The role of calcineurin in lymphocyte activation.
Lymphokine gene transcription involves numerous signal transduction molecules and second messengers. The serine/threonine phosphatase calcineurin has been demonstrated to play a central role in the immediate, early activation of numerous lymphokines (such as interleukin [IL]-2) and in the regulation of cell surface receptors such as CD40L, CD95, and recently CD25 alpha (the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor). In addition to lymphocyte activation, calcineurin functions include control of neuronal signaling, muscle contraction, muscle hypertrophy and cellular death. Therefore, calcineurin not only plays a vital role in the regulation of T lymphocyte function, but also functions in cellular environments outside the immune system.
Baksh
S
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Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Burakoff
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D019703:Calcineurin / Q000276:immunology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
D008222:Lymphokines; D019703:Calcineurin