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T cell antigen receptor signal transduction pathways
1Lymphocyte Activation Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London, United Kingdom.
Annual Review of Immunology
|January 1, 1996
Summary
The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) triggers protein tyrosine kinase activation, initiating signaling cascades. These pathways link the TCR to transcription factors controlling cytokine gene expression, crucial for immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- The T cell antigen receptor (TCR) governs T lymphocyte activation and proliferation.
- TCR engagement initiates rapid protein tyrosine kinase activation and protein phosphorylation.
- This leads to the activation of diverse intracellular signaling molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of TCR signal transduction pathways.
- To connect TCR signaling to nuclear targets, specifically transcription factors.
- To understand how TCR signaling regulates cytokine gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TCR signaling.
- Analysis of biochemical and molecular mechanisms.
- Focus on the linkage between TCR and transcription factors.
Main Results:
- TCR activation initiates a cascade involving protein tyrosine kinases.
- Signal transduction pathways connect the TCR to various molecules, including lipid metabolism enzymes, GTP binding proteins, and kinases.
- These pathways ultimately influence transcription factors that control cytokine gene expression.
Conclusions:
- TCR signaling is critical for regulating immune responses through cytokine production.
- Understanding these pathways provides insight into T cell function and immune regulation.
- The TCR acts as a crucial link between extracellular signals and nuclear gene expression.