IL-3 receptor expression, regulation and function in cells of the vasculature

IL-3 is a haemopoietic growth factor which stimulates the production and functional activity of various blood cell types. Recent evidence suggests that the target cell population of IL-3 is not restricted to haemopoietic cells as previously thought, but vascular cells such as endothelial cells also express receptors for and respond to this cytokine. Interestingly, IL-3 was found to regulate endothelial responses related to inflammation, immunity and haemopoiesis. These findings, summarized in this review, offer new insight into the physiological function of IL-3 and may also be of clinical importance, as IL-3 is used in bone marrow reconstitution following cancer therapy.

Monoclonal antibody 7G3 recognizes the N-terminal domain of the human interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor alpha-chain and functions as a specific IL-3 receptor antagonist

The human interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R) is expressed on myeloid, lymphoid, and vascular endothelial cells, where it transduces IL-3-dependent signals leading to cell activation. Although IL-3R activation may play a role in hematopoiesis and immunity, its aberrant expression or excessive stimulation may contribute to pathologic conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, and allergic reactions. We describe here the generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody (MoAb), 7G3, which specifically binds to the IL-3R alpha-chain and completely abolishes its function. MoAb 7G3 immunoprecipitated and recognized in Western blots the IL-3R alpha-chain expressed by transfected cells and bound to primary cells expressing IL-3R alpha. MoAb 7G3 bound the IL-3R alpha-chain with a kd of 900 pmol/L and inhibited 125I-IL-3 binding to high- and low-affinity receptors in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, IL-3 but not granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhibited 125I-7G3 binding to high- and low-affinity IL-3Rs, indicating that MoAb 7G3 and IL-3 bind to common or adjacent sites. In keeping with the inhibition of IL-3 binding, MoAb 7G3 antagonized IL-3 biologic activities, namely stimulation of TF-1 cell proliferation, basophil histamine release, and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion from human endothelial cells. Two other anti-IL-3R alpha-chain MoAbs failed to inhibit IL-3 binding or function. Epitope mapping experiments using truncated IL-3R alpha-chain mutants and IL-3R alpha/GM-CSFR alpha chimeras revealed that 31 amino acids in the N-terminus of IL-3R alpha were required for MoAb 7G3 binding. MoAb 7G3 may be of clinical significance for antagonizing IL-3 in pathologic conditions such as some myeloid leukemias, follicular B-cell lymphoma, and allergy. Furthermore, these results implicate the N-terminal domain of IL-3R alpha in IL-3 binding. Since this domain is unique to the IL-3/GM-CSF/IL-5 receptor subfamily, it may represent a novel and common binding feature in these receptors.

Neutrophils activated by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor express receptors for interleukin-3 which mediate class II expression

Freshly isolated peripheral blood neutrophils, unlike monocytes and eosinophils, do not bind interleukin-3 (IL-3) or respond to IL-3). We show that neutrophils cultured for 24 hours in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) express mRNA for the IL-3 receptor (R) alpha subunit, as shown by RNase protection assays, and IL-3R alpha chain protein, as shown by cytometric analysis using two different specific monoclonal antibodies. This effect was selective for GM-CSF, because granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and IL-1 failed to induce the IL-3 receptor. Saturation binding curves with 125I-IL-3 and Scatchard transformation showed the presence of about 100 high-affinity and 4,000 low-affinity receptors. Because neutrophils have been shown to express human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR in response to GM-CSF, we examined the possibility that IL-3 could augment HLA-DR expression on GM-CSF-treated cells. We found that neutrophils incubated with 30 ng/mL IL-3 as well as 0.1 ng/mL GM-CSF expressed a mean of 2.1-fold higher levels of HLA-DR than with GM-CSF alone (P < .005), confirming the signaling competence of the newly expressed IL-3R. This increase was seen even at maximal concentrations of GM-CSF and IL-3 can have an additive effect on mature human cells. The augmentation of HLA-DR by IL-3 was specific because it could be inhibited by a blocking anti-IL-3R antibody. Expression of class II molecules by neutrophils under these conditions may have significance for antigen presentation. These results provide further evidence for the role of GM-CSF as an amplification factor in inflammation by inducing neutrophil responsiveness to IL-3 produced by T cells or mast cells.

High-density lipoproteins inhibit cytokine-induced expression of endothelial cell adhesion molecules

While an elevated plasma concentration of HDLs is protective against the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing coronary heart disease (CHD), the mechanism of this protection is unknown. One early cellular event in atherogenesis is the adhesion of mononuclear leukocytes to the endothelium. This event is mediated principally by vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) but also involves other molecules, such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin. We have investigated the effect of isolated plasma HDLs and reconstituted HDLs on the expression of these molecules by endothelial cells. We show that physiological concentrations of HDLs inhibit tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-1 (IL-1) induction of these leukocyte adhesion molecules in a concentration-dependent manner. Steady state mRNA levels of TNF-alpha-induced VCAM-1 and E-selectin are significantly reduced by physiological concentrations of HDLs. An an HDL concentration of 1 mg/mL apolipoprotein A-I, the protein expressions of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and E-selectin were inhibited by 89.6 +/- 0.4% (mean +/-SD, n=4), 64.8 +/- 1.0%, and 79.2 +/- 0.4%, respectively. In contrast, HDLs have no effect on the expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) or on the expression of the p55 and p75 subunits of the TNF-alpha receptor. HDLs were effective when added from 16 hours before to 5 minutes after cytokine stimulation. HDLs had no effect on TNF-alpha-induced expression of ICAM-1 by human foreskin fibroblasts, suggesting that the effect is cell-type restricted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and E-selectin expression in endothelial cells by cyclosporin A and the T-cell transcription factor NFAT

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) was originally described as a T-cell-specific transcription factor athat supported the activation of cytokine gene expression and mediated the immunoregulatory effects of cyclosporin A (CsA). As we observed that activated endothelial cells also expressed NFAT, we tested the antiinflammatory properties of CsA in endothelial cells. Significantly, CsA completely suppressed the induction of NFAT in endothelial cells and inhibited the activity of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene regulatory elements that use NFAT by 60%. CsA similarly mediated a reduction of up to 65% in GM-CSF mRNA and protein expression in activated endothelial cells. CsA also suppressed E-selectin, but not vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in endothelial cells, even though the E-selectin promoter is activated by NF-kappa B rather than NFAT. Hence, induction of cell surface expression of this leukocyte adhesion molecule by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was reduced by 40% in the presence of CsA, and this was reflected by a 29% decrease in neutrophil adhesion. The effects of CsA on endothelial cells were also detected at the chromatin structure level, as DNasel hypersensitive sites within both the GM-CSF enhancer and the E-selectin promoter were suppressed by CsA. This represents the first report of NFAT in endothelial cells and suggests mechanisms by which CsA could function as an antiinflammatory agent.

Transcriptional regulation of mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/IL-3 locus

Granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF and IL-3 are hemopoietic growth factors whose genes are closely linked in both humans and mice. In humans, the GM-CSF and IL-3 genes are regulated by a cyclosporin A-inhibitable enhancer located 3 kb upstream of the GM-CSF gene that is inducible by signals that mimic TCR activation. To search for a murine homologue of this enhancer we probed mouse genomic DNA and located a 400-bp element 2 kb upstream of the mouse GM-CSF gene that was 76% homologous with the human GM-CSF enhancer. Like the human GM-CSF enhancer, this element formed a cyclosporin A-inhibitable DNase I-hypersensitive site in the murine T cell line EL4 upon activation with phorbol ester and calcium ionophore. Transient transfection assays showed that this homologue of the human enhancer acted as an inducible enhancer of the thymidine kinase promoter, the mouse IL-3 promoter, and the human GM-CSF promoter. We observed, however, that the mouse GM-CSF promoter was significantly more active than the human GM-CSF promoter and found that it supported a level of activity equivalent to the combination of the human GM-CSF promoter and the human GM-CSF enhancer. Consequently, the activity of mouse GM-CSF promoter was not significantly elevated in the presence of the mouse GM-CSF enhancer. Because the mouse GM-CSF enhancer is considerably less active than its human homologue we suggest that the mouse GM-CSF gene has evolved with less dependence upon the upstream enhancer for its activation.

Transcriptional regulation of mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/IL-3 locus

Granulocyte-macrophage (GM)-CSF and IL-3 are hemopoietic growth factors whose genes are closely linked in both humans and mice. In humans, the GM-CSF and IL-3 genes are regulated by a cyclosporin A-inhibitable enhancer located 3 kb upstream of the GM-CSF gene that is inducible by signals that mimic TCR activation. To search for a murine homologue of this enhancer we probed mouse genomic DNA and located a 400-bp element 2 kb upstream of the mouse GM-CSF gene that was 76% homologous with the human GM-CSF enhancer. Like the human GM-CSF enhancer, this element formed a cyclosporin A-inhibitable DNase I-hypersensitive site in the murine T cell line EL4 upon activation with phorbol ester and calcium ionophore. Transient transfection assays showed that this homologue of the human enhancer acted as an inducible enhancer of the thymidine kinase promoter, the mouse IL-3 promoter, and the human GM-CSF promoter. We observed, however, that the mouse GM-CSF promoter was significantly more active than the human GM-CSF promoter and found that it supported a level of activity equivalent to the combination of the human GM-CSF promoter and the human GM-CSF enhancer. Consequently, the activity of mouse GM-CSF promoter was not significantly elevated in the presence of the mouse GM-CSF enhancer. Because the mouse GM-CSF enhancer is considerably less active than its human homologue we suggest that the mouse GM-CSF gene has evolved with less dependence upon the upstream enhancer for its activation.

Interferon-gamma upregulates interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor expression in human endothelial cells and synergizes with IL-3 in stimulating major histocompatibility complex class II expression and cytokine production

The human interleukin-3 (IL-3) receptor is constitutively expressed on certain hematopoietic cells where it mediates proliferation and differentiation, or functional activation. We have recently found that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) also express IL-3 receptors and that the expression is enhanced by stimulation with the monokine tumor necrosis factor alpha. In this report we show that the lymphokine interferon gamma (IFN gamma) is a powerful stimulator of the IL-3 receptor of HUVECs and that the combination of IL-3 and IFN gamma has a synergistic effect on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expression and on the production of the early-acting hematopoietic cytokines IL-6 and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). IFN gamma caused a time- and dose-dependent up-regulation of mRNA for both the alpha and beta chains of the IL-3 receptor, with maximal effects occurring 12 to 24 hours after stimulation with IFN gamma at 100 U/mL. Induction of mRNA correlated with protein expression on the cell surface, as judged by monoclonal antibody staining of both receptor chains and by the ability of HUVEC to specifically bind 125I-labeled IL-3 (125I-IL-3). Scatchard analysis of HUVECs stimulated with IFN gamma at 100 U/mL for 24 hours showed approximately 6,300 IL-3 receptors per cell that were of a high affinity class (dissociation constant [kd] = 500 pmol/L) only. The addition of IL-3 to IFN gamma-treated HUVECs strongly enhanced the expression of MHC class II antigen. Importantly, IFN gamma and IL-3 also exhibited a synergistic effect in the induction of the mRNA for G-CSF and IL-6. This was reflected in increased amounts of G-CSF and IL-6 protein in HUVEC supernatants. In contrast, IFN gamma and IL-3 did not stimulate granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or IL-8 production in HUVECs. These results show that IFN gamma is a strong stimulator of IL-3 receptor expression in HUVECs and suggest that in vivo T-cell activation, causing the concomitant production of IFN gamma and IL-3, may lead to enhanced endothelial MHC class II expression and to the selective production of early-acting hematopoietic cytokines. Thus, IL-3 could influence immunity and hematopoiesis by acting not only on hematopoietic cells, but also on vascular endothelium.

TGF-beta and endothelial cells inhibit VCAM-1 expression on human vascular smooth muscle cells

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are normally devoid of the adhesion protein vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which has, however, been observed on human VSMCs in atheroma. We now show that cultured human saphenous vein VSMCs express small amounts of VCAM-1 and that the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces, in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, a significant increase in its expression. Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-1, and to a lesser extent interferon gamma have similar effects. TNF-alpha-stimulated human VSMCs demonstrate increased binding of T lymphocytes that is totally VCAM-1 mediated. The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) at 2.0 ng/mL inhibited basal VCAM-1 expression by 84 +/- 8% and the induction by TNF-alpha by between 56 +/- 16% and 77 +/- 15% depending on the dose of TNF. Furthermore, coculture on opposing sides of a polycarbonate filter of human VSMCs with human umbilical vein endothelial cells also inhibited the induction of VCAM-1 by 47 +/- 6%. As active TGF-beta is produced upon the coculture of VSMCs and endothelial cells, we suggest that the close physical proximity of these cells in vivo is responsible for the lack of expression of VCAM-1 on VSMCs and that the interruption of this contact in atheroma is an important pathogenic event. As VCAM-1 not only serves as an adhesion molecule but also as a costimulator of immune cells, its expression may be crucial in the propagation of vascular lesions.

Primitive human hematopoietic progenitors adhere to P-selectin (CD62P)

P-selectin was shown to bind committed human hematopoietic progenitors (colony-forming unit-granulocyte-macrophage [CFU-GM] and burst-forming unit-erythroid [BFU-E]) as identified by their expression of the CD34 antigen and by in vitro clonogenic assays. In addition, P-selectin bound all precursors (pre-CFU) of committed myeloid progenitors assayed by their ability to sustain hematopoiesis in both conventional stroma-containing and stroma-free, cytokine-dependent systems. Binding of CD34+ cells to P-selectin was temperature-independent and shear-resistant, occurred only in the presence of divalent cations, was protease sensitive, and was completely blocked by anti-P-selectin antibody. Neuraminidase treatment of CD34+ cells completely abrogated their binding to P-selectin, implying a prominent role for sialic acid in the structure and function of the P-selectin ligand on hematopoietic progenitors. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) CSLEX-1 and HECA-452, which identify carbohydrate epitopes involving sialic acid, bound to 33% and 35% of CD34+ cells, respectively, and included the majority of CFU-GM and pre-CFU. Three-color flow cytometric analysis showed a precise codistribution of CSLEX-1 and HECA-452 antigens on CD34+ cells, implying recognition of the same glycoprotein antigen by the two MoAbs. Treatment of CD34+ cells with neuraminidase completely abolished binding of both MoAbs. In addition, HECA-452 partially blocked the adhesion of CD34+ cells to P-selectin. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL-1), recently molecularly cloned from the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL60, was expressed by CD34+ cells as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Combined with the functional and biochemical characteristics, these data suggest that PSGL-1 may comprise an important P-selectin ligand expressed by primitive hematopoietic cells, but do not preclude the existence of additional P-selectin ligands on these cells.

Transendothelial migration of neutrophils involves integrin-associated protein (CD47)

Inflammation is a primary pathological process. The development of an inflammatory reaction involves the movement of white blood cells through the endothelial lining of blood vessels into tissues. This process of transendothelial cell migration of neutrophils has been shown to involve neutrophil beta 2 integrins (CD18) and endothelial cell platelet-endothelium cell adhesion molecules (PECAM-1; CD31). We now show that F(ab')2 fragments of the monoclonal antibody B6H12 against integrin-associated protein (IAP) blocks the transendothelial migration of neutrophils stimulated by an exogenous gradient of the chemokine interleukin 8 (IL-8; 60% inhibition), by the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionylleucylphenylalanine (FMLP; 76% inhibition), or by the activation of the endothelium by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (98% inhibition). The antibody has two mechanisms of action: on neutrophils it prevents the chemotactic response to IL-8 and FMLP, and on endothelium it prevents an unknown but IL-8-independent process. Blocking antibodies to IAP do not alter the expression of adhesion proteins or production of IL-8 by endothelial cells, and thus the inhibition of neutrophil transendothelial migration is selective. These data implicate IAP as the third molecule essential for neutrophil migration through endothelium into sites of inflammation.

