The adapter protein LAT enhances Fc gamma receptor-mediated signal transduction in myeloid cells

Fc gamma R clustering in monocytes initiates a cascade of signaling events that culminate in biological responses such as phagocytosis, production of inflammatory cytokines, and generation of reactive oxygen species. We have identified and determined the function of the adapter protein linker of act ivation of T cell (LAT) in Fc gamma R-mediated signaling and function. Clus tering of Fc gamma Rs on the human monocytic cell line, THP-1, induces phos phorylation of a major 36-kDa protein which immunoreacts with anti-LAT anti sera, Our data indicate that although both the 36-kDa and 38-kDa isoforms o f LAT are expressed in THP-1 and U937 human monocytic cells, Fc gamma R clu stering induces phosphorylation of the 36-kDa isoform only. Co-immunoprecip itation experiments revealed a constitutive association of p36 LAT with bot h Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIIa immunoprecipitates, and an activation-induc ed association of LAT with PLC gamma 1, Grb2, and the p85 subunit of phosph atidylinositol 3-kinase. Transient transfection experiments in COS-7 cells indicated that overexpression of a wild type but not a dominant-negative LA T, that is incapable of binding to p85, enhances phagocytosis by Fc gamma R I. Furthermore, bone marrow-derived macrophages from LAT-deficient mice dis played reduced phagocytic efficiency in comparison to the macrophages from wild-type mice. Thus, we conclude that p36 LAT serves to enhance Fc gamma R -induced signal transduction in myeloid cells.