Linker For Activation Research Articles

Tespa1 regulates T cell receptor-induced calcium signals by recruiting inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors

Thymocyte-expressed, positive selection-associated 1 (Tespa1) is important in T cell receptor (TCR)-driven thymocyte development. Downstream of the TCR, Tespa1 is a crucial component of the linker for activation of T cells (LAT) signalosome, facilitating calcium signalling and subsequent MAPK activation. However, it is unknown how Tespa1 elicits calcium signalling. Here, we show that inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1) is crucial for Tespa1-optimized, TCR-induced Ca2+ flux and thymocyte development. Upon TCR stimulation, Tespa1 directly interacts with IP3R1 and recruits it to the TCR complex, where IP3R1 is phosphorylated at Y353 by Fyn. This Tespa1-IP3R1 interaction is mediated by the F187 and F188 residues of Tespa1 and the amino-terminus of IP3R1. Tespa1-F187A/F188A mutant mice phenocopy Tespa1-deficient mice with impaired late thymocyte development due to reduced IP3R1 translocation to the TCR-proximal region. Our work elucidates the function of Tespa1 in T cell development and the regulation of TCR-induced Ca2+ signalling through IP3R1.

LAT alleviates Th2/Treg imbalance in an OVA-induced allergic asthma mouse model through LAT-PLC-γ1 interaction

IntroductionLow expression of linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is observed in asthma. LAT and its downstream regulator, phospholipase C-gamma 1 (PLC-γ1) play important roles in the T cell antigen receptor signaling pathway, and their interaction is associated with CD4+ cell polarization. Here, we investigated whether LAT can alleviate the imbalance among CD4+ cell subgroups and the possible mechanism. MethodsAn ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma mouse model was established and LAT plasmid was delivered. The pathological changes in lung were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. The typical cytokines released by T helper 2 (Th2) and regulatory T (Treg) cells were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the number of Th1, Th2, and Treg cells were determined using flow cytometry. Lung CD4+ T cells were isolated by magnetic isolation. The mRNA expression of LAT and PLC-γ1 was determined by real-time PCR. Co-Immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm the interaction between LAT and PLC-γ1. The protein expression of LAT, PLC-γ1 and corresponding downstream signaling factors were determined by western blotting. ResultsThe delivery of LAT DNA to the lung could suppress an overactive Th2 response by decreasing allergic response and Th2 cytokine secretion, and by increasing Treg cytokine secretion. The Th2/Treg imbalance in lung and decreased phosphorylated PLC-γ1 expression in lung CD4+ T cells were rectified by LAT DNA delivery. Excessive activation of the Raf-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-CREB pathways after asthma is attenuated by LAT. ConclusionThe site-specific delivery of LAT DNA to the lung could suppress an overactive Th2 response and rectify the Th2/Treg imbalance in asthmatic mouse model. LAT-PLC-γ1 interaction may contribute to LAT activity in vivo and LAT protects against asthma partly via Raf-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT-CREB pathways. The delivery of LAT DNA could offer a novel and safe strategy for asthma prevention.

ДИЗАЙН ТА СИНТЕЗ МОЛЕКУЛЯРНОГО ПІНЦЕТУ ДЛЯ ДЕТЕКЦІЇ АТФ НА ОСНОВІ 3-ГІДРОКСИФЛАВОНУ

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is known as a universal energy source and signaling mediator in numerous biological processes. Among the methods for its determination, molecular fluorescence probes occupy leading positions due to high sensitivity and selectivity. Recently we have shown that 31 of 33 tested flavones and quinolones of various structures give fluorescence response and can be effectively applied as the probes in aqueous solutions for detection of ATP in 1–50,000 μM range of its concentrations. To increase response parameters of a probe in respect to ATP we have synthesized N,N'-(butane-1,4-diyl)bis(2-((2-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-3-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-chromene-6-yl)oxy)acetamide, the molecular tweezer composed of two flavonol units connected by active linker. On our idea, being equipped by two planar platforms, the tweezershould demonstrate increased affinity and selectivity to ATP in a result of increased number of hydrogen bonds and increased stacking interactions. Having two NH-amide groups the amino acid linker will form hydrogen bonds with the phosphates of ATP, increasing the portion of probe-ATP complex population in the reporting conformation.In the four-step synthesis of this molecular device, starting from methyl 2-(3-acetyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy)acetate and N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, the conditions for the reaction of one-pot chalcone formation and its oxidative heterocyclization in the presence of an organic base were found, which resulted in the isolation of a target flavonol-amino acid derivative with high yields. We suggest that atmospheric oxygen was an oxidizer in this process. The obtained derivative was converted intotarget compound by dual condensation with 1,4-butane diamine.

