Normal Thymocyte Egress, T Cell Trafficking, and CD4⁺ T Cell Homeostasis Require Interactions between RGS Proteins and Gα_i2.

ABSTRACT: Adaptive immunity depends on mature thymocytes leaving the thymus to enter the bloodstream and the trafficking of T cells through lymphoid organs. Both of these require heterotrimeric Gα_i protein signaling, whose intensity and duration are controlled by the regulator of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins. In this study, we show that RGS protein/Gα_i2 interactions are essential for normal thymocyte egress, T cell trafficking, and homeostasis. Mature thymocytes with a Gα_i2 mutation that disables RGS protein binding accumulated in the perivascular channels of thymic corticomedullary venules. Severe reductions in peripheral naive CD4⁺ T cells and regulatory T cells occurred. The mutant CD4⁺ T cells adhered poorly to high endothelial venules

SUBMITTER: Hwang IY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5360501 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature