Crk adaptor proteins regulate nk cell expansion and differentiation during mouse cytomegalovirus infection

Tsukasa Nabekura, Zhiying Chen, Casey Schroeder, Taeju Park, Eric Vivier, Lewis L. Lanier, Dongfang Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Natural killer cells are critical in the immune response to infection and malignancy. Prior studies have demonstrated that Crk family proteins can influence cell apoptosis, proliferation, and cell transformation. In this study, we investigated the role of Crk family proteins in mouse NK cell differentiation and host defense using a mouse CMV infection model. The number of NK cells, maturational state, and the majority of the NKR repertoire was similar in Crk x Crk-like (CrkL)-double-deficient and wild type NK cells. However, Crk family proteins were required for optimal activation, IFN-γ production, expansion, and differentiation of Ly49H + NK cells, as well as host defense during mouse CMV infection. The diminished function of Crk x CrkL-double-deficient NK cells correlated with decreased phosphorylation of STAT4 and STAT1 in response to IL-12 and IFN-α stimulation, respectively. Together, our findings analyzing NK cell-specific Crk-deficient mice provide insights into the role of Crk family proteins in NK cell function and host defense.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3420-3428
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Immunology
Volume200
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - May 15 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Crk adaptor proteins regulate nk cell expansion and differentiation during mouse cytomegalovirus infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this