Spleen tyrosine kinase: An Src family of non-receptor kinase has multiple functions and represents a valuable therapeutic target in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

Abstract

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is involved in the development and function of B and T cells, the Fc receptor-mediated degranulation of basophils and mast cells. Recent work has assigned important roles for Syk in the aberrant function of T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), osteoclasts, and urate crystal-induced neutrophil stimulation. Preclinical and early clinical studies have urged Syk inhibition for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas ex vivo experiments and preclinical studies point to a therapeutic potential of Syk inhibition in patients with SLE and crystal-induced arthritides.

Keywords::

• Inflammation
• autoimmunity
• kinases

Declaration of interest: The Tsokos laboratory has received research funds from Rigel Pharmaceuticals, South San Francisco, CA, USA. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.