The Serine Protease Plasmin Triggers Expression of the CC-Chemokine Ligand 20 in Dendritic Cells via Akt/NF-κB-Dependent Pathways

Figure 6

Akt and ERK1/2 activation is indispensable for the plasmin-induced activation of NF-κB. Analysis of IκBα and p65 phosphorylation. Dendritic cells were pretreated with the Akt inhibitor VIII or the MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 (each at 1 μM) for 15 min and then stimulated with plasmin (0.143 CTA U/mL) for 40 min. Dendritic cells were collected, lysed, and subjected to western blot analysis with antibodies against the phosphorylated forms of IκBα (Ser32/Ser36) and p65 (Ser276 and Ser536). Staining with p65 antibody-loading control. Results are representative of 3 independent experiments.