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhancer function is associated with cooperative interactions between AP-1 and NFATp/c

The promoter of the human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene is regulated by an inducible upstream enhancer. The enhancer encompasses three previously defined binding sites for the transcription factor NFAT (GM170, GM330, and GM550) and a novel NFAT site defined here as the GM420 element. While there was considerable redundancy within the enhancer, the GM330, GM420, and GM550 motifs each functioned efficiently in isolation as enhancer elements and bound NFATp and AP-1 in a highly cooperative fashion. These three NFAT sites closely resembled the distal interleukin-2 NFAT site, and methylation interference assays further defined GGA(N)9TCA as a minimum consensus sequence for this family of NFAT sites. By contrast, the GM170 site, which also had conserved GGA and TCA motifs but in which these motifs were separated by 15 bases, supported strong independent but no cooperative binding of AP-1 and NFATp, and this site functioned poorly as an enhancer element. While both the GM330 and GM420 elements were closely associated with the inducible DNase I-hypersensitive site within the enhancer, the GM420 element was the only NFAT site located within a 160-bp HincII-BalI fragment defined by deletion analysis as the essential core of the enhancer. The GM420 element was unusual, however, in containing a high-affinity NFATp/c-binding sequence (TGGAAAGA) immediately upstream of the sequence TGACATCA which more closely resembled a cyclic AMP response-like element than an AP-1 site. We suggest that the cooperative binding of NFATp/c and AP-1 requires a particular spacing of sites and that their cooperativity and induction via independent pathways ensure very tight regulation of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor enhancer.

Angiogenesis: models and modulators

Angiogenesis in vivo is distinguished by four stages: subsequent to the transduction of signals to differentiate, stage 1 is defined as an altered proteolytic balance of the cell allowing it to digest through the surrounding matrix. These committed cells then proliferate (stage 2), and migrate (stage 3) to form aligned cords of cells. The final stage is the development of vessel patency (stage 4), generated by a coalescing of intracellular vacuoles. Subsequently, these structures anastamose and the initial flow of blood through the new vessel completes the process. We present and discuss how the available models most closely represent phases of in vivo angiogenesis. The enhancement of angiogenesis by hyaluronic acid fragments, transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, angiogenin, okadaic acid, fibroblast growth factor, interleukin 8, vascular endothelial growth factor, haptoglobin, and gangliosides, and the inhibition of the process by hyaluronic acid, estrogen metabolites, genestein, heparin, cyclosporin A, placental RNase inhibitor, steroids, collagen synthesis inhibitors, thrombospondin, fumagellin, and protamine are also discussed.

A sequence-specific single-strand DNA binding protein that contacts repressor sequences in the human GM-CSF promoter

NF-GMb is a nuclear factor that binds to the proximal promoter of the human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene. NF-GMb has a subunit molecular weight of 22 kDa, is constitutively expressed in embryonic fibroblasts and binds to sequences within the adjacent CK-1 and CK-2 elements (CK-1/CK-2 region), located at approximately -100 in the GM-CSF gene promoter. These elements are conserved in haemopoietic growth factor (HGF) genes. NF-GMb binding requires the presence of repeated 5'CAGG3' sequences that overlap the binding sites for positive activators. Surprisingly, NF-GMb was found to bind solely to single-strand DNA, namely the non-coding strand of the GM-CSF CK-1/CK-2 region. NF-GMb may belong to a family of single-strand DNA binding (ssdb) proteins that have 5'CAGG3' sequences within their binding sites. Functional analysis of the proximal GM-CSF promoter revealed that sequences in the -114 to -79 region of the promoter containing the NF-GMb binding sites had no intrinsic activity in fibroblasts but could, however, repress tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inducible expression directed by downstream promoter sequences (-65 to -31). Subsequent mutation analysis showed that sequences involved in repression correlated with those required for NF-GMb binding.

P-selectin interacts with a beta 2-integrin to enhance phagocytosis

P-selectin is an adhesion molecule for myeloid cells that seems to be essential for the development of cellular inflammatory responses. We show that adhesion of neutrophils to purified and recombinant P-selectin enhances the phagocytosis of unopsonized zymosan particles as judged by the number of cells ingesting particles (30.2 +/- 5.8 vs 14.5 +/- 4.0, p = 0.002) and the number of particles ingested per cell (percentage increase 58.3 +/- 4.4%. p = 0.0002). The enhanced phagocytosis was inhibited by Abs to CD18 or CD11b, suggesting that P-selectin alters beta 2-integrin function. The enhancement was only seen in the presence of cations allowing the integrin to assume a particular extracellular conformation. Furthermore, P-selectin, although not altering the total expression of CD18 on neutrophils, significantly increased the binding of mAb 24, which detects an activation-dependent epitope. Our results support a signaling role for P-selectin in influencing beta 2-integrin function.

Characterization of a spontaneously transformed human endothelial cell line

BACKGROUND

A line of cells was isolated from a focus observed in a human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) culture, presumably the result of a spontaneous transformation event.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The cell line was continuously cultured for 16 months, after which time, the proliferative rate, capacity to be cloned, and ability to be transfected was investigated. The cell line was analyzed for expression of endothelial cell markers, von Willebrand Factor, P selectin, and scavenger receptor. We also examined the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated upregulation of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. We evaluated the levels of expression and types of TNF-alpha receptor expressed by the cell line, and the cell lines response to interleukin-4 and interferon-gamma. CD34 expression of this cell line and the ability of transforming growth factor-beta to inhibit the TNF-alpha induction of E-selectin was examined. The ability to support neutrophil adhesion and transmigration, and generate capillary-like tubes in vitro was assessed. Finally, the karyotype and tumourigenicity of this line was established.

RESULTS

This cell line (C11STH) has a doubling time comparable to that of normal HUVECs and has a trisomy of chromosome 8 and 11. The cell line is capable of generating colonies at clonal density, and is transfectable with efficiencies comparable to normal HUVECs. C11STH expresses von Willebrand factor, P-selectin, and scavenger receptor to an extent similar to passaged HUVECs and can be induced to express E-selectin, VCAM, and ICAM with TNF-alpha. C11STH expresses both the p55 and p75 subunits of TNF-alpha receptor at levels similar to HUVECs. The ability of interleukin-4 to enhance the expression of VCAM and reduce the TNF-alpha-mediated expression of E-selectin is maintained in this cell line. C11STH cells are unable to induce class II major histocompatibility antigen in response to interferon-gamma. However, interferon-gamma is able to synergize with TNF to enhance the expression of E-selectin. C11STH cells do not express CD34 or show transforming growth factor-beta inhibition of TNF-alpha induced E-selectin expression, functions indicative of primary, or early passage HUVECs. The cell line retains the ability to support neutrophil adhesion and transmigration and can generate patent tubes when seeded onto complex basement membrane gels. However, the cell line no longer has the ability to generate capillary-like vessels when seeded onto collagen gels in the presence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate.

CONCLUSIONS

C11STH has retained many of the normal characteristics of endothelial cells, is able to proliferate at clonal density, and is easily transfectable. The line will provide a useful resource for endothelial cell biology. Its ability to make capillary-like tubes on basement membrane gels, but not on collagen will provide a powerful tool with which to further analyze the processes involved in angiogenesis, and will enable us to define the role of specific proteins in angiogenesis. Since C11STH shows tube competence on Matrigel, but is not tube competent on collagen, our studies suggest that capillary-tube formation on Matrigel and collagen occur via qualitatively different mechanisms. Thus, this cell line provides the opportunity to examine the signalling mechanisms required to generate capillary tube formation. These may include the involvement of matrix molecules, the production of proteases and inhibitors, gene regulation and kinases or phosphatases.

P-selectin interacts with a beta 2-integrin to enhance phagocytosis

P-selectin is an adhesion molecule for myeloid cells that seems to be essential for the development of cellular inflammatory responses. We show that adhesion of neutrophils to purified and recombinant P-selectin enhances the phagocytosis of unopsonized zymosan particles as judged by the number of cells ingesting particles (30.2 +/- 5.8 vs 14.5 +/- 4.0, p = 0.002) and the number of particles ingested per cell (percentage increase 58.3 +/- 4.4%. p = 0.0002). The enhanced phagocytosis was inhibited by Abs to CD18 or CD11b, suggesting that P-selectin alters beta 2-integrin function. The enhancement was only seen in the presence of cations allowing the integrin to assume a particular extracellular conformation. Furthermore, P-selectin, although not altering the total expression of CD18 on neutrophils, significantly increased the binding of mAb 24, which detects an activation-dependent epitope. Our results support a signaling role for P-selectin in influencing beta 2-integrin function.

