About Us : Scientific Background : Allergies / Immune disorders

SHIP1 (SH2-containing inositol phosphatase 1) is specific to cells of hematopoietic (blood) origin including granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and B and T cells. Like PTEN (described above), SHIP1 acts as a negative regulator of PI3K mediated signaling and activation of Akt/PKB. Through interactions with immune inhibitory receptors, SHIP1 acts as a negative regulator of cytokine signaling and immune cell activation and differentiation. SHIP1-regulated signaling may be associated with the allergic response. IgE receptor ligation leads to PI3K activation, and SHIP1 hydrolysis of PIP3 acts to modulate PI3K signaling. Mast cells derived from animals that carry a homozygous deletion of SHIP1 are significantly more prone to degranulation in response to IgE-receptor ligation. A similar exaggerated IgE response and enhanced induction of mast cell degranulation is associated with clinical allergies and asthma. Thus, modulation of SHIP1 activity may be an avenue for therapeutic intervention in the treatment of allergies and other immune disorders.