The JNK and P38 map kinase signaling pathways in T cell-mediated immune responses

The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family members, which include th e extracellular response kinases (ERK), p38, and c-Jun amino terminal kinas es (JNK), play a role in mediating signals triggered by cytokines, growth f actors, and environmental stress. JNK and p38 MAP kinases have been involve d in inflammatory processes induced by a variety of stimuli, such as oxidat ive stress. Here, we describe the role of the JNK and p38 MAP kinase signal ing pathways in the development of T cells in the thymus, and activation an d differentiation of T cells in the peripheral immune system. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Inc.