<p>T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critically dependent on the Src-family kinase Lck, whose activation is tightly regulated both spatially and conformationally during antigen recognition. Here, we employ an improved second-generation FRET-based biosensor (TqLckV2.3) to visualize Lck conformational dynamics in live T cells with high spatial resolution. Upon TCR engagement, we observe a paradoxical increase in whole-cell FRET signal, which immunolabeling reveals to be due to selective internalization of inactive Lck (pY<sup>505</sup>), while active Lck (pY<sup>394</sup>) remains membrane-associated and enriched at the immune synapse (IS). Using CD8α mutants that disrupt Lck binding, we demonstrate that free Lck undergoes more pronounced conformational activation than CD8-bound Lck. Furthermore, we show that C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) preferentially phosphorylates free Lck at Y<sup>505</sup>, while CD45 suppresses its activation via dephosphorylation of Y<sup>394</sup>, suggesting a dual regulatory mechanism that maintains free Lck in an inactive state under resting conditions. High-resolution imaging confirms sustained activation of Lck at the IS and transient inactivation at the periphery, revealing a spatially confined signaling architecture. These findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism involving selective internalization and spatial segregation of Lck conformations and establish TqLckV2.3 as a powerful tool for dissecting TCR signaling dynamics.</p>

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Spatial regulation of Lck activation at the CD8 immune synapse revealed by a FRET-Based biosensor

  • Clara Meana,
  • Gonzalo San-José,
  • María A. Balboa,
  • Javier Casas

摘要

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is critically dependent on the Src-family kinase Lck, whose activation is tightly regulated both spatially and conformationally during antigen recognition. Here, we employ an improved second-generation FRET-based biosensor (TqLckV2.3) to visualize Lck conformational dynamics in live T cells with high spatial resolution. Upon TCR engagement, we observe a paradoxical increase in whole-cell FRET signal, which immunolabeling reveals to be due to selective internalization of inactive Lck (pY505), while active Lck (pY394) remains membrane-associated and enriched at the immune synapse (IS). Using CD8α mutants that disrupt Lck binding, we demonstrate that free Lck undergoes more pronounced conformational activation than CD8-bound Lck. Furthermore, we show that C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) preferentially phosphorylates free Lck at Y505, while CD45 suppresses its activation via dephosphorylation of Y394, suggesting a dual regulatory mechanism that maintains free Lck in an inactive state under resting conditions. High-resolution imaging confirms sustained activation of Lck at the IS and transient inactivation at the periphery, revealing a spatially confined signaling architecture. These findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism involving selective internalization and spatial segregation of Lck conformations and establish TqLckV2.3 as a powerful tool for dissecting TCR signaling dynamics.