CD22 interactome

CD22 (Siglec-2) is a member of the Siglec family. It is an inhibitory co-receptor of the B-cell-receptor (BCR) and inhibits B–cell activation. Upon BCR stimulation ITIMs in the cytoplasmic tail of CD22 are phosphorylated. This triggers CD22 signalling pathways, which lead to a decreased calcium mobilization in the B cell and thus an inhibition of BCR signalling. Although some CD22 binding partners, such as the phosphatase SHP-1, have already been identified, we deciphered the CD22 interactome in more detail, to gain a deeper understanding of CD22 molecular mechanisms and signalling events after BCR activation. Stable isotope labelling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) in combination with mass spectrometry analysis enabled the identification of specific CD22 interaction partners in a quantitative proteomics approach. Hereby, several new CD22 associated proteins were identified that have not been linked to CD22 yet. One of those interacting proteins is cullin 3, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. It was revealed that cullin 3 is important for clathrin-dependent CD22 internalization after BCR stimulation and CD22 surface expression. Further analysis of B-cell specific cullin 3 deficient mice showed an important role of cullin 3 in B cell development. These mice have strongly reduced numbers of mature B cells in the periphery, which are characterized by increased CD22 expression and additionally by pre-activated and apoptotic phenotypes.