Member of the two-component regulatory system TmoS/TmoT involved in the regulation of toluene degradation. Probably phosphorylates TmoT via a four-step phosphorelay in response to toluene. Can also be induced by benzene and ethylbenzene. ATP + protein L-histidine = ADP + protein N-phospho-L-histidine. Activity is regulated by agonists and antagonists. Binding of agonists such as toluene or benzene to TmoS stimulates autophosphorylation. Toluene causes the most pronounced increase, followed by benzene, chlorobenzene and ethylbenzene. Activity is inhibited by antagonists such as o-xylene, o-chlorotoluene and trimethylbenzene isomers, which bind to TmoS but do not stimulate autophosphorylation. Autophosphorylated. Activation requires a sequential transfer of a phosphate group from a His in the primary transmitter domain, to an Asp in the receiver domain and to a His in the secondary transmitter domain (Probable).