title: The C76R transmembrane activator and calcium modulator cyclophilin ligand interactor mutation disrupts antibody production and B-cell homeostasis in heterozygous and homozygous mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mutations in TNFRSF13B, the gene encoding transmembrane activator and calcium modulator cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), are found in 10% of patients with common variable immunodeficiency. However, the most commonly detected mutation is the heterozygous change C104R, which is also found in 0.5% to 1% of healthy subjects. The contribution of the C104R mutation to the B-cell defects observed in patients with common variable immunodeficiency therefore remains unclear.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to define the functional consequences of the C104R mutation on B-cell function.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed in vitro studies of TACI C104R expression and signaling. A knock-in mouse with the equivalent mutation murine TACI (mTACI) C76R was generated as a physiologically relevant model of human disease. We examined homozygous and heterozygous C76R mutant mice alongside wild-type littermates and studied specific B-cell lineages and antibody responses to T cell-independent and T cell-dependent challenge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  C104R expression and ligand binding are significantly diminished when the mutant protein is expressed in 293T cells or in patients' cell lines. This leads to defective nuclear factor κB activation, which is proportionally restored by reintroduction of wild-type TACI. Mice heterozygous and homozygous for mTACI C76R exhibit significant B-cell dysfunction with splenomegaly, marginal zone B-cell expansion, diminished immunoglobulin production and serological responses to T cell-independent antigen, and abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data show that the C104R mutation and its murine equivalent, C76R, can significantly disrupt TACI function, probably through haploinsufficiency. Furthermore, the heterozygous C76R mutation alone is sufficient to disturb B-cell function with lymphoproliferation and immunoglobulin production defects.
authors: Centre for Immunodeficiency, Molecular Immunology Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Bacchelli
authors: Karen F
authors: KF
authors: Buckland
authors: Sylvie
authors: S
authors: Buckridge
authors: Ulrich
authors: U
authors: Salzer
authors: Pascal
authors: P
authors: Schneider
authors: Adrian J
authors: AJ
authors: Thrasher
authors: H Bobby
authors: HB
authors: Gaspar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D002460:Cell Line; D017074:Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006579:Heterozygote; D006706:Homeostasis; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009154:Mutation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D053303:Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D053303:Transmembrane Activator and CAML Interactor Protein