The p85beta regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase has unique and redundant functions in B cells

Autoimmunity. 2009 Aug;42(5):447-58. doi: 10.1080/08916930902911746.

Abstract

Phosphoinositide kinase (PI3K) is activated by various receptors on lymphocytes and regulates development, activation, and tolerance. Genetic ablation of PI3K function in T cells leads to the appearance of autoimmune disorders. In B cells, loss of the class IA regulatory subunit p85alpha causes a partial defect in B cell development and proliferation, whereas loss of p85beta alone causes no apparent changes in B cell function. Here we investigate further the consequences of p85beta deletion in B cells, in the presence or absence of p85alpha. We demonstrate that p85beta partially compensates for loss of p85alpha in B cell development and peripheral survival, with greater defects observed when both isoforms are absent. BCR-mediated AKT phosphorylation is partially reduced in p85alpha-deficient B cells and further diminished with concomitant loss of p85beta. Unexpectedly, loss of p85beta results in increased BCR-mediated proliferation and ERK phosphorylation. These results indicate that the p85beta regulatory isoform has partially overlapping functions with p85alpha in B cells as well as a unique role in opposing BCR responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / enzymology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Isoenzymes* / genetics
  • Isoenzymes* / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases