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Regulation and function of p21ras in T lymphocytes
M I Pastor1, M Woodrow, D Cantrell
1Lymphocyte Activation Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London.
Cancer Surveys
|January 1, 1995
Summary
p21ras is a critical signaling molecule in T cell activation, linking the T cell receptor (TCR) to downstream pathways that regulate Interleukin-2 (IL2) gene expression and T cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- T cell activation by antigen stimulation leads to cytokine production and receptor expression.
- Interleukin-2 (IL2) production and IL2 receptor acquisition are key events in mature T cell activation, directing T cell growth.
- T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways regulate IL2 gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of p21ras in T cell activation signaling.
- To elucidate how p21ras connects the TCR to intracellular kinase cascades.
- To understand p21ras's control over IL2 gene transcription.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental data on T cell signaling pathways.
- Analysis of the interaction between TCR, p21ras, Raf-1, ERK2, and NFAT.
- Investigation of signaling pathways involving calcium/calcineurin.
Main Results:
- The TCR regulates p21ras activity.
- p21ras couples the TCR to the Raf-1/MAP kinase (ERK2) cascade.
- p21ras controls a pathway cooperating with calcium/calcineurin to activate NFAT and stimulate IL2 gene expression.
Conclusions:
- p21ras is a critical signaling molecule in immune cells.
- p21ras plays a central role in linking TCR stimulation to IL2 production.
- Understanding p21ras function is key to T cell activation research.