Differential Requirement for Classic and Novel PKC Isoforms in Respiratory Burst and Phagocytosis in RAW 264.7 Cells

Abstract

The binding of Ab (IgG)-opsonized particles by FcγRs on macrophages results in phagocytosis of the particles and generation of a respiratory burst. Both IgG-stimulated phagocytosis and respiratory burst involve activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, the specific PKC isoforms required for these responses have yet to be identified. We have studied the involvement of PKC isoforms in IgG-mediated phagocytosis and respiratory burst in the mouse macrophage-like cell line, RAW 264.7. Like primary monocyte/macrophages, their IgG-mediated phagocytosis was calcium independent and diacylglycerol sensitive, consistent with novel PKC activation. Respiratory burst in these cells was Ca2+ dependent and inhibited by staurosporine and calphostin C as well as by the classic PKC-selective inhibitors Gö 6976 and CGP 41251, suggesting that classic PKC is required. In contrast, phagocytosis was blocked by general PKC inhibitors but not by the classic PKC-specific drugs. RAW 264.7 cells expressed PKCs α, βI, δ, ε, and ζ. Subcellular fractionation demonstrated that PKCs α, δ, and ε translocate to membranes during phagocytosis. In Ca2+-depleted cells, only novel PKCs δ and ε increased in membranes, and the time course of their translocation was consistent with phagosome formation. Confocal microscopy of cells transfected with green fluorescent protein-conjugated PKC α or ε confirmed that these isoforms translocated to the forming phagosome in Ca-replete cells, but only PKC ε colocalized with phagosomes in Ca2+-depleted cells. Taken together, these results suggest that the classic PKC α mediates IgG-stimulated respiratory burst in macrophages, whereas the novel PKCs δ and/or ε are necessary for phagocytosis.