Protein arginine methylation: a new handle on T lymphocytes?

RV Parry, SG Ward - Trends in immunology, 2010 - cell.com
RV Parry, SG Ward
Trends in immunology, 2010cell.com
Protein arginine methylation has emerged as a key regulator of signal transduction with an
important role in T lymphocyte activation. The predominant methyl transferase PRMT-1 is
highly expressed in T helper cells, and ligation of the T cell antigen and costimulatory
receptors, induces arginine methylation on several cytoplasmic proteins. Global inhibition of
methyl transferases can result in signaling defects in CD4 T cells and profound
immunosuppression. Here we suggest that manipulating protein arginine methylation could …
Protein arginine methylation has emerged as a key regulator of signal transduction with an important role in T lymphocyte activation. The predominant methyl transferase PRMT-1 is highly expressed in T helper cells, and ligation of the T cell antigen and costimulatory receptors, induces arginine methylation on several cytoplasmic proteins. Global inhibition of methyl transferases can result in signaling defects in CD4 T cells and profound immunosuppression. Here we suggest that manipulating protein arginine methylation could be a feasible strategy to modulate T lymphocyte function, presenting a novel approach towards immunotherapy and the treatment of T cell-mediated disorders such as autoimmune disease and transplant rejection.
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