Interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in T cells, NKT cells and mast cells which plays a crucial role in regulating the T cell receptor (TCR), CD28, CD2, chemokine receptor CXCR4, and FcepsilonR-mediated signaling pathways. ITK inhibitors can be used for the treatment of inflammation and immune-mediated disorders. ITK inhibitor (N-[5-[[3-[(4-Acetylpiperazin-1-yl)carbonyl]-4-methyl-6-methoxy-phenyl]thio]thiazol-2-yl]-4-(N-1,2-dimethylpropylaminomethyl)benzamide) is the analogue of BMS-509744, which can potently and selectively inhibit Itk kinase activity.
In vitro: BMS-509744 could reduce TCR-induced functions including PLCγ1 tyrosine phosphorylation, calcium mobilization, IL-2 secretion, and T-cell proliferation in vitro in both human and mouse cells [1].
In vivo: BMS-509744 suppressed the production of IL-2 induced by anti-TCR antibody administered to mice. BMS-509744 also significantly diminishes lung inflammation in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergy/asthma [1].
Clinical trial: Up to now, both BMS-509744 and ITK inhibitor is still in the preclinical development stage.

BMS-509744 could reduce TCR-induced functions including PLCγ1 tyrosine phosphorylation, calcium mobilization, IL-2 secretion, and T-cell proliferation in vitro in both human and mouse cells [1].

BMS-509744 suppressed the production of IL-2 induced by anti-TCR antibody administered to mice. BMS-509744 also significantly diminishes lung inflammation in a mouse model of ovalbumin-induced allergy/asthma [1].