WNK1-dependent water influx is required for CD4+ T cell activation and T cell-dependent antibody responses
Abstract Signaling from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) on CD4+ T cells plays a critical role in adaptive immune responses by inducing T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Here we demonstrate that WNK1, a kinase implicated in osmoregulation in the kidney, is required in T cells t...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56778-x |
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| Summary: | Abstract Signaling from the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) on CD4+ T cells plays a critical role in adaptive immune responses by inducing T cell activation, proliferation, and differentiation. Here we demonstrate that WNK1, a kinase implicated in osmoregulation in the kidney, is required in T cells to support T-dependent antibody responses. We show that the canonical WNK1-OXSR1-STK39 kinase signaling pathway is required for TCR signaling in CD4+ T cells, their subsequent entry into the cell cycle, and suppression of the ATR-mediated G2/M cell cycle checkpoint. We show that the WNK1 pathway regulates ion influx leading to water influx, potentially through AQP3, and that water influx is required for TCR-induced signaling and cell cycle entry. Thus, TCR signaling via WNK1, OXSR1, STK39 and AQP3 leads to water entry that is essential for CD4+ T cell proliferation and hence T cell-dependent antibody responses. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |