The role of cyclin-dependent kinases in T-cell development, proliferation, and function

The transit of T lymphocytes through the cell cycle in response to extracellular signals is controlled in large part by the ordered expression and degradation of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases and their negative regulators, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This review outlines findings that have provided insights into how T lymphocytes integrate signals from their antigen, costimulatory, and cytokine receptors to drive cell cycle progression and discusses how the coordinated activities of these families of proteins influence multiple aspects of T-cell function, from thymic development and peripheral homeostasis to antigen-driven responses and the induction of T-cell memory and tolerance.