Recombinant Human PKCq protein

Protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the protein kinase C (PKC) family, specifically classified under the novel PKC subfamily due to its calcium-independent activation and dependence on diacylglycerol (DAG) for signaling. Discovered in the 1990s, PKCθ is predominantly expressed in T lymphocytes, skeletal muscle, and platelets, distinguishing it from other PKC isoforms. It plays a critical role in immune regulation, particularly in T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated signaling, where it localizes to the immunological synapse during antigen presentation. This kinase is essential for activating transcription factors like NF-κB and AP-1. which regulate T-cell proliferation, cytokine production, and survival. Dysregulation of PKCθ has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, allergies, and cancer, making it a therapeutic target.

Recombinant PKCθ proteins are engineered using expression systems (e.g., insect or mammalian cells) to ensure proper post-translational modifications and functional activity. These proteins retain catalytic domains (C3/C4 for kinase activity) and regulatory domains (C1 for DAG binding, C2 for membrane interaction), enabling in vitro studies of enzyme kinetics, substrate interactions, and inhibitor screening. Researchers utilize PKCθ recombinant proteins to dissect signaling pathways, develop targeted therapies, and study mechanisms underlying immune disorders. Its role in modulating T-cell anergy and tolerance further highlights its relevance in immunotherapy research. Advances in structural studies of recombinant PKCθ have also facilitated the design of selective inhibitors, offering potential treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or graft-versus-host disease while minimizing off-target effects.