Rho-GTPases as key regulators of T lymphocyte biology

Abstract

Rho-GTPases belong to the Ras superfamily and are crucial signal transducing proteins downstream of many receptors. In general, the Rho-GTPases function as molecular switches, cycling between inactive (GDP-bound) and active (GTP-bound) states. The activated GTP bound Rho-GTPases interact with a broad spectrum of effectors to regulate a plethora of biological pathways including cytoskeletal dynamics, motility, cytokinesis, cell growth, apoptosis, transcriptional activity and nuclear signaling. Recently, gene targeting in mice allowed the selective inactivation of different Rho-GTPases and has advanced our understanding of the physiological role of these proteins, particularly in the immune system. Particularly, these proteins are key signaling molecules in T lymphocytes, which are generated in the thymus and are major players in the immune system. The scope of this review is to discuss recent data obtained in Rho-GTPases deficient mice by focusing on the role-played by Rho-GTPases in T-lymphocyte development, migration, activation and differentiation.

Keywords:

• Rho-GTPases
• T-cell development
• T-cell migration
• T-cell differentiation

Abbreviations

AP-1	=	Activator protein 1
APC	=	Antigen presenting cell
CCL	=	C-C motif ligand
CCR	=	C-C motif receptor
Cdc42	=	Cell division control protein 42 homolog
Csk	=	C-Src kinase
CXCL	=	C-X-C motif chemokine ligand
DN	=	Double negative
DP	=	Double positive
ERK	=	Extracellular signal-regulated kinase
ERM	=	Ezrin/radixin/moesin
Foxp3	=	forkhead box P3
GADS	=	GRB2-related adaptor downstream of Shc
GAP	=	GTPase activating proteins (GAP)
GATA3	=	GATA binding protein 3
GDI	=	Guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors
GDP	=	Guanine diphosphate
GEF	=	Guanine nucleotide exchange factor
Grb2	=	Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2
GTP	=	Guanine triphosphate
GTPase	=	Guanosine triphosphatases
HEV	=	High endothelial venule
ICAM	=	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule
IFN-g	=	Interferon gamma
IL-	=	Interleukine
IS	=	Immunological synapse
ITAM	=	Immunoreceptor tyrosine-based actvation motif
JNK	=	c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase
LAT	=	Linker for Activation of T cells
Lck	=	Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase
LFA-1	=	Leucocytes function-association antigen-1
MAPK	=	Mitogen activated protein kinase
MHC	=	Major histocompatibility complex
NF-kB	=	Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
NFAT	=	Nuclear factor of activated T-cells
PLCg1	=	Phospholipase C-gamma 1
Pnad	=	Peripheral lymphnode addressin
Rac	=	Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate
Rho	=	Ras homolog gene family
ROR-g	=	RAR-related orphan receptor gamma
SP	=	Single positive
Tbet	=	T-box expressed in T cells
Tc cells	=	Lymphocyte T CD8 cytotoxic
TCR	=	T cell receptor
Th cells	=	Lymphocyte T CD4 helper (effector CD4 T cell)
Treg	=	Regulatory T cell
VCAM	=	Vascular cell adhesion protein
VLA-4	=	Very Late Antigen-4 (a4b1)
ZAP70	=	Zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70

