Selective Janus kinase inhibition preserves interferon-λ-mediated antiviral responses.

Inflammatory diseases are frequently treated with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors to diminish cytokine signaling. These treatments can lead to inadvertent immune suppression and may increase the risk of viral infection. Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is a JAK family member required for efficient type I interferon (IFN-α/ß) signaling. We report here that selective TYK2 inhibition preferentially blocked potentially detrimental type I IFN signaling, whereas IFN-λ-mediated responses were largely preserved. In contrast, the clinically used JAK1/2 inhibitor baricitinib was equally potent in blocking IFN-α/ß- or IFN-λ-driven responses. Mechanistically, we showed that epithelial cells did not require TYK2 for IFN-λ-mediated signaling or antiviral protection. TYK2 deficiency diminished IFN-α-induced protection against lethal influenza virus infection in mice but did not impair IFN-λ-mediated antiviral protection. Our findings suggest that selective TYK2 inhibitors used in place of broadly acting JAK1/2 inhibitors may represent a superior treatment option for type I interferonopathies to counteract inflammatory responses while preserving antiviral protection mediated by IFN-λ.

Insights into pathogenesis and clinical implications in myositis-associated interstitial lung diseases.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) have been reported to be associated with myositis (including polymyositis and dermatomyositis). These myositis-associated ILDs carry significant morbidity and mortality. This review summarizes recent findings on myositis-associated ILD with a focus on pathogenesis and emerging treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in genetics have revealed 22 myositis-associated genome-wide loci, which were significantly enriched in regulatory regions in immune cells. An analysis of such disease-associated loci elucidated potential drug targets (e.g., TYK2 targeted by tofacitinib). In another study, an intronic variant in WDFY4 in association with clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) had an effect for higher expression of a truncated WDFY4 isoform. Truncated WDFY4 markedly enhanced the MDA5-mediated NF-κB activation and cell apoptosis, indicating the dysregulated WDFY4-MDA5 pathway as a novel pathogenesis of CADM. As a novel strategy, tofacitinib treatment showed a promising improvement in survival and clinical features of CADM-associated ILD. SUMMARY: The genetic differences in the myositis-susceptible loci may explain the heterogeneous phenotypes and treatment responses in myositis-associated ILD. The understanding of pathogenesis with the genetic background as well as autoantibodies will enable the practice of personalized treatment in the management of the disease.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Tegument Protein BGLF2 Suppresses Type I Interferon Signaling To Promote EBV Reactivation.

Interferon alpha (IFN-α) and IFN-ß are type I IFNs that are induced by virus infection and are important in the host's innate antiviral response. EBV infection activates multiple cell signaling pathways, resulting in the production of type I IFN which inhibits EBV infection and virus-induced B-cell transformation. We reported previously that EBV tegument protein BGLF2 activates p38 and enhances EBV reactivation. To further understand the role of BGLF2 in EBV infection, we used mass spectrometry to identify cellular proteins that interact with BGLF2. We found that BGLF2 binds to Tyk2 and confirmed this interaction by coimmunoprecipitation. BGLF2 blocked type I IFN-induced Tyk2, STAT1, and STAT3 phosphorylation and the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) IRF1, IRF7, and MxA. In contrast, BGLF2 did not inhibit STAT1 phosphorylation induced by IFN-γ. Deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 66 amino acids of BGLF2 reduced the ability of the protein to repress type I IFN signaling. Treatment of gastric carcinoma and Raji cells with IFN-α blocked BZLF1 expression and EBV reactivation; however, expression of BGLF2 reduced the ability of IFN-α to inhibit BZLF1 expression and enhanced EBV reactivation. In summary, EBV BGLF2 interacts with Tyk2, inhibiting Tyk2, STAT1, and STAT3 phosphorylation and impairs type I IFN signaling; BGLF2 also counteracts the ability of IFN-α to suppress EBV reactivation.IMPORTANCE Type I interferons are important for controlling virus infection. We have found that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BGLF2 tegument protein binds to a protein in the type I interferon signaling pathway Tyk2 and inhibits the expression of genes induced by type I interferons. Treatment of EBV-infected cells with type I interferon inhibits reactivation of the virus, while expression of EBV BGLF2 reduces the ability of type I interferon to inhibit virus reactivation. Thus, a tegument protein delivered to cells during virus infection inhibits the host's antiviral response and promotes virus reactivation of latently infected cells. Therefore, EBV BGLF2 might protect virus-infected cells from the type I interferon response in cells undergoing lytic virus replication.

Organic dust induces inflammatory gene expression in lung epithelial cells via ROS-dependent STAT-3 activation.

Exposure to dust in agricultural and animal environments, known as organic dust, is associated with the development of respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases. Inflammation is a key feature of lung pathologies associated with organic dust exposure, and exposure to organic dust induces the expression of several immune and inflammatory mediators. However, information on transcription factors and cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the production of immune and inflammatory mediators induced by organic dust is limited. In this study, we have identified STAT-3 as an important transcription factor controlling the induction of expression of immune and inflammatory mediators by poultry dust extracts in airway epithelial cells and in mouse lungs and delineated the cellular pathway for STAT-3 activation. Poultry dust extract activated STAT-3 phosphorylation in Beas2B and normal human bronchial epithelial cells and in mouse lungs. Chemical inhibition and siRNA knockdown of STAT-3 suppressed induction of immune and inflammatory mediator expression. Antioxidants suppressed the increase of STAT-3 phosphorylation induced by poultry dust extract indicating that oxidative stress [elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels] is important for the activation. Chemical inhibition and siRNA knockdown experiments demonstrated that STAT-3 activation is dependent on the activation of nonreceptor tyrosine-protein kinase 2 (TYK2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinases. Our studies show that poultry dust extract controls the induction of immune and inflammatory mediator expression via a cellular pathway involving oxidative stress-mediated STAT-3 activation by TYK2 and EGFR tyrosine kinases.

NK Cells Require Cell-Extrinsic and -Intrinsic TYK2 for Full Functionality in Tumor Surveillance and Antibacterial Immunity.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is a widely expressed receptor-associated kinase that is involved in signaling by a variety of cytokines with important immune regulatory activities. Absence of TYK2 in mice results in impaired NK cell maturation and antitumor activity, although underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Using conditional ablation of TYK2 in NK cells we show that TYK2 is required for IFN-γ production by NK cells in response to IL-12 and for an efficient immune defense against Listeria monocytogenes Deletion of TYK2 in NK cells did not impact NK cell maturation and IFN-γ production upon NK cell activating receptor (actR) stimulation. Similarly, NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance was unimpaired upon deletion of TYK2 in NK cells only. In line with the previously reported maturation-associated Ifng promoter demethylation, the less mature phenotype of Tyk2-/- NK cells correlated with an increased CpG methylation at the Ifng locus. Treatment with the DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine restored the ability of Tyk2-/- NK cells to produce IFN-γ upon actR but not upon IL-12 stimulation. NK cell maturation was dependent on the presence of TYK2 in dendritic cells and could be rescued in Tyk2-deficient mice by treatment with exogenous IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes. IL-15 treatment also rescued the in vitro cytotoxicity defect and the impaired actR-induced IFN-γ production of Tyk2-/- NK cells. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence, to our knowledge, for a key role of TYK2 in the host environment in promoting NK cell maturation and antitumor activity.

Re-evaluation of IL-10 signaling reveals novel insights on the contribution of the intracellular domain of the IL-10R2 chain.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis. IL-10-mediated responses are triggered upon binding to a heterodimeric receptor complex consisting of IL-10 receptor (IL-10R)1 and IL-10R2. Engagement of the IL-10R complex activates the intracellular kinases Jak1 and Tyk2, but the exact roles of IL-10R2 and IL-10R2-associated signaling via Tyk2 remain unclear. To elucidate the contribution of IL-10R2 and its signaling to IL-10 activity, we re-evaluated IL-10-mediated responses on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, macrophages and mast cells. By using bone marrow from IL-10R-/- mice it was revealed that IL-10-mediated responses depend on both IL-10R1 and IL-10R2 in all three cell types. On the contrary, bone marrow-derived cells from Tyk2-/- mice showed similar responses to IL-10 as wild-type cells, indicating that signaling via this IL-10R2-associated kinase only plays a limited role. Tyk2 was shown to control the amplitude of STAT3 activation and the up-regulation of downstream SOCS3 expression. SOCS3 up-regulation was found to be cell-type dependent and correlated with the lack of early suppression of LPS-induced TNF-α in dendritic cells. Further investigation of the IL-10R complex revealed that both the extracellular and intracellular domains of IL-10R2 influence the conformation of IL-10R1 and that both domains were required for transducing IL-10 signals. This observation highlights a novel role for the intracellular domain of IL-10R2 in the molecular mechanisms of IL-10R activation.

Tyrosine kinase 2 - Surveillant of tumours and bona fide oncogene.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK) family, which transduces cytokine and growth factor signalling. Analysis of TYK2 loss-of-function revealed its important role in immunity to infection, (auto-) immunity and (auto-) inflammation. TYK2-deficient patients unravelled high similarity between mice and men with respect to cellular signalling functions and basic immunology. Genome-wide association studies link TYK2 to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as carcinogenesis. Due to its cytokine signalling functions TYK2 was found to be essential in tumour surveillance. Lately TYK2 activating mutants and fusion proteins were detected in patients diagnosed with leukaemic diseases suggesting that TYK2 is a potent oncogene. Here we review the cell intrinsic and extrinsic functions of TYK2 in the characteristics preventing and enabling carcinogenesis. In addition we describe an unexpected function of kinase-inactive TYK2 in tumour rejection.

Tyrosine kinase 2 is not limiting human antiviral type III interferon responses.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) associates with interferon (IFN) alpha receptor, IL-10 receptor (IL-10R) beta and other cytokine receptor subunits for signal transduction, in response to various cytokines, including type-I and type-III IFNs, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-23. Data on TYK2 dependence on cytokine responses and in vivo consequences of TYK2 deficiency are inconsistent. We investigated a TYK2 deficient patient, presenting with eczema, skin abscesses, respiratory infections and IgE levels >1000 U/mL, without viral or mycobacterial infections and a corresponding cellular model to analyze the role of TYK2 in type-III IFN mediated responses and NK-cell function. We established a novel simple diagnostic monocyte assay to show that the mutation completely abolishes the IFN-α mediated antiviral response. It also partly reduces IL-10 but not IL-6 mediated signaling associated with reduced IL-10Rß expression. However, we found almost normal type-III IFN signaling associated with minimal impairment of virus control in a TYK2 deficient human cell line. Contrary to observations in TYK2 deficient mice, NK-cell phenotype and function, including IL-12/IL-18 mediated responses, were normal in the patient. Thus, preserved type-III IFN responses and normal NK-cell function may contribute to antiviral protection in TYK2 deficiency leading to a surprisingly mild human phenotype.

Primary Immunodeficiencies with Elevated IgE.

In recent years a number of primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) characterized by elevated Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels have been uncovered and termed as Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES). In addition to the elevated levels of IgE, patients with these PIDs display a spectrum of infections by staphylococci and fungi, and in some cases viruses, particularly affecting skin and lungs. Most of these PIDs also have a non-infectious phenotype, comprising musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological abnormalities. The genetic basis for the majority of conditions with elevated IgE has now been established and includes mutations in STAT3, DOCK8, TYK2, and most recently PGM3 molecules. However, in some patients with the relevant phenotype, mutations in these molecules are not identified, suggesting additional genetic etiologies of HIES not yet discovered. As the immunological and molecular basis of HIES is being unraveled, important insights are emerging that may have implications for our understanding of basic principles of immunology and protective immunity as well as for the pathogenesis and clinical management of patients with these complex and challenging PIDs. In this review, are presented the current knowledge on the clinical presentation, infectious phenotype, and the genetic and immunological pathogenesis of hyper-IgE syndromes as well as some other PIDs with elevated levels of IgE.

STS-1 promotes IFN-α induced autophagy by activating the JAK1-STAT1 signaling pathway in B cells.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the overexpression of IFN-α. IFN-α induces autophagy via the JAK1-STAT1 signaling pathway, contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE. Recent studies reported that B cells from patients with SLE and NZB/W F1 mice had enhanced autophagy activity; however, the mechanism still remains unknown. Here, we show that the protein tyrosine phosphatase STS-1 (suppressor of T-cell receptor signaling 1) was significantly overexpressed in B cells from patients with SLE and MRL/lpr mice. Notably, STS-1 promoted IFN-α-induced autophagy in B cells by enhancing the JAK1-STAT1 signaling activation. STS-1 inhibited the phosphorylation of the E3 ubiquitin protein ligase c-cbl, and subsequently promoted IFN-α-induced phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase 2, leading to JAK1-STAT1 signaling activation. Furthermore, STAT1 and JAK1 inhibitors blocked the IFN-α-induced autophagy promoted by STS-1, indicating that STS-1 promotes IFN-α-induced autophagy via the JAK1-STAT1 signaling. Our results demonstrate the importance of STS-1 in regulating IFN-α-induced autophagy in B cells, and this could be used as a therapeutic approach to treat SLE.

