Low level of Lck kinase in Th2 cells limits expression of CD4 co-receptor and S73 phosphorylation of transcription factor c-Jun

The Src-family tyrosine kinase Lck is an enzyme associated with the CD4 and CD8 co-receptors and promoting signaling through the T cell receptor (TCR) complex. The levels of Lck expression and activity change during the development and differentiation of T cells. Here we show that Lck expression is higher in Th1 cells as compared to Th2 cells. Ectopic overexpression of Lck in Th2 cells results in increased expression of CD4 co-receptor and enhanced S73 phosphorylation of transcription factor c-Jun. Our findings indicate that TCR-mediated signaling in Th2 cells may be directly attenuated by Lck protein expression level.