LAT Gene

LAT (LAT stands for "Linker For Activation Of T Cells") is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 16q13. The protein encoded by this gene is phosphorylated by ZAP-70/Syk protein tyrosine kinases after activation of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling pathway.

The LAT transmembrane protein localizes to "lipid rafts" and functions as a docking site for SH2 domain-containing proteins. Upon phosphorylation, this protein recruits multiple adaptor proteins and downstream signaling molecules into multimolecular signaling complexes located near the TCR binding site.The protein is involved in FCGR3 (low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc region receptor III)-mediated signaling in natural killer cells and FCER1 (high affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor)-mediated signaling in mast cells. Couples activation of these receptors and their associated kinases with distal intracellular events such as mobilization of intracellular calcium stores.

Disease: Diseases associated with LAT include: Immunodeficiency 52 (OMIM: 617514).

1. Bacchelli C et al. (2017) Mutations in linker for activation of T cells (LAT) lead to a novel form of severe combined immunodeficiency. J Allergy Clin Immun 139: 634-642.
2. Keller B et al (2016) Early onset combined immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in patients with loss-of-function mutation in LAT. J Exp Med 213: 1185-1199.
3. Sommers CL et al (2002) LAT mutation that inhibits T cell development yet induces lymphoproliferation. Science 296: 2040-2043.