Abstract

In this study, we present the further characterization of a mutant Jurkat T cell line, J.CaM2, that is defective in TCR-mediated signal transduction. Although initial TCR-mediated signaling events such as the inducible tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR-ζ chain and ZAP-70 are intact in J.CaM2, subsequent events, including increases in intracellular calcium, Ras activation, and IL-2 gene expression are defective. Subsequent analysis of J.CaM2 demonstrated a severe deficiency in pp36/LAT expression, a recently cloned adaptor protein implicated in TCR signaling. Importantly, reexpression of LAT in J.CaM2 restored all aspects of TCR signaling. These results demonstrate a necessary and exclusive role for LAT in T cell activation.