Heterozygous loss of MAP4K1 causes immune dysregulation by amplifying T-cell responses

Abstract

Background: MAP4K1 encodes hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1), a serine/threonine kinase that negatively regulates T-cell receptor signaling via phosphorylation of the adaptor proteins SLP-76 (Src homology 2 domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa) and Gads. While common MAP4K1 variants have been implicated in polygenic immune-mediated diseases, the impact of rare germline variants on human immunity remains undefined.

Objective: We investigated the immunologic and functional consequences of HPK1 deficiency in individuals with suspected inborn errors of immunity.

Methods: We performed genomic linkage analysis and exome sequencing to identify disease-associated variants in patients with inborn errors of immunity. Immunophenotyping, RNA sequencing, and functional assays were conducted on patient-derived lymphocytes, complemented by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated MAP4K1 disruption and correction in primary T cells.

Results: Heterozygous MAP4K1 loss-of-function variants were identified in two kindreds presenting with diverse immune dysregulatory symptoms, including recurrent fevers, inflammatory arthritis, Epstein-Barr virus-related complications, and nephritis. These variants led to reduced HPK1 protein levels and SLP-76^Ser376 phosphorylation. While lymphocyte development was largely preserved, T cells from HPK1-deficient individuals displayed hyperresponsiveness to T-cell receptor stimulation, characterized by elevated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, particularly IFN-γ and TNF. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout recapitulated, and variant correction partially reversed this phenotype. Transcriptomic profiling of stimulated CD4⁺ T cells further revealed upregulation of immune signaling pathways-including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and AP-1-as well as increased expression of multiple T-cell cytokines, consistent with enhanced T-cell receptor signaling and T-cell responses in HPK1-deficient individuals.

Conclusion: HPK1 deficiency, caused by heterozygous loss of MAP4K1, is a novel monogenic cause of immune dysregulation. Increased T-cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production are implicated in disease pathogenesis.

Keywords: HPK1; IFN-γ–mediated inflammation in IEI; Inborn error of immunity; MAP4K1; PIRD; SLP-76 phosphorylation; T-cell dysregulation; TNF-mediated inflammation in IEI; immune dysregulation; inflammatory disease; primary immune dysregulatory disease; regulation of TCR signaling.