Tyrosine-protein kinase Lck (LCK)

Tyrosine-protein kinase Lck (LCK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src family kinases (SFKs). It is primarily expressed in T lymphocytes and plays a crucial role in T-cell development, activation, and function. Lck initiates T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling by phosphorylating immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) on TCR-associated chains. It is also involved in other signaling pathways and cellular processes beyond the immune system, including cell cycle control, adhesion, and neuronal function. Altered LCK function is associated with immunodeficiency disorders, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Other names

Lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinasep56lck

Lck phosphorylates ITAMs on TCR-associated chains, initiating T-cell signaling. Inhibitors of Lck can block this phosphorylation and downstream signaling events.