Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in the immune system

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is best known for its role in insulin and leptin signalling. Its ability to directly dephosphorylate the insulin receptor (IR) has made it a prime target for the development of anti-diabetic drugs. In recent times the role of PTP1B has been substantially expanded from a simple regulator of insulin signalling to a complex and dynamic regulator of multiple signalling pathways including the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling, thus providing a link between metabolism and inflammation. Here, we review the inflammation associated with obesity and diabetes and the role that PTP1B may play in the development and regulation of this inflammation. We will discuss the role of PTP1B in both the innate and adaptive immune system and how the development of tissue specific knock out models have allowed us to delineate this complex system. Finally, we discuss how this new knowledge may allow us to develop safe and effective treatments for a multitude of conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), autoimmunity, and chronic inflammation.