Rho kinase is required for CCR7‐mediated polarization and chemotaxis of T lymphocytes

Abstract
We studied the role of Rho kinase and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)‐2 in the polarization and migration of T lymphocytes in response to the CCR7 ligands EBI1 ligand chemokine (ELC; CCL19) and secondary lymphoid‐tissue chemokine (SLC; CCL21). Both Rho kinase protein isoforms are expressed in T lymphocytes. Inhibition of the Rho kinases with Y‐27632 strongly inhibited SLC‐ and ELC‐induced polarized morphology and chemotaxis of T lymphocytes. Although the chemokines induced ERK‐2 activation, the blockade of this signaling pathway showed no effect on polarization and migration. This study indicates an important role of Rho kinase in CCR7‐mediated polarization and migration of T lymphocytes, whereas ERK‐2 is not involved in these processes.