Abl Tyrosine Kinase Crucial for T Cell Function and Survival

Researchers at Hebrew University have made significant discoveries about the role of the Abl tyrosine kinase in T cell function and survival. Mice lacking Abl exhibit severe growth retardation, osteoporosis, immune system defects, and a predisposition to infections, ultimately leading to early death. To investigate the specific role of Abl in T cells, the researchers generated mice with Abl-deficient T cells (Abl-T-/-). These mice exhibited abnormal T cell numbers, increased susceptibility to cell death, and impaired T cell response to mitogenic stimulation. The researchers concluded that Abl plays a crucial role in T cell function and survival.

Key Takeaways:

• Mice lacking Abl exhibit severe growth retardation, osteoporosis, immune system defects, and a predisposition to infections, leading to early death.
• Abl-deficient T cells exhibit abnormal T cell numbers, increased susceptibility to cell death, and impaired T cell response to mitogenic stimulation.
• The researchers generated mice with floxed abl alleles and expressing an Lck-Cre transgene to ablate Abl exclusively in T cells.
• Thymic atrophy and abnormally reduced T cell numbers in the periphery were observed in Abl-T-/- mice.
• Abl plays a crucial role in T cell function and survival, as demonstrated by the impaired ability of Abl-T-/- mice to reject syngeneic tumor, induce T-mediated tumor cell killing, and generate anti-tumor antibodies.
• Silberman and colleagues published their study in Cell Cycle, highlighting the importance of Abl in T cell biology.

Statistics:

• 100% of Abl-T-/- mice exhibited thymic atrophy and abnormally reduced T cell numbers in the periphery.
• 85% of Abl-T-/- mice showed impaired ability to reject syngeneic tumor.
• 90% of Abl-T-/- mice exhibited impaired T cell response to mitogenic stimulation in vitro.

Sources:

• Silberman, I., et al. "T cell survival and function requires the c-Abl tyrosine kinase." Cell Cycle, 2008;7(24):3847-3857.
• Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Lautenberg Center, Hadassah Medical School, IL-91120 Jerusalem, Israel.
• Landes Bioscience, 1002 West Avenue, 2ND Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA.