Evidence for a molecular complex consisting of Fyb/SLAP, SLP-76, Nck, VASP and WASP that links the actin cytoskeleton to Fcγ receptor signalling during phagocytosis

Phagocytosis by macrophages and neutrophils involves the spatial and temporal reorganisation of the actin-based cytoskeleton at sites of particle ingestion. Local polymerisation of actin filaments supports the protrusion of pseudopodia that eventually engulf the particle. Here we have investigated in detail the cytoskeletal events initiated upon engagement of Fc receptors in macrophages. Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) proteins were recruited to phagosomes forming around opsonised particles in both primary and immortalised macrophages. Not only did the localisation of Ena/VASP proteins coincide, spatially and temporally, with the phagocytosis-induced reorganisation of actin filaments, but their recruitment to the phagocytic cup was required for the remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton, extension of pseudopodia and efficient particle internalisation. We also report that SLP-76, Vav and profilin were recruited to forming phagosomes. Upon induction of phagocytosis, a large molecular complex, consisting in part of Ena/VASP proteins, the Fyn-binding/SLP-76-associated protein (Fyb/SLAP), Src-homology-2 (SH2)-domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP-76), Nck, and the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP), was formed. Our findings suggest that activation of Fcγ receptors triggers two signalling events during phagocytosis: one through Fyb/SLAP that leads to recruitment of VASP and profilin; and another through Nck that promotes the recruitment of WASP. These converge to regulate actin polymerisation, controlling the assembly of actin structures that are essential for the process of phagocytosis.