Physiologic activation of T cells via the T cell receptor induces NF-kappa B.

The transcription factor NF-kappa B has been implicated in the mitogen-induced expression of several genes that are critical for the immunologic function of T cells such as those encoding IL-2 and the IL-2R alpha chain (IL-2R alpha). We show here that NF-kappa B is induced in T cells activated by Ag, anti-CD3 antibody, or allogeneic stimulation. The induction of NF-kappa B via the TCR was dependent on protein kinase C. IL-2, which also activates IL-2R alpha expression and proliferation in T cells, was not able to induce NF-kappa B. TCR-mediated induction of NF-kappa B suggests a central role for this factor in activated T cells and also provides a mechanism for activation of latent HIV provirus during the normal immune response.