A switch in distinct I kappa B alpha degradation mechanisms mediates constitutive NF-kappa B activation in mature B cells.

Inducible activation of cytoplasmic NF-kappa B/Rel transcription factors occurs via proteasome-dependent degradation of an associated inhibitor, termed I kappa B alpha. Mature B lymphocytes constitutively express nuclear NF-kappa B, which is important for their long-term survival. The intrinsic mechanisms by which B cells constitutively activate NF-kappa B are unknown. In this paper we demonstrate that maintenance of NF-kappa B activity in primary B cells is mediated by a novel calcium-dependent, but proteasome-independent, mechanism. Moreover, we show that differentiation of conditionally transformed pre-B cells is accompanied by a switch from proteasome-dependent to proteasome-independent degradation of I kappa B alpha. Our findings indicate that I kappa B alpha degradation mechanisms are dynamic during B cell development, and ultimately establish constitutive NF-kappa B activity in mature B lymphocytes.