title: The RhoA-ROCK pathway in the regulation of T and B cell responses.
abstract: Effective immune responses require the precise regulation of dynamic interactions between hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. The Rho subfamily of GTPases, which includes RhoA, is rapidly activated downstream of a diverse array of biochemical and biomechanical signals, and is emerging as an important mediator of this cross-talk. Key downstream effectors of RhoA are the Rho kinases, or ROCKs. The ROCKs are two serine-threonine kinases that can act as global coordinators of a tissue's response to stress and injury because of their ability to regulate a wide range of biological processes. Although the RhoA-ROCK pathway has been extensively investigated in the non-hematopoietic compartment, its role in the immune system is just now becoming appreciated. In this commentary, we provide a brief overview of recent findings that highlight the contribution of this pathway to lymphocyte development and activation, and the impact that dysregulation in the activation of RhoA and/or the ROCKs may exert on a growing list of autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disorders.
authors: Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA.
authors: Edd
authors: E
authors: Ricker
authors: Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA.
authors: Luvana
authors: L
authors: Chowdhury
authors: Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA.
authors: Woelsung
authors: W
authors: Yi
authors: Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, 10065, USA; David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, 10021, USA.
authors: Alessandra B
authors: AB
authors: Pernis
keywords: Autoimmune; ROCK; Rho kinase; RhoA; RhoA-ROCK axis; lymphocyte activation; lymphocyte development