Phospholipase C-β3 Regulates FcɛRI-Mediated Mast Cell Activation by Recruiting the Protein Phosphatase SHP-1

SummaryMast cells are major effectors in high-affinity IgE receptor (FcɛRI)-dependent allergic reactions. Here we show that phospholipase C (PLC)-β3 is crucial for FcɛRI-mediated mast cell activation. Plcb3−/− mice showed blunted FcɛRI-dependent late-phase, but not acute, anaphylactic responses and airway inflammation. Accordingly, FcɛRI stimulation of Plcb3−/− mast cells exhibited reduced cytokine production but normal degranulation. Reduced cytokine production in Plcb3−/− cells could be accounted for by increased activity of the negative regulatory Src family kinase Lyn and reduced activities of the positive regulatory protein kinases MAPKs. Mechanistically, PLC-β3 constitutively interacts with FcɛRI, Lyn, and SHP-1 (protein phosphatase). SHP-1 probably recognizes its substrates Lyn and MAPKs via the recently described kinase tyrosine-based inhibitory motif, KTIM. Consistent with PLC-β3- and SHP-1-mediated repression of Lyn activity by dephosphorylation at Tyr396, FcɛRI-mediated phenotypes were similar in Plcb3−/− and SHP-1 mutant mast cells. Thus, we have defined a PLC-β3- and SHP-1-mediated signaling pathway for FcɛRI-mediated cytokine production.

► Plcb3−/− mice exhibit blunted late-phase anaphylaxis and airway inflammation
► FcɛRI-stimulated Plcb3−/− mast cells respond with reduced cytokine production
► PLC-β3 binds FcɛRI, Lyn, and SHP-1
► PLC-β3 and SHP-1 mediate Lyn-dependent positive regulation of FcɛRI signaling