Fyn kinase is required for optimal humoral responses

PLoS One. 2013 Apr 8;8(4):e60640. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060640. Print 2013.

Abstract

The generation of antigen-specific antibodies and the development of immunological memory require collaboration between B and T cells. T cell-secreted IL-4 is important for B cell survival, isotype switch to IgG1 and IgE, affinity maturation, and the development of germinal centers (GC). Fyn, a member of the Src family tyrosine kinase, is widely expressed in many cell types, including lymphocytes. This kinase is known to interact with both the B cell and T cell receptor (BCR and TCR, respectively). While Fyn deletion does not impair the development of immature T cells and B cells, TCR signaling is altered in mature T cells. The current study demonstrates that Fyn deficient (KO) B cells have impaired IL-4 signaling. Fyn KO mice displayed low basal levels of IgG1, IgE and IgG2c, and delayed antigen-specific IgG1 and IgG2b production, with a dramatic decrease in antigen-specific IgG2c following immunization with a T-dependent antigen. Defects in antibody production correlated with significantly reduced numbers of GC B cells, follicular T helper cells (TFH), and splenic plasma cells (PC). Taken together, our data demonstrate that Fyn kinase is required for optimal humoral responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / metabolism
  • Cell Count
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Germinal Center / cytology
  • Germinal Center / immunology
  • Immunity, Humoral*
  • Interleukin-4 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Plasma Cells / cytology
  • Plasma Cells / immunology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn / deficiency
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Interleukin-4
  • Fyn protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fyn