Styk1 is specifically expressed in NK1.1+ lymphocytes including NK, γδ T, and iNKT cells in mice, but is dispensable for their ontogeny and function. Issue 5 (18th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilharm, Anneke; Sandrock, Inga; Marotel, Marie; Demera, Abdi; Naumann, Ronald; Walzer, Thierry; Prinz, Immo
• Is Part Of: European journal of immunology. Volume 49:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 686
• Page End: 693
• Publication Date: 2019-02-18
• Subjects: γδ T cells -- iNKT cells -- receptor tyrosine kinase -- Styk1 -- NK1.1; Immunology -- Periodicals; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1002/eji.201848033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-2980

Abstract

Abstract: Innate T cells, NK cells, and innate‐like lymphocytes (ILCs) share transcriptional signatures that translate into overlapping developmental and functional programs. A prominent example for genes that are highly expressed in NK cells but not in ILCs is serine‐threonine‐tyrosine kinase 1 (Styk1 encoded by Styk1 ). We found Styk1 to be specifically expressed in lymphocytes positive for Killer cell lectin‐like receptor subfamily B, member 1, also known as CD161 or NK1.1, i.e. in NK cell, αβ iNKT, and γδ NKT cell lineages. To investigate the role of Styk1 in the development and function of NK1.1 + innate T‐cell subsets, we generated and analyzed a novel Styk1 null mutant mouse line. Furthermore, we validated Styk1 expression in γδ NKT cells and in thymic, but not in peripheral invariant αβ iNKT cells through ex vivo analysis of a concomitantly generated transgenic Styk1 reporter mouse line. Despite the very specific expression of Styk1 in NK cells, γδ NKT cells, and thymic αβ iNKT, its absence did not alter homeostasis and function of these lineages. Thus, Styk1 expression is specific for NK cells and selected NK‐like innate T‐cell subsets, but dispensable for their development and function. Abstract : Serine‐threonine‐tyrosine kinase 1 ( Styk1 ) is very specifically expressed by NK cells and innate T lymphocyte subtypes expressing the NK1.1 receptor, in particular by thymic, but not by peripheral invariant iNKT cells. Nevertheless, a newly generated Styk1 −/− mouse line showed no phenotype in development and function of these lymphocyte populations.