Tec family kinases: Itk signaling and the development of NKT αβ and γδ T cells

Qian Qi, Arun Kumar Kannan, Avery August

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Tec family tyrosine kinase interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) is predominantly expressed in T cells and has been shown to be critical for the development, function and differentiation of conventional αβ T cells. However, less is known about its role in nonconventional T cells such as NKT and γδ T cells. In this minireview, we discuss evidence for a role for Itk in the development of invariant NKT αβ cells, as well as a smaller population NKT-like γδ T cells. We discuss how these cells take what could be the same signaling pathway regulated by Itk, and interpret it to give different outcomes with regards to development and function. Tec family tyrosine kinase interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) is involved in the development and function of conventional αβ T cells. However, less is known about its role in non-conventional T cells. Here we discuss the role of Itk in the development of invariant NKT αβ cells, as well as a smaller population NKT-like γδ T cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1970-1979
Number of pages10
JournalFEBS Journal
Volume278
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2011

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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