Three-Dimensional Model of Sub-Plasmalemmal Ca(2+) Microdomains Evoked by T Cell Receptor/CD3 Complex Stimulation

Ca(2+) signalling plays an essential role in T cell activation, which is a key step to start an adaptive immune response. During the transition from a quiescent to a fully activated state, Ca(2+) microdomains of reduced spatial and temporal extents develop in the junctions between the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). These microdomains rely on Ca(2+) entry from the extracellular medium, via the ORAI1/STIM1/STIM2 system that mediates store operated Ca(2+) entry Store operated calcium entry. The mechanism leading to local store depletion and subsequent Ca(2+) entry depends on the activation state of the cells. The initial, smaller microdomains are triggered by D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) signalling in response to T cell adhesion. T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 stimulation then initiates nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate signalling, which activates ryanodine receptors (RYR). We have recently developed a mathematical model to elucidate the spatiotemporal Ca(2+) dynamics of the microdomains triggered by IP(3) signalling in response to T cell adhesion (Gil et al., 2021). This reaction-diffusion model describes the evolution of the cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) concentrations in a three-dimensional ER-PM junction and was solved using COMSOL Multiphysics. Modelling predicted that adhesion-dependent microdomains result from the concerted activity of IP(3) receptors and pre-formed ORAI1-STIM2 complexes. In the present study, we extend this model to include the role of RYRs rapidly after TCR/CD3 stimulation. The involvement of STIM1, which has a lower K(D) for Ca(2+) than STIM2, is also considered. Detailed 3D spatio-temporal simulations show that these Ca(2+) microdomains rely on the concerted opening of ∼7 RYRs that are simultaneously active in response to the increase in NAADP induced by T cell stimulation. Opening of these RYRs provoke a local depletion of ER Ca(2+) that triggers Ca(2+) flux through the ORAI1 channels. Simulations predict that RYRs are most probably located around the junction and that the increase in junctional Ca(2+) concentration results from the combination between diffusion of Ca(2+) released through the RYRs and Ca(2+) entry through ORAI1 in the junction. The computational model moreover provides a tool allowing to investigate how Ca(2+) microdomains occur, extend and interact in various states of T cell activation.