New insights into the regulation and function of serine/threonine kinases in T lymphocytes

The development of T lymphocytes in the thymus and the function of mature T cells in adaptive immune responses are choreographed by antigen receptors, costimulatory molecules, adhesion molecules, cytokines, and chemokines. These extrinsic stimuli are coupled to a diverse network of signal transduction pathways that control the transcriptional and metabolic programs that determine T-cell function. At the core of T-lymphocyte signal transduction is the regulated metabolism of inositol phospholipids and the production of two key lipid second messengers: polyunsaturated diacylglycerols (DAGs) and phosphatidylinositol (3-5) triphosphate [PI-(3-5)-P-3]. The object of the present review is to discuss facts, controversies, and unresolved issues about DAG and PI-(3,4,5)-P-3 production in T lymphocytes and to discuss some of the serine/threonine kinases that control unique aspects of T-lymphocyte biology and coordinate T-cell participation in adaptive immune responses.