The Atlantic salmon protein tyrosine kinase Tyk2: molecular cloning, modulation of expression and function.

•For the first time the identification of Atlantic salmon Tyk2 is provided.•Salmon Tyk2 sequences share characteristics with Tyk2 from other species.•Salmon Tyk2 is broadly expressed in tissues and cells and can be upregulated by interferons.•Ectopically expressed salmon Tyk2 is able to phosporylate itself.•Ectopically expressed Tyk2 upregulates Mx-expression in cells indicating a role in interferon signaling.