Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 delays recovery of B lineage lymphocytes during hematopoietic stress

Haematologica. 2021 Feb 1;106(2):424-436. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2019.225573.

Abstract

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) was discovered as a C-FMS/M-CSFR interacting protein and subsequently found to function as an adaptor of signaling or transcription factors. These include STAT5, MyD88 and IκB kinase in macrophages, mast cells, and T cells. There is additional information about roles for STAP-2 in several types of malignant diseases including chronic myeloid leukemia, however, none have been reported concerning B lineage lymphocytes. We have now exploited gene targeted and transgenic mice to address this lack of knowledge, and demonstrated that STAP-2 is not required under normal, steady-state conditions. However, recovery of B cells following transplantation was augmented in the absence of STAP-2. This appeared to be restricted to cells of B cell lineage with myeloid rebound noted as unremarkable. Furthermore, all hematological parameters were observed to be normal once recovery from transplantation was complete. Furthermore, overexpression of STAP-2, specifically in lymphoid cells, resulted in reduced numbers of late-stage B cell progenitors within the bone marrow. While numbers of mature peripheral B and T cells were unaffected, recovery from sub-lethal irradiation or transplantation was dramatically reduced. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) normally suppresses B precursor expansion in response to interleukin 7, however, STAP-2 deficiency made these cells more resistant. Preliminary RNA-Seq analyses indicated multiple signaling pathways in B progenitors as STAP-2-dependent. These findings suggest that STAP-2 modulates formation of B lymphocytes in demand conditions. Further study of this adapter protein could reveal ways to speed recovery of humoral immunity following chemotherapy or transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing* / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • STAP2 protein, mouse

Grants and funding

FundingThis work was supported in part by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science KAKENHI (grant no. 16K09872, 19H03364, 19K08815), Otsuka Pharmaceutical, and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.