The activation of T lymphocytes (T cells) is tightly regulated by the immune system to ensure rapid responses to pathogens while avoiding reactions against innocuous environmental and self-antigens. One mechanism used to regulate responses of peripheral cells is T cell anergy. Anergy is characterized by defects in T cell proliferation and IL-2 secretion, and results from stimulation in the absence of inflammatory or costimulatory signals. Studies in T cell clones have identified several signaling pathways that are perturbed in anergic cells, and these include Ras/MAPK signaling, calcium flux, Fyn kinase activity, and cAMP signaling. Far less analysis has been done on primary T cells, and there appear to be significant differences between signaling in anergic primary T cells and anergic clones. To further analyze anergy in primary T cells, a mouse model system has been developed, combining the antigen-specificity of TCR transgenics with the anti apoptotic properties of a Bcl-xL transgene. This model is compatible with multiple anergy induction protocols, and overcomes many difficulties associated with biochemical analysis of primary T cells. The goal of this project is to investigate the signaling events involved in regulating anergy in primary T cells. Both in vitro and in vivo models of anergy will be studied. A particular interest will be taken in differences between signaling events in various modes of anergy induction, and in the requirements for maintenance of the non-responsive state. The long-term objective of this research is the application of increased understanding of the processes involved in T cell anergy, along with the ability to manipulate these processes, to novel therapeutic approaches for diseases of aberrant immune function, such as autoimmunity, and the improvement of immune therapy for cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01CA092156-03
Application #
6795923
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Eckstein, David J
Project Start
2003-08-28
Project End
2008-07-31
Budget Start
2004-08-01
Budget End
2005-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$155,157
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Maryland College Park
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
790934285
City
College Park
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
20742
Clavijo, Paul E; Frauwirth, Kenneth A (2012) Anergic CD8+ T lymphocytes have impaired NF-ýýB activation with defects in p65 phosphorylation and acetylation. J Immunol 188:1213-21
Marko, Aimee J; Miller, Rebecca A; Kelman, Alina et al. (2010) Induction of glucose metabolism in stimulated T lymphocytes is regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. PLoS One 5:e15425
Carr, Erikka L; Kelman, Alina; Wu, Glendon S et al. (2010) Glutamine uptake and metabolism are coordinately regulated by ERK/MAPK during T lymphocyte activation. J Immunol 185:1037-44
Srinivasan, Mathangi; Frauwirth, Kenneth A (2007) Reciprocal NFAT1 and NFAT2 nuclear localization in CD8+ anergic T cells is regulated by suboptimal calcium signaling. J Immunol 179:3734-41