MS4A4B Is a GITR-Associated Membrane Adapter, Expressed by Regulatory T Cells, Which Modulates T Cell Activation

In the aftermath of thymic negative selection, natural and adaptive regulatory T cells (Tregs) must acknowledge peripheral, danger-free self-Ag to ensure their sustained activity. In this paper, we show that natural and adaptive Tregs or T cells transduced with cDNA for Foxp3, just like Th1 cells, express members of the MS4A family of transmembrane molecules. Naive T cells transduced with MS4A4B become able to respond to lower levels of Ag. Using two family members, MS4A4B and MS4A6B, as baits in a yeast split-ubiquitin Treg library screen, we demonstrate their interaction with each other and with GITR, Orail, and other surface receptors. Interaction of 4B with GITR augments GITR signaling and T cell IL-2 production in response to triggering with GITR ligand or anti-GITR Abs. This interaction provides a mechanism whereby MS4A family members, through lateral coassociation with costimulatory molecules, may amplify Ag signals. We propose that T cells preoccupied with immune defense use this MS4A family to enhance sensitivity to extrinsic Ag stimulation, ensuring its elimination, while Tregs use these adaptors to allow low level Ag signals to sustain regulatory function. The Journal of Immunology, 2009, 183: 4197-4204.