The p95-100 kDa ligand of the T cell-specific adaptor (TSAd) protein Src-homology-2 (SH2) domain implicated in TSAd nuclear import is p97 Valosin-containing protein (VCP).

T cell-specific adapter protein (TSAd) is required for normal T cell antigen receptor (TCR)-induced transcription of cytokine genes in T cells. How TSAd controls cytokine transcription is unknown. Previously, we have shown that TSAd is actively transported to the nucleus of T cells suggesting that this adapter may in part function within this cellular compartment. Nuclear translocation of TSAd is dependent upon an intact Src-homology-2 (SH2) domain and a p95-100 kDa ligand of the SH2 domain has been implicated in nuclear import. Here, using microchemical techniques, we identify p95-100 as p97 Valosin-containing protein (VCP) whose homolog in yeast is the cell division control protein, CDC48. Physical interaction between TSAd and VCP can be demonstrated between endogenous proteins in T cells. Interaction is direct and is dependent upon phosphorylation of tyrosine residue 805 of VCP that has been previously recognized as a major target of tyrosine kinase(s) involved in TCR signaling. Significantly, with the use of CDC48 mutant yeast, we demonstrate that VCP/CDC48 is required for transport of TSAd into the eukaryotic nucleus. These findings provide important insights into the mechanism of TSAd nuclear import and the role of TSAd in T cell signal transduction.