Membrane prohibitin forms a dynamic complex with p56lck to regulate T cell receptor signaling.

Prohibitin is a highly conserved ubiquitously expressed protein involved in several key cellular functions. Targeting of this protein in the membrane by the virulence polysaccharide, Vi, of human typhoid-causing pathogen, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), results in suppression of IL-2 secretion from T cells activated through the T-cell receptor (TCR). However, the mechanism of this suppression remains unclear. Here, using Vi as a probe, we show that membrane prohibitin associates with the src-tyrosine kinase, p56lck (Lck), and actin in human model T cell line, Jurkat. Activation with anti-CD3 antibody brings about dissociation of this complex, which coincides with downstream ERK activation. The trimolecular complex reappears towards culmination of proximal TCR signaling. Engagement of cells with Vi prevents TCR-triggered activation of Lck and ERK by inhibiting dissociation of the former from prohibitin. These findings suggest a regulatory role for membrane prohibitin in Lck activation and TCR signaling.

The virulence polysaccharide Vi released by Salmonella Typhi targets membrane prohibitin to inhibit T-cell activation.

T cells are critical to immunity against pathogenic Salmonella including Salmonella Typhi which causes systemic infection, typhoid, in humans. The strategies that this pathogen employs to keep T-cell mediated immune responses in check during establishment of systemic infection are not completely understood. Here, we show that the virulence polysaccharide Vi, which distinguishes S. Typhi from localized gastroenteritis-producing nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars, is a potent inhibitor of T-cell activation. Vi released by S. Typhi interacts with the membrane prohibitin complex and inhibits IL-2 secretion from T cells stimulated through the T-cell receptor (TCR) but does not affect PMA-activated interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion. Treatment with Vi suppresses early activation events including TCR down-regulation, actin polymerization, and phosphorylation of ERK. Coadministration of Vi with anti-CD3 Ab reduces secretion of IL-2 and interferon γ in mice. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which S. Typhi may target T-cell immunity during establishment of typhoid.