Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I Molecules Modulate Activation Threshold and Early Signaling of T Cell Antigen Receptor–γ/δ Stimulated by Nonpeptidic Ligands

Killer cell inhibitory receptors and CD94-NKG2-A/B heterodimers are major histocompatibility complex class I–specific inhibitory receptors expressed by natural killer cells, T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-γ/δ cells, and a subset of TCR-α/β cells. We studied the functional interaction between TCR-γ/δ and CD94, this inhibitory receptor being expressed on the majority of γ/δ T cells. When engaged by human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen class I molecules, CD94 downmodulates activation of human TCR-γ/δ by phosphorylated ligands. CD94-mediated inhibition is more effective at low than at high doses of TCR ligand, which may focus T cell responses towards antigen-presenting cells presenting high amounts of antigen. CD94 engagement has major effects on TCR signaling cascade. It facilitates recruitment of SHP-1 phosphatase to TCR–CD3 complex and affects phosphorylation of Lck and ZAP-70 kinase, but not of CD3 ζ chain upon TCR triggering. These events may cause abortion of proximal TCR-mediated signaling and set a higher TCR activation threshold.