Introduction

The Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins is divided into several subgroups, including the Rho-GTPase (guanosine triphosphatases) family of proteins, which play key roles in signal transduction and regulation of gene expression in almost all cell types, including immune cells. Most members of the mammalian Rho-GTPases cycle between an inactive GDP-bound state and an active GTP-bound state.¹ This transition is regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). GEFs activate Rho-GTPases by promoting the exchange of GDP for GTP.² GAPs inhibit Rho-GTPases by stimulating their intrinsic GTP hydrolysis activity.³ In addition, guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs) can bind the GDP-bound Rho-GTPases in the cytoplasm, thereby modifying their normal intracellular localization.⁴ However, it should be noted that other members of the family (such as RhoH, RhoU, and RhoV) are predominantly GTP-bound and not regulated by GEFs and GAPs.^5,6 To date, mammalian Rho-GTPases comprise a family of 23 Rho-GTPases, which are regulated by 79 GEFs, 65 GAPs and 3 GDIs.^7-9 This large numbers of GEFs and GAPs relative to Rho-GTPases remain unexplained. Upon GTP binding, GTPases undergo conformational changes that give them the selective ability to bind effector proteins and to elicit specific biochemical functions. Rho-GTPases control cytoskeletal dynamics, as well as numerous signaling pathways, due to their capacity to bind and to activate a large number of downstream effector molecules, which include serine/threonine kinases, lipid kinases and adaptor proteins. Rho-GTPases have been implicated in the control of a wide range of biological processes such as proliferation, gene expression, migration, and apoptosis. Most of the current knowledge on Rho-GTPases cellular functions was obtained from studies using dominant negative or constitutively active mutants. However, these methods seem to have several limitations related to specificity, dosage and clonal variation.¹⁰ Recently, gene targeting of individual Rho-GTPases in mice has revealed that they actually regulate many basic functions of T lymphocytes such as activation, cell division, migration and adhesion.^11-13 In this review, we will discuss the recent finding obtained in these animal models to highlight the role of Rho-GTPases in the thymic development of T cells, in T cell migration in lymphoid organs or inflammatory tissues and in T cell activation and differentiation.

Rho-GTPases and Thymic Development of T Cells

The development and maturation of T lymphocytes in the thymus is an essential process for the formation of the peripheral immune system.¹⁴ A key stage in T-cell development in the thymus is the selection of cells that have successfully rearranged their T-cell receptor (TCR) β locus (Fig. 1). This occurs in T-cell precursors, which do not express the CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and are thus called double negative thymocytes (DN).¹⁵ The different DN stages of thymic differentiation can be traced by the sequential pattern of expression of CD44 and CD25 molecules. CD44⁺CD25⁻ (DN1) are the first progenitors, followed by CD44⁺CD25⁺ (DN2) stage during which TCRβ rearrangements begin. The selection of TCRβ occurs in CD44⁻CD25⁺ (DN3) cells. Cells that successfully rearrange their TCRβ locus express a functional receptor complex known as the pre-TCR, composed of a TCRβ chain, the p-Tα subunit and the signaling subunits of the CD3 antigen.^15,16 When the pre-TCR is expressed at the cell surface, it promotes cell survival and entry into the cell cycle.¹⁷ At this stage, cells downregulate CD25 and transit to the DN4 pre-T-cell subset. DN4 T cells proliferate and differentiate into CD4⁺CD8⁺ double positive cells (DP), undergo TCRα rearrangements and express a mature αβ TCR complex. When a TCR has the correct ability to interact with a self-peptide loaded major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule, signaling from the TCR on DP cells results in positive or negative selection depending on its binding avidity to self peptide-MHC complexes.^18-20 DP cells with a MHC class I-restricted TCR differentiate into CD4⁻CD8⁺ single positive (CD8⁺ SP) cells, whereas MHC class II-restricted cells are directed into CD4⁺CD8⁻ single positive (CD4⁺ SP) cells. If T cells express no TCR or a TCR with negligible affinity for self-peptides, they are eliminated via a cell death pathway called death by neglect. Cell death is also induced when the TCR interacts too strongly with self peptide-MHC complexes. This process of activation-induced apoptosis is referred as “negative selection” and plays a key role in central tolerance, immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. The mature CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells migrate to peripheral lymphoid organs (e.g., spleen and lymph nodes) to mediate immune responses. There has been considerable interest in the signal transduction molecules that mediate the transition of thymocytes beyond the pre-T cell stages of thymocyte differentiation. In this context, crucial responses are mediated by Rho-GTPases that influence different stages of thymic development^21-24 (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Rho-GTPases and thymic development of T cells. Differentiation of T cells occurs within the thymus. Most T cells develop along 3 steps: CD4⁻ CD8⁻ double negative (DN), CD4⁺ CD8⁺ double positive (DP) and mature CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ single positive (SP) stages. Key regulatory signals are mediated through both the pre-TCR and TCR complexes. Signals from the pre-TCR allow cells to differentiate into DP cells and proliferate (β-selection). DP T cells rearrange their TCR and undergo further maturation process that leads to positive selection or nedative selection depenting to TCR binding avidity. DP cells with a MHC class I-restricted TCR differentiate into CD8⁺ SP T cells, whereas MHC class II-restricted cells are directed into CD4⁺ SP T cells. The Rho-GTPases shown to influence thymic selection using Rho-GTPases-deficient mice are indicated in the figure and discussed in more detail in the text.

