TXK

TXK, also called RLK (resting lymphocyte kinase), is a Tec-family non-receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in T lymphocytes, natural killer cells and mast cells. It is structurally unique among Tec kinases: the N-terminal pleckstrin-homology domain is replaced by a cysteine-rich region that permits palmitoylation, conferring constitutive membrane localization independent of PI3K-generated PIP3. Acting with ITK downstream of the T-cell receptor, TXK phosphorylates PLCγ, while its hallmark function is promoting T-helper-1 responses: TXK translocates to the nucleus and directly boosts interferon-gamma gene transcription. Concordantly, TXK overactivity has been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus. Pharmacologically, TXK is inhibited by dasatinib and by the irreversible inhibitor ibrutinib to a modest degree.