Three-dimensional growth of extravillous cytotrophoblasts promotes differentiation and invasion

Human trophoblast research relies on a combination of in vitro models, including isolated primary cultures, explant cultures, and trophoblast cell lines. In the present study, we have utilized the rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactor to generate a three-dimensional (3-D) model of human placentation for the study of cytotrophoblast (CTB) invasion. The RWV supported the growth of the human CTB cell line SGHPL-4 and allowed for the formation of complex, multilayered 3-D aggregates that were morphologically, phenotypically, and functionally distinct from SGHPL-4 monolayers. The cells cultured three-dimensionally differentiated into an aggressively invasive cell population characterized by the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-3, MMP-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) secretion and activation. Microarray analysis of the 3-D and 2-D cultured cells revealed increased expression in the 3-D cells of various genes that are known mediators of invasion, including MT1-MMP, PECAM-1 and L-selectin, as well as genes not previously associated with CTB differentiation such as MMP-13 and MT5-MMP. These results were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. These findings suggest that when cultured in 3-D, SGHPL-4 cells closely mimic differentiating in utero CTBs, providing a novel approach for the in vitro study of the molecular mechanisms that regulate CTB differentiation and invasion.

Functional Properties and Lineage Relationship of CD8+T Cell Subsets Identified by Expression of IL-7 Receptor α and CD62L

Three major subsets of Ag-experienced CD8+ T cells have been identified according to their expression of CD62L and CD127. These markers are associated with central memory T cells (CD62L+ CD127+), effector memory T cells (CD162L- CD127+), and effector T cells (CD62L- CD127-). In this study we characterized the development of these three populations during acute and chronic viral infections and after immunization with virus-like particles and determined their lineage relation and functional and protective properties. We found that the balance between the three subsets was critically regulated by the availability of Ag and time. After initial down-regulation of CD127, the responding CD8+ T cell population down-regulated CD62L and re-expressed CD127. Dependent on Ag availability, the cells then further differentiated into CD62L- CD127- effector cells or, in the absence of Ag, re-expressed CD62L to become central memory T cells. Although all three populations efficiently produced effector cytokines such as IFN-gamma, CD62L- CD127- effector cells exhibited the highest ex vivo lytic potential. In contrast, CD62L+ CD127+ central memory T cells most efficiently produced IL-2 and proliferated extensively in vitro and in vivo upon antigenic restimulation. Strikingly, only effector and effector memory, but not central memory, T cells were able to protect against peripheral infection with vaccinia virus, whereas central memory T cells were most potent at protecting against systemic infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, indicating that the antiviral protective capacities of specific CD8+ T cell subsets are closely related to the nature of the challenging pathogen.

L-selectin: mechanisms and physiological significance of ectodomain cleavage

L-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule consisting of a large, highly glycosylated, extracellular domain, a single spanning transmembrane domain and a small cytoplasmic tail. It is expressed on most leukocytes and is involved in their rolling on inflamed vascular endothelium prior to firm adhesion and transmigration. It is also required for the constitutive trafficking of lymphocytes through secondary lymphoid organs. Like most adhesion molecules, L-selectin function is regulated by a variety of mechanisms including gene transcription, post-translational modifications, association with the actin cytoskeleton, and topographic distribution. In addition, it is rapidly downregulated by proteolytic cleavage near the cell surface by ADAM-17 (TACE) and at least one other "sheddase". This process of "ectodomain shedding" results in the release of most of the extracellular portion of L-selectin from the cell surface while retaining the cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and eleven amino acids of the extracellular domain on the cell. This review will examine the mechanism(s) of L-selectin ectodomain shedding and discuss the physiological implications.

