Calcium flux control by Pacs1-Wdr37 promotes lymphocyte quiescence and lymphoproliferative diseases

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca2+) stores are critical to proteostasis, intracellular signaling, and cellular bioenergetics. Through forward genetic screening in mice, we identified two members of a new complex, Pacs1 and Wdr37, which are required for normal ER Ca2+ handling in lymphocytes. Deletion of Pacs1 or Wdr37 caused peripheral lymphopenia that was linked to blunted Ca2+ release from the ER after antigen receptor stimulation. Pacs1-deficient cells showed diminished inositol triphosphate receptor expression together with increased ER and oxidative stress. Mature Pacs1−/− B cells proliferated and died in vivo under lymphocyte replete conditions, indicating spontaneous loss of cellular quiescence. Disruption of Pacs1-Wdr37 did not diminish adaptive immune responses, but potently suppressed lymphoproliferative disease models by forcing loss of quiescence. Thus, Pacs1-Wdr37 plays a critical role in stabilizing lymphocyte populations through ER Ca2+ handling and presents a new target for lymphoproliferative disease therapy.