Loss of IRF-4-binding protein leads to the spontaneous development of systemic autoimmunity

J Clin Invest. 2006 Mar;116(3):703-14. doi: 10.1172/JCI24096. Epub 2006 Feb 9.

Abstract

IFN regulatory factor 4-binding (IRF-4-binding) protein (IBP) is a novel type of activator of Rho GTPases that is recruited to the immunological synapse upon TCR stimulation. Here we demonstrate that loss of IBP leads to the spontaneous development of a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by the accumulation of effector/memory T cells and IgG+ B cells, profound hypergammaglobulinemia, and autoantibody production. Similar to human SLE, this syndrome primarily affects females. T cells from IBP-deficient mice are resistant to death in vitro as well as in vivo and exhibit selective defects in effector function. In the absence of IBP, T cells respond suboptimally to TCR engagement, as demonstrated by diminished ERK1/2 activation, decreased c-Fos induction, impaired immunological synapse formation, and defective actin polymerization. Transduction of IBP-deficient T cells with a WT IBP protein, but not with an IBP mutant lacking the Dbl-like domain required for Rho GTPase activation, rescues the cytoskeletal defects exhibited by these cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that IBP, a novel regulator of Rho GTPases, is required for optimal T cell effector function, lymphocyte homeostasis, and the prevention of systemic autoimmunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Immunologic Memory / genetics
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / deficiency*
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / genetics*
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors / metabolism*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Nuclear Proteins

Substances

  • DEF6 protein, human
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Interferon Regulatory Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • interferon regulatory factor-4
  • interferon regulatory factor-8