REVIEW: Role of cAMP-Dependent Signal Transduction in the Control of T Lymphocyte Activation

E. M. Kuklina^* and S. V. Shirshev

Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Goleva 13, Perm', 614081 Russia; fax: (3422) 646-711; E-mail: conf@ecology.psu.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received December 1, 1999; Revision received January 10, 2000

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The role of cAMP in the regulation of antigen-dependent differentiation of T cells is discussed with consideration of the molecular mechanisms of cAMP effects. Characteristics of activation signal in various T lymphocyte subpopulations determining differential sensitivity to cAMP are reviewed. Specific attention is given to the involvement of the cAMP-dependent messenger system in the formation of the spectrum of secreted cytokines because their level and ratio determine the type of immune response.

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KEY WORDS: cAMP, protein kinase, second messenger, signal transduction, T lymphocytes, proliferation, cytotoxicity, cytokines

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