Fayard, Elisabeth, Moncayo, Gerald, Hemmings, Brian Arthur and Hollaender, Georg A (2010) Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling in Thymocytes: the Need for Stringent Control. Science Signaling, 3 (135). re5-re5. ISSN 1937-9145

Abstract

The thymus serves as the primary site for the lifelong formation of new T lymphocytes; hence, it is essential for the maintenance of an effective immune system. Although thymocyte development has been widely studied, the mechanisms involved are incompletely defined. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular events that control regular thymocyte development will not only shed light on the physiological control of T cell differentiation but also probably provide insight into the pathophysiology of T cell immunodeficiencies, the molecular basis that underpins autoimmunity, and the mechanisms that instigate the formation of T cell lymphomas. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3Ks) play a critical role in thymocyte development, although not all of their downstream mediators have yet been identified. Here, we discuss experimental evidence that argues for a critical role of the PI3K-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase (PDK1)-protein kinase B (PKB) signaling pathway in the development of both normal and malignant thymocytes, and we highlight molecules that can potentially be targeted therapeutically.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	author can archive post-print (ie final draft post-refereeing); On author's personal web site
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2010 23:45
Last Modified:	01 Feb 2013 00:48
URI:	https://oak.novartis.com/id/eprint/3756