The implication of Rho-GTPases in thymocyte development was first suggested in mice lacking Vav1,²⁵ a GEF that preferentially catalyzes the guanine nucleotide exchange on Rac1 but also on RhoA, RhoG and Cdc42 (Cell-division cycle 42) Rho-GTPases.^26,27 Studies of Vav1-deficient mice have shown that the development of T cells is partially blocked at the pre-TCR checkpoint in the thymus and is strongly blocked in both positive and negative selection of T cells.^28-31 Recently, the generation of mice that express a mutant Vav1 protein that lacks GEF activity but retains GEF-independent functions, clearly demonstrated that this effect on thymic selection is dependent on Vav1 GEF function.³² Rac-GTPases of the Rho family comprises Rac1, Rac2, Rac3 and RhoG.^1,33-35 RhoG, Rac2 and Rac3 knockout mice do not show major developmental abnormalities, whereas conventional Rac1 deficiency causes early embryonic lethality.³⁶ This experimental limitation could be circumvented by the use of conditional knockout mice that exhibit T-cell lineage-specific deletion of Rac1.^37,38 The roles of Rac1 and Rac2 in T cell development have been investigated using mice deficient in either or both GTPases. Whereas T-cell development or positive/negative selection were not overtly perturbed in mice lacking either Rac1 or Rac2, the deletion of Rac1 in combination with Rac2 had a dramatic effect on thymocyte development.^37,38 Mice lacking both GTPases had a marked block in the transition of thymocytes from the DN to DP compartments, resulting in very few DP, CD4SP, and CD8SP thymocytes thus reflecting a key role of Rac1 and Rac2 for efficient β-selection. Furthermore, Rac1 and Rac2 are required for positive selection of DP thymocytes.^37,38 Thus, these studies revealed that Rac1 and Rac2 share redundant but essential roles in multiple stages of T cell development.^37,38

Cdc42 loss-of-function causes death in utero.³⁹ Conditional deletion of Cdc42 in the T-cell lineage blocks thymopoiesis at the DP stage, resulting in a significant increase of DP thymocytes and a reduction in mature CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells.^40,41 Indeed, positive selection of CD4⁺CD8⁺ DP thymocytes is defective in Cdc42^−/− mice⁴¹ and CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ SP thymocytes from these mice show increased cell apoptosis in response to anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation, defective proliferation and aberrant TCR signaling.⁴¹ Thus, a combined effect of Cdc42 on positive selection, survival, proliferation and TCR signaling contributes to its regulation of thymic T-cell development. Besides, mice deficient in RhoC or RhoG did not show any alterations in thymic T-cell development,^35,42 indicating that these Rho-GTPases are dispensable for T-lymphocyte development. Concerning RhoB deficient mice, no immune phenotype was described so far.⁴³ The RhoA deficiency results in early death of mouse embryos and thus has been uninformative with regards its potential role in lymphocyte development and function.¹⁰ The generation of T-cell specific conditional RhoA knockout could be a great tool to analyze the importance of this Rho-GTPase in T-cell functions.

RhoH is highly expressed in mouse and human T cells.^44,45 Although RhoH belongs to the Rho family of small GTPases, it lacks GTPase activity and functions instead as an adaptor for ZAP70, Lck, and Csk in T cells. Recent mouse genetic studies have shown that RhoH is crucial for thymocyte maturation at the pre-TCR stage and plays an important role in positive and negative thymic selection.^46-48 Indeed, loss of RhoH leads to striking defects at 2 important T-cell development transition points, DN3 to DN4 and DP to SP, resulting in abnormally increased DN subpopulation and reduced SP subpopulations.^46,47 In line with these defects, the proliferation of RhoH-null DN3 and DN4 cells is decreased, whereas apoptosis of DN4, DP, CD4SP, and CD8SP cells is significantly increased.^46,47 It has been suggested that RhoH is important for pre-TCR and TCR signaling because it allows the efficient interaction of ZAP70 with the LAT signalosome, thus regulating thymocyte development. Besides, RhoH has also been shown to maintain the tyrosine kinase Lck in its inactive state and this might explain the impact of RhoH on the DN stage development, since Lck is one of the key regulators at this stage.⁴⁹