High-efficiency transfection of primary human and mouse T lymphocytes using RNA electroporation

The use of nonviral gene transfer methods in primary lymphocytes has been hampered by low gene transfer efficiency and high transfection-related toxicity. In this report, high gene transfection efficiency with low transfection-related toxicity was achieved by electroporation using in vitro-transcribed mRNA. Using these methods, >90% transgene expression with >80% viable cells was observed in stimulated primary human and murine T lymphocytes transfected with GFP or mCD62L. Electroporation of unstimulated human PBMCs or murine splenocytes with GFP RNA yielded 95 and 56% GFP+ cells, respectively. Electroporation of mRNA for NY-ESO-1, MART-1, and p53 antigen-specific TCRs into human T lymphocytes redirected these lymphocytes to recognize melanoma cell lines in an MHC-restricted manner. The onset of gene expression was rapid (within 30 min) and durable (up to 7 days postelectroporation) using both GFP and TCR-mediated recognition of target cells. There was no adverse effect observed on the T lymphocytes subjected to RNA electroporation evaluated by cell growth rate, annexin-V staining of apoptotic cells, BrdU incorporation, tumor antigen-specific recognition or antigen-specific TCR affinity. The results of this study indicate that mRNA electroporation provides a powerful tool to introduce genes into both human and murine primary T lymphocytes.

No association between E- and L-selectin genes and SLE: soluble L-selectin levels do correlate with genotype and a subset in SLE

Altered function of selectin glycoprotein adhesion molecules may modulate severity and organ-specific manifestations of autoimmune and inflammatory disease via changes in leukocyte trafficking. Serum concentrations of selectin molecules have been suggested as useful biomarkers in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We identified increased levels of soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin), but not soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) in 278 European-Caucasian lupus patients compared to 230 healthy siblings (P=0.002). sL-selectin levels were markedly elevated in patients with IgG antiphospholipid autoantibodies (P=0.002), suggesting that perhaps sL-selectin defines a subgroup of lupus with vasculopathy. sL-selectin level was also influenced by two L-selectin polymorphisms: 665C>T, F206L in the epidermal growth factor-like domain (P=0.015) and rs12938 in the 3'-untranslated region (P=0.06). Having shown increased sL-selectin levels in lupus patients, we used genetics to investigate whether this was a secondary phenomena or the result of an underlying genetic mechanism. The inheritance of nine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) spanning the selectin locus was tested in 523 UK simplex SLE families. No association with SLE, or related phenotypes, was evident with any single SNP, or haplotype in family-based tests of association. Selectin polymorphisms are, therefore, unlikely to be independent factors in SLE susceptibility.

Affinity and kinetics of sialyl Lewis-X and core-2 based oligosaccharides binding to L- and P-selectin

Soluble oligosaccharide mimetics of natural selectin ligands act as competitive inhibitors of leukocyte adhesion in models of inflammation. We quantified the binding of simple oligosaccharides based on sialyl Lewis-X (sLe(X)) and complex molecules with the core-2 structure to L- and P-selectin, under both static and fluid flow conditions. Isolated human neutrophils were employed to mimic the physiological valency of selectins and selectin ligands. Surface plasmon resonance studies quantified binding kinetics. We observed the following: (i) The functional group at the anomeric position of carbohydrates plays an important role during selectin recognition, since sLe(X) and sialyl Lewis-a (sLe(a)) were approximately 5-7-fold poorer inhibitors of L-selectin mediated cell adhesion compared to their methyl glycosides. (ii) Despite their homology to physiological glycans, the putative carbohydrate epitopes of GlyCAM-1 and PSGL-1 bound selectins with low affinity comparable to that of sLe(X)-selectin interactions. Thus, besides the carbohydrate portion, the protein core of GlyCAM-1 or the presentation of carbohydrates in clusters on this glycoprotein may contribute to selectin recognition. (iii) A compound Galbeta1,4(Fucalpha1,3)GlcNAcbeta1,6(GalNAcbeta1,3)GalNAcalpha-OMe was identified which blocked L- and P-selectin binding at 30-100-fold lower doses than sLe(X). (iv) Surface plasmon resonance experiments determined that an sLe(X) analogue (TBC1269) competitively inhibited, via steric/allosteric mechanisms, the binding of two anti-P-selectin function blocking antibodies that recognized different epitopes of P-selectin. (v) TBC1269 bound P-selectin via both calcium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, with K(D) of approximately 111.4 microM. The measured on- and off-rates were high (k(off) > 3 s(-)(1), k(on) > 27,000 M(-)(1) s(-)(1)). Similar binding kinetics are expected for sLe(X)-selectin interactions. Taken together, our study provides new insight into the kinetics and mechanisms of carbohydrate interaction with selectins.

