SIRPα sequesters SHP-2 to promote IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and the alternative activation of macrophages.

The cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 bind to their shared receptor subunit IL-4Rα to direct the alternative activation of macrophages to promote immunosuppression and wound healing. Activated IL-4 and IL-13 receptors recruit the tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2, which dephosphorylate and inhibit the IL-4Rα subunit. Here, we report that the immunoreceptor SIRPα spatially restricted SHP-2 to promote IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and the alternative activation of macrophages. This effect required the cytoplasmic ITIMs or ITSMs of SIRPα, which underwent tyrosine phosphorylation by Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) that was activated in response to IL-4 and IL-13. This phosphorylation event resulted in the recruitment of SHP-2 to SIRPα and prevented it from binding to and inhibiting IL-4R and IL-13R. Binding of the ligand CD47 to the SIRPα extracellular domain promoted the Btk-mediated phosphorylation of the SIRPα cytoplasmic domain and hence SHP-2 sequestration. Conversely, loss of SIRPα enabled SHP-2 to bind to the γC and IL-13Rα1 subunits of IL-4R and IL-13R, respectively, and dephosphorylate IL-4Rα, dampening its signaling. Impaired wound healing in Sirpα−/− mice with experimental colitis correlated with a deficit of immunosuppressive macrophages in the colon, a condition that was corrected by transfusion of ex vivo­produced, alternatively activated SIRPαhigh macrophages. These studies reveal a previously unappreciated role for SIRPα in promoting IL-4 and IL-13 signaling and reveal the mechanistic basis by which SIRPα enhances the alternative activation of macrophages.