A role for a RhoA/ROCK/LIM-kinase pathway in the regulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes

Z. Lou, D. D. Billadeau, D. N. Savoy, R. A. Schoon, P. J. Leibson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polarization of lipid rafts and granules to the site of target contact is required for the development of cell-mediated killing by cytotoxic lymphocytes. We have previously shown that these events require the activation of proximal protein tyrosine kinases. However, the downstream intracellular signaling molecules involved in the development of cell-mediated cytotoxicity remain poorly defined. We report here that a RhoA/ROCK/LIM-kinase axis couples the receptor-initiated protein tyrosine kinase activation to the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton required for the polarization of lipid rafts and the subsequent generation of cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Pharmacologic and genetic interruption of any element of this RhoA/ROCK/LIM-kinase pathway inhibits both the accumulation of F-actin and lipid raft polarization to the site of target contact and the subsequent delivery of the lethal hit. These data define a specialized role for a RhoA→ROCK→LIM-kinase pathway in cytotoxic lymphocyte activation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)5749-5757
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume167
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 15 2001

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

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