SHLD1 is dispensable for 53BP1-dependent V(D)J recombination but critical for productive class switch recombination

The shieldin (SHLD) complex, composed of SHLD1, SHLD2, SHLD3 and MAD2L2/REV7, acts downstream of 53BP1 to counteract DNA double-strand break (DSB) end-resection and promote non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). While 53BP1 is essential for immunoglobulin heavy chain class switch recombination (CSR), long-range V(D)J recombination and for repair of RAG-induced DSBs in XLF-deficient cells, the role of SHLD in these activities remains elusive. Here, we report that contrary to 53BP1, SHLD1 is dispensable for lymphocyte development and V(D)J recombination, even in the sensitized XLF-deficient background or for the joining of distant V(D)J segments. By contrast, SHLD1 restricts resection at AID-induced DSB ends in both NHEJ-proficient and NHEJ-deficient B cells, providing an end-protection mechanism that permits productive CSR. Finally, we show that this end-protection function is required for orientation-specific joining of AID-initiated DSBs. We propose that 53BP1 promotes V(D)J recombination and CSR through two distinct mechanisms; the synapsis of V(D)J segments and switch regions within chromatin independently of SHLD and the protection of AID-DSB ends against resection mediated by SHLD. Overall design: The gDNA was extracted from the mouse splenic B cells with different genotypes. Then gDNA was used for CSR-HTGTS to analyze the CSR profilings and the CSR junction features.