Elevating calcium in Th2 cells activates multiple pathways to induce IL-4 transcription and mRNA stabilization

PMA and ionomycin cause T cell cytokine production. We report that ionomycin alone induces IL-4 and IFN-gamma, but not IL-2, from in vivo- and in vitro-generated murine Th2 and Th1 cells. Ionomycin-induced cytokine production requires NFAT, p38, and calmodulin-dependent kinase IV (CaMKIV). Ionomycin induces p38 phosphorylation through a calcium-dependent, cyclosporine A-inhibitable pathway. Knocking down ASK1 inhibits ionomycin-induced p38 phosphorylation and IL-4 production. lonomycin also activates CaMKIV, which, together with p38, induces AP-1. Cooperation between AP-1 and NFAT leads to 114 gene transcription. p38 also regulates IL-4 production by mRNA stabilization. TCR stimulation also phosphorylates p38, partially through the calcium-dependent pathway; activated p38 is required for optimal IL-4 and IFN-gamma.