Low level of Lck kinase in Th2 cells limits expression of CD4 co-receptor and S73 phosphorylation of transcription factor c-Jun

Sci Rep. 2017 May 24;7(1):2339. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02553-y.

Abstract

The Src-family tyrosine kinase Lck is an enzyme associated with the CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and promoting signaling through the T cell receptor (TCR) complex. The levels of Lck expression and activity change during the development and differentiation of T cells. Here we show that Lck expression is higher in Th1 cells as compared to Th2 cells. Ectopic overexpression of Lck in Th2 cells results in increased expression of CD4 co-receptor and enhanced S73 phosphorylation of transcription factor c-Jun. Our findings indicate that TCR-mediated signaling in Th2 cells may be directly attenuated by Lck protein expression level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck) / genetics
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck) / metabolism*
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Phosphorylation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism*
  • Serine / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Th1 Cells / metabolism
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
  • Serine
  • Lymphocyte Specific Protein Tyrosine Kinase p56(lck)