Tyk2 is a therapeutic target for psoriasis-like skin inflammation.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2), a member of the Jak kinase family, mediates signals triggered by various cytokines, which are related to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. In this study, we investigated the role of Tyk2 in IL-23-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. Tyk2(-/-) mice when injected with IL-23 showed significantly reduced ear skin swelling with epidermal hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with wild-type mice. In addition, Tyk2 deficiency reduced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and psoriasis-relevant anti-microbial peptides. More noteworthy is that Tyk2 directly regulated IL-22-dependent inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia. Taken together with the inhibition of IL-23-induced inflammation by treatment with neutralizing antibodies against IL-17 or IL-22, Tyk2 participates in both IL-23 and IL-22 signal transduction to mediate psoriasis-like skin inflammation. On the basis of these findings, we demonstrated for the first time that a small-molecule Tyk2 inhibitor significantly inhibited IL-23-induced inflammation and cytokine production in the skin. These observations demonstrate the important role of Tyk2 in experimental skin inflammation and indicate the therapeutic potential of Tyk2 inhibition in human psoriasis.

Luteolin sensitizes the antiproliferative effect of interferon α/ß by activation of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway signaling through protein kinase A-mediated inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 in cancer cells.

New negative regulators of interferon (IFN) signaling, preferably with tissue specificity, are needed to develop therapeutic means to enhance the efficacy of type I IFNs (IFN-α/ß) and reduce their side effects. We conducted cell-based screening for IFN signaling enhancer and discovered that luteolin, a natural flavonoid, sensitized the antiproliferative effect of IFN-α in hepatoma HepG2 cells and cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. Luteolin promoted IFN-ß-induced Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation by enhancing the phosphorylation of Jak1, Tyk2, and STAT1/2, thereby promoting STAT1 accumulation in the nucleus and endogenous IFN-α-regulated gene expression. Of interest, inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE) abolished the effect of IFN-ß and luteolin on STAT1 phosphorylation. Luteolin also increased the cAMP-degrading activity of PDE bound with type I interferon receptor 2 (IFNAR2) and decreased the intracellular cAMP level, indicating that luteolin may act on the JAK/STAT pathway via PDE. Protein kinase A (PKA) was found to negatively regulate IFN-ß-induced JAK/STAT signaling, and its inhibitory effect was counteracted by luteolin. Pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays revealed that type II PKA interacted with IFNAR2 via the receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (RACK-1), and such interaction was inhibited by luteolin. Src homology domain 2 containing tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) was further found to mediate the inhibitory effect of PKA on the JAK/STAT pathway. These data suggest that PKA/PDE-mediated cAMP signaling, integrated by RACK-1 to IFNAR2, may negatively regulate IFN signaling through SHP-2. Inhibition of this signaling may provide a new way to sensitize the efficacy of IFN-α/ß.

Two rare disease-associated Tyk2 variants are catalytically impaired but signaling competent.

Tyk2 belongs to the Janus protein tyrosine kinase family and is involved in signaling of immunoregulatory cytokines (type I and III IFNs, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 families) via its interaction with shared receptor subunits. Depending on the receptor complex, Tyk2 is coactivated with either Jak1 or Jak2, but a detailed molecular characterization of the interplay between the two enzymes is missing. In human populations, the Tyk2 gene presents high levels of genetic diversity with >100 nonsynonymous variants being detected. In this study, we characterized two rare Tyk2 variants, I684S and P1104A, which have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Specifically, we measured their in vitro catalytic activity and their ability to mediate Stat activation in fibroblasts and genotyped B cell lines. Both variants were found to be catalytically impaired but rescued signaling in response to IFN-α/ß, IL-6, and IL-10. These data, coupled with functional study of an engineered Jak1 P1084A, support a model of nonhierarchical activation of Janus kinases in which one catalytically competent Jak is sufficient for signaling provided that its partner behaves as proper scaffold, even if inactive. Through the analysis of IFN-α and IFN-γ signaling in cells with different Jak1 P1084A levels, we also illustrate a context in which a hypomorphic Jak can hamper signaling in a cytokine-specific manner. Given the multitude of Tyk2-activating cytokines, the cell context-dependent requirement for Tyk2 and the catalytic defect of the two disease-associated variants studied in this paper, we predict that these alleles are functionally significant in complex immune disorders.

