δ-Catenin is a neuronal protein that contains 10 Armadillo motifs and binds to the juxtamembrane segment of classical cadherins. We report that δ-catenin interacts with cortactin in a tyrosine phosphorylation–dependent manner. This interaction occurs within a region of the δ-catenin sequence that is also essential for the neurite elongation effects. Src family kinases can phosphorylate δ-catenin and bind to δ-catenin through its polyproline tract. Under conditions when tyrosine phosphorylation is reduced, δ-catenin binds to cortactin and cells extend unbranched primary processes. Conversely, increasing tyrosine phosphorylation disrupts the δ-catenin–cortactin complex. When RhoA is inhibited, δ-catenin enhances the effects of Rho inhibition on branching. We conclude that δ-catenin contributes to setting a balance between neurite elongation and branching in the elaboration of a complex dendritic tree.

Maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) regulates protein sorting in endosomal compartments to promote the surface expression of molecules involved in T cell activation. MHC Class II complexes are mobilized to the surface via intracellular effector molecules that remain largely unknown. We here show that protein kinase C (PKC) stimulates Class II antigen surface expression, using knock-in mice that express a Class II-green fluorescent protein fusion protein as a read out. Selective inhibition of PKCdelta counteracts the ability of DCs to stimulate Class II MHC-restricted antigen-specific T cells. Activation of PKC does not affect antigen uptake, peptide loading and surface display of Class I MHC and transferrin receptor in DCs. We show that activation-induced Class II MHC surface expression is dependent on activation of PKCdelta and conclude that this event is pivotal for optimal CD4 T cell activation.