The balancing act of AKT in T cells

Mary Catherine Reneer, Francesc Marti

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The serine/threonine-specific protein kinase AKT is gaining recognition as a major crossroad in numerous cellular signaling pathways through its ability to regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, survival and metabolism. This review focuses on the recent advances in AKT signaling and downstream events in T cells, emphasizing its contrasting role in conventional and regulatory (Treg) Tcell populations. Activation of AKT has been known for many years to be critical in the development and function of conventional Tcells. However, it has just recently been uncovered that AKTexerts an inhibitory effect on Treg generation and suppressor function. These studies have placed AKTat the nexus of Treg development and function, thus opening novel avenues for therapeutic manipulation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)160-174
Number of pages15
JournalFrontiers in Biology
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2013

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We thank M. Moliner for assistance with graphics. This work was partially supported by NIH Grant Numbers R03AR052904-02 from the NIAMS and 2P20 RR020171 from the NCRR to F.M. The authors declare no financial or commercial conflict of interest.

Keywords

  • AKT
  • T cell differentiation
  • T cell signaling
  • Tregs

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Genetics

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