RAC1/P38 MAPK signaling pathway controls β1 integrin-induced interleukin-8 production in human natural killer cells

The MAP kinase (MAPK) p38 plays a key role in regulating inflammatory responses. Here, we demonstrate that beta 1 integrin ligation on human NK cells results in the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway, which is required for integrin-triggered IL-8 production. In addition, we identified some of the upstream events accompanying the beta 1 integrin-mediated p38 MAPK activation, namely, the activation of the Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) p95 Vav, the small G protein Rac1, and the cytoplasmic kinases Pak1 and MKK3. Finally, we provide direct evidence that p95 Vav and Rac control the activation of p38 MAPK triggered by beta 1 integrins.