Abstract

Different protein kinases control signaling emanating from the T cell receptor (TCR) during antigen‐specific T cell activation. Mitotic kinases, e.g. Aurora‐A, have been widely studied in the context of mitosis due to their role during microtubule (MT) nucleation, becoming critical regulators of cell cycle progression. We have recently described a specific role for Aurora‐A kinase in antigenic T cell activation. Blockade of Aurora‐A in T cells severely disrupts the dynamics of MTs and CD3ζ‐bearing signaling vesicles during T cell activation. Furthermore, Aurora‐A deletion impairs the activation of signaling molecules downstream of the TCR. Targeting Aurora‐A disturbs the activation of Lck, which is one of the first signals that drive T cell activation in an antigen‐dependent manner. This work describes possible models of regulation of Lck by Aurora‐A during T cell activation. We also discuss possible roles for Aurora‐A in other systems similar to the IS, and its putative functions in cell polarization.