G307S DNAM-1 Mutation Exacerbates Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis via Enhancing CD4+ T Cell Activation

Rikito Murata1,2, Shota Kinoshita1,2, Kenshiro Matsuda1,3

  • 1Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.

Insights

The rs763361 single-nucleotide polymorphism, a G307S mutation in DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1), enhances T cell responses. This gain-of-function mutation in DNAM-1 promotes autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The single-nucleotide polymorphism rs763361 causes a glycine-to-serine mutation (G307S) in the DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1) immunoreceptor.
  • This polymorphism is linked to autoimmune disease susceptibility, but its role in pathogenesis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional impact of the G307S DNAM-1 mutation on T cell activation and autoimmune disease development.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which the G307S mutation influences DNAM-1 signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Established human CD4+ T cell transfectants expressing wild-type (WT) or G307S DNAM-1.
  • Created chimeric DNAM-1 (chDNAM-1) in mouse T cell transfectants.
  • Utilized adoptive transfer of modified T cells into a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Main Results:

  • G307S DNAM-1 signaling induced greater proinflammatory cytokine production and T cell proliferation compared to WT DNAM-1.
  • The G307S mutation enhanced Lck recruitment and phosphorylation at Tyr322 of DNAM-1.
  • Transfer of mouse T cells expressing G307S chDNAM-1 exacerbated EAE in recipient mice.

Conclusions:

  • rs763361 represents a gain-of-function mutation that potentiates DNAM-1-mediated costimulatory signaling.
  • Enhanced DNAM-1 signaling contributes to proinflammatory responses and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
  • The G307S mutation in DNAM-1 is a key factor in autoimmune disease development.