Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK)

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the development and function of immune cells, particularly B cells, which help the body fight infections. When B cells receive signals to activate, BTK helps transmit these signals inside the cell, leading to their growth and action. Mutations in the BTK gene can disrupt this process, resulting in immunodeficiencies, such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia, where individuals have a weakened immune response. Therapies targeting BTK have been developed for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, highlighting its importance in both health and disease.