Crosslinking of the T cell-specific accessory molecules CD7 and CD28 modulates T cell adhesion

Regulated adhesion enables T cells to migrate through tissue and transiently interact with an endless succession of cells. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) engagement of the CD3/T cell receptor (TCR) complex results in a rapid and transient augmentation of the adhesion function of LEA-1 and VLA integrin molecules on human T cells. We show in this study that mAb crosslinking of the T cell-specific accessory molecules CD7 and CD28, or treatment with the Ca²⁺ ionophore A23187, results in the rapid induction of integrin-mediated adhesion to three distinct ligands: the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, and the cell surface molecules ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Like CD3 crosslinking, increased adhesion via CD7 and CD28 crosslinking appears to involve both protein kinase C (PKC) and cAMP-dependent protein kinases. In contrast, A23187 induction of adhesion is unaffected by PKC inhibitors. CD7 is preferentially expressed on naive T cells and is unique in being a potent inducer of naive T cell adhesion. Enhanced expression/function of adhesion-inducing molecules thus overcomes relative deficits in adhesion receptor expression.