SHP2 happens, just sail with it: the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases

Autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases are a diverse group of disorders that stem from aberrant immune responses against self. While autoimmune disorders are characterized by lymphocyte-driven antigen-specific responses, autoinflammatory diseases are driven by chronic activation of the innate immune system. However, to date, both groups of disorders lack clear understanding for their onset and the functional mechanisms conducive to their pathology and have few efficacious, safe, and/or curative treatment options for patients. The SH2 domain–containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP2), the protein encoded by the PTPN11 gene, is a nodal enzyme involved in embryogenesis, development, proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cells. Mutations in PTPN11 are associated with the development of congenital disorders as well as several types of cancers. Recently, links between autoimmunity and genetic developmental disorders have also revealed a key role for SHP2 activity in autoimmune–autoinflammatory pathophysiology. Its association with these disorders has begun to unravel the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the onset of autoimmunity. In this review, we will discuss the emergent role of SHP2 in autoimmunity and the current known and unknown molecular mechanisms of its regulation in these processes and propose the translational impact it may have as a therapeutic in the near future.