TCR-induced NF-κB activation:: a crucial role for Carma1, Bcl10 and MALT1

T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement induces the maturation of thymocytes and the activation and proliferation of peripheral T cells through signaling pathways that target several transcription factors. The transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) has an essential role in the activation of mature T cells but the signaling pathway leading from TCR stimulation to NF-kappaB activation is not well defined. Carma1, Bcl10 and MALT1 are recently identified proteins that have an important and previously unexpected role in antigen receptor-induced NF-kappaB activation and the control of lymphocyte proliferation. We believe that the recent advances in this field could stimulate research for the development of new immunomodulatory drugs and could lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of lymphomas and potentially of other immune disorders.