Mutations in linker for activation of T cells (LAT) lead to a novel form of severe combined immunodeficiency

Signaling through the T-cell receptor (TCR) is critical for T-cell development and function. Linker for activation of Tcells (LAT) is a transmembrane adaptor signaling molecule that is part of the TCR complex and essential for T-cell development, as demonstrated by LAT-deficient mice, which show a complete lack of peripheral Tcells. We describe a pedigree affected by a severe combined immunodeficiency phenotype with absent Tcells and normal B-cell and natural killer cell numbers. Anovel homozygous frameshift mutation in the gene encoding for LAT was identified in this kindred. Genetic, molecular, and functional analyses were used to identify and characterize the LAT defect. Clinical and immunologic analysis of patients was also performed and reported. Homozygosity mapping was used to identify potential defective genes. Sanger sequencing of the LAT gene showed a mutation that resulted in a premature stop codon and protein truncation leading to complete loss of function and loss of expression of LAT in the affected family members. We also demonstrate loss of LAT expression and lack of TCR signaling restoration in LAT-deficient cell lines reconstituted with a synthetic LAT gene bearing this severe combined immunodeficiency mutation. For the first time, the results of this study show that inherited LAT deficiency should be considered in patients withcombined immunodeficiency with T-cell abnormalities.

Micro-adhesion rings surrounding TCR microclusters are essential for T cell activation.

The immunological synapse (IS) formed at the interface between T cells and antigen-presenting cells represents a hallmark of initiation of acquired immunity. T cell activation is initiated at T cell receptor (TCR) microclusters (MCs), in which TCRs and signaling molecules assemble at the interface before IS formation. We found that each TCR-MC was transiently bordered by a ring structure made of integrin and focal adhesion molecules in the early phase of activation, which is similar in structure to the IS in microscale. The micro-adhesion ring is composed of LFA-1, focal adhesion molecules paxillin and Pyk2, and myosin II (MyoII) and is supported by F-actin core and MyoII activity through LFA-1 outside-in signals. The formation of the micro-adhesion ring was transient but especially sustained upon weak TCR stimulation to recruit linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and SLP76. Perturbation of the micro-adhesion ring induced impairment of TCR-MC development and resulted in impaired cellular signaling and cell functions. Thus, the synapse-like structure composed of the core TCR-MC and surrounding micro-adhesion ring is a critical structure for initial T cell activation through integrin outside-in signals.

Phorbol ester-mediated re-expression of endogenous LAT adapter in J.CaM2 cells: a model for dissecting drivers and blockers of LAT transcription.

Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is a raft-associated, transmembrane adapter protein critical for T-cell development and function. LAT expression is transiently upregulated upon T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement, but molecular mechanisms conveying TCR signaling to enhanced LAT transcription are not fully understood. Here we found that a Jurkat subline J.CaM2, initially characterized as LAT deficient, conditionally re-expressed LAT upon the treatment with a protein kinase C activator, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). We took advantage of the above observation for studying cis-elements and trans-acting factors contributing to the activation-induced expression of LAT. We identified a LAT gene region spanning nucleotide position −14 to +357 relative to the ATG start codon as containing novel cis-regulatory elements that were able to promote PMA-induced reporter transcription in the absence of the core LAT promoter. Interestingly, a point mutation in LAT intron 1, identified in J.CaM2 cells, downmodulated LAT promoter activity by 50%. Mithramycin A, a selective Sp1 DNA-binding inhibitor, abolished LAT expression upon PMA treatment as did calcium ionophore ionomycin (Iono) and valproic acid (VPA), widely used as an anti-epileptic drug. Our data introduce J.CaM2 cells as a model for dissecting drivers and blockers of activation induced expression of LAT.

