Project description:Patients with the dedicator of cytokinesis 8 (DOCK8) immunodeficiency syndrome suffer from recurrent viral and bacterial infections, hyper-immunoglobulin E levels, eczema, and greater susceptibility to cancer. Because natural killer T (NKT) cells have been implicated in these diseases, we asked if these cells were affected by DOCK8 deficiency. Using a mouse model, we found that DOCK8 deficiency resulted in impaired NKT cell development, principally affecting the formation and survival of long-lived, differentiated NKT cells. In the thymus, DOCK8-deficient mice lack a terminally differentiated subset of NK1.1(+) NKT cells expressing the integrin CD103, whereas in the liver, DOCK8-deficient NKT cells express reduced levels of the prosurvival factor B-cell lymphoma 2 and the integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1. Although the initial NKT cell response to antigen is intact in the absence of DOCK8, their ongoing proliferative and cytokine responses are impaired. Importantly, a similar defect in NKT cell numbers was detected in DOCK8-deficient humans, highlighting the relevance of the mouse model. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that DOCK8 is required for the development and survival of mature NKT cells, consistent with the idea that DOCK8 mediates survival signals within a specialized niche. Accordingly, impaired NKT cell numbers and function are likely to contribute to the susceptibility of DOCK8-deficient patients to recurrent infections and malignant disease.
Project description:Analysis of DOCK8 deficient animals revealed a novel marker of NKT cell development, the integrin CD103. The role of CD103 was further investigated by RNA microarray comparing CD103 negative versus positive NKT cells. Total RNA was extracted from 3 biological replicates of thymic, CD103positive NKT cells and compared using an Illumina microarray to CD103negative NKT cells.
Project description:Analysis of DOCK8 deficient animals revealed a key role for this protein the survival and maintenance of natural killer T cells. This work lead to the identification of genes regulated by the guanine exchange factor, DOCK8. Total RNA was extracted from 3 biological replicates of thymic, DOCK8 deficient NKT cells and compared using an Illumina microarray to WT NKT cells.
Project description:Analysis of DOCK8 deficient animals revealed a key role for this protein the survival and maintenance of natural killer T cells. This work lead to the identification of genes regulated by the guanine exchange factor, DOCK8.
Project description:Analysis of DOCK8 deficient animals revealed a novel marker of NKT cell development, the integrin CD103. The role of CD103 was further investigated by RNA microarray comparing CD103 negative versus positive NKT cells.