ITK (352-620) GST&His Tag Protein, Human

ITK (Interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase) is a core member of the TEC family of non-receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily expressed in T cells and NK cells. This 620-amino acid protein contains five functional domains: PH domain, BTK motif, SH3 domain, SH2 domain, and protein kinase domain. ITK plays a critical role in the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway. Upon TCR activation, ITK is recruited to the cell membrane and phosphorylated by LCK, leading to its full activation. Activated ITK subsequently phosphorylates PLCγ1, triggering Ca²⁺ influx and MAPK pathway activation, ultimately regulating cytokine expression and T cell proliferation and differentiation. ITK is particularly crucial for Th2 cell differentiation; ITK knockout mice exhibit impaired Th2 cell differentiation while retaining Th1 cell function, a phenomenon known as Th1 skewing.

Beyond T cells, ITK is also involved in NKT cell development and NK cell function regulation. Regarding disease associations, ITK dysfunction is closely linked to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and T-cell lymphomas. Consequently, ITK inhibitors have garnered significant attention in the fields of inflammatory diseases and cancer immunotherapy, with the selective ITK inhibitor soquelitinib demonstrating potential in modulating tumor immunity.