Tec family kinases: Itk signaling and the development of NKT αβ and γδ T cells

The Tec family tyrosine kinase interleukin-2 inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) is predominantly expressed in T cells and has been shown to be critical for the development, function and differentiation of conventional alpha beta T cells. However, less is known about its role in nonconventional T cells such as NKT and gamma delta T cells. In this minireview, we discuss evidence for a role for Itk in the development of invariant NKT alpha beta cells, as well as a smaller population NKT-like gamma delta T cells. We discuss how these cells take what could be the same signaling pathway regulated by Itk, and interpret it to give different outcomes with regards to development and function.