Early onset combined immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in patients with loss-of-function mutation in LAT.

The adapter protein linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is a critical signaling hub connecting T cell antigen receptor triggering to downstream T cell responses. In this study, we describe the first kindred with defective LAT signaling caused by a homozygous mutation in exon 5, leading to a premature stop codon deleting most of the cytoplasmic tail of LAT, including the critical tyrosine residues for signal propagation. The three patients presented from early childhood with combined immunodeficiency and severe autoimmune disease. Unlike in the mouse counterpart, reduced numbers of T cells were present in the patients. Despite the reported nonredundant role of LAT in Ca(2+) mobilization, residual T cells were able to induce Ca(2+) influx and nuclear factor (NF) κB signaling, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling was completely abolished. This is the first report of a LAT-related disease in humans, manifesting by a progressive combined immune deficiency with severe autoimmune disease.

Tetraspanins and Transmembrane Adaptor Proteins As Plasma Membrane Organizers-Mast Cell Case.

The plasma membrane contains diverse and specialized membrane domains, which include tetraspanin-enriched domains (TEMs) and transmembrane adaptor protein (TRAP)-enriched domains. Recent biophysical, microscopic, and functional studies indicated that TEMs and TRAP-enriched domains are involved in compartmentalization of physicochemical events of such important processes as immunoreceptor signal transduction and chemotaxis. Moreover, there is evidence of a cross-talk between TEMs and TRAP-enriched domains. In this review we discuss the presence and function of such domains and their crosstalk using mast cells as a model. The combined data based on analysis of selected mast cell-expressed tetraspanins [cluster of differentiation (CD)9, CD53, CD63, CD81, CD151)] or TRAPs [linker for activation of T cells (LAT), non-T cell activation linker (NTAL), and phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains (PAG)] using knockout mice or specific antibodies point to a diversity within these two families and bring evidence of the important roles of these molecules in signaling events. An example of this diversity is physical separation of two TRAPs, LAT and NTAL, which are in many aspects similar but show plasma membrane location in different microdomains in both non-activated and activated cells. Although our understanding of TEMs and TRAP-enriched domains is far from complete, pharmaceutical applications of the knowledge about these domains are under way.

Phase separation organizes signaling

Signal Transduction In T cell receptors, signaling molecules reorganize into tiny phase-separated droplets—like oil in water. Su et al. used an in vitro system with artificial membranes and 12 components of the T cell receptor signaling system to closely monitor the role of these molecular clusters (see the Perspective by Dustin and Muller). The clusters formed through phosphorylation-dependent association of the linker protein LAT (linker for activation of T cells) with other proteins. These clusters also managed to exclude an inactivating phosphatase and increased the specific activity of enzymes controlling actin polymerization. Science , this issue p. [595][1]; see also p. [516][2] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aad9964 [2]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaf8179

Phase separation of signaling molecules promotes T cell receptor signal transduction.

Activation of various cell surface receptors triggers the reorganization of downstream signaling molecules into micrometer- or submicrometer-sized clusters. However, the functional consequences of such clustering have been unclear. We biochemically reconstituted a 12-component signaling pathway on model membranes, beginning with T cell receptor (TCR) activation and ending with actin assembly. When TCR phosphorylation was triggered, downstream signaling proteins spontaneously separated into liquid-like clusters that promoted signaling outputs both in vitro and in human Jurkat T cells. Reconstituted clusters were enriched in kinases but excluded phosphatases and enhanced actin filament assembly by recruiting and organizing actin regulators. These results demonstrate that protein phase separation can create a distinct physical and biochemical compartment that facilitates signaling.

Human Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Form Dysfunctional Immune Synapses with B Cells Characterized by Non-Polarized Lytic Granule Release.

