Expression of Tyk2 in dendritic cells is required for IL-12, IL-23, and IFN-γ production and the induction of Th1 cell differentiation

Abstract

It is well documented that dendritic cells (DCs), representative antigen-presenting cells, are important sources of Th1-promoting cytokines and are actively involved in the regulation of T-helper–cell differentiation. However, the intracellular event that regulates this process is still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the role of Tyk2, a JAK kinase that is involved in the signaling pathway under IL-12 and IL-23, in DC functions. While the differentiation and maturation of DCs was normal in Tyk2-deficient (Tyk2^−/−) mice, IL-12–induced Stat4 phosphorylation was diminished in Tyk2^−/− DCs. IL-12–induced IFN-γ production was also significantly diminished in Tyk2^−/− DCs to levels similar to those in Stat4^−/− DCs. Interestingly, Tyk2^−/− DCs were defective in IL-12 and IL-23 production upon stimulation with CpG ODN. Furthermore, Tyk2^−/− DCs were impaired in their ability to induce Th1-cell differentiation but not Th2-cell differentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that the expression of Tyk2 in DCs is crucial for the production of Th1-promoting cytokines such as IL-12 and IFN-γ from DCs and thereby for the induction of antigen-specific Th1-cell differentiation.