The kinases aurora B and mTOR regulate the G1-S cell cycle progression of T lymphocytes

CD28-deficient T cells arrest at the G1-S transition of the cell cycle. Here we show that this is controlled by the kinase aurora B, which exists in a complex with survivin and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Expression of aurora B in Cd28^-/- T cells augmented phosphorylation of mTOR substrates, expression of cyclin A, hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein and activation of cyclin-dependent kinases 1 and 2 and promoted cell cycle progression. Interleukin 2 enhanced aurora B activity, and inactive aurora B prevented interleukin 2-induced proliferation. Moreover, expression of aurora B restored Cd28^-/- T cell proliferation and promoted inflammation in vivo. These data identify aurora B, along with survivin and mTOR, as a regulator of the G1-S checkpoint in T cells.