Multiple roles for PI 3-kinase in the regulation of PLCγ activity and Ca2+ mobilization in antigen-stimulated mast cells

Abstract

Cross-linking the IgE-bound FcεRI with polyvalent antigen leads to Ca2+-dependent degranulation from mast cells and basophils, initiating the allergic response. This overview addresses novel roles for PI 3-kinase in the regulation of signaling events that lie downstream of FcεRI-mediated tyrosine kinase activation. The first novel role for PI 3-kinase is in the regulation of PLCγ activity and is demonstrated by a dramatic inhibition of FcεRI-induced Ins(1,4,5)P3 production after treatment of RBL-2H3 cells with wortmannin, a PI 3-kinase inhibitor. We show that PI 3-kinase lipid products support Ins(1,4,5)P3 production in at least two ways: by promoting translocation and phosphorylation of PLCγ1 and by direct stimulation of both PLCγ isoforms. In vitro stimulation of PLCγ activity by PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 synergizes with activation by in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation for maximal enzymatic activity. A second novel role for PI 3-kinase is in the regulation of antigen-stimulated Ca2+ influx. Compared with control cells, Ca2+ responses are markedly diminished in antigen-stimulated cells after wortmannin pretreatment. Differences include both a longer lag time to the initial elevation in Ca2+ after antigen and an inhibition of the sustained Ca2+ influx phase. However, thapsigargin challenge during the sustained phase demonstrates no difference in the state of the Ca2+ stores in antigen-stimulated cells in the presence or absence of wortmannin. These data suggest that sufficient Ins(1,4,5)P3 is synthesized in wortmannin-treated cells to mobilize intracellular calcium stores and, furthermore, that the affected phase of Ca2+ influx is unlikely to be attributed to capacitative mechanisms. These data are consistent with a model where at least two pathways mediate Ca2+ influx in antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, one that is dependent on signals from empty stores (capacitative influx) and another that is downstream of PI 3-kinase.