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In the present study, we investigate the mechanism for the protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated activation of C-terminal Src kinase (Csk). Although isolated Csk kinase domain was phosphorylated at Ser364 by PKA to the same stoichiometry as wild-type Csk, significant activation of the isolated Csk kinase domain by PKA was observed only in the presence of the purified Src homology 3 domain (SH3 domain). Furthermore, the interaction between the SH3 and kinase domains was facilitated by PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the kinase domain, as evaluated by surface plasmon resonance. This suggests that an overall structural domain organization and interaction between the kinase and SH3 domains are important for the activity of Csk and its regulation by PKA.

In T cells, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) type I colocalizes with the T cell receptor–CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) and inhibits T cell function via a previously unknown proximal target. Here we examine the mechanism for this PKA-mediated immunomodulation. cAMP treatment of Jurkat and normal T cells reduces Lck-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the TCR/CD3 ζ chain after T cell activation, and decreases Lck activity. Phosphorylation of residue Y505 in Lck by COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk), which negatively regulates Lck, is essential for the inhibitory effect of cAMP on ζ chain phosphorylation. PKA phosphorylates Csk at S364 in vitro and in vivo leading to a two- to fourfold increase in Csk activity that is necessary for cAMP-mediated inhibition of TCR-induced interleukin 2 secretion. Both PKA type I and Csk are targeted to lipid rafts where proximal T cell activation occurs, and phosphorylation of raft-associated Lck by Csk is increased in cells treated with forskolin. We propose a mechanism whereby PKA through activation of Csk intersects signaling by Src kinases and inhibits T cell activation.

The functional activity of the R620W variant of the phosphatase PTPN22 may be determined as much by localization as by catalytic activity.