T-cell functional regions of the human IL-3 proximal promoter

The human interleukin-3 (IL-3) gene is expressed almost exclusively in activated T cells. Its expression is regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. We have previously shown that treatment of Jurkat T cells with phytohemaglutinin (PHA) and the phorbol ester, PMA, activated transcription initiation from the IL-3 gene. To define the regions of the gene required for transcription activation, we generated a series of reporter constructs containing different regions of the IL-3 gene 5' and 3' flanking sequences. Both positive and negative regulatory elements were identified in the proximal 5' flanking region of the IL-3 gene. The promoter region between -173 and -60 contained the strongest activating elements. The transcription factor AP-1 could bind to this positive activator region of the promoter. We also examined the function of the IL-3 CK-1/CK-2 elements that are present in many cytokine genes and found that they acted as a repressor of basal level expression when cloned upstream of a heterologous promoter but were also inducible by PMA/PHA.

Specific human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor antagonists

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a pleiotropic hemopoietic growth factor and activator of mature myeloid cell function. We have previously shown that residue 21 in the first helix of GM-CSF plays a critical role in both biological activity and high-affinity receptor binding. We have now generated analogues of GM-CSF mutated at residue 21, expressed them in Escherichia coli, and examined them for binding, agonistic, and antagonistic activities. Binding experiments showed that GM E21A, E21Q, E21F, E21H, E21R, and E21K bound to the GM-CSF receptor alpha chain with a similar affinity to wild-type GM-CSF and had lost high-affinity binding to the GM-CSF receptor alpha-chain-common beta-chain complex. From these mutants, only the charge reversal mutants E21R and E21K were completely devoid of agonistic activity. Significantly we found that E21R and E21K antagonized the proliferative effect of GM-CSF on the erythroleukemic cell line TF-1 and primary acute myeloid leukemias, as well as GM-CSF-mediated stimulation of neutrophil superoxide production. This antagonism was specific for GM-CSF in that no antagonism of interleukin 3-mediated TF-1 cell proliferation or tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated stimulation of neutrophil superoxide production was observed. E. coli-derived GM E21R and E21K were effective antagonists of both nonglycosylated and glycosylated wild-type GM-CSF. These results show that low-affinity GM-CSF binding can be dissociated from receptor activation and have potential clinical significance for the management of inflammatory diseases and certain leukemias where GM-CSF plays a pathogenic role.

Identification of residues in the first and fourth helices of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor involved in biologic activity and in binding to the alpha- and beta-chains of its receptor

Residues within the first and fourth helices of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) were analyzed for their role in biologic activity and interaction with the alpha- and beta-chains of the hGM-CSF receptor. Within the first helix substitution of the surface residues Glu14, Asn17, Gln20, Arg23, Arg24, and Asn27 or the buried residues Ala18, Leu25, and Leu28 did not significantly impair bioactivity or receptor binding. Substitutions at the buried residues Ala22 and Leu26 had intermediate bioactivity. However, substitutions of the surface residue Glu21 or the buried residue Ile19 reduced the relative bioactivity of the analogues to as little as 0.45% and 0.3%, respectively. Substitution of the charged surface residues of the fourth helix showed that substitution at Glu104, Lys107, and Lys111 had no significant effect on bioactivity, but substitution at Glu108 and Asp112 reduced the potency of the analogues to 34% and 7%, respectively. Receptor binding studies showed that, whereas Glu21 is the critical residue for binding to the hGM-CSF-receptor beta-chain, Asp112 is likely to be involved in binding to the GM-CSF-receptor alpha-chain. These results establish the relative contribution of residues in the first and fourth helices for GM-CSF bioactivity and receptor binding, and support a model where the fourth helix of GM-CSF interacts with the alpha-chain, and the first helix with the beta-chain of the GM-CSF receptor.

Requirement for nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B p65 and NF-interleukin-6 binding elements in the tumor necrosis factor response region of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor promoter

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor produced by mesenchymal and myeloid cells following activation by inflammatory stimuli. It has previously been shown that a region of the G-CSF promoter, (-200 to -165) containing the decanucleotide CK-1 element and two repeated sequences that resemble nuclear factor (NF)-interleukin-6 (IL-6) binding sites, is required for activation of the G-CSF gene by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1 beta. We now show that the NF-kappa B p65 protein can bind to and activate this TNF response region. There are several unusual features of this p65 interaction with the TNF response region. First, NF-kappa B p65 but not the related NF-kappa B p50 binds to the CK-1 element and a p50/65 hybrid protein that relies on the p50 rel homology domain for DNA binding does not transactivate the TNF response region. Second, p65 transactivation of this region is cell specific and requires not only its own binding site but also the NF-IL6 consensus sites. NF-IL6 also binds to the TNF response region of the G-CSF promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift studies show that p65 and NF-IL6 can bind cooperatively to the TNF response region. The ability of this region to respond to TNF-alpha or p65 is correlated with the ability to form the p65/NF-IL6 ternary complex.

Two contiguous residues in human interleukin-3, Asp21 and Glu22, selectively interact with the alpha- and beta-chains of its receptor and participate in function

We have previously reported that the predicted first helix of human interleukin (IL)-3 contains a hydrophilic region encompassing residues Asp21, Glu22, and Thr25 that is crucial for biological activity and IL-3 receptor binding. Using single amino acid substitution mutagenesis, we have now determined that Asp21 and Glu22, but not Thr25, were crucial for full IL-3 activity. Mutant D21R was 30-fold less potent than wild type IL-3 in the stimulation of biological activity. It also exhibited a similar reduction in its ability to bind to the cloned high affinity IL-3 receptor complex (alpha- and beta-chains) or to the receptor alpha-chain alone, indicating that residue 21 is involved in contacts with the alpha-chain. Mutant E22R was approximately 20,000-fold less potent than wild type IL-3 in the stimulation of biological activity and in binding to the IL-3 receptor high affinity complex. However, the binding of E22R to the IL-3 receptor alpha-chain alone was similar to that of wild type IL-3, suggesting that this mutant was defective in interactions with the receptor beta-chain. These results show that two contiguous residues in the N-terminal region of IL-3 mediate binding to the two different chains of the IL-3 receptor and emphasize the functional significance of the conserved Glu in the first helix of the IL-3, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and IL-5 cytokine subfamily.

The role of granulocyte-macrophage and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors in neutrophil transendothelial migration: comparison with interleukin-8

Granulocyte-macrophage and granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (GM-CSF and G-CSF) have proinflammatory effects on mature neutrophils. Both factors have been reported to cause neutrophil chemotaxis and are produced by cells stimulated by inflammatory mediators, including endothelial cells. We therefore tested the hypothesis that these factors might mediate neutrophil transendothelial migration, either by forming a gradient across the endothelial monolayer or through the production of CSFs by activated endothelium. Studies of neutrophil migration across filters without endothelium showed that migration was promoted in the presence of a gradient of either CSF, but was equally promoted against the gradient; that is, the CSFs are chemokinetic but not chemotactic. The CSFs promoted migration of neutrophils across endothelial monolayers cultured on filters, but the magnitude of this effect was very small compared with that of a prototypic neutrophil chemoattractant, interleukin-8 (IL-8) (migration index [stimulated/unstimulated] 1.8-fold for GM-CSF, 10.8-fold for IL-8). Activation of endothelial monolayers by preincubation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) increased neutrophil transmigration significantly; neutralizing antibodies to IL-8 inhibited this increase by 44%, whereas neutralizing anti-GM-CSF antibodies did not inhibit it. These data suggest little role for the CSFs in neutrophil diapedesis at inflammatory sites in vivo. Exposure of neutrophils to GM-CSF decreased their migration through TNF-activated monolayers, whereas G-CSF did not. This may have implications for the therapeutic administration of these factors.

