An active kinase domain is required for retention of PKC theta at the T cell immunological synapse

作者：Cartwright Natalia G; Kashyap Anuj K; Schaefer Brian C^*

来源：Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2011, 22(18): 3491-3497.

DOI：10.1091/mbc.E10-11-0916

Protein kinase C theta (PKC theta) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an essential role in antigen-regulated responses of T lymphocytes. Upon antigen stimulation, PKC theta is rapidly recruited to the immunological synapse (IS), the region of contact between the T cell and antigen-presenting cell. This behavior is unique among T cell PKC isoforms. To define domains of PKC theta required for retention at the IS, we generated deletion and point mutants of PKC theta. We used quantitative imaging analysis to assess IS retention of PKC theta mutants in antigen-stimulated T cell clones. Deletion of the kinase domain or site-directed mutation of a subset of known PKC theta phosphorylation sites abrogated or significantly reduced IS retention, respectively. IS retention did not correlate with phosphorylation of specific PKC theta residues but rather with kinase function. Thus PKC theta catalytic competence is essential for stable IS retention.

• 出版日期2011-9-15