Three-Dimensional Model of Sub-Plasmalemmal Ca2+ Microdomains Evoked by T Cell Receptor/CD3 Complex Stimulation

Ca2+ signalling plays an essential role in T cell activation, which is a key step to start an adaptive immune response. During the transition from a quiescent to a fully activated state, Ca2+ microdomains of reduced spatial and temporal extents develop in the junctions between the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These microdomains rely on Ca2+ entry from the extracellular medium, via the ORAI1/STIM1/STIM2 system that mediates store operated Ca2+ entry Store operated calcium entry. The mechanism leading to local store depletion and subsequent Ca2+ entry depends on the activation state of the cells. The initial, smaller microdomains are triggered by D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) signalling in response to T cell adhesion. T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 stimulation then initiates nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate signalling, which activates ryanodine receptors (RYR). We have recently developed a mathematical model to elucidate the spatiotemporal Ca2+ dynamics of the microdomains triggered by IP3 signalling in response to T cell adhesion (Gil et al., 2021). This reaction-diffusion model describes the evolution of the cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ concentrations in a three-dimensional ER-PM junction and was solved using COMSOL Multiphysics. Modelling predicted that adhesion-dependent microdomains result from the concerted activity of IP3 receptors and pre-formed ORAI1-STIM2 complexes. In the present study, we extend this model to include the role of RYRs rapidly after TCR/CD3 stimulation. The involvement of STIM1, which has a lower K-D for Ca2+ than STIM2, is also considered. Detailed 3D spatio-temporal simulations show that these Ca2+ microdomains rely on the concerted opening of similar to 7 RYRs that are simultaneously active in response to the increase in NAADP induced by T cell stimulation. Opening of these RYRs provoke a local depletion of ER Ca2+ that triggers Ca2+ flux through the ORAI1 channels. Simulations predict that RYRs are most probably located around the junction and that the increase in junctional Ca2+ concentration results from the combination between diffusion of Ca2+ released through the RYRs and Ca2+ entry through ORAI1 in the junction. The computational model moreover provides a tool allowing to investigate how Ca2+ microdomains occur, extend and interact in various states of T cell activation.

Automated summary

Ca2+ signaling is crucial for T cell activation and the formation of microdomains that facilitate Ca2+ entry. A mathematical model was developed to investigate the dynamics of Ca2+ microdomains triggered by IP3 signaling and RYR activation. Simulations showed that the opening of RYRs and the influx of Ca2+ through ORAI1 channels contribute to the formation of microdomains during T cell stimulation. The model provides a tool for studying the development and interaction of Ca2+ microdomains in different states of T cell activation.