Calcium-induced ERK activation in human T lymphocytes

We have previously shown that stimulation of B lymphocytes with calcium ionophores lead to the phosphorylation and enzymatic activation of ERK2. We have now determined that stimulation of human primary and Jurkat T lymphocytes with ionomycin also results in the activation of ERK1 and 2 as determined by; shifts in the mobility of this enzyme on SDS PAGE gels, the binding of an antibody that recognizes only the activated form of this enzyme, and increased ability to phosphorylate myelin basic protein (MBP). Another calcium ionophore, A23187, also induced activation of ERK1 and 2 in human primary and Jurkat T lymphocytes demonstrating that this is a general effect of calcium ionophores and is not limited to ionomycin. The activation of ERK1 and 2 by calcium ionophores was rapid, transient, and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of ERK1 and 2 by increases in intracellular calcium were blocked by the MEK inhibitor PD98059. These data point to a new role for calcium fluxes in T lymphocytes.