Figure 2.

The role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in human T cell effector functions. The activation of p38 MAPK in T cells downstream of the T cell receptor and CD28 is necessary for the expression of IL-10 and of the T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokines IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10, but not for that of the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ. In Th1 cells, however, p38 MAPK is involved in the expression of IL-12-induced IFN-γ production.