The adaptor protein EBP50 is important for localization of the protein kinase A-Ezrin complex in T-cells and the immunomodulating effect of cAMP

Biochem J. 2009 Dec 23;425(2):381-8. doi: 10.1042/BJ20091136.

Abstract

We recently reported that the dual-specificity AKAP (A-kinaseanchoring protein) Ezrin targets type I PKA (protein kinase A) to the vicinity of the TCR (T-cell receptor) in T-cells and, together with PAG (phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched membrane microdomains) and EBP50 [ERM (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin)-binding phosphoprotein 50], forms a scaffold that positions PKA close to its substrate, Csk (C-terminal Src kinase). This complex is important for controlling the activation state of T-cells. Ezrin binds the adaptor protein EBP50, which again contacts PAG. In the present study, we show that Ezrin and EBP50 interact with high affinity (KD=58+/-7 nM). A peptide corresponding to the EB (Ezrin-binding) region in EBP50 (EBP50pep) was used to further characterize the binding kinetics and compete the Ezrin-EBP50 interaction by various methods in vitro. Importantly, loading T-cells with EBP50pep delocalized Ezrin, but not EBP50. Furthermore, disruption of this complex interfered with cAMP modulation of T-cell activation, which is seen as a reversal of cAMP-mediated inhibition of IL-2 (interleukin 2) production, demonstrating an important role of EBP50 in this complex. In summary, both the biochemical and functional data indicate that targeting the Ezrin-EBP interaction could be a novel and potent strategy for immunomodulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cyclic AMP / pharmacology*
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Immunomodulation / drug effects*
  • Interleukin-2
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Peptide Fragments / metabolism
  • Phosphoproteins / physiology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / chemistry*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Interleukin-2
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers
  • ezrin
  • sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor
  • Cyclic AMP
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases