Prointerleukin-16 contains a functional CcN motif that regulates nuclear localization

The immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin-16 (IL-16) represents the secreted C-terminus of a larger precursor, pro-IL-16. Following cleavage by caspase 3, the residual N-terminal domain translocates into the nucleus, inducing G(0)/G(1) cell cycle arrest. We have previously identified a classical bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in the N-terminal domain of pro-IL-16. We now show that N-terminal to the NLS domain of pro-IL-16 are protein kinase CK2 substrate and cdc2 kinase substrate sites which, along with the NLS, constitute a dual phosphorylation-regulated CcN motif which regulates nuclear localization of pro-IL-16. In addition, we demonstrate that mutation of either site is associated with impairment of the N-terminal domain's ability to induce G(0)/G(1) cell cycle arrest. This is the first description of a functional CcN motif in a cytokine precursor.