ABSTRACT
Protein kinase C (PKC) includes a family of serine/threonine kinases. To date, 12 isoforms of PKC family have been identi™ed. PKC family members exhibit broad tissue distribution and are known to regulate a wide variety of cellular processes. Using molecular tools, the contribution of different isoforms of PKC has been delineated in immune, antigen-presenting, inŠammatory, and structural cells of the airway. Evidence is emerging in support of a role of speci™c PKC isoforms in experimental airway inŠammation. Indeed, there has been excellent progress toward the discovery
13.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................309 13.2 Biology of PKC ............................................................................................. 310 13.3 Structure of PKC ........................................................................................... 311 13.4 Expression of PKC Isoforms ......................................................................... 314 13.5 Relevance of PKC in Respiratory Ailments ................................................. 315
13.5.1 PKC in Immune Cell Functions ........................................................ 316 13.5.1.1 PKC in B Cell Functions .................................................... 316 13.5.1.2 PKC in T Cell Functions .................................................... 318 13.5.1.3 PKC in Macrophage Functions .......................................... 319 13.5.1.4 PKC in Dendritic Cell Functions ....................................... 320
13.5.2 PKC in InŠammatory Cell Functions ............................................... 320 13.5.2.1 PKC in Mast Cell Functions .............................................. 320 13.5.2.2 PKC in Eosinophil Function .............................................. 321 13.5.2.3 PKC in Neutrophil Functions ............................................. 323
13.5.3 PKC in Structural Cell Functions ..................................................... 324 13.6 PKC as a Target for Asthma and COPD ....................................................... 325 13.7 Expert Opinion ............................................................................................. 329 References .............................................................................................................. 331
of highly isoform-selective inhibitors for PKC. A few PKC inhibitors have also been shown to be ef™cacious in preclinical animal models of airway diseases.
