SHPS-1 is a scaffold for assembling distinct adhesion-regulated multi-protein complexes in macrophages.

Inhibitory immunoreceptors downregulate signaling by recruiting Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing tyrosine and/or lipid phosphatases to activating receptor complexes [1]. There are indications that some inhibitory receptors might also perform other functions [2] [3]. In adherent macrophages, two inhibitory receptors, SHPS-1 and PIR-B, are the major proteins binding to the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. SHPS-1 also associates with two tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins (pp55 and pp130) and a protein tyrosine kinase [4]. Here, we have identified pp55 and pp130 as the adaptor molecules SKAP55hom/R (Src-kinase-associated protein of 55 kDa homologue) and FYB/SLAP-130 (Fyn-binding protein/SLP-76-associated protein of 130 kDa), respectively, and the tyrosine kinase activity as PYK2. Two distinct SHPS-1 complexes were formed, one containing SKAP55hom/R and FYB/SLAP-130, and the other containing PYK2. Recruitment of FYB/SLAP-130 to SHPS-1 required SKAP55hom/R, whereas PYK2 associated with SHPS-1 independently. Formation of both complexes was independent of SHP-1 and tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1. Finally, tyrosine phosphorylation of members of the SHPS-1 complexes was regulated by integrin-mediated adhesion. Thus, SHPS-1 provides a scaffold for the assembly of multi-protein complexes that might both transmit adhesion-regulated signals and help terminate such signals through SHP-1-directed dephosphorylation. Other inhibitory immunoreceptors might have similar scaffold-like functions.