β2 integrin‐dependent phosphorylation of protein‐tyrosine kinase Pyk2 stimulated by tumor necrosis factor α and fMLP in human neutrophils adherent to fibrinogen

Tumor necrosis factor alpha and fMLP can activate a broad range of cellular functions in neutrophils adherent to biological surfaces. These functions are mediated by integrins and involve the activation of tyrosine kinases. Here, we report that Pyk2, a member of the focal adhesion kinase family, was present in human neutrophils and was rapidly phosphorylated and activated following tumor necrosis factor alpha and fMLP stimulation in an adhesion-dependent manner. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 was attenuated by beta2 integrin blocking with specific antibodies. The tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 was downstream of protein kinases Lyn, Syk and protein kinase C and cytoskeletal organization. The activation of Pyk2 may play a role in adhesion/cytoskeleton-associated neutrophils function.