAP55 is required for both the persistence and the movement of SLP-76 microclusters. Furthermore, the recruitment of SKAP55 into microclusters requires the presence of both SLP-76 and ADAP, an intermediary adapter protein capable of interacting with both SLP-76 and SKAP55. In addition, we show that SKAP55 homodimerizes via an N-terminal dimerization motif (DM). Our structure-function analyses indicate that the dimerization domain and the ADAP-interacting Src-homology domain 3 (SH3) domain of SKAP55 are both required for the recruitment of SKAP55 into SLP-76 microclusters, and for the stabilization of SLP-76 microclusters. Importantly, an artificial tandem dimer composed of two functional SH3 domains joined by a flexible linker was sufficient for entry into, and stabilization of these signaling complexes. This data indicates that SKAP55 could contribute to T-cell activation by increasing the overall avidity and stability of TCR-induced SLP-76 microclusters.