Differential requirement for CARMA1 in agonist-selected T-cell development

Eur J Immunol. 2009 Jan;39(1):78-84. doi: 10.1002/eji.200838734.

Abstract

Caspase recruitment domain-containing membrane-associated guanylate kinase protein-1 (CARMA1) is a critical component of the NF-kappaB signaling cascade mediated by TCR engagement. In addition to activation of naïve T cells, TCR signaling is important for the development of agonist-selected T-cell subsets such as Treg, NKT cells, and CD8-alpha alpha T cells. However, little is known about the role of CARMA1 in the development of these lineages. Here we show that CARMA1-deficient mice (CARMA1(-/-)) have altered populations of specific subsets of agonist-selected T cells. Specifically, CARMA1(-/-) mice have impaired natural and adaptive Treg development, whereas NKT cell numbers are normal compared with wild-type mice. Interestingly, CD8-alpha alpha T cells, which may also be able to develop through an extrathymic selection pathway, are enriched in the gut of CARMA1(-/-) mice, whereas memory-phenotype CD4(+) T cells (CD62L(low)/CD44(high)) are present at reduced numbers in the periphery. These results indicate that CARMA1 is essential for Treg development, but is not necessary for the development of other agonist-selected T-cell subsets. Overall, these data reveal an important but differential role for CARMA1-mediated TCR signaling in T-cell development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / genetics
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / metabolism*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / agonists
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Card11 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell