Cutting edge: Fyn is essential for tyrosine phosphorylation of Csk-binding protein/phosphoprotein associated with glycolipid-enriched microdomains in lipid rafts in resting T cells

In resting T cells, Csk is constitutively localized in lipid rafts by virtue of interaction with a phosphorylated adaptor protein, Csk-binding protein (Cbp)/phosphoprotein associated with glycolipid-enriched microdomains, and sets an activation threshold in TCR signaling. In this study, we examined a kinase responsible for Cbp phosphorylation in T cell membrane rafts. By analyzing T cells from Fyn-/- mice, we clearly demonstrated that Fyn, but not Lck, has its kinase activity in membrane rafts, and plays a critical role in Cbp phosphorylation, Cbp-Csk interaction, and Csk kinase activity. Naive CD44(low)CD62 ligand(high) T cells were substantially reduced in Fyn-/- mice, presumably due to the inhibition of Cbp phosphorylation. Thus, Fyn mediates Cbp-Csk interaction and recruits Csk to rafts by phosphorylating Cbp. Csk recruited to rafts would then be activated and inhibit the kinase activity of Lck to keep resting T cells in a quiescent state. Our results elucidate a negative regulatory role for Fyn in proximal TCR signaling in lipid rafts.