SLP-76 is an immune cell adaptor expressed in T lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, platelets, neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells. It has been shown to play a role in lymphatic vascular development, T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, as well as signaling through receptors that use tyrosine base activation motifs in platelet, mast cells, neutrophils and NK cells. In these lymphocyte cytosolic protein 2 (Lcp2) knockout mice, a neomycin resistance cassette in reverse orientation disrupts the gene and abolishes Lcp2 expression. These mice have small lymph nodes and enlarged spleens when compared to controls. They exhibit a complete loss of T cells and γδ-TCR+ lymphocytes, but maintain a normal number of B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells and NK cells. Some homozygotes may be viable, but are born at a frequency lower than typical Mendelian ratios would predict. Substantial perinatal lethality is observed.
