Lck Mouse, Unlabeled, Clone: 28, BD

Description

• The p56[lck] protein kinase is a member of the src family of cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs)
• Members of this family have several common features: 1) unique N-terminal domains, 2) attachment to cellular membranes through a myristylated N-terminus, and 3) homologous SH2, SH3, and catalytic domains
• Within the src family of PTKs, lck, fyn, and Yes are expressed in T cells
• The unique N-terminal domain of p56[lck] interacts with the cytoplasmic tails of the CD4 and CD8 cell surface glycoproteins
• CD4 and CD8 bind to surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and class I molecules, respectively
• These complexes interact with the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) in the early stages of T cell activation
• In addition, an activated lck kinase increases responsiveness of some T cell hybridomas to antigen
• The phosphorylation status and, therefore, the activity of p56[lck] kinase is regulated by the CD45 tyrosine protein phosphatase
• Several studies suggest that lck has many functions critical to T cell development and activation
• Mice lacking a functional lck gene are drastically impaired in the production of T lymphocytes
• Variants of the human Jurkat T cell line that do not express p56[lck] exhibit a diminished response to stimulation of the T cell receptor
• Evidence suggests that lck is directly upstream from PI3-kinase in the signal transduction cascade in T cell activation.