Src-related protein tyrosine kinases and T-cell receptor signalling

Upon antigen stimulation, the T-cell receptor for antigen transduces an intracellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation signal that is critical for subsequent T-lymphocyte activation. As the antigen receptor does not possess an intrinsic protein tyrosine kinase activity, the mechanism by which it regulates protein tyrosine phosphorylation is unconventional. Evidence is increasing that the Src-related protein tyrosine kinases P56lck and p59fyn, as well as the protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45, are involved in this process.