Rho-GTPases and T-Cell Migration

Mature CD4 and CD8 T cells exit the thymus and circulate continuously through the bloodstream, secondary lymphoid tissues and lymphatic vessels. This trafficking is fundamental to increase the probability for T cells to encounter their specific antigen and is critical for effective immune surveillance.⁵⁰ In peripheral lymphoid organs, the presentation of peptides by antigen presenting cells (APCs) to T cells induces their activation and differentiation into effector T cells. The fully activated T cells then returns into the bloodstream where they transmigrate into the target tissue and initiate pathogen clearance. The cytoarchitecture of T cells differs dramatically on whether the cell is circulating within the bloodstream, migrating through tissues or interacting with APCs.⁵¹ Blood T cells enter lymph nodes through a specialized vasculature called high endothelial venules (HEVs). In the bloodstream, the interaction of T lymphocytes with HEVs via L-selectin (CD62L) and the peripheral lymph node addressin (PNAd) on endothelial cells causes T cells to slow down and roll on the endothelium. Subsequently, binding of either the CCL19 or CCL21 chemokines present on endothelial cells to their receptor CCR7 expressed on T cells results in activation of leukocyte function–associated antigen 1 (LFA-1, αLβ2) and α4β1 (VLA-4) integrins. These, in turn, bind to their ligands (ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 for LFA-1) and (VCAM-1 for VLA-4) on endothelial cells, leading to the arrest of the lymphocyte on the endothelium and, ultimately, its transmigration across the endothelial wall into of the lymph node. Thus, T-cell migration across the endothelium is a complex process that follows a sequence of extensively regulated events, including rolling, integrin activation through chemokine signaling, firm adhesion and diapedesis.⁵² These events are controlled by the engagement of distinct classes of surface receptors, which include integrins and chemokine receptors. Rho-GTPases are important components of the signaling cascades mediated by these classes of receptors and regulate a variety of molecules involved in cytoskeletal rearrangements underlying leukocyte migration.^33,53

In order to migrate, T cells undergo a dramatic re-organization of membrane domains and of the cytoskeleton, to acquire a polarized morphology with an actin-rich lamellipodium at the leading edge and a uropod at the trailing edge.^54-56 Rho-GTPase signaling is compartmentalized in these distinct regions, with Rac1 and Cdc42 acting at the leading edge and RhoA proteins at the rear.⁵⁷ Although lymphocyte polarity has not been analyzed in Rho-GTPases deficient mice, there is evidence that RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 influence T-cell polarity.^12,54,58 In response to chemokine stimulation, Rho-GTPases are required to mediate lymphocyte adhesion. Indeed, CXCL12 activates Rac1 and promotes T-lymphocyte adhesion by converting VLA-4 integrins to a high avidity state, resulting in the prompt arrest of T cells on the endothelium, while inhibition of Rac1 impairs CXCL12-mediated adhesion.⁵⁹ T cells from Rac2-deficient mice are partially defective in chemotaxis in response to CCL19, CCL21, and CXCL12 and in homing to lymph nodes.⁶⁰ The partial nature of this phenotype suggests that there might be redundancy between Rac2 and other Rho-GTPases in transducing signals from chemokine receptors. Indeed, Rac1- and Rac2-deficient T cells are severely compromised in their ability to undergo either chemotaxis or chemokinesis in response to CCR7 or CXCR4 stimulation and home very inefficiently to lymph nodes and spleen.⁶¹ RhoA is required to transduce chemokine receptor signals to the activation of LFA-1 and therefore supports chemokine-regulated homing of circulating lymphocytes to secondary lymphoid organs.⁶² In contrast, RhoH is a negative regulator of chemokine induced LFA-1 activation.^63,64