L-selectin-mediated neutrophil recruitment in experimental rodent aneurysm formation

BACKGROUND

This investigation tested the hypothesis that L-selectin is important in experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation in rodents.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Rat abdominal aortas were perfused with saline (control) or porcine pancreatic elastase and studied on postperfusion days 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 (n=5 per treatment group per day). Neutrophil (polymorphonucleur leukocyte, PMN) and macrophage counts per high-powered field (HPF) were performed on fixed sections. L-selectin expression and protein levels in aortic tissue were determined by polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Elastase-perfused aortic diameters were significantly increased compared with control aortas at all time points except day 1 (P<0.05). PMN counts significantly increased in elastase-perfused aortas compared with control aortas at days 1, 2, and 4, reaching maximum levels at day 7 (40.8 versus 0.3 PMNs/HPF, P=0.001). L-selectin mRNA expression in elastase-perfused aortas was 18 (P=0.018), 17 (P<0.001), and 8 times (P=0.02) times greater than control aortas at days 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Western blot demonstrated a significant 69% increase in L-selectin protein at day 7 in elastase- as compared with saline-perfused aortas (P=0.005). Subsequent experiments involved similar studies on postperfusion days 4, 7, and 14 of aortas from C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice (n=21) and L-selectin-knockout (LKO) mice (n=19). LKO mice had significantly smaller aortic diameters at day 14 as compared with WT mice (88% versus 123%, P=0.02). PMN counts were significantly greater in elastase-perfused WT mouse aortas as compared with LKO mouse aortas at day 4 after perfusion (12.8 versus 4.8 PMNs/HPF, P=0.02). Macrophage counts were significantly greater at all time points after perfusion in elastase-perfused WT mouse aortas compared with elastase-perfused LKO mouse aortas, with a maximum difference at day 7 after perfusion (13.3 versus 0.5 macrophages/HPF, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

L-selectin-mediated neutrophil recruitment may be a critical early step in AAA formation.

T-cell transcriptome analysis points up a thymic disorder in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a proteinuric disease secondary to the release of a nonidentified circulating glomerular permeability factor by T cells. Because specificities of T-cell activation in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome remain unknown, we evaluated transcriptional activation of T cells in nephrotic patients during proteinuria.

METHODS

Transcriptomes of CD2+ cells were analyzed by serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) in a nephrotic child during proteinuria relapse and after remission, away from any immunosuppressive treatment. Expression of specific transcripts overexpressed during proteinuria relapse was compared by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in CD2+ cells from 11 nephrotic patients during relapse and remission and 11 non nephrotic patients during infection and after recovery.

RESULTS

Differential analysis of CD2+ cell transcriptome identified >200 mRNA tags overexpressed during proteinuria relapse, including many T-cell markers. RT-PCR analysis of expression of specific transcripts indicated that (1) under remission conditions, nephrotic children displayed induction of four transcripts, including IKBKB, and repression of NFKBIA as compared to non nephrotic children after recovery, and (2) proteinuria relapse was associated with induction of L-selectin and T-lymphocyte maturation-associated protein, two markers of T-cell differentiation and recent emigrant/naive T cells.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that circulating T cells from relapsing nephrotic patients include a significant population of low-mature cells while those from nephrotic patients in remission are characterized by constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), altogether suggesting a thymic dysregulation of apoptosis in nephrotic patients.

Differential expression of L-selectin ligand in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of L-selectin ligand in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Endometrial samples from regularly cycling women.

INTERVENTION(S)

Tissue microarray and immunohistochemical staining were performed using L-selectin ligand monoclonal antibody (MECA-79).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Expression of L-selectin ligand in the various phases of menstrual cycle was measured by a semiquantitative analysis (HSCORE) for the intensity of immunohistochemical reactivity.