Dissociation of TNF-alpha cytotoxic and proinflammatory activities by p55 receptor- and p75 receptor-selective TNF-alpha mutants

Human tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pleiotropic cytokine capable of killing mammalian tumour cells in vitro and in vivo, and of enhancing the proinflammatory activity of leucocytes and endothelium, the latter effects limiting its usage as an antitumour agent in humans. Using TNF-alpha mutants with a selective capacity to bind to the TNF p55 receptor (TNFR55) or to the p75 receptor (TNFR75) we show here that these two major activities of TNF-alpha can be dissociated. The TNFR55-selective mutants (R32W, E146K and R32W-S86T) which bind poorly to TNFR75 displayed similar potency to wild-type TNF in causing cytotoxicity of a human laryngeal carcinoma-derived cell line (HEp-2) and cytostasis in a human leukaemic cell line (U937). However, these TNFR55-selective mutants exhibited lower proinflammatory activity than wild-type TNF. Specifically, TNF-alpha's priming of human neutrophils for superoxide production and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, platelet-activating factor synthesis and adhesion to endothelium were reduced by up to 170-fold. Activation of human endothelial cell functions represented by human umbilical venular endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesiveness for neutrophils, E-selectin expression, neutrophil transmigration and IL-8 secretion were also reduced by up to 280-fold. On the other hand, D143F, a TNFR75-selective mutant tested either alone or in combination with TNFR55-selective mutants, did not stimulate these activities despite being able to cause cytokine production in TNFR75-transfected PC60 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The receptor for interleukin 3 is selectively induced in human endothelial cells by tumor necrosis factor alpha and potentiates interleukin 8 secretion and neutrophil transmigration

Interleukin (IL)-3 stimulates hemopoiesis in vitro. However, IL-3 is not normally found in bone marrow, raising doubts as to the in vivo role of IL-3. We have found that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express functional high-affinity receptors for IL-3 after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 beta, or lipopolysaccharide, and that this receptor is involved in inflammatory phenomena. TNF-alpha caused time- and dose-dependent up-regulation of mRNA for the IL-3 receptor alpha and beta chains, with maximal effects occurring 16-36 h after stimulation with TNF-alpha at 100 units/ml. Induction of mRNA correlated with protein expression on the cell surface as judged by monoclonal antibody staining and by the ability of HUVEC to specifically bind 125I-labeled IL-3. Scatchard analysis under optimal conditions of TNF-alpha stimulation revealed approximately 1500 IL-3 receptors per cell, which were of a high-affinity class (Kd = 500 pM) only. In contrast to a previous report, receptors for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor could not be detected. IL-3 binding to TNF-alpha-activated HUVEC enhanced IL-8 production, E-selection expression, and neutrophil transmigration. The selective induction of a functional IL-3 receptor on endothelial cells suggests that, beyond hemopoiesis, IL-3 may have an important role in chronic inflammation and in allergic diseases.

A cytokine receptor gene cluster in the X-Y pseudoautosomal region?

The receptors for interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-5, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are heterodimers comprised of ligand specific alpha chains and a common beta chain. The genes encoding the IL-5 receptor alpha chain and the common beta chain reside on chromosome 3 and 22 respectively, while the GM-CSF receptor alpha chain gene (CSF2RA) has been mapped to the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of the sex chromosomes, which is a 2.6-Mb stretch of homologous sequence at the tips of the short arms within which a single obligatory recombination occurs during male meiosis. We have mapped the gene encoding the IL-3 receptor alpha chain (IL3RA) to the sex chromosomes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of human-mouse or human-chinese hamster cell hybrids, and to Yp13.3 and Xp22.3 using fluorescence in situ hybridization. To explore the possibility that IL3RA is located within the pseudoautosomal region we screened the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) pedigrees for an informative-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP) that showed male meiotic recombination. Two informative CEPH pedigrees were identified that displayed this phenomenon, confirming the psuedoautosomal location of IL3RA. Using long-range restriction mapping we have found that IL3RA maps to the same 190-kb restriction fragment as CSF2RA, suggesting that a cytokine receptor gene cluster may reside in the PAR.

Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits E-selectin expression on human endothelial cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a pleiotropic cytokine that is elaborated in the active form upon co-culture of endothelial cells and pericytes or smooth muscle cells, has been shown to decrease the adhesiveness of endothelial cells for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and tumor cells. The mechanism whereby TGF-beta inhibits the adhesiveness of human endothelial cells was investigated. TGF-beta inhibited the basal E-selectin (formerly ELAM-1) expression by 55 +/- 7% and TNF-stimulated expression by 57 +/- 4%. Similar decreases of IL-1-stimulated expression were also seen. Peak inhibition was seen at TGF-beta doses between 0.2 and 2 ng/ml. Both TGF-beta 1 and -beta 2 were functional. The effectiveness of TGF-beta in inhibiting E-selectin expression was dependent on cell density and incubation time. TGF-beta also inhibited E-selectin mRNA levels in endothelial cells. TGF-beta had no effect on the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, but was additive with IL-4 in inhibiting the expression of E-selectin. The expression of E-selectin has been shown to mediate several aspects of the inflammatory response involving neutrophils and memory T lymphocytes. Perivascular TGF-beta appears to act as an inhibitor of the expression of the endothelium-specific selectin, E-selectin, and therefore of inflammatory responses involving neutrophils and (a subset of) lymphocytes.

Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits E-selectin expression on human endothelial cells

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), a pleiotropic cytokine that is elaborated in the active form upon co-culture of endothelial cells and pericytes or smooth muscle cells, has been shown to decrease the adhesiveness of endothelial cells for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and tumor cells. The mechanism whereby TGF-beta inhibits the adhesiveness of human endothelial cells was investigated. TGF-beta inhibited the basal E-selectin (formerly ELAM-1) expression by 55 +/- 7% and TNF-stimulated expression by 57 +/- 4%. Similar decreases of IL-1-stimulated expression were also seen. Peak inhibition was seen at TGF-beta doses between 0.2 and 2 ng/ml. Both TGF-beta 1 and -beta 2 were functional. The effectiveness of TGF-beta in inhibiting E-selectin expression was dependent on cell density and incubation time. TGF-beta also inhibited E-selectin mRNA levels in endothelial cells. TGF-beta had no effect on the expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, but was additive with IL-4 in inhibiting the expression of E-selectin. The expression of E-selectin has been shown to mediate several aspects of the inflammatory response involving neutrophils and memory T lymphocytes. Perivascular TGF-beta appears to act as an inhibitor of the expression of the endothelium-specific selectin, E-selectin, and therefore of inflammatory responses involving neutrophils and (a subset of) lymphocytes.

Regulation of in vitro capillary tube formation by anti-integrin antibodies

Human endothelial cells are induced to form an anastomosing network of capillary tubes on a gel of collagen I in the presence of PMA. We show here that the addition of mAbs, AK7, or RMAC11 directed to the alpha chain of the major collagen receptor on endothelial cells, the integrin alpha 2 beta 1, enhance the number, length, and width of capillary tubes formed by endothelial cells derived from umbilical vein or neonatal foreskins. The anti-alpha 2 beta 1 antibodies maintained the endothelial cells in a rounded morphology and inhibited both their attachment to and proliferation on collagen but not on fibronectin, laminin, or gelatin matrices. Furthermore, RMAC11 promoted tube formation in collagen gels of increased density which in the absence of RMAC11 did not allow tube formation. Neither RMAC11 or AK7 enhanced capillary formation in the absence of PMA. Lumen structure and size were also altered by antibody RMAC11. In the absence of antibody the majority of lumina were formed intracellularly from single cells, but in the presence of RMAC11, multiple cells were involved and the lumen size was correspondingly increased. Endothelial cells were also induced to undergo capillary formation in fibrin gels after PMA stimulation. The addition of anti-alpha v beta 3 antibodies promoted tube formation in fibrin gels and inhibited EC adhesion to and proliferation on a fibrinogen matrix. The enhancement of capillary formation by the anti-integrin antibodies was matrix specific; that is, anti-alpha v beta 3 antibodies only enhanced tube formation on fibrin gels and not on collagen gels while anti-alpha v beta 1 antibodies only enhanced tubes on collagen and not on fibrin gels. Thus we postulate that changes in the adhesive nature of endothelial cells for their extracellular matrix can profoundly effect their function. Anti-integrin antibodies which inhibit cell-matrix interactions convert endothelial cells from a proliferative phenotype towards differentiation which results in enhanced capillary tube formation.

