Differential role of SLP-76 domains in T cell development and function

The adapter SLP-76 is essential for thymocyte development. SLP-76^-/- mice were reconstituted with SLP-76 deletion mutant transgenes to examine the role of SLP-76 domains in T cell development and function. The N-terminal domain deletion mutant completely failed to restore thymocyte development. Mice reconstituted with Gads-binding site and SH2 domain deletion mutants had decreased thymic cellularity, impaired transition from double to single positive thymocytes, and decreased numbers of mature T cells in the spleen. Calcium mobilization and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase activation were decreased in the Gads-binding site mutant but almost normal in the SH2 domain mutant. T cells from both mutants failed to proliferate following T cell antigen receptor ligation. Nevertheless, both mutants mounted partial cutaneous hypersensitivity responses and normal T cell dependent IgG1 antibody responses. These results indicate differential roles for SLP-76 domains in T cell development, proliferation and effector functions.