RESULT(S)

In the luminal epithelium, there were significant differences in L-selectin ligand expression during the proliferative, interval, early secretory, and midsecretory phases. The expression of L-selectin ligand was greatest from the periovulatory interval through midsecretory phase. In the glandular epithelium, the expression of L-selectin ligand was greatest in midsecretory phase with significant differences between proliferative phase and the midsecretory phase and between the interval phase and the midsecretory phase.

CONCLUSION(S)

Increased expression of L-selectin ligand in the human endometrium during the early and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle may be related to the process of implantation.

Cytoskeletal interactions regulate inducible L-selectin clustering

L-selectin (CD62L) amplifies neutrophil capture within the microvasculature at sites of inflammation. Activation by G protein-coupled stimuli or through ligation of L-selectin promotes clustering of L-selectin and serves to increase its adhesiveness, signaling, and colocalization with beta(2)-integrins. Currently, little is known about the molecular process regulating the lateral mobility of L-selectin. On neutrophil stimulation, a progressive change takes place in the organization of its plasma membrane, resulting in membrane domains that are characteristically enriched in glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins and exclude the transmembrane protein CD45. Clustering of L-selectin, facilitated by E-selectin engagement or antibody cross-linking, resulted in its colocalization with GPI-anchored CD55, but not with CD45 or CD11c. Disrupting microfilaments in neutrophils or removing a conserved cationic motif in the cytoplasmic domain of L-selectin increased its mobility and membrane domain localization in the plasma membrane. In addition, the conserved element was critical for L-selectin-dependent tethering under shear flow. Our data indicate that L-selectin's lateral mobility is regulated by interactions with the actin cytoskeleton that in turn fortifies leukocyte tethering. We hypothesize that both membrane mobility and stabilization augment L-selectin's effector functions and are regulated by dynamic associations with membrane domains and the actin cytoskeleton.

T lymphocyte activation initiates the degradation of the CD62L encoding mRNA and increases the transcription of the corresponding gene

Following T-cell activation, CD62L, a member of the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules, is proteolytically cleaved by a constitutive endoprotease and subsequently re-expressed. To define whether the cleavage regulates CD62L gene transcription, we have analyzed the outcome of T-cell activation on the level of CD62L gene transcription and mRNA stability. Here, we report that CD62L shedding correlates with the concomitant upregulation of CD62L gene transcription and the rapid degradation of the corresponding mRNA. Novel protein synthesis is not required for CD62L gene upregulation, mRNA degradation or protein shedding. The three events are insensitive to cyclosporin A (CSA) and, thus, do not depend on the calcineurin signaling pathway. Activation of T cells in presence of a metallo-protease inhibitor, that protects CD62L shedding, does not prevent CD62L gene upregulation or mRNA degradation. In contrast induction of CD62L shedding by the chemically-induced dissociation of calmodulin from the CD62L cytosolic tail, in absence of T-cell activation, has no consequences on the levels of CD62L gene transcription or mRNA accumulation. These data demonstrate that the transcriptional and post-transcriptional events are exclusively regulated by T-cell activation and not by the CD62L density on cell membrane.

Analysis of the Contributions of l -Selectin and CXCR3 in Mediating Leukocyte Homing to Pregnant Mouse Uterus

PROBLEM

Dynamic changes occur in endometrial immune cell populations during pregnancy but regulatory events promoting cell recruitment to the uterus are not established. Ovarian steroid hormones promote l-selectin and alpha4-integrin-mediated interactions between human peripheral natural killer (NK) cells and uterine endothelium while CXCR3, CXCR4 and their ligands are implicated in homing of human uNK cells to decidua.

METHOD OF STUDY

Mice genetically-ablated for l-selectin or CXCR3 were studied. Morphometric analyses of implantation sites and assays of cell function (in vitro adhesion; in vivo homing following adoptive cell transfer) were undertaken.

RESULTS

Leukocytes home to anti-mesometrial decidua with l-selectin making an early (<6 hr in vivo) contribution. Unexpectedly