Tyrosine-protein kinase ITK/TSK (ITK)

Tyrosine kinase that plays an essential role in regulation of the adaptive immune response. Regulates the development, function and differentiation of conventional T-cells and nonconventional NKT-cells.

When antigen presenting cells (APC) trigger T-cell receptor (TCR), a series of phosphorylation lead to the recruitment of ITK into the cell membrane, in the vicinity of the aroused TCR receptor, where it is phosphorylated by LCK. Phosphorylation leads to ITK autophosphorylation and complete activation.