SH3BP2 Deficiency Ameliorates Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

The adaptor protein Src homology 3 domain-binding protein 2 (SH3BP2) is widely expressed in immune cells. It controls intracellular signaling pathways. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of SH3BP2 in a murine systemic lupus erythematosus model.

For the lupus model, we used Fas mice. Clinical and immunological phenotypes were compared between Fas and SH3BP2-deficient Fas mice. Splenomegaly and renal involvement were assessed. Lymphocyte subsets in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. To examine the role of SH3BP2 in specific cells, B cell-specific SH3BP2-deficient lupus mice were analyzed; T cells and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and macrophages were analyzed in vitro.

SH3BP2 deficiency significantly reduced lupus-like phenotypes, presented as splenomegaly, renal involvement, elevated serum anti-dsDNA antibody, and increased splenic B220⁺CD4^-CD8^- T cells. Notably, SH3BP2 deficiency in B cells did not rescue the lupus-like phenotypes. Furthermore, SH3BP2 deficiency did not substantially affect the characteristics of T cells and macrophages in vitro. Interestingly, SH3BP2 deficiency suppressed the differentiation of dendritic cells in vitro and reduced the number of dendritic cells in the spleen of the lupus-prone mice.

SH3BP2 deficiency ameliorated lupus-like manifestations. Modulating SH3BP2 expression could thus provide a novel therapeutic approach to autoimmune diseases.