A complex of Neuroplastin and Plasma Membrane Ca2+ ATPase controls T cell activation

The outcome of T cell activation is determined by mechanisms that balance Ca2+ influx and clearance. Here we report that murine CD4 T cells lacking Neuroplastin (Nptn(-/-)), an immunoglobulin superfamily protein, display elevated cytosolic Ca2+ and impaired post-stimulation Ca2+ clearance, along with increased nuclear levels of NFAT transcription factor and enhanced T cell receptor-induced cytokine production. On the molecular level, we identified plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs) as the main interaction partners of Neuroplastin. PMCA levels were reduced by over 70% in Nptn(-/-) T cells, suggesting an explanation for altered Ca2+ handling. Supporting this, Ca2+ extrusion was impaired while Ca2+ levels in internal stores were increased. T cells heterozygous for PMCA1 mimicked the phenotype of Nptn(-/-) T cells. Consistent with sustained Ca2+ levels, differentiation of Nptn(-/-) T helper cells was biased towards the Th1 versus Th2 subset. Our study thus establishes Neuroplastin-PMCA modules as important regulators of T cell activation.