ITK degradation to block T cell receptor signaling and overcome therapeutic resistance in T cell lymphomas.

Cell chemical biology
Authors
Keywords
Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is essential for T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and plays an integral role in T cell proliferation and differentiation. Unlike the ITK homolog BTK, no inhibitors of ITK are currently US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. In addition, recent studies have identified mutations within BTK that confer resistance to both covalent and non-covalent inhibitors. Here, as an alternative strategy, we report the development of BSJ-05-037, a potent and selective heterobifunctional degrader of ITK. BSJ-05-037 displayed enhanced anti-proliferative effects relative to its parent inhibitor BMS-509744, blocked the activation of NF-kB/GATA-3 signaling, and increased the sensitivity of T cell lymphoma cells to cytotoxic chemotherapy both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, targeted degradation of ITK is a novel approach to modulate TCR signal strength that could have broad application for the investigation and treatment of T cell-mediated diseases.

Year of Publication
2023
Journal
Cell chemical biology
Volume
30
Issue
4
Pages
383-393.e6
Date Published
04/2023
ISSN
2451-9448
DOI
10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.03.007
PubMed ID
37015223
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