A comparative proteome analysis links tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) to the regulation of cellular glucose and lipid metabolism in response to poly(I:C).

Tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2) is an integral part of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway which relays intracellular signals of various cytokines. Tyk2 crucially contributes to host defense mechanisms against microbial pathogens and to tumor surveillance but also facilitates immune pathologies. Here we investigated the impact of Tyk2 on the macrophage proteome using the synthetic double-stranded RNA analog polyinosinic acid-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) as a mimicry of viral infections. By means of 2D-DIGE in connection with PMF obtained by MALDI-MS and sequence tag determination by MS/MS we unambiguously identified eighteen protein spots corresponding to sixteen distinct proteins that are regulated by poly(I:C) and differentially expressed between wildtype (WT) and Tyk2-deficient macrophages. The majority of these proteins are functionally assigned to cellular immune responses and to metabolism. We show for selected metabolic enzymes, i.e. triosephosphate isomerase (TIM), ATP-citrate synthase (ACLY) and long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4), that Tyk2 affects protein expression transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. We furthermore confirm the involvement of Tyk2 in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism at the level of metabolites. Taken together, our results provide new evidence for important functions of Tyk2 at the molecular interface between innate immunity and cellular metabolism.

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) in cytokine signalling and host immunity.

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signal transduction pathway is essential to transmit signals from transmembrane receptors to the nucleus in order to alter gene expression programs and to respond to extracellular cues. Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) was the first member of the JAK family that was identified within a screen for molecules complementing human cell lines mutant for interferon (IFN) responses. During the last decades biochemical studies and gene-targeted mice uncovered the crucial role of TYK2 in immunity. Tyk2-deficient mice are viable and fertile but display multiple immunological defects, most prominently high sensitivity to infections and defective tumour surveillance. In contrast, absence of TYK2 results in increased resistance against allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In support of these data, the only patient with TYK2 deficiency described so far displays high serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and increased sensitivity to infectious diseases. Furthermore, numerous genome-wide association studies in humans propose a link between TYK2 genetic variants and several autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and tumours. Thus, TYK2 appears as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Future work will be required to further delineate structure-function relationships and to fully understand the involvement of TYK2 in immune regulatory networks.

Clinical, immunological and genetic features in Taiwanese patients with the phenotype of hyper-immunoglobulin E recurrent infection syndromes (HIES).

Hyper-immunoglobulin E recurrent infection syndromes (HIES) have distinct features, with identified associated mutations of STAT3, TYK2, and DOCK8. Among 197 Taiwanese patients with primary immunodeficiency on a referral-base of over 23 million inhabitants, STAT3 (R382W and Q469R) and DOCK8 mutations (exon 1-9 deletion) were identified in two patients each from six AD-HIES and five AR-HIES patients, respectively. Aside from decreased Th17 and memory B cells, characteristic facies and pneumatocele were not mutually exclusive regardless of STAT3 and DOCK8 mutations. One with novel DOCK8 deletion had notable cytomegalovirus retinitis, cerebral vasculitis, lead deposition, and amenorrhea. In adolescence, three AD-HIES patients without STAT3 mutation died of myocardial infarction, staphylococcus sepsis, and proteus sepsis while receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma. Close follow-up of the HIES phenotype rather than identifying genetic mutations should be the cornerstone of intervention at this juncture because of relatively lower percentage of identifying mutations in Taiwanese HIES (4/11; 36.5%).

Clinical manifestations of hyper IgE syndromes.

Over the last 4 years, three genetic etiologies of hyper IgE syndromes have been identified: STAT3, DOCK8, and Tyk2. All of these hyper IgE syndromes are characterized by eczema, sinopulmonary infections, and greatly elevated serum IgE. However, each has distinct clinical manifestations. Mutations in STAT3 cause autosomal dominant HIES (Job's syndrome), which is unique in its diversity of connective tissue, skeletal, and vascular abnormalities. DOCK8 deficiency is characterized by severe cutaneous viral infections such as warts, and a predisposition to malignancies at a young age. Only one individual has been identified with a hyper IgE phenotype associated with Tyk2 deficiency, which is characterized by nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. The identification of these genetic etiologies is leading to advances in understanding the pathogenesis of these syndromes with the goal of improving treatment.

IL-23 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a heterodimeric cytokine belonging to the IL-6/IL-12 family that plays a key role in several of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This family contains the 34 type I cytokine receptor chains and 27 ligands, which share structural and functional similarities, but on the other hand they display distinct roles in shaping Th cells responses. IL-12 family cytokines have not only proinflammatory effects but they also promote inflammatory responses. IL-23 is composed of the p40 subunit in common with IL-12, and with a unique p19 subunit. IL-23 binding to an IL-23 receptor expressed on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes triggers the activation of Jak2 and Tyk2, which in turn phosphorylates STAT1, STAT3, STAT4 and STAT5 as well as induce formation of STAT3-STAT4 heterodimers. IL-23 is one of the essential factors required for the survival and/or expansion of Th17 cells, which produce IL-17, IL-17F, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Th17 cells stimulated by the IL-23 promote osteoclastogenesis through production of IL-17, which induce receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand on mesenchymal cells. The IL-23-IL-17 axis includes Th17 cells and plays a key role in the development of autoimmune arthritis.

Identification of an indispensable role for tyrosine kinase 2 in CTL-mediated tumor surveillance.

We showed previously that Tyk2(-/-) natural killer cells lack the ability to lyse leukemic cells. As a consequence, the animals are leukemia prone. Here, we show that the impaired tumor surveillance extends to T cells. Challenging Tyk2(-/-) mice with EL4 thymoma significantly decreased disease latency. The crucial role of Tyk2 for CTL function was further characterized using the ovalbumin-expressing EG7 cells. Tyk2(-/-) OT-1 mice developed EG7-induced tumors significantly faster compared with wild-type (wt) controls. In vivo assays confirmed the defect in CD8(+) cytotoxicity on Tyk2 deficiency and clearly linked it to type I IFN signaling. An impaired CTL activity was only observed in IFNAR1(-/-) animals but not on IFNgamma or IL12p35 deficiency. Accordingly, EG7-induced tumors grew faster in IFNAR1(-/-) and Tyk2(-/-) but not in IFNgamma(-/-) or IL12p35(-/-) mice. Adoptive transfer experiments defined a key role of Tyk2 in CTL-mediated tumor surveillance. In contrast to wt OT-1 cells, Tyk2(-/-) OT-1 T cells were incapable of controlling EG7-induced tumor growth.

PTP1B is a negative regulator of interleukin 4-induced STAT6 signaling.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a ubiquitously expressed enzyme shown to negatively regulate multiple tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways. PTP1B can modulate cytokine signaling pathways by dephosphorylating JAK2, TYK2, and STAT5a/b. Herein, we report that phosphorylated STAT6 may serve as a cytoplasmic substrate for PTP1B. Overexpression of PTP1B led to STAT6 dephosphorylation and the suppression of STAT6 transcriptional activity, whereas PTP1B knockdown or deficiency augmented IL-4-induced STAT6 signaling. Pretreatment of these cells with the PTK inhibitor staurosporine led to sustained STAT6 phosphorylation consistent with STAT6 serving as a direct substrate of PTP1B. Furthermore, PTP1B-D181A "substrate-trapping" mutants formed stable complexes with phosphorylated STAT6 in a cellular context and endogenous PTP1B and STAT6 interacted in an interleukin 4 (IL-4)-inducible manner. We delineate a new negative regulatory loop of IL-4-JAK-STAT6 signaling. We demonstrate that IL-4 induces PTP1B mRNA expression in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent manner and enhances PTP1B protein stability to suppress IL-4-induced STAT6 signaling. Finally, we show that PTP1B expression may be preferentially elevated in activated B cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. These observations identify a novel regulatory loop for the regulation of IL-4-induced STAT6 signaling that may have important implications in both neoplastic and inflammatory processes.