This is a calcium-independent, phospholipid-dependent, serine- and threonine-specific enzyme. Essential for T-cell receptor (TCR)-mediated T-cell activation, but is dispensable during TCR-dependent thymocyte development. Links the TCR signaling complex to the activation of NF-kappa-B in mature T lymphocytes. Required for interleukin-2 (IL2) production.
PKC is activated by diacylglycerol which in turn phosphorylates a range of cellular proteins. PKC also serves as the receptor for phorbol esters, a class of tumor promoters.