Interleukin-3/erythropoietin fusion proteins: in vitro effects on hematopoietic cells

Erythropoietin (Epo) acts synergistically with interleukin-3 (IL-3) to induce proliferation and differentiation of erythroid progenitors. This synergy occurs at IL-3 concentrations that have little or no effect alone. To determine whether optimal expansion of erythroid cells results when they are targeted by a molecule with both IL-3 and Epo activities, fusion proteins were generated and analyzed. Expression vectors were constructed in which the coding regions of human IL-3 and Epo cDNAs were joined by either a short (2 to 3 amino acids) or long (23 amino acids) linker sequence and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Analysis of equilibrium binding properties of the IL-3 and Epo moieties revealed that in all fusion proteins each retained the ability to bind receptor. When IL-3 was connected to Epo by a short linker, the binding affinity of the IL-3 moiety was lower. In vitro proliferative activity of each moiety was observed on cell lines responsive to IL-3, Epo or a combination of the two cytokines. Fusion of IL-3 to Epo through its amino terminus was found to result in partial loss of its function. All the fusion proteins were biologically active on human bone marrow. When IL-3 was located at the amino domain of the protein, induction of erythroid colonies was similar to that of a mixture of IL-3 and Epo. These results indicate that biological integrity of both IL-3 and Epo can be maintained when these cytokines are fused, but that enhancement of erythropoiesis over that observed with a mixture of the two cytokines cannot be achieved by their fusion alone. Other requirements such as the coexpression of the IL-3 and Epo receptors and the sharing of a receptor subunit are likely to be needed for an optimal cell response to the fusion growth factors.

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor/interleukin 3 locus is regulated by an inducible cyclosporin A-sensitive enhancer

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 3 (IL-3) are pleiotropic hemopoietic growth factors whose genes are closely linked and induced in T lymphocytes in a cyclosporin A (CsA)-sensitive fashion. Since we found that the human GM-CSF and IL-3 proximal promoters were not sufficient to account for the observed regulation of these genes, we mapped DNase I hypersensitive sites across the GM-CSF/IL-3 locus in the Jurkat human T-cell line to identify additional regulatory elements. We located an inducible DNase I hypersensitive site, 3 kb upstream of the GM-CSF gene, that functioned as a strong CsA-sensitive enhancer of both the GM-CSF and IL-3 promoters. Binding studies employing Jurkat cell nuclear extracts indicated that four sites within the enhancer associate with the inducible transcription factor AP1. Three of these AP1 elements lie within sequences that also associate with factors resembling the CsA-sensitive, T cell-specific transcription factor NFAT. We provide additional evidence suggesting that an AP1-like factor represents one of the components of NFAT. We propose that the intergenic enhancer described here is required for the correctly regulated activation of both GM-CSF and IL-3 gene expression in T cells and that it mediates the CsA sensitivity of the GM-CSF/IL-3 locus.

Chemotactic desensitization of neutrophils demonstrates interleukin-8 (IL-8)-dependent and IL-8-independent mechanisms of transmigration through cytokine-activated endothelium

We have recently shown that an exogenous gradient of interleukin-8 (IL-8) induces the transendothelial migration of neutrophils. Treatment of endothelium with the cytokines IL-1 or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) also causes neutrophil transmigration, and recent evidence suggests that this may be due to endogenous IL-8 produced by the endothelium. We have used specific chemotactic desensitization of neutrophils to investigate the role of IL-8 in transmigration through cytokine-activated endothelium. Preincubation of neutrophils with IL-8 reduced their chemotactic transmigration response to an IL-8 gradient by 81%, demonstrating desensitization. Transmigration in response to cytokine-activated endothelium was inhibited by 104% after IL-8 preincubation, thus tending to support the role of IL-8. However, preincubation with another neutrophil chemotactic factor N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP), which did not affect the IL-8, response, also inhibited transmigration, by 74%. This suggests that FMLP preincubation acts to inhibit a non-IL-8-dependent mechanism of transmigration through cytokine-activated endothelium. Chemotactic factor pretreatment of neutrophils did not reduce their adhesion to activated endothelium, but specifically blocked the transmigration step. We have therefore shown that chemotactic transmigration can be subjected to factor-specific desensitization, and have used this to provide evidence supporting a role for IL-8 in transmigration through cytokine-activated endothelium, as well as suggesting a further IL-8-independent mechanism. These data also provide a mechanism for the observed defect in accumulation of neutrophils at inflammatory sites when chemotactic factors are infused intravenously.

A model for the interaction of the GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 receptors with their ligands

The high affinity receptors for GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 are heterodimers consisting of a ligand-specific alpha chain and a common beta chain. These proteins are members of a family of proteins known as the "cytokine receptor family" which is characterized by the presence of a 200-residue ligand-binding module. The GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 receptor alpha chains constitute a distinct subgroup and share features not found in other members of the cytokine receptor family, features which we propose to be important for their interaction with the common beta chain and for their binding of the structurally-related ligands. The growth hormone receptor is a well-characterized member of the cytokine receptor family. Based on the structure of the complex between growth hormone and its receptor, we have proposed sites of contact between the GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 receptors and their cognate ligands.

A human interleukin 3 analog with increased biological and binding activities

Human interleukin 3 (IL-3) variants generated by site-directed mutagenesis were analyzed in multiple biological and binding assays to identify residues critical for IL-3 activity. Two mutants carrying substitutions in the predicted hydrophilic region within the first alpha-helix, [Ala21,Leu22]IL-3 and [Ala21,Leu22,Ala25]IL-3 showed loss of biological activity and high-affinity binding. Mutants in a second predicted hydrophilic region, [Ala44,Leu45,Ala46]IL-3 and [Ala44,Ala46]IL-3, however, showed similar biological and binding activities to wild-type IL-3. Mutations in a C-terminal hydrophilic region that overlaps the fourth predicted alpha-helix led to either loss or gain of function. IL-3 analogs [Glu104,Asp105]-, [Leu108]-, [Asn108]-, [Thr108]-, and [Ala101,Leu108]IL-3 were less active than wild-type IL-3, whereas [Ala101]IL-3 and [Val116]IL-3 were 2- to 3-fold more potent. Significantly, the double mutant [Ala101,Val116]IL-3 exhibited a 15-fold greater potency than native IL-3. Receptor binding studies showed that [Ala101,Val116]IL-3 exhibited increased binding to the high- and low-affinity receptors of monocytes. These results show the generation of an IL-3 analog with increased biological and binding activities and support a model where the C terminus of IL-3 interacts with the alpha chain of the IL-3 receptor, making this region a useful focus for the development of more potent IL-3 agonists or antagonists.

GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5: cross-competition on human haemopoietic cells

The biological properties of GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 are multiple; initially described as haemopoietic growth factors, they also regulate inflammation, allergic reactions and cell adherence. The receptors for these three cytokines share a common component which may play a key role in their biological activity. This review describes the potential roles of GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-5 in inflammation and discusses approaches to modulate their function.

Human GM-CSF receptor alpha-chain gene is highly polymorphic but not rearranged in AML

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) blast cells express haemopoietic growth factor receptors. However, their presence does not predict response to the cognate ligand in vitro. This suggests that haemopoietic growth factor receptor structure or function may be abnormal in some cases of acute myeloid leukaemia. The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor alpha-chain gene (GM-CSF-R) has recently been localised to the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes. A sex chromosome is lost in 25% of cases of AML FAB subtype M2. The loss of one allele of this gene may have some aetiological significance in AML if the other allele is altered leading to abnormal receptor structure, function or number. In this initial study, we have examined DNA from leukaemic cells of 29 patients with AML, including three with FAB subtype M2 with deletion of an X or Y chromosome for evidence of gross rearrangement of this gene. We report that although the gene is highly polymorphic for a number of restriction enzymes, we have found no evidence of gross rearrangement in AML.

Characterization of GMP-140 (P-selectin) as a circulating plasma protein

GMP-140 is a 140-kD granule membrane protein, found in the alpha granules of platelets and the Weibel-Palade bodies of endothelial cells, that is surface expressed on cell activation and mediates neutrophil attachment. Cloning data for GMP-140 from an endothelial library predict a soluble form of the protein, the transcription message for which is also found in platelets. In this study, we report the detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of soluble GMP-140 in plasma centrifuged for 3 h at 100,000 g (to remove platelet microparticles) and confirm its identity by purification from plasma. Plasma concentrations were found to be 0.251 +/- 0.043 micrograms/ml (means +/- SD, n = 10) in normal male controls and 0.175 +/- 0.063 micrograms/ml (means +/- SD, n = 10) in normal female controls. The purified protein had an identical molecular mass (nonreduced) to platelet membrane GMP-140 (approximately 3 kD lower, reduced) and was immunoblotted by polyclonal anti-GMP-140, and the anti-GMP-140 monoclonal antibodies AK4 and AK6. Analytical gel filtration studies indicated that the plasma GMP-140 eluted as a monomer whereas detergent- free, platelet membrane GMP-140 eluted as a tetramer consistent with plasma GMP-140 lacking a transmembrane domain. Purified plasma GMP-140 bound to the same neutrophil receptor as the membrane-bound form, and when immobilized on plastic, bound neutrophils equivalently to immobilized platelet membrane GMP-140. Since it has been shown that fluid-phase GMP-140 is antiinflammatory and downregulates CD18- dependent neutrophil adhesion and respiratory burst, its presence in plasma may be of major importance in preventing the inadvertent activation of neutrophils in the circulation.

Recombinant interleukin 4 stimulates human immunodeficiency virus production by infected monocytes and macrophages

Recombinant interleukin 4 (IL-4) stimulated extracellular (EC) and intracellular (IC) production of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from infected human blood-derived monocytes and macrophages when incubated with the cells after but not before virus inoculation. Significant stimulation was observed in 20 of 27 experiments with monocytes (inoculated with HIV immediately after adherence) and 10 of 13 experiments with macrophages (inoculated after 5 days adherence) using a total of 30 normal donors of monocytes and macrophages, and 11 recent isolates of monocytotropic HIV strains (after one passage in mononuclear cells). Marked increases in EC and IC HIV antigen were observed in some experiments, which were comparable with the maximal stimulatory effects of other cytokines such as IL-2. IL-4 also had similar effects on infectious HIV concentration as measured by reverse transcriptase and TCID50 assays. Antibody to IL-4 prevented the stimulatory effect of the cytokine. The proportion of monocytes and macrophages infected by HIV, as determined by in situ hybridization, also increased after incubation with IL-4 for 7 days. The most marked effects were observed with HIV-infected macrophages, for which the proportion of unstimulated infected cells was lower (35 to 45% increasing to 66 to 70% with IL-4 treatment). There was also an increased proportion of cells with high granule concentrations, suggesting that IL-4 increases the intracellular concentration of viral nucleic acids. This was supported by semi-quantitative hybridization experiments showing that total HIV RNA increased in IL-4-stimulated monocytes 48 to 96 h after HIV inoculation. A marked increase in aggregates was observed on day 7 in HIV-infected monocytes treated with IL-4, compared to that in HIV-infected cells alone or IL-4-treated uninfected monocytes. These findings suggest that IL-4 stimulates HIV replication in the early phases of infection and may also facilitate virus transmission by aggregate formation.

Residue 21 of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is critical for biological activity and for high but not low affinity binding

The functional role of the predicted first alpha-helix of human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was analysed by site-directed mutagenesis and multiple biological and receptor binding assays. Initial deletion mutagenesis pointed to residues 20 and 21 being critical. Substitution mutagenesis showed that by altering Gln20 to Ala full GM-CSF activity was retained but that by altering Glu21 for Ala GM-CSF activity and high affinity receptor binding were decreased. Substitution of different amino acids for Glu21 showed that there was a hierarchy in the ability to stimulate the various biological activities of GM-CSF with the order of potency being Asp21 greater than Ser21 greater than Ala21 greater than Gln21 greater than Lys21 = Arg21. To distinguish whether position 21 was important for GM-CSF binding to high or low affinity receptors, GM-CSF (Arg21) was used as a competitor for [125I]GM-CSF binding to monocytes that express both types of receptor. GM-CSF (Arg21) exhibited a greatly reduced capacity to compete for binding to high affinity receptors, however, it competed fully for [125I]GM-CSF binding to low affinity receptors. Furthermore, GM-CSF (Arg21) was equipotent with wild-type GM-CSF in binding to the cloned low affinity alpha-chain of the GM-CSF receptor. These results show that (i) this position is critical for high affinity but not for low affinity GM-CSF receptor binding thus defining two functional parts of the GM-CSF molecule; (ii) position 21 of GM-CSF is critical for multiple functions of GM-CSF; and (iii) stimulation of proliferation and mature cell function by GM-CSF are mediated through high affinity receptors.

Three essential promoter elements mediate tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1 activation of the granulocyte-colony stimulating factor gene

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a haemopoietic growth factor produced by mesenchymal cells but not T lymphocytes after stimulation with specific cytokines or mitogens. A 330 bp promoter fragment of the human G-CSF gene induced reporter gene expression in human embryonic lung fibroblasts in response to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta). The same promoter fragment was not active in Jurkat T cells nor did it respond to phorbol ester in either cell type. At least three distinct elements, the CK-1 sequence, a decanucleotide present in haemopoietic growth factor genes, an NF-IL-6 consensus sequence and a consensus octamer sequence, were essential in the G-CSF promoter for TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta response. Mutation of any of these sequences abolished promoter function. In contrast, mutation of two other consensus protein binding sequences, i.e. a Pu-1 site and a CK-2-like sequence, did not eliminate promoter function. Both the CK-1 and octamer sequences acted independently as TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta responsive elements upstream of a heterologous promoter. The response of the octamer sequence and the 330 bp promoter but not the CK-1 sequence was greater with IL-1 beta than TNF-alpha reflecting a similar response of the endogenous gene.

Differential binding of IL-3 and GM-CSF to human monocytes

Human monocytes respond to IL-3 and GM-CSF with a similar range of functional activities, and at similar cytokine concentrations. We have recently shown, however, that the rate of monocyte activation is greater in response to GM-CSF than to IL-3. In order to understand the basis of this phenomenon we investigated the interaction of IL-3 and GM-CSF with their surface receptors by means of kinetic binding experiments. 125I-GM-CSF showed very rapid association to monocytes at 37 degrees C, with a half-time of only 40 sec. The pattern of binding with this ligand was complex, with a decline in overall cell-associated radioactivity after 2 min of incubation. In contrast, 125I-IL-3 showed slower association, with a half-time at 37 degrees C of 2.5 min. The different rates of association correlated well with the different rates of cell activation induced by the two cytokines. On the other hand, rates of internalisation were similar for the two cytokines, with half-times of 14-15 min. Competition binding experiments performed under high affinity conditions showed that IL-3 and GM-CSF cross-competed for binding on the surface of monocytes. In contrast, under low affinity conditions IL-3 did not compete for 125I-GM-CSF binding while GM-CSF was a strong competitor of 125I-IL-3 binding. In quantitative inhibition experiments GM-CSF showed inhibitory effects on low affinity 125I-IL-3 binding at lower concentrations than those needed with unlabelled IL-3. It is suggested that current models of IL-3/GM-CSF receptor interactions need to be revised in order to accommodate the unique pattern of competition on human monocytes presented here.

Interleukin-5, interleukin-3, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor cross-compete for binding to cell surface receptors on human eosinophils

Human interleukin (IL)-5 receptors were characterized by means of binding studies using bioactive 125I-labeled IL-5. Of purified primary myeloid cells, eosinophils and basophils but not neutrophils or monocytes expressed surface receptors for IL-5. Binding studies showed that eosinophils expressed a single class of high affinity receptors (Ka = 1.2 x 10(10) M-1) with the number of receptors being small (less than 1000 receptors/cell) and varying between individuals. Among several cell lines examined only HL-60 cells showed detectable IL-5 receptors which were small in numbers (200 receptors/cell) and also bound 125I-IL-5 with high affinity. The binding of IL-5 was rapid at 37 degrees C while requiring several hours to reach equilibrium at 4 degrees C. Specificity studies revealed that the two other human eosinophilopoietic cytokines IL-3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) inhibited the binding of 125I-IL-5 to eosinophils. No competition was observed by other eosinophil activating or nonactivating cytokines. The inhibition of 125I-IL-5 binding by IL-3 and GM-CSF was partial up to a concentration of competitor of 10(-7) M with GM-CSF consistently being the stronger competitor. Converse experiments using IL-5 as a competitor revealed that this cytokine inhibited the binding of 125I-IL-3 and of 125I-GM-CSF in some but not all the individuals tested, perhaps reflecting eosinophil heterogeneity in vivo. Cross-linking experiments on HL-60 cells demonstrated two IL-5-containing complexes of Mr 150,000 and Mr 80,000 both of which were inhibited by GM-CSF. The competition between IL-5, IL-3, and GM-CSF on the surface of mature eosinophils may represent a unifying mechanism that may help explain the common biological effects of these three eosinophilopoietic cytokines on eosinophil function. This unique pattern of competition may also be beneficial to the host by preventing excessive eosinophil stimulation.

Inhibition of human monocyte adhesion by interleukin-4

The adhesion of monocytes to vascular surfaces is central to inflammation and atherogenesis; however, very little is known about regulatory factors that can prevent these processes. Here we report the inhibition of human monocyte adhesion to human endothelial layers and plastic by interleukin-4 (IL-4), a T-cell-derived glycoprotein with pleiotropic activities. The inhibitory effects of IL-4 were seen with basal and cytokine-stimulated monocyte adhesion, were apparent at low concentration, and were abolished by inactivating IL-4. No direct toxic effect of IL-4 on monocytes was detected. Inhibition of adhesion was accompanied by small increases in monocyte surface expression of the leukocyte-functional antigen group of adhesion structures, suggesting that absolute levels of expression may be less important than the functional status of such molecules in the regulation of monocyte adhesion. In addition, inhibition by IL-4 of cytokine-stimulated monocyte adhesion was not associated with changes in the surface expression of cytokine receptors. These results suggest a role for IL-4 in the regulation of monocyte adhesion, and may provide for a common mechanism for the inhibitory effects of IL-4 on monocyte function.

A granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor gene promoter element responsive to inflammatory mediators is functionally distinct from an identical sequence in the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene

A number of mesenchymal cells produce hemopoietic growth factors in response to inflammatory mediators in vitro and in vivo. Induced transcription from the hemopoietic growth factor genes is at least partially responsible for their increased expression. We have previously identified a sequence, cytokine (CK)-1, in the granulocyte (G)-CSF gene promoter that responds to TNF-alpha and binds a transcription factor, NF-GMa. We report here that the CK-1 sequence responds in a time- and dose-dependent manner to IL-1 beta and that the mutations which affect NF-GMa binding correlate with decreased transcriptional activity after stimulation with either TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta. The CK-1 sequence also responds to the human T lymphotrophic virus-1 transactivator, tax, so that this promoter element may contribute to the overall response of the G-CSF gene to these various agents. Although NF-GMa binding is seen in a number of cell types, the ability of the G-CSF CK-1 sequence to act as a transcriptional enhancer is specific for fibroblasts and not T cells. Furthermore, we show that an identical sequence in the granulocyte macrophage CSF gene, although apparently binding the same protein in vitro, cannot respond to any of these stimuli in either fibroblasts or T cells. Modification interference experiments, using the CK-1 region in the context of the granulocyte macrophage-CSF and G-CSF genes, indicated that the contact points for NF-GMa differ in each case and suggest that differences in sequences flanking the 10-bp CK-1 region probably leads to an altered DNA:protein conformation, which may explain the differential response of this conserved promoter element.

A granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor gene promoter element responsive to inflammatory mediators is functionally distinct from an identical sequence in the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor gene

A number of mesenchymal cells produce hemopoietic growth factors in response to inflammatory mediators in vitro and in vivo. Induced transcription from the hemopoietic growth factor genes is at least partially responsible for their increased expression. We have previously identified a sequence, cytokine (CK)-1, in the granulocyte (G)-CSF gene promoter that responds to TNF-alpha and binds a transcription factor, NF-GMa. We report here that the CK-1 sequence responds in a time- and dose-dependent manner to IL-1 beta and that the mutations which affect NF-GMa binding correlate with decreased transcriptional activity after stimulation with either TNF-alpha or IL-1 beta. The CK-1 sequence also responds to the human T lymphotrophic virus-1 transactivator, tax, so that this promoter element may contribute to the overall response of the G-CSF gene to these various agents. Although NF-GMa binding is seen in a number of cell types, the ability of the G-CSF CK-1 sequence to act as a transcriptional enhancer is specific for fibroblasts and not T cells. Furthermore, we show that an identical sequence in the granulocyte macrophage CSF gene, although apparently binding the same protein in vitro, cannot respond to any of these stimuli in either fibroblasts or T cells. Modification interference experiments, using the CK-1 region in the context of the granulocyte macrophage-CSF and G-CSF genes, indicated that the contact points for NF-GMa differ in each case and suggest that differences in sequences flanking the 10-bp CK-1 region probably leads to an altered DNA:protein conformation, which may explain the differential response of this conserved promoter element.

Adhesion protein GMP140 inhibits superoxide anion release by human neutrophils

The respiratory burst of blood neutrophils has a critical role in the destruction of microorganisms and tissue damage in inflammation. Neutrophils adhere in a dose-dependent fashion to granule membrane protein 140 (GMP140), a member of the LEC-CAM (lectin/epidermal growth factor/complement-binding domain cell adhesion molecule) family of adhesion proteins when it is immobilized onto plastic surfaces. Adherence to GMP140 was associated with less superoxide anion generation than adherence to other surfaces, an effect that is especially remarkable after activation of neutrophils with tumor necrosis factor alpha, an agent that on other surfaces promotes adhesion and spreading. However, on GMP140 the cells fail to spread and instead remain rounded and refractile. Neutrophils adhering to GMP140 were also deficient in superoxide anion generation to formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine. Furthermore, fluid-phase GMP140 also inhibited the superoxide generation by neutrophils stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha. The effect of GMP140 was reversible by washing and was inhibited by anti-GMP140 Fab antibody. GMP140 appears to be a natural antiinflammatory molecule that may prevent the inappropriate activation of neutrophils in the circulation.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a stimulant of platelet-activating factor and superoxide anion generation by human neutrophils

Human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was studied for its ability to stimulate the synthesis and release of the inflammatory mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF) from human neutrophils as measured by bioassay and incorporation of [3H]acetate into PAF. GM-CSF stimulated the synthesis but not the release of PAF from neutrophils. PAF synthesis took place in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, was dependent on a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein and could be inhibited by antibodies to GM-CSF. On the other hand, pre-incubation of neutrophils with GM-CSF followed by stimulation with the bacterial tripeptide formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine caused PAF synthesis and release. The effect of GM-CSF was qualitative and not simply the result of larger amounts of PAF being synthesized since similar amounts were generated in response to the calcium ionophore A23187 but no released PAF could be detected. In functional studies GM-CSF stimulated superoxide anion generation from neutrophils with a time and dose relationship that paralleled PAF synthesis. In addition, the serine protease inhibitor L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone, which inhibits PAF synthesis, reduced PAF accumulation as well as superoxide generation, raising the possibility of a causal relationship between cell-associated PAF and cell activation. These results identify PAF as a direct product of GM-CSF stimulation in neutrophils where it may play a role in signal transduction and demonstrate that PAF is released only after subsequent neutrophil stimulation. The selective release of PAF may play a role in regulating and amplifying the inflammatory response.

Human interleukin-3 mRNA accumulation is controlled at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is a hematopoietic growth factor that regulates the differentiation of multilineage and committed progenitor cells and the functions of some mature blood cells. The expression of human IL-3 appears to be restricted to stimulated T lymphocytes. We have investigated the kinetics and mechanisms involved in the induction of IL-3 expression in the human T lymphocytic tumor cell line Jurkat. We show that accumulation of IL-3 mRNA is controlled at both the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level. Transcription of the IL-3 gene in these cells appears to be constitutive but no IL-3 mRNA was detected in unstimulated cells, indicating that in resting cells IL-3 mRNA is highly unstable. Treatment with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) induced a small and transient increase in the IL-3 gene transcription rate and led to the production of detectable levels of IL-3 mRNA and protein. Optimal induction of IL-3 expression required a second stimulus. Costimulation of Jurkat cells with both phorbol myristate acetate and PHA caused both a transient increase in IL-3 gene transcription, which is dependent on new protein synthesis, and also a transient increase in mRNA stability.