Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
10:31
Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation
Published on: June 23, 2013
[Function of the Lck and Fyn in T cell development]
Peng Dai1, Xin Liu, Qing-Wei Li
1Institute of Marine Genomics & Proteomics, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, China. yoyo19860116@163.com
Yi Chuan = Hereditas
|March 20, 2012
Summary
T cell development and activation rely on signaling molecules like lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (Fyn). Lck is crucial, while Fyn plays a supplementary role in T cell receptor signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Context:
- T cell development in the thymus and activation in lymphoid tissues are critical for adaptive immune responses.
- T cell receptor (TCR) signaling is initiated by TCR/co-receptor interaction with MHC/peptide complexes.
- Co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine receptors modulate TCR signaling, leading to immune responses.
Purpose:
- To review the mechanisms of T cell development and activation.
- To elucidate the roles of Src-family kinases, Lck and Fyn, in TCR signaling pathways.
- To discuss the distinct and overlapping functions of Lck and Fyn in T cell biology.
Summary:
- Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (Fyn) are key Src-family kinases downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR).
- These kinases are essential for T cell development, positive selection, peripheral maintenance, and lymphopenia-induced proliferation.
- Lck appears to be the primary kinase, with Fyn providing supplementary functions in various TCR-mediated signaling events.
Impact:
- Understanding Lck and Fyn functions provides insights into T cell development and immune regulation.
- This knowledge can inform strategies for modulating T cell responses in autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy.
- Elucidating kinase mechanisms contributes to the broader field of signal transduction in immune cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...