The kinase ITK controls a Ca²⁺-mediated switch that balances T_H17 and T_reg cell differentiation.

ABSTRACT: The balance of proinflammatory T helper type 17 (T_H17) and anti-inflammatory T regulatory (T_reg) cells is crucial for immune homeostasis in health and disease. The differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into T_H17 and T_reg cells depends on T cell receptor (TCR) signaling mediated, in part, by interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK), which stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Ca²⁺ signaling. Here, we report that, in the absence of ITK activity, naïve murine CD4⁺ T cells cultured under T_H17-inducing conditions expressed the T_reg transcription factor Foxp3 and did not develop into T_H17 cells. Furthermore, ITK inhibition in vivo during allergic inflammation increa

SUBMITTER: Anannya O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11445781 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature