Frontiers in Immunology (Mar 2018)

Lyn, Lupus, and (B) Lymphocytes, a Lesson on the Critical Balance of Kinase Signaling in Immunity

  • Erica J. Brodie,
  • Simona Infantino,
  • Michael S. Y. Low,
  • Michael S. Y. Low,
  • Michael S. Y. Low,
  • Michael S. Y. Low,
  • David M. Tarlinton

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2018.00401
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9

Abstract

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a progressive autoimmune disease characterized by increased sensitivity to self-antigens, auto-antibody production, and systemic inflammation. B cells have been implicated in disease progression and as such represent an attractive therapeutic target. Lyn is a Src family tyrosine kinase that plays a major role in regulating signaling pathways within B cells as well as other hematopoietic cells. Its role in initiating negative signaling cascades is especially critical as exemplified by Lyn−/− mice developing an SLE-like disease with plasma cell hyperplasia, underscoring the importance of tightly regulating signaling within B cells. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the function of the Src family tyrosine kinase Lyn in B lymphocytes and its contribution to positive and negative signaling pathways that are dysregulated in autoimmunity.

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