Reilly, S. P. | bioRxiv Science

bioRxiv2025

The phosphatases TCPTP, PTPN22, and SHP1 play unique roles in T cell phosphotyrosine maintenance and feedback regulation of the TCR

The protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) TCPTP, PTPN22, and SHP1 are critical regulators of the activating phosphotyrosine (pY) site on the initiating T cell kinase, LckY394. Still, the broader implications of these phosphatases in T cell receptor (TCR) signalling and T cell biology remain unclear. By combining CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and mass spectrometry, we evaluate the protein- and pY-level effects of TCPTP, PTPN22, and SHP1 in the Jurkat T cell model system. We find that deletion of each phosphatase corresponds to unique changes in the proteome of T cells, with few large-scale changes to TCR signalling proteins. Notably, PTPN22 and SHP1 deletions have opposing effects on pY abundance globally, while TCPTP deletion modestly elevates pY levels. Finally, we show that TCPTP is indirectly involved in Erk1/2 positive feedback to the TCR. Overall, our work provides evidence for alternative functions of three T cell phosphatases long thought to be redundant.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2023

PD-1 Mediated Regulation of Unique Activated CD8+ T Cells by NK Cells in the Submandibular Gland

The increasing utilization of anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has led to the emergence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), including sicca syndrome. Interestingly, we found that the submandibular gland (SMG) of PD-1 deficient mice harbors a large population of CD8+ T cells, reminiscing ICB induced sicca. This phenotype was also observed in the SMG of both NK cell-depleted C57BL/6 animals and NK cell-deficient animals. Mechanistically, using mice conditionally deficient for PD-L1 in the NK cell lineage, we discovered that NK cells regulate CD8+ T cell homeostasis via the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in this organ. Importantly, single-cell RNA sequencing of PD-1 deficient SMG CD8+ T cells reveals a unique transcriptional profile consistent with TCR activation. These cells have limited TCR diversity and phenotypically overlap with GzmK+ CD8+ T autoimmune cells identified in primary Sjogrens syndrome patients. These insights into NK cell immunoregulation in the SMG, and the consequences of disrupted CD8+ T cell homeostasis, provide opportunities for preventing the development of irAEs. HighlightsO_LIElevated CD8+ T cells in the submandibular gland (SMG) of PD-1 deficient mice parallel sicca-like irAEs seen in ICB patients. C_LIO_LIIn addition to their previously described hyporesponsive phenotype, NK cells in the SMG regulate CD8+ T cell homeostasis through the PD-L1/PD-1 axis. C_LIO_LIPD-1 deficient SMG CD8+ T cells display unique transcriptional profiles associated with proinflammatory functions, TCR activation, interferon stimulation, and exhaustion. C_LIO_LIOligoclonal expansion and similarities in TCR sequences indicate T cell activation and a preference for recognizing specific antigens. C_LI

immunology↗