In:
The Journal of Immunology, The American Association of Immunologists, Vol. 184, No. 3 ( 2010-02-01), p. 1536-1542
Abstract:
Calcium (Ca2+) signaling in T lymphocytes is essential for a variety of functions, including the regulation of differentiation, gene transcription, and effector functions. A major Ca2+ entry pathway in nonexcitable cells, including T cells, is store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), wherein depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores upon receptor stimulation causes subsequent influx of extracellular Ca2+ across the plasma membrane. Stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 is the Ca2+ sensor in the endoplasmic reticulum, which controls this process, whereas the other STIM isoform, STIM2, coregulates SOCE. Although the contribution of STIM molecules and SOCE to T lymphocyte function is well studied in vitro, their significance for immune processes in vivo has remained largely elusive. In this study, we studied T cell function in mice lacking STIM1 or STIM2 in a model of myelin-oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35–55)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We found that STIM1 deficiency significantly impaired the generation of neuroantigen-specific T cell responses in vivo with reduced Th1/Th17 responses, resulting in complete protection from EAE. Mice lacking STIM2 developed EAE, but the disease course was ameliorated. This was associated with a reduced clinical peak of disease. Deficiency of STIM2 was associated with an overall reduced proliferative capacity of lymphocytes and a reduction of IFN-γ/IL-17 production by neuroantigen-specific T cells. Neither STIM1 nor STIM2 deficiency altered the phenotype or function of APCs. These findings reveal a crucial role of STIM-dependent pathways for T cell function and activation under autoimmune inflammatory conditions, establishing them as attractive new molecular therapeutic targets for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0022-1767
,
1550-6606
DOI:
10.4049/jimmunol.0902161
Language:
English
Publisher:
The American Association of Immunologists
Publication Date:
2010
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1475085-5
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