Activation of JAK/STAT signaling by IFN-γ requires partitioning of IFN-γR into specific lipid nanodomains at the plasma membrane. Using IFN-γR as a proxy, we investigated the role of actin dynamics in the formation and organization of lipid nanodomains, a process that remains poorly understood. We identified formin Dia2/DIAPH3 as a specific and RhoA -dependent regulator of IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT signaling. Based on lipidomics and specific probes enabling membrane lipid imaging by super resolution microscopy, we demonstrate that Dia2 is required for proper assembly of sphingomyelin and cholesterol lipid complexes. Finally, we show that the disorganization of lipid nanodomains induced by Dia2 depletion results in drastic changes in nano-partitioning and activity of other membrane proteins, such as Thy1 and PD-L1. Our data establish, therefore, the central role of the RhoA-Dia2 axis in the regulation of IFN-γ induced JAK/STAT signaling, and more broadly, in the nanoscale organization of the plasma membrane.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs or neutrophils) are the most prominent cellular component of the innate immune system in humans and produce an array of potent cytotoxic molecules. It is important that neutrophils undergo constitutive (spontaneous) apoptosis as a mechanism to facilitate normal cell turnover and immune system homeostasis. Conversely, several proinflammatory cytokines, including granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), prolong neutrophil survival. The molecular mechanisms that regulate PMN apoptosis or survival remain incompletely defined. To that end, we compared global gene expression in human neutrophils during spontaneous apoptosis with that in cells cultured with human GM-CSF. Genes encoding proteins that inhibit apoptosis, such as myeloid cell leukemia sequence 1, caspase 8 and Fas-associated via death domain-like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR), B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL2)/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa-interacting protein 2 (BNIP2), and serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase (SGK), were down-regulated coincident with neutrophil apoptosis. In contrast, those encoding apoptosis inhibitor 5, BCL2-like 1, BNIP2, CFLAR, SGK, and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 8 were up-regulated in PMNs cultured with GM-CSF. Correspondingly, GM-CSF delayed PMN apoptosis (P<0.03), increased cell viability (P<0.03), and prolonged neutrophil phagocytic capacity (P<0.05). Prolonged functional capacity was paralleled by striking up-regulation of proinflammatory genes and proteins, including CD14, CD24, CD66, and human leukocyte antigen-DR. In addition, expression of SGK protein diminished during PMN apoptosis but was restored by culture with GM-CSF, suggesting SGK is involved in leukocyte survival. These studies provide a global view of the molecular events that regulate neutrophil survival and apoptosis.