Suppression of the cytotoxic T cell (CTL) immune response has been proposed as one mechanism for immune evasion in cancer. In this study, we have explored the underlying basis for CTL suppression in the context of B cell malignancies. We document that human B cells have an intrinsic ability to resist killing by freshly isolated cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), but are susceptible to lysis by IL-2 activated CTL blasts and CTLs isolated from immunotherapy-treated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Impaired killing was associated with the formation of dysfunctional non-lytic immune synapses characterized by the presence of defective linker for activation of T cells (LAT) signaling and non-polarized release of the lytic granules transported by ADP-ribosylation factor-like protein 8 (Arl8). We propose that non-lytic degranulation of CTLs are a key regulatory mechanism of evasion through which B cells may interfere with the formation of functional immune synapses by CTLs.

RNA-Seq analysis of non-small cell lung cancer in female never-smokers reveals candidate cancer-associated long non-coding RNAs

We aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The microarray datasets of GSE37764, including 3 primary NSCLC tumors and 3 matched normal tissues isolated from 6 Korean female never-smokers, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. The differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNA in NSCLC samples were identified using NOISeq package. Co-expression network of differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNA was established. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis were respectively performed. Finally, lncRNAs related to NSCLC were predicted by blasting the differentially expressed lncRNAs with all predicted lncRNAs related to NSCLC. A total of 182 and 539 differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNA (109 up- and 73 down-regulated lncRNAs; 307 up- and 232 down-regulated mRNA) were respectively identified. Among them, 4 up-regulated lncRNAs, like lnc-geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase 1 (GGPS1), lnc-zinc finger protein 793 (ZNF793) and lnc-serine/threonine kinase 4 (STK4), and 4 down-regulated lncRNAs including lnc-LOC284440 and lnc-peptidylprolyl isomerase E-like pseudogene (PPIEL), and lnc-zinc finger protein 461 (ZNF461) were predicted related to NSCLC. lncSSPS1, lnc-ZNF793 and lnc-STK4 were co-expressed with linker for activation of T cells (LAT) and Lck interacting transmembrane adaptor 1 (LIME1). Lnc-LOC284440, lnc-PPIEL and lnc-ZNF461 were co-expressed with Src-like-adaptor 2 (SLA2) and defensin beta 4A (DEFB4A). Our study indicates that immune response may be a crucial mechanism involved in NSCLC progression. Lnc-GGPS1, lnc-ZNF793, lnc-STK4, lnc-LOC284440, lnc-PPIEL, and lnc-ZNF461 may be involved in immune response for promoting NSCLC progression via co-expressing with LAT, LIME1, SLA2 and DEFB4A.

Non-T cell activation linker (NTAL) proteolytic cleavage as a terminator of activatory intracellular signals.

Non-T cell activation linker is an adaptor protein that is tyrosine phosphorylated upon cross-linking of immune receptors expressed on B lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, basophils, or mast cells, allowing the recruitment of cytosolic mediators for downstream signaling pathways. Fas receptor acts mainly as a death receptor, and when cross-linked with Fas ligand, many proteins are proteolytically cleaved, including several signaling molecules in T and B cells. Fas receptor triggering also interferes with TCR intracellular signals, probably by means of proteolytic cleavage of several adaptor proteins. We have previously found that the adaptor linker for activation of T cells, evolutionarily related to non-T cell activation linker, is cleaved upon proapoptotic stimuli in T lymphocytes and thymocytes, in a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent fashion. Here, we describe non-T cell activation linker proteolytic cleavage triggered in human B cells and monocytes by Fas cross-linking and staurosporine treatment. Non-T cell activation linker is cleaved, producing an N-terminal fragment of ∼22 kDa, and such cleavage is abrogated in the presence of caspase 8/granzyme B and caspase 3 inhibitors. Moreover, we have identified an aspartic acid residue at which non-T cell activation linker is cleaved, which similar to linker for activation of T cells, this aspartic acid residue is located close to tyrosine and serine residues, suggesting an interdependence of phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage. Consistently, induction of non-T cell activation linker phosphorylation by pervanadate inhibits its cleavage. Interestingly, the truncated isoform of non-T cell activation linker, generated after cleavage, has a decreased signaling ability when compared with the full-length molecule. Altogether, our results suggest that cleavage of transmembrane adaptors constitutes a general mechanism for signal termination of immune receptors.

