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Balancing immune response: SHP1 controls neutrophil activation in inflamed lungs
Laxman Ghimire, Hongbo R. Luo
Laxman Ghimire, Hongbo R. Luo
Published December 16, 2024
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2024;134(24):e187056. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI187056.
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Commentary

Balancing immune response: SHP1 controls neutrophil activation in inflamed lungs

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Abstract

Following respiratory infection or injury, neutrophil hyperactivation can damage surrounding lung tissue by releasing harmful compounds. In this issue of the JCI, Moussavi-Harami and colleagues identified tyrosine phosphatase SHP1 as a key negative regulator of neutrophil activation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Neutrophil-specific Shp1 disruption leads to hyperinflammation, pulmonary hemorrhage, and increased mortality in both sterile and pathogen-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Large intravascular neutrophil clusters and excessive PAD4-independent neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were identified as key features of lung injury. Mechanistically, Shp1 deficiency resulted in uncontrolled SYK kinase activation, driving chaotic neutrophil hyperactivation and inflammation.

Authors

Laxman Ghimire, Hongbo R. Luo

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Figure 1

The SYK/SHP1 axis serves as a key regulator in neutrophil-mediated lung injury in ARDS.

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The SYK/SHP1 axis serves as a key regulator in neutrophil-mediated lung ...
(A) In WT mice, SHP1 inhibits downstream neutrophil activation pathways initiated by SYK phosphorylation during acute lung injury caused by sterile agents (e.g., LPS), bacteria (e.g., P. aeruginosa), or viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). As a result, the host effectively clears invading pathogens and/or resolves inflammation without causing substantial tissue damage. (B) However, acute lung injury in the absence of neutrophil Shp1 results in phosphorylated SYK that triggers excessive inflammatory cytokine production, degranulation, ROS release, and the formation of PAD-4–independent NETs, leading to perivascular inflammation and diffuse alveolar bleeding. SHP1 disruption–induced neutrophil hyperactivation also promotes the formation of large intravascular neutrophil clusters, leading to partial obstruction of the pulmonary arterioles, which, in turn, reduces neutrophil recruitment efficiency to infected alveolar spaces, thereby compromising their ability to eliminate bacteria. Together, these dysregulated neutrophil-driven events culminate in hemorrhagic and fatal acute lung injury.

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ISSN: 0021-9738 (print), 1558-8238 (online)

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