Rho-GTPases at the Immunological Synapse

In lymph nodes, only T lymphocytes that have encountered their specific antigens are retained, implying that T cell migration is selectively inhibited by interaction with antigen-bearing APC. TCR engagement causes cytoskeleton reorganization resulting in T-cell polarization toward APCs, enhanced T-cell/APC interactions, and formation of the immunological synapse (IS).⁶⁵ Productive interactions between T and APC trigger full-blown T-cell activation, which, in conjunction with various cytokines, drives clonal expansion and differentiation into effector T cells. The variations in structure, duration and composition of the IS have a strong impact on the outcome of T-cell activation and the functional features of effector cells, leading to either activation or tolerance. The assembly of T-cell signaling molecules is intimately related to the reorganization of the actin/myosin and microtubule cytoskeleton and involves activation of Rho-GTPases. After the formation of the IS, the Rac1-dependent actin-rich lamellipodium observed in migrating cells is retained and forms a dynamic structure in close contact with the APC surface. In contrast, the uropod disappears likely resulting from an arrest in RhoA activity at the back whereas active RhoA is maintained at the IS.⁶⁶ Active Cdc42 is also locally triggered at the IS⁶⁶ and Cdc42-deficient T cells display an impaired TCR clustering and actin polymerization at the T-cell/APC interface.^41,67 Rho-GTPases regulate the localization and activity of the ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) family of proteins. ERM proteins bind to a variety of membrane receptors and to phosphoinositides through their N-terminal FERM domain, and to actin filaments via their C-terminus, thereby acting as linkers between the actin cytoskeleton and membrane receptors. Inactivation of ERM proteins by dephosphorylation leads to a transient increase in cell deformability and enables closer contacts between the T cell and the APC.⁶⁸ The activation of Rac leads to ERM inactivation⁶⁸ while the activation of RhoA elicits an opposite effect. In addition, analysis of Rac1- and Rac2-deficient T cells show that these proteins play a redundant role in the regulation of ERM activity.⁶¹ The clustering of lipid rafts at the IS also depends on Rac.⁶⁹ Thus, Rho-GTPases orchestrate biochemical or cytoskeletal pathways leading to T-cell polarization toward APCs and therefore play a key role in T-cell activation. Compromising these pathways results in perturbation of T-cell response to stimulation and impacts on effector T-cell differentiation.

Rho-GTPases and T Cell Receptor Signaling

The TCR complex is composed of the variable α/β subunits that recognize peptide/MHC complexes and of the invariant signal transduction subunits of the CD3 antigen. When a T cell encounters its cognate antigen presented by APC, the TCR is engaged and triggers a complex cascade of biochemical events, leading to cytoskeletal reorganization and transcriptional activation of multiple genes, ultimately culminating by T-cell activation and proliferation (Fig. 2). Engagement of TCRs triggers the phosphorylation of the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) of four components of the TCR/CD3 complex, i.e., CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ϵ, and TCR-ζ,^70,71 mediated by the Src family tyrosine kinase Lck. When phosphorylated, ITAMs recruit the SH2 domain containing tyrosine kinase ZAP70. Once recruited, ZAP70 is activated by Lck and phosphorylates the transmembrane adaptor protein LAT on multiple tyrosine residues. The phosphorylation of LAT allows recruitment of a whole range of signaling molecules, including Grb2, GADS, PLCγ1, SLP76, Cbl, and Vav1. Then, distinct signaling pathways are initiated including (1) the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway, including extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, (2) the Ca²⁺/Calcineurin/NFAT pathway, and (3) the NF-κB pathway. Ultimately, these signaling pathways induce the nuclear translocation of effector molecules or transcription factors like AP-1, NFAT, and NF-κB, which control the gene expression program in T cells (Fig. 2).