Quantitative Analysis of Cortical Actin-Membrane Microcluster Interactions

The spatial organization of receptors on the plasma membrane is crucial for their signaling efficacy. Previous studies have implied that the cortical-actin (CA) meshwork regulates receptor mobility and organization in the plasma membrane. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this process, we sought to quantitatively study the role of the CA meshwork in regulating the clustering and mobility of receptors in an in vitro reconstitution system. Specifically, we are studying the mobility, organization and clustering of Linker for Activation of T cells (LAT) complexes in an artificial lipid bilayer with an attached actomyosin meshwork. Our quantitative analyses using light microscopy and computational image analysis have led to the very exciting observation that while LAT complexes exhibit predominantly confined diffusion in the absence of actin, they exhibit nearly equal populations undergoing confined and normal diffusion in the presence of a CA meshwork. Additionally, presence of a CA meshwork influences both the diffusion speed and size distribution of LAT clusters. These results suggest that actin may be playing a larger and more interesting role in influencing cluster dynamics that extends beyond static spatial organization. Future work will focus on determining the proteins that link LAT complexes to the CA meshwork and on extending this work to cells and other receptor systems.

Protein Assembly on Membrane Surface alters the Dynamical Spectrum of Downstream Signaling Reactions

Protein-protein interactions have been well documented to give rise to an elaborated spatial pattern of signaling molecules during signal transduction. In the case of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling, multivalent interactions at the linker for activation of T-cell (LAT) promote an assembly structure with downstream molecules on the membrane surface upon TCR activation. However, the perturbation of an assembly structure on the downstream dynamics remains largely unknown. We reconstituted the signaling geometry of LAT assembly with minimum components in TCR signaling on supported membranes. With single-molecule analysis, we directly observe the dynamic alteration of downstream signaling reactions by the assembly structure. The signaling consequence of altered kinetics is further analyzed with analytical calculations. Together, we propose an assembly-dependent mechanism for signal triggering, which can be a general statement for other receptors with multivalent interactions.

Heat shock protein 70 regulates platelet integrin activation, granule secretion and aggregation.

Molecular chaperones that support protein quality control, including heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), participate in diverse aspects of cellular and physiological function. Recent studies have reported roles for specific chaperone activities in blood platelets in maintaining hemostasis; however, the functions of Hsp70 in platelet physiology remain uninvestigated. Here we characterize roles for Hsp70 activity in platelet activation and function. In vitro biochemical, microscopy, flow cytometry, and aggregometry assays of platelet function, as well as ex vivo analyses of platelet aggregate formation in whole blood under shear, were carried out under Hsp70-inhibited conditions. Inhibition of platelet Hsp70 blocked platelet aggregation and granule secretion in response to collagen-related peptide (CRP), which engages the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-bearing collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI)-Fc receptor-γ chain complex. Hsp70 inhibition also reduced platelet integrin-αIIbβ3 activation downstream of GPVI, as Hsp70-inhibited platelets showed reduced PAC-1 and fibrinogen binding. Ex vivo, pharmacological inhibition of Hsp70 in human whole blood prevented the formation of platelet aggregates on collagen under shear. Biochemical studies supported a role for Hsp70 in maintaining the assembly of the linker for activation of T cells signalosome, which couples GPVI-initiated signaling to integrin activation, secretion, and platelet function. Together, our results suggest that Hsp70 regulates platelet activation and function by supporting linker for activation of T cells-associated signaling events downstream of platelet GPVI engagement, suggesting a role for Hsp70 in the intracellular organization of signaling systems that mediate platelet secretion, "inside-out" activation of platelet integrin-αIIbβ3, platelet-platelet aggregation, and, ultimately, hemostatic plug and thrombus formation.

