P13K and T Lymphocyte development

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T lymphocytes, so-called because they develop in the Thymus, are a type of white blood cell crucial for the function of the immune system. Aberrant function of these cells is associated with immunodeficiency (e.g. AIDS) or autoimmunity (e.g. Type I diabetes, rheumatioid arthritis). T lymphocytes are derived from blood stem cells and complete their maturation in the thymus, an organ located near the heart that has evolved specifically to provide an environment that promotes T cell development. The developmental stages haematopoietic (blood cell forming) stem cells pass through as they mature into T lymphocytes have been relatively well-characterised. This has allowed the identification of key regulatory checkpoints that cells must pass through in order to develop further. One of these checkpoints is called beta-selection. In order to pass through this checkpoint cells must generate specific signals which bring about changes in gene expression (the copying of DNA information into RNA) and allows the cells to divide. The beta-selection signal is also necessary for cells to survive. We have identified some of the genes which are responsible for generating the beta-selection signal. These genes which are called phosphatidylinositol-3- kinases are potential drug targets which are being actively investigated by many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

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