Trends Immunol. 2026 Mar 31:S1471-4906(26)00037-2. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2026.02.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
THEMIS (thymocyte-expressed molecule involved in selection) is the founding member of a family of metazoan proteins distinguished by the presence of a novel structural element designated the cysteine-containing all-beta-in-THEMIS (CABIT) module. Several studies have confirmed a critical role for THEMIS in T cell antigen receptor (TCR) signaling during T cell development, and more recent work has shown an important role for THEMIS in peripheral T cells. However, the molecular function of THEMIS in the TCR signaling pathway has long remained controversial due to conflicting experimental results. In this review article, we summarize recent data that provide new insights into the structure, evolution, and broader roles of the CABIT module, as well as clarify the molecular mechanism by which THEMIS influences TCR and cytokine receptor signaling in developing and mature T cells.
PMID:41925413 | DOI:10.1016/j.it.2026.02.006