Generation and characterization of ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase ART2.1/ART2.2-deficient mice

This is the first study reporting the inactivation of a member of the mouse gene family of toxin-related ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs). Transfer of the ADP-ribose moiety from NAD onto extracellular arginine residues on T-cell membrane proteins is mediated by glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface ARTs. Exposure of T cells to ecto-NAD blocks T-cell activation and induces T-cell apoptosis. To determine a possible role of ecto-ART2.1 and ART2.2 in these processes, we generated ART2.1/ART2.2 double-knockout mice. ART2-deficient mice were healthy and fertile and showed normal development of lymphoid organs. ART2-deficient T cells showed a dramatically reduced capacity to ADP-ribosylate cell surface proteins, indicating that most if not all ART activity on the T-cell surface can be attributed to the ART2s. Moreover, ART2-deficient T cells were completely resistant to NAD-induced apoptosis and partially resistant to NAD-mediated suppression of proliferation. These results demonstrate that the ART2 ectoenzymes are an essential component in the regulation of T-cell functions by extracellular NAD, e.g., following release of NAD upon lysis of cells in tissue injury and inflammation.