Regulation of T cell activation, differentiation, and regulation of inflammation, anti inflammation, and memory development by Tec family kinases
Itk is a member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases that is activated downstream of the T cell receptor. This kinase is able to regulate processes involved in T-cell development and T cell differentiation. Understanding the specific downstream activities of these kinases is crucial to understanding how they impact lymphoid activation and development. We are currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the differentiation and function of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Foxp3+ and Foxp3- Type 1 regulatory T cells. We are also currently pursuing the signaling pathways regulated by Tec family kinases that regulate the development of CD8+ T cell memory in response to infection, as well as other immune processes. We are particularly interested in the function of these cells in lung inflammatory diseases, including during mouse models of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection, allergic airway allergy inflammation and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.