I kappa B kinase alpha (IKK?) activity is required for functional maturation of dendritic cells and acquired immunity to infection.

ABSTRACT: Dendritic cells (DC) are required for priming antigen-specific T cells and acquired immunity to many important human pathogens, including Mycobacteriuim tuberculosis (TB) and influenza. However, inappropriate priming of auto-reactive T cells is linked with autoimmune disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the priming and activation of naïve T cells is critical for development of new improved vaccines and understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The serine/threonine kinase IKK? (CHUK) has previously been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity and inhibit innate immunity. Here, we show that IKK? is required in DC for priming antigen-specific T cells and acquired immunity to the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. We describe a new role for IKK? in regulation of IRF3 activity and the functional maturation of DC. This presents a unique role for IKK? in dampening inflammation while simultaneously promoting adaptive immunity that could have important implications for the development of new vaccine adjuvants and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

SUBMITTER: Mancino A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3604721 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature