Abstract
Itch is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is disrupted in nonagouti-lethal or itchy mice. Itch deficiency leads to severe immune and inflammatory disorders and constant itching of the skin. Here we show that Itch-/- T cells show an activated phenotype and enhanced proliferation. Production of the type 2 T helper (TH2) cell cytokines interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-5 by Itch-/- T cells was augmented upon stimulation, and the TH2-dependent serum concentrations of immunoglobulin GI (IgGI) and IgE in itchy mice were also increased. Molecularly, Itch associated with and induced ubiquitination of JunB, a transcription factor that is involved in TH2 differentiation. These results provide a molecular link between Itch deficiency and the aberrant activation of immune responses in itchy mice.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 281-287 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Nature immunology |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2002 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology