Protein kinase C theta cooperates with Vav1 to induce JNK activity in T-cells

Genome-Wide Enhancer Analysis Reveals the Role of AP-1 Transcription Factor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, but its epigenomic features have not been determined. Here, we studied the chromatin landscape of active enhancers of HNSCC head tumor tissues by performing H3K27ac and H3K4me1 ChIP-Seq with a Tgfbr1/Pten double conditional knockout HNSCC mouse model. We identified 1,248 gain variant enhancer loci (VELs) and 2,188 lost VELs, as well as 153 gain variant super enhancer loci (VSELs) and 234 lost VSELs. Potentially involved transcription factors were predicted with motif analysis, and we identified AP-1 as one of the critical oncogenic transcription factors in HNSCC and many other types of cancer. Combining transcriptomic and epigenomic data, our analysis also showed that AP-1 and histone modifications coordinately regulate target gene expression in HNSCC. In conclusion, our study provides important epigenomic information for enhancer studies in HNSCC and reveals new mechanism for AP-1 regulating HNSCC.

MicroRNA-326 decreases tau phosphorylation and neuron apoptosis through inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway by targeting VAV1 in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and age-related neurological dysfunction. Abundant data have profiled microRNA (miR) patterns in healthy, aging brain, and in the moderate and late-stages of AD. Herein, this study aimed to explore whether miR-326 could influence neuron apoptosis in AD mice and how miR-326 functions in this process. The candidate differentially expressed gene VAV1 was obtained by microarray analysis, and miRNAs that could regulate VAV1 candidate gene were predicted. Luciferase activity determination confirmed VAV1 as a target gene of miR-326. AD mice models were established for investigating the effect of miR-326 on AD mice. The overexpression of miR-326 contributed to decreased time of the mice to find the platform and the escape latency and increased residence time on the target area. Besides, elevation of miR-326 decreased Aβ deposition and contents of Aβ_1-40 and Aβ_1-42 . Moreover, miR-326 overexpression increased neuron cell ability, mediated cell entry, and inhibited neuron apoptosis via JNK signaling pathway. Of crucial importance, miR-326 negatively regulated the expression of VAV1, inhibited tau phosphorylation, and blocked the activation of the JNK signaling pathway. Taken together these observations, we demonstrate that miR-326 improves cognitive function of AD mice and inhibits neuron apoptosis in AD mice through inactivation of the JNK signaling pathway by targeting VAV1. Based on those findings, miR-326 might exert promise as target for the treatment of AD.

Vav protein guanine nucleotide exchange factor regulates CD36 protein-mediated macrophage foam cell formation via calcium and dynamin-dependent processes

Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, results in part from the accumulation of modified lipoproteins in the arterial wall and formation of lipid-laden macrophages, known as "foam cells." Recently, we reported that CD36, a scavenger receptor, contributes to activation of Vav-family guanine nucleotide exchange factors by oxidatively modified LDL in macrophages. We also discovered that CD36-dependent uptake of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vitro and foam cell formation in vitro and in vivo was significantly reduced in macrophages deficient of Vav proteins. The goal of the present study was to identify the mechanisms by which Vav proteins regulate CD36-dependent foam cell formation. We now show that a Vav-dynamin signaling axis plays a critical role in generating calcium signals in mouse macrophages exposed to CD36-specific oxidized phospholipid ligands. Chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) or inhibition of phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ) inhibited Vav activation (85 and 70%, respectively, compared with vehicle control) and reduced foam cell formation (approximately 75%). Knockdown of expression by siRNA or inhibition of GTPase activity of dynamin 2, a Vav-interacting protein involved in endocytic vesicle fission, significantly blocked oxLDL uptake and inhibited foam cell formation. Immunofluorescence microscopy studies showed that Vav1 and dynamin 2 colocalized with internalized oxLDL in macrophages and that activation and mobilization of dynamin 2 by oxLDL was impaired in vav null cells. These studies identified previously unknown components of the CD36 signaling pathway, demonstrating that Vav proteins regulate oxLDL uptake and foam cell formation via calcium- and dynamin 2-dependent processes and thus represent novel therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis.

CD28 co-signaling in the adaptive immune response

T-cell proliferation and function depends on signals from the antigen-receptor complex (TCR/CD3) and by various co-receptors such as CD28 and CTLA-4. The balance of positive and negative signals determines the outcome of the T-cell response to foreign and self-antigen. CD28 is a prominent co-receptor in naïve and memory T-cell responses. Its blockade has been exploited clinically to dampen T-cell responses to self-antigen. Current evidence shows that CD28 both potentiates TCR signaling and engages a unique array of mediators (PI3K, Grb2, FLNa) in the regulation of aspects of T-cell signaling including the transcription factor NFkB. In this mini-review, we provide an up-to-date overview of our understanding of the signaling mechanisms that underlie CD28 function and its potential application to the modulation of reactivity to autoimmunity.

A role for VAV1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, the most common cause of progressive neurological disability in young adults, is a chronic inflammatory disease. There is solid evidence for a genetic influence in multiple sclerosis, and deciphering the causative genes could reveal key pathways influencing the disease. A genome region on rat chromosome 9 regulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model for multiple sclerosis. Using interval-specific congenic rat lines and association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms with inflammatory phenotypes, we localized the gene of influence to Vav1, which codes for a signal-transducing protein in leukocytes. Analysis of seven human cohorts (12,735 individuals) demonstrated an association of rs2546133-rs2617822 haplotypes in the first VAV1 intron with multiple sclerosis (CA: odds ratio, 1.18; CG: odds ratio, 0.86; TG: odds ratio, 0.90). The risk CA haplotype also predisposed for higher VAV1 messenger RNA expression. VAV1 expression was increased in individuals with multiple sclerosis and correlated with tumor necrosis factor and interferon-gamma expression in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid cells. We conclude that VAV1 plays a central role in controlling central nervous system immune-mediated disease and proinflammatory cytokine production critical for disease pathogenesis.

Alteration of the PKC theta-Vav1 complex and phosphorylation of Vav1 in TCDD-induced apoptosis in the lymphoblastic T cell line, L-MAT

We have previously reported that protein kinase C (PKC) theta (theta) and protein tyrosine kinase are involved in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced apoptosis of L-MAT, a human lymphoblastic T cell line. In the current report, we show that Vav1, a GDP/GTP exchange factor for Rho-like small GTPases, could be detected by Western blotting in the membrane fraction of L-MAT cells after TCDD treatment and was precipitated by incubating with an antibody against PKC theta. Furthermore, the degree of phosphorylation of Vav1, which can be detected using the phosphotyrosine-specific antibody PY-20 or 4G10, is significantly increased after treatment with TCDD. In addition, pretreatment of the cells with genistein, a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, abolished the phosphorylation of Vav1 and inhibited the apoptosis. These results suggest that TCDD treatment may activate an unidentified protein tyrosine kinase. Accordingly we hypothesize that this kinase phosphorylates Vav1, following which phosphorylated Vav1 may translocate to the membrane with PKC theta. Finally, PKC theta may mediate the transfer of the apoptotic signal to downstream components.

CD28 and CTLA-4 coreceptor expression and signal transduction

SUMMARY

T-cell activation is mediated by antigen-specific signals from the TCRzeta/CD3 and CD4-CD8-p56lck complexes in combination with additional co-signals provided by coreceptors such as CD28, inducible costimulator (ICOS), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death (PD-1), and others. CD28 and ICOS provide positive signals that promote and sustain T-cell responses, while CTLA-4 and PD-1 limit responses. The balance between stimulatory and inhibitory co-signals determines the ultimate nature of T-cell responses where response to foreign pathogen is achieved without excess inflammation and autoimmunity. In this review, we outline the current knowledge of the CD28 and CTLA-4 signaling mechanisms [involving phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2), Filamin A, protein kinase C theta (PKCtheta), and phosphatases] that control T-cell immunity. We also present recent findings on T-cell receptor-interacting molecule (TRIM) regulation of CTLA-4 surface expression, and a signaling pathway involving CTLA-4 activation of PI3K and protein kinase B (PKB)/AKT by which cell survival is ensured under conditions of anergy induction.

Transcriptional basis of lymphocyte tolerance

Signaling through lymphocyte antigen receptors has the potential to initiate several distinct outcomes: proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, or functional unresponsiveness. Expansion and differentiation of effector T cells is required for defense against foreign antigens, whereas functional unresponsiveness, termed anergy, is a cell-intrinsic mechanism that contributes to peripheral self-tolerance. Other mechanisms of peripheral tolerance include the 'dominant' tolerance imposed by regulatory T cells and immunosuppression mediated by interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta. T- and B-cell antigen receptor ligation induces an increase in intracellular calcium levels as well as activating additional signaling pathways that are further potentiated by costimulatory receptors. In this review, we argue that cell-intrinsic programs of peripheral anergy and tolerance are imposed by sustained calcium signaling in lymphocytes. We address in particular the role of the calcium-dependent transcription factor nuclear factor for activation of T cells, which is activated by antigen receptor stimulation and, depending on the presence or absence of input from its transcriptional partner, activator protein-1, dictates two distinct transcriptional programs: activation or tolerance.

Alpha2 beta1 integrin signaling augments T cell receptor-dependent production of interferon-gamma in human T cells

The mechanisms by which beta1 integrins modulate T cell costimulation are still poorly defined. In this study, we examined the role of collagen-binding integrins alpha1 beta1 and alpha2 beta1 in the regulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). We demonstrated that ligation of alpha2 beta1 integrin with Collagen type I (Coll I) but not alpha1 beta1 integrin with Collagen IV (Coll IV) significantly augmented T cell receptor (TCR)-dependent expression and production of IFN-gamma by effector T cells. The effect of Coll I was not due to cell adhesion as soluble Coll I also augmented TCR-dependent production of IFN-gamma. Inhibition studies indicated that activation of ERK and JNK MAPKs and PI3K/AKT are necessary for both TCR- and TCR+alpha2 beta1 integrin-dependent IFN-gamma production and that Coll I increases TCR-dependent activation of ERK and JNK MAPKs, and AKT. In addition, our results showed that Coll IV is less potent than Coll I in augmenting TCR-dependent activation of JNK/MAPK, which may explain the differential effect of collagen matrices on TCR-dependent IFN-gamma production. Together, these results indicate that the costimulatory effect of Coll I on IFN-gamma expression is integrated at the levels of ERK and JNK MAPKs and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and suggest JNK/MAPK as a major signaling pathway of Coll I costimulation. Thus, our study identifies alpha2 beta1 integrin as an important regulatory pathway of IFN-gamma expression and provides novel insights into the signaling mechanisms of integrin costimulation in T cells. As such, this study further supports the functional importance that Coll I interactions may have on the control of T cell-dependent Th1 inflammatory diseases.

Activation of transcription factors by extracellular nucleotides in immune and related cell types

Extracellular nucleotides, acting through P2 receptors, can regulate gene expression via intracellular signaling pathways that control the activity of transcription factors. Relatively little is known about the activation of transcription factors by nucleotides in immune cells. The NF-kappaB family of transcription factors is critical for many immune and inflammatory responses. Nucleotides released from damaged or stressed cells can act alone through certain P2 receptors to alter NF-kappaB activity or they can enhance responses induced by pathogen-associated molecules such as LPS. Nucleotides have also been shown to regulate the activity of other transcription factors (AP-1, NFAT, CREB and STAT) in immune and related cell types. Here, we provide an overview of transcription factors shown to be activated by nucleotides in immune cells, and describe what is known about their mechanisms of activation and potential functions. Furthermore, we propose areas for future work in this new and expanding field.

TcR and TcR-CD28 engagement of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) operates independently of guanine nucleotide exchange factor VAV-1

TcRzeta/CD3 and TcRzeta/CD3-CD28 signaling requires the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Vav-1 as well as the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), and its inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Whether these two pathways are connected or operate independently of each other in T-cells has been unclear. Here, we report that anti-CD3 and anti-CD3/CD28 can induce PKB and GSK-3alpha phosphorylation in the Vav-1(-/-) Jurkat cell line J. Vav.1 and in primary CD4-positive Vav-1(-/-) T-cells. Reduced GSK-3alpha phosphorylation was observed in Vav-1,2,3(-/-) T-cells together with a complete loss of FOXO1 phosphorylation. Furthermore, PKB and GSK-3 phosphorylation was unperturbed in the presence of GEF-inactive Vav-1 that inhibited interleukin-2 gene activation and a form of Src homology 2 domain-containing lymphocytic protein of 76-kDa (SLP-76) that is defective in binding to Vav-1. The pathway also was intact under conditions of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition and disruption of the actin cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D. Both events are down-stream targets of Vav-1. Overall, our findings indicate that the TcR and TcR-CD28 driven PKB-GSK-3 pathway can operate independently of Vav-1 in T-cells.

Comparison in gene expression of secretory human endometrium using laser microdissection

BACKGROUND

The endometrium prepares for implantation under the control of steroid hormones. It has been suggested that there are complicated interactions between the epithelium and stroma in the endometrium during menstrual cycle. In this study, we demonstrate a difference in gene expression between the epithelial and stromal areas of the secretory human endometrium using microdissection and macroarray technique.

