Lnk/Sh2b3 controls the production and function of dendritic cells and regulates the induction of IFN-γ-producing T cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are proficient APCs that play crucial roles in the immune responses to various Ags and pathogens and polarize Th cell immune responses. Lnk/SH2B adaptor protein 3 (Sh2b3) is an intracellular adaptor protein that regulates B lymphopoiesis, megakaryopoiesis, and expansion of hematopoietic stem cells by constraining cytokine signals. Recent genome-wide association studies have revealed a link between polymorphism in this adaptor protein and autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes and celiac disease. We found that Lnk/Sh2b3 was also expressed in DCs and investigated its role in the production and function of DC lineage cells. In Lnk−/− mice, DC numbers were increased in the spleen and lymph nodes, and growth responses of bone marrow–derived DCs to GM-CSF were augmented. Mature DCs from Lnk−/− mice were hypersensitive and showed enhanced responses to IL-15 and GM-CSF. Compared to normal DCs, Lnk−/− DCs had enhanced abilities to support the differentiation of IFN-γ–producing Th1 cells from naive CD4+ T cells. This was due to their elevated expression of IL-12Rβ1 and increased production of IFN-γ. Lnk−/− DCs supported the appearance of IFN-γ–producing T cells even under conditions in which normal DCs supported induction of regulatory T cells. These results indicated that Lnk/Sh2b3 plays a regulatory role in the expansion of DCs and might influence inflammatory immune responses in peripheral lymphoid tissues.