Figure 2. Rho-GTPases regulate signaling pathways induced after TCR engagement. Schematic view of the signaling events induced in mature T cells after the recognition of an antigen presenting cell (APC) expressing peptide-MHC complexes. Binding of the T-cell receptor (TCR) to its ligand leads to a complex cascade of biochemical events that initiate distinct signaling pathways including (1) the Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway including extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, (2) the Ca/calcineurin/NFAT pathway, and (3) the NF-κB pathway. Eventually, these signaling pathways result in the activation of transcription factors like AP-1, NFAT, and NF-κB, which control the gene expression program characteristic of activated T cells. Rho-GTPases regulate positively (blue arrows) or negatively (red lines) these TCR signaling pathways. For more details, see text.

After TCR engagement, RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 are always localized at the IS, suggesting that they are key elements for TCR signaling.⁶⁶ Indeed, Rac1 and Rac2 are activated upon TCR engagement⁷² and TCR-induced activation of Rac proteins, in turn, has been implicated in the regulation of MAPKs,⁷³ PI3K,⁷⁴ and calcium responses⁷⁴ and thus in the control of the transcriptional activity of AP-1, NFAT, and NF-κB. Consistent with a key role for Rac proteins in TCR signaling, T cells from Rac2^−/− mice exhibit reduced ERK1/2 and p38 activation and decreased calcium mobilization.⁷⁵ However, TCR activation in Rac1 and Rac2 deficient T cells leads to normal levels of p38, Erk and ZAP70 activation, but reduced Akt activation.³⁸ T cells from Cdc42 deficient mice exhibit enhanced TCR-induced proliferation associated with increased ERK1/2 MAP kinase suggesting that Cdc42 suppresses ERK.⁴⁰ The enhanced activation of ERK in Cdc42−/− T cells is contradictory with observations made in other cell types, suggesting that Cdc42 is a positive regulator of ERK activity.⁷⁶ RhoH acts as a regulator for ZAP70, Lck, and Csk in T cells.^46,49 RhoH is crucial for the tyrosine phosphorylation of LAT, PLCγ1, and Vav1 and for the activation of Erk and calcium influx signaling.^46,47 RhoH also binds and stabilizes Lck in its inactivated state through the recruitment of Csk.⁴⁹ RhoH has also been proposed to function as a negative regulator of other Rho-GTPases, particularly Rac proteins^45,77 (Fig. 2).

Rho-GTPases and T Cell Differentiation

After productive TCR engagement, effector CD4 (Th) and CD8 (Tc) T cells differentiate into functionally different subsets based on their specific patterns of cytokine secretion.^78-82 Type 1 T cells (Th1 and Tc1) secrete primarily interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), express the transcription factor T-bet and protect against intracellular pathogens (Fig. 3). In contrast, type 2 T cells (Th2 and Tc2) secrete IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, express the transcription factor GATA3 and protect against extracellular parasites. Type 17 T cells (Th17 and Tc17) are characterized by their secretion of IL-17, IL-21, and IL-22, express the retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor (ROR)-γ transcription factor and may play an important role in host defense against extracellular bacterial and fungal infections. While these T-cell subsets have specific effector functions in clearing infections, their dysregulation causes immunopathology. For instance, allergic diseases such as asthma are thought to arise through excessive type 2 responses, whereas many autoimmune diseases involve excessive type 1 and type 17 responses. Regulatory T cells (Treg) are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor Foxp3,^83,84 and are key players in the prevention of autoimmune responses and the termination of immune responses^85,86 (Fig. 3). Although the current knowledge on the role of Rho-GTPases in T-cell differentiation is at its early stage, in particular for CD8 T cells, there is evidence that these signaling molecules could play an important role. For example, Vav1 deficiency is associated with impaired IL-4 production and enhanced Th1-cell development.⁸⁷ Rac2 has been shown to activate Th1-specific signaling, is preferentially expressed in the Th1 subset and is required for the production and release of IFN-γ.⁸⁸ However, another study showed only a minor skewing of the T-cell response toward the Th1 phenotype in Rac2-deficient mice challenged with Leishmania major.⁶⁰ In contrast, Cdc42-deficient mice show an enhanced differentiation to Th1 and CD8 effector cells (but not Th2) and exhibit exacerbated liver damage in an induced model of autoimmune disease.⁴¹ Cdc42 has also been shown to play a role in IFN-γ exocytosis at the IS.⁸⁹ Thus, while essential for TCR clustering and actin polarization in the course of mature IS formation, Cdc42 plays restrictive role in T-cell differentiation and autoimmunity.⁴¹ RhoG deficiency has no impact on Th1/Th2 differentiation, except for a slight decrease in IL-5 production from Th2-differentiated RhoG-deficient cells.³⁵ Concerning RhoH, it is more expressed in Th1 cells compared with the Th2 subset, suggesting a role for RhoH in the functional differentiation of T cells.⁴⁵ Regarding Treg, we have shown recently that a constitutively active form of Vav1 favors thymic development of Foxp3 regulatory T cells.⁹⁰ Moreover, Cdc42−/− mice show an increased frequency of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.⁴¹ Similarly, RhoH deficient mice also exhibit increased frequency of Treg cells.⁴⁸ However, the absolute number of Treg is reduced, indicating that RhoH deficiency impacts differently on Treg and conventional T-cell development.