METHODS

The epithelial and stromal areas were microdissected from the human endometrium during the secretory phase. RNA was extracted and amplified by PCR. Macroarray analysis of nearly 1000 human genes was carried out in this study. Some genes identified by macroarray analysis were verified using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

In this study, changes in expression <2.5-fold in three samples were excluded. A total of 28 genes displayed changes in expression from array data. Fifteen genes were strongly expressed in the epithelial areas, while 13 genes were strongly expressed in the stromal areas. The strongly expressed genes in the epithelial areas with a changes >5-fold were WAP four-disulfide core domain 2 (44.1 fold), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (40.1 fold), homeo box B5 (19.8 fold), msh homeo box homolog (18.8 fold), homeo box B7 (12.7 fold) and protein kinase C, theta (6.4 fold). On the other hand, decorin (55.6 fold), discoidin domain receptor member 2 (17.3 fold), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (9 fold), ribosomal protein S3A (6.3 fold), and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology domains (5.2 fold) were strongly expressed in the stromal areas. WAP four-disulfide core domain 2 (19.4 fold), matrix metalloproteinase 7 (9.7-fold), decorin (16.3-fold) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (7.2-fold) were verified by real-time PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Some of the genes we identified with differential expression are related to the immune system. These results are telling us the new information for understanding the secretory human endometrium.

PKCtheta signals activation versus tolerance in vivo

Understanding the pathways that signal T cell tolerance versus activation is key to regulating immunity. Previous studies have linked CD28 and protein kinase C-θ (PKCθ) as a potential signaling pathway that influences T cell activation. Therefore, we have compared the responses of T cells deficient for CD28 and PKCθ in vivo and in vitro. Here, we demonstrate that the absence of PKCθ leads to the induction of T cell anergy, with a phenotype that is comparable to the absence of CD28. Further experiments examined whether PKCθ triggered other CD28-dependent responses. Our data show that CD4 T cell–B cell cooperation is dependent on CD28 but not PKCθ, whereas CD28 costimulatory signals that augment proliferation can be uncoupled from signals that regulate anergy. Therefore, PKCθ relays a defined subset of CD28 signals during T cell activation and is critical for the induction of activation versus tolerance in vivo.

DroVav, the Drosophila melanogaster homologue of the mammalian Vav proteins, serves as a signal transducer protein in the Rac and DER pathways

Mammalian Vav signal transducer proteins couple receptor tyrosine kinase signals to the activation of the Rho/Rac GTPases, leading to cell differentiation and/or proliferation. The unique and complex structure of mammalian Vav proteins is preserved in the Drosophila melanogaster homologue, DroVav. We demonstrate that DroVav functions as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for DRac. Drosophila cells overexpressing wild-type (wt) DroVav exhibited a normal morphology. However, overexpression of a truncated DroVav mutant (that functions as an oncogene when expressed in NIH3T3 cells) results in striking changes in the actin cytoskeleton, resembling those usually visible following Rac activation. Dominant-negative DRac abrogated these morphological changes, suggesting that the effect of the truncated DroVav mutant is mediated by activation of DRac. In Drosophila cells, we find that stimulation of the Drosophila EGF receptor (DER) increases tyrosine phosphorylation of DroVav, which in turn associates with tyrosine-phosphorylated DER. In addition, the following results imply that DroVav participates in downstream DER signalling, such as ERK phosphorylation: (a) overexpression of DroVav induces ERK phosphorylation; and (b) 'knockout' of DroVav by RNA interference blocks ERK phosphorylation induced by DER stimulation. Unlike mammalian Vav proteins, DroVav was not found to induce Jnk phosphorylation under the experimental circumstances tested in fly cells. These results establish the role of DroVav as a signal transducer that participates in receptor tyrosine kinase pathways and functions as a GEF for the small RhoGTPase, DRac.

SLAM-associated protein deficiency causes imbalanced early signal transduction and blocks downstream activation in T cells from X-linked lymphoproliferative disease patients

Deficiency of SAP (SLAM (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule)-associated protein) protein is associated with a severe immunodeficiency, the X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) characterized by an inappropriate immune reaction against Epstein-Barr virus infection often resulting in a fatal clinical course. Several studies demonstrated altered NK and T cell function in XLP patients; however, the mechanisms underlying XLP disease are still largely unknown. Here, we show that non-transformed T cell lines obtained from XLP patients were defective in several activation events such as IL-2 production, CD25 expression, and homotypic cell aggregation when cells were stimulated via T cell antigen receptor (TCR).CD3 but not when early TCR-dependent events were bypassed by stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin. Analysis of proximal T cell signaling revealed imbalanced TCR.CD3-induced signaling in SAP-deficient T cells. Although phospholipase C gamma 1 phosphorylation and calcium response were both enhanced in T cells from XLP patients, phosphorylation of VAV and downstream signal transduction events such as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and IL-2 production were diminished. Importantly, reconstitution of SAP expression by retroviral-mediated gene transfer completely restored abnormal signaling events in T cell lines derived from XLP patients. In conclusion, SAP mutation or deletion in XLP patients causes profound defects in T cell activation, resulting in immune deficiency. Moreover, these data provide evidence that SAP functions as an essential integrator in early TCR signal transduction.

Unifying concepts in CD28, ICOS and CTLA4 co-receptor signalling

Many studies have shown the central importance of the co-receptors CD28, inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) in the regulation of many aspects of T-cell function. CD28 and ICOS have both overlapping and distinct functions in the positive regulation of T-cell responses, whereas CTLA4 negatively regulates the response. The signalling pathways that underlie the function of each of the co-receptors indicate their shared and unique properties and provide compelling hints of functions that are as yet uncovered. Here, we outline the shared and distinct signalling events that are associated with each of the co-receptors and provide unifying concepts that are related to signalling functions of these co-receptors.

Signaling through P2X7 receptor in human T cells involves p56lck, MAP kinases, and transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kappa B

ATP-gated ion channel P2X receptors are expressed on the surface of most immune cells and can trigger multiple cellular responses, such as membrane permeabilization, cytokine production, and cell proliferation or apoptosis. Despite broad distribution and pleiotropic activities, signaling pathways downstream of these ionotropic receptors are still poorly understood. Here, we describe intracellular signaling events in Jurkat cells treated with millimolar concentrations of extracellular ATP. Within minutes, ATP treatment resulted in the phosphorylation and activation of p56(lck) kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase but not p38 kinase. These effects were wholly dependent upon the presence of extracellular Ca(2+) ions in the culture medium. Nevertheless, calmodulin antagonist calmidazolium and CaM kinase inhibitor KN-93 both had no effect on the activation of p56(lck) and ERK, whereas a pretreatment of Jurkat cells with MAP kinase kinase inhibitor P098059 was able to abrogate phosphorylation of ERK. Further, expression of c-Jun and c-Fos proteins and activator protein (AP-1) DNA binding activity were enhanced in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B was reduced. ATP failed to stimulate the phosphorylation of ERK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and activation of AP-1 in the p56(lck)-deficient isogenic T cell line JCaM1, suggesting a critical role for p56(lck) kinase in downstream signaling. Regarding the biological significance of the ATP-induced signaling events we show that although extracellular ATP was able to stimulate proliferation of both Jurkat and JCaM1 cells, an increase in interleukin-2 transcription was observed only in Jurkat cells. The nucleotide selectivity and pharmacological profile data supported the evidence that the ATP-induced effects in Jurkat cells were mediated through the P2X7 receptor. Taken together, these results demonstrate the ability of extracellular ATP to activate multiple downstream signaling events in a human T-lymphoblastoid cell line.

Pleiotropic defects in TCR signaling in a Vav-1-null Jurkat T-cell line

The Rac/Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Vav-1, is a key component of the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-linked signaling machinery. Here we have used somatic cell gene-targeting technology to generate a Vav-1-deficient Jurkat T-cell line. The J.Vav1 cell line exhibits dramatic defects in TCR-dependent interleukin (IL)-2 promoter activation, accompanied by significant reductions in the activities of the NFAT(IL-2), NFkappaB, AP-1 and REAP transcription factors that bind to the IL-2 promoter region. In contrast, loss of Vav-1 had variable effects on early TCR-stimulated signaling events. J.Vav1 cells display a selective defect in sustained Ca(2+) signaling during TCR stimulation, and complementation of this abnormality by exogenously introduced Vav-1 is dependent on the Vav-1 calponin homology domain. While JNK activation was severely impaired, the stimulation of Ras, ERK and protein kinase C-theta activities, as well as the mobilization of lipid rafts, appeared normal in the J.Vav1 cells. Finally, evidence is presented to suggest that the alternative Vav family members, Vav-2 and Vav-3, are activated during TCR ligation, and partially compensate for the loss of Vav-1 in Jurkat T cells.

