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NBEAL2 is required for neutrophil and NK cell function and pathogen defense.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Authors

Sowerby, John M 
Thomas, David C 
Clare, Simon 
Espéli, Marion 
Guerrero, Jose A 

Abstract

Mutations in the human NBEAL2 gene cause gray platelet syndrome (GPS), a bleeding diathesis characterized by a lack of α granules in platelets. The functions of the NBEAL2 protein have not been explored outside platelet biology, but there are reports of increased frequency of infection and abnormal neutrophil morphology in patients with GPS. We therefore investigated the role of NBEAL2 in immunity by analyzing the phenotype of Nbeal2-deficient mice. We found profound abnormalities in the Nbeal2-deficient immune system, particularly in the function of neutrophils and NK cells. Phenotyping of Nbeal2-deficient neutrophils showed a severe reduction in granule contents across all granule subsets. Despite this, Nbeal2-deficient neutrophils had an enhanced phagocyte respiratory burst relative to Nbeal2-expressing neutrophils. This respiratory burst was associated with increased expression of cytosolic components of the NADPH oxidase complex. Nbeal2-deficient NK cells were also dysfunctional and showed reduced degranulation. These abnormalities were associated with increased susceptibility to both bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) and viral (murine CMV) infection in vivo. These results define an essential role for NBEAL2 in mammalian immunity.

Description

Keywords

Animals, Blood Platelets, Blood Proteins, Cytosol, Gray Platelet Syndrome, Humans, Immune System, Immunophenotyping, Killer Cells, Natural, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Mutation, NADPH Oxidases, Neutrophils, Phenotype, Staphylococcal Infections, Staphylococcus aureus

Journal Title

J Clin Invest

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0021-9738
1558-8238

Volume Title

127

Publisher

American Society for Clinical Investigation
Sponsorship
Medical Research Council (MR/L019027/1)
Wellcome Trust (200871/Z/16/Z)
Wellcome Trust (089561/Z/09/Z)
Wellcome Trust (100156/Z/12/Z)