Figure 3. Rho-GTPases influence - lymphocyte differentiation. Four major subsets of CD4 T cells have been defined; T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells (Treg). These subsets exert their immune functions through secretion of distinct patterns of cytokines and activation of different effector cells: Th1 mediate clearance of intracellular pathogens by producing IFN-γ and by activating macrophages and cytotoxic effector CD8 T cells. Th2 cells are involved in the elimination of parasitic organisms by secreting IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and by activating basophils and eosinophils. Th17 cells are involved in the clearance of intracellular pathogens by producing IL-17 and activating neutrophils. Similar subsets have been also described within CD8 T cells compartment (not shown). Foxp3 Treg play a crucial role in downregulating immune responses by suppressing several actors of the immune responses. The Rho-GTPases shown to influence - cell differentiation using deficient mice are indicated in the figure and discussed in more detail in the text.

Conclusions and Future Directions

It is clear that the analysis of the in vivo function of Rho-GTPases family has only just begun and much more remains to be discovered concerning their implication in immune system homeostasis. So far, knockouts of only 9 of the 23 Rho-GTPase family members have been described. These knockout mice revealed novel information about the important role of Rho-GTPases in T-cell signaling through antigen receptors, chemokine receptors and integrins. Those Rho-GTPases are involved in key processes for the physiology of T lymphocytes, such as development, activation, differentiation and migration. The level of regulation applied on Rho-GTPases is outstanding by its complexity. Challenges ahead will be to investigate more deeply the degree of regulation and crosstalk among different Rho-GTPases, in order to better understand the contribution of each member of the family to a given specific signal delivered after receptors engagement. In this regard, crossbreeding of various Rho-GTPases and Rho-GTPase regulators knockout mice will probably provide further insight into their molecular mechanisms. Given the new knowledge provided by detailed analysis of the Rho-GTPase knockouts mice so far, we can expect a plethora of information on Rho-GTPases from these mouse models in a near future.

Although the impact of Rho-GTPases deficiency on thymic selection is well documented, their role in peripheral T cells in the context of normal or pathological immune responses has not been clarified yet. This is mainly related to the lymphopenia induced by the defect in thymic selection that has been observed in the majority of Rho-GTPases deficient mice. This lymphopenia results in the proliferation and differentiation of naïve T cells into memory-like cells, in the absence of overt antigenic stimulation. This may influence the orientation of immune responses by affecting the differentiation of T-cell subsets.^91,92 Therefore, the generation of conditional knockout mouse lines, in which Rho-GTPase is expressed in the thymus (before positive selection) and deleted exclusively in mature peripheral T cells, would be of great interest to analyze the role of these signaling molecules in peripheral T-cell activation and differentiation. This will help to define the role and potential therapeutic value of specific Rho-GTPase-mediated signaling pathways in human diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and allergy.

Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest

No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Daniel Dunia, Loic Dupré, and Christophe Pedros for their critical comments on the manuscript. We thank Emmanuel Dejean for graphic design ([email protected]).

Funding

The authors are grateful for funding support from Association Française contre les Myopathies, Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR-08-GENO-041-01), Association de Recherche sur la Sclérose En Plaques, Fight-MG (FP7-Health-2009-242210) and région Midi Pyrénées.