Comparison of the Influence of “Solvent/Non-Solvent” Treatment for the Attachment of Signal Molecules on the Structure of Electrospun PCL and PLLA Biodegradable Scaffolds

Electrospun biodegradable scaffolds (matrixes) made of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) are three-dimensional fibrous structures that are commonly used in regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems. Modification of such structures allows manipulating with biological and immune response. Previously, our team suggested a number of surface modification strategies for thin films made of PLLA. One of the proposed strategies are based on treatment of the material with “solvent/non-solvent” mixture that allows absorbing biologically active molecules or linkers on the surface of the sample. The aim of this work was to compare the influence of “solvent/non-solvent” treatment on the structure and crystallinity of the elecrospun biodegradable PCL and PLLA scaffolds. For that purpose, original PCL and PLLA scaffolds were treated with mixture of toluene and ethanol in different proportions. Morphology of the obtained samples was studied using scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that “solvent/non-solvent” treatment doesn’t lead to changes in scaffolds morphology such as gluing or cutting of the matrix fibers. By means of X-ray diffraction analysis it was shown that treatment of the samples with selected mixtures doesn’t change material crystallinity. Thus, it was demonstrated that proposed composition of the “solvent/nonsolvent” mixture can be used for the modification of electrospun PCL and PLLA scaffolds.

Development of nanoscale structure in LAT-based signaling complexes.

The adapter molecule linker for activation of T cells (LAT) plays a crucial role in forming signaling complexes induced by stimulation of the T cell receptor (TCR). These multi-molecular complexes are dynamic structures that activate highly regulated signaling pathways. Previously, we have demonstrated nanoscale structure in LAT-based complexes where the adapter SLP-76 (also known as LCP2) localizes to the periphery of LAT clusters. In this study, we show that initially LAT and SLP-76 are randomly dispersed throughout the clusters that form upon TCR engagement. The segregation of LAT and SLP-76 develops near the end of the spreading process. The local concentration of LAT also increases at the same time. Both changes require TCR activation and an intact actin cytoskeleton. These results demonstrate that the nanoscale organization of LAT-based signaling complexes is dynamic and indicates that different kinds of LAT-based complexes appear at different times during T cell activation.

IFT20 controls LAT recruitment to the immune synapse and T-cell activation in vivo

Biogenesis of the immune synapse at the interface between antigen-presenting cells and T cells assembles and organizes a large number of membrane proteins required for effective signaling through the T-cell receptor. We showed previously that the intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20), a component of the intraflagellar transport system, controls polarized traffic during immune synapse assembly. To investigate the role of IFT20 in primary CD4(+) T cells in vitro and in vivo, we generated mice bearing a conditional defect of IFT20 expression in T cells. We show that in the absence of IFT20, although cell spreading and the polarization of the centrosome were unaffected, T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling and recruitment of the signaling adaptor LAT (linker for activation of T cells) at the immune synapse were reduced. As a consequence, CD4(+) T-cell activation and proliferation were also defective. In vivo, conditional IFT20-deficient mice failed to mount effective antigen-specific T-cell responses, and their T cells failed to induce colitis after adoptive transfer to Rag(-/-) mice. IFT20 is therefore required for the delivery of the intracellular pool of LAT to the immune synapse in naive primary T lymphocytes and for effective T-cell responses in vivo.

Differential Requirements of TCR Signaling in Homeostatic Maintenance and Function of Dendritic Epidermal T Cells.

Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are generated exclusively in the fetal thymus and maintained in the skin epithelium throughout postnatal life of the mouse. DETCs have restricted antigenic specificity as a result of their exclusive usage of a canonical TCR. Although the importance of the TCR in DETC development has been well established, the exact role of TCR signaling in DETC homeostasis and function remains incompletely defined. In this study, we investigated TCR signaling in fully matured DETCs by lineage-restricted deletion of the Lat gene, an essential signaling molecule downstream of the TCR. We found that Lat deletion impaired TCR-dependent cytokine gene activation and the ability of DETCs to undergo proliferative expansion. However, linker for activation of T cells-deficient DETCs were able to maintain long-term population homeostasis, although with a reduced proliferation rate. Mice with Lat deletion in DETCs exhibited delayed wound healing accompanied by impaired clonal expansion within the wound area. Our study revealed differential requirements for TCR signaling in homeostatic maintenance of DETCs and in their effector function during wound healing.