Multiple defects in the immune system of Lyn-deficient mice, culminating in autoimmune disease

Mice homozygous for a disruption at the Lyn locus display abnormalities associated with the B lymphocyte lineage and in mast cell function. Despite reduced numbers of recirculating B lymphocytes, Lyn -/- mice are immunoglobulin M (IgM) hyperglobulinemic. Immune responses to T-independent and T-dependent antigens are affected. Lyn -/- mice fail to mediate an allergic response to IgE cross-linking, indicating that activation of LYN plays an indispensable role in FcεRI signaling. Lyn -/- mice have circulating autoreactive antibodies, and many show severe glomerulonephritis caused by the deposition of IgG immune complexes in the kidney, a pathology reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus. Collectively, these results implicate LYN as having an indispensable role in immunoglobulin-mediated signaling, particularly in establishing B cell tolerance.