| Primary Identifier | IPR034668 | Type | Domain |
| Short Name | nPKC_theta |
| description | Protein kinases C (PKCs) constitute a family of Ser/Thr kinases. PKCs are classified into three groups (classical, atypical, and novel) depending on their mode of activation and the structural characteristics of their regulatory domain [, ]. Novel PKCs (nPKCs) comprise delta, epsilon, eta, and theta isoforms, which have tandem C1 domains and a C2 domain that does not bind calcium []. nPKCs are calcium-independent, but require DAG (1,2-diacylglycerol) and phosphatidylserine (PS) for activity. PKC-theta is selectively expressed in T-cells and plays an important and non-redundant role in several aspects of T-cell biology []. Although T-cells also express other PKC isoforms, PKC-theta is unique in that upon antigen stimulation, it is translocated to the plasma membrane at the immunological synapse, where it mediates signals essential for T-cell activation []. It is essential for TCR-induced proliferation, cytokine production, T-cell survival, and the differentiation and effector function of T-helper (Th) cells, particularly Th2 and Th17. PKC-theta is being developed as a therapeutic target for Th2-mediated allergic inflammation and Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases []. |
