Abnormal Peyer patch development and B-cell gut homing drive IgA deficiency in Kabuki syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is commonly caused by mutations in the histone-modifying enzyme lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D). Immune dysfunction is frequently observed in individuals with KS, but the role of KMT2D in immune system function has not been identified.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand the mechanisms driving KS-associated immune deficiency (hypogammaglobulinemia [low IgA], splenomegaly, and diminished immunization responses).

METHODS: We performed a comprehensive evaluation of humoral immunity and secondary lymphoid tissues in an established KS (Kmt2d+/βGeo) mouse model and validated select findings in a patient with KS.

RESULTS: Compared with wild-type littermates, Kmt2d+/βGeo mice demonstrated deficiencies in multiple B-cell lineages and reduced serum IgA and elevated IgM levels across multiple ages. The bone marrow, spleen, and intestine of Kmt2d+/βGeo mice contained diminished numbers of IgA-secreting cells, while elevated germinal center B cells were found in the mesenteric lymph node and Peyer patches. Kmt2d+/βGeo mice have decreased size and numbers of Peyer patches, a finding confirmed in human samples. We identified deficiency of Itgb7 RNA and protein expression, a gene encoding an adhesion protein that mediates intestinal homing, and we demonstrated KMT2D-dependent control of ITGB7 expression in a human cell line.

CONCLUSIONS: Kmt2d haploinsufficiency has broad deleterious effects on B-cell differentiation, specifically hampering gut lymphocyte homing and IgA+ plasma cell differentiation. Intestinal lymphoid defects caused by ITGB7 deficiency have not previously been recognized in KS, and these results provide new mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis of KS-associated immune deficiency.