Downregulated AP-1 activity is associated with inhibition of Protein-Kinase-C-dependent CD44 and ezrin localisation and upregulation of PKC theta in A431 cells

Progression to an invasive, metastatic tumour requires the coordinated expression and function of a number of gene products, as well as their regulation in the context of invasion. The transcription factor AP-1 regulates expression of many of those genes necessary for implementation of the invasion programme. Two such gene products, CD44 and ezrin, are both upregulated in fibroblasts transformed by v-fos and are commonly implicated in cell motility and invasion. Here we report that CD44 and ezrin colocalise to membrane ruffles and microvilli of A431 cells after treatment with EGF. However, A431 cells expressing dominant-negative c-Jun (TAM67), and which as a consequence fail to invade in response to EGF, also fail to correctly localise CD44 and ezrin. CD44 and ezrin are both substrates for Protein Kinase C, and we show that their EGF-dependent colocalisation requires Protein Kinase C activity. Associated with TAM67 expression and disrupted CD44 and ezrin colocalisation is the increased expression and activation of the novel PKC theta isoform. Expression of PKC theta in A431 cells results in the inhibition of cell motility and disrupted localisation of CD44 and ezrin. We propose that AP-1 regulates the integrity of Protein Kinase C signalling and identifies PKC theta as a potential suppressor of the invasion programme.

Protein kinase C-theta;: signaling from the center of the T-cell synapse

The hypothesis that protein kinase C (PKC)-theta; plays an important role in T-lymphocyte activation, as indicated by numerous studies in cell lines, was recently confirmed in mice deficient in the expression of this enzyme. In response to TCR stimulation, peripheral T cells lacking PKC-theta; failed to activate NF-kappaB and AP-1, and to express IL-2. This revealed a critical function for this PKC family member in linking membrane-proximal activation cascades to transcriptional responses governing T-cell activation. Although the molecular interactions in which PKC-theta; engages have not been fully delineated, insights from a variety of recent studies have permitted new models to be formulated regarding the mechanisms through which it achieves its unique effector functions.

Translocation of PKC[theta] in T cells is mediated by a nonconventional, PI3-K- and Vav-dependent pathway, but does not absolutely require phospholipase C

PKCtheta plays an essential role in activation of mature T cells via stimulation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB, and is known to selectively translocate to the immunological synapse in antigen-stimulated T cells. Recently, we reported that a Vav/Rac pathway which depends on actin cytoskeleton reorganization mediates selective recruitment of PKCtheta to the membrane or cytoskeleton and its catalytic activation by anti-CD3/CD28 costimulation. Because this pathway acted selectively on PKCtheta, we addressed here the question of whether the translocation and activation of PKCtheta in T cells is regulated by a unique pathway distinct from the conventional mechanism for PKC activation, i.e., PLC-mediated production of DAG. Using three independent approaches, i.e., a selective PLC inhibitor, a PLCgamma1-deficient T cell line, or a dominant negative PLCgamma1 mutant, we demonstrate that CD3/CD28-induced membrane recruitment and COOH-terminal phosphorylation of PKCtheta are largely independent of PLC. In contrast, the same inhibitory strategies blocked the membrane translocation of PKCalpha. Membrane or lipid raft recruitment of PKCtheta (but not PKCalpha) was absent in T cells treated with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) inhibitors or in Vav-deficient T cells, and was enhanced by constitutively active PI3-K. 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) also upregulated the membrane translocation of PKCtheta;, but did not associate with it. These results provide evidence that a nonconventional PI3-K- and Vav-dependent pathway mediates the selective membrane recruitment and, possibly, activation of PKCtheta in T cells.

Single-cell analysis of signal transduction in CD4 T cells stimulated by antigen in vivo

Flow cytometry was used to study signaling events in individual CD4 T cells after antigen recognition in the body. Phosphorylation of c-jun and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was detected within minutes in all antigen-specific CD4 T cells in secondary lymphoid tissues after injection of peptide antigen into the bloodstream. The remarkable rapidity of this response correlated with the finding that most naive T cells are in constant contact with dendritic antigen-presenting cells. Contrary to predictions from in vitro experiments, antigen-induced c-jun and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation did not depend on CD28 signals and was insensitive to inhibition by cyclosporin A. Our results highlight the efficiency of the in vivo immune response and underscore the need to verify which signaling pathways identified in vitro actually operate under physiological conditions.