Integrin and CD3/TCR activation are regulated by the scaffold protein AKAP450

During antigen recognition by T cells, membrane receptors and cytoskeletal molecules form a specialized structure at the T cell-antigen-presenting cell junction called the immune synapse (IS). We report a role for the scaffolding protein A-kinase anchoring protein-450 (AKAP450), a member of the A-kinase anchoring protein family, in IS formation and T-cell signaling in antigen- and superantigen-dependent T-cell activation. Suppression of AKAP450 by overexpression of a dominant-negative form or siRNA knockdown disrupted the positioning and conformational activation of lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 at the IS and impaired associated signaling events, including phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1 and protein kinase C-. AKAP450 was also required for correct activation and phosphorylation of CD3, LAT, and Vav1, key T-cell receptor-activated intracellular signaling molecules. Consistently, antigen-triggered reorientation of the microtubule-organizing center at the IS and interleukin-2 secretion were diminished in AKAP450-disrupted T cells. These results indicate key roles for AKAP450 in the organization and activation of receptor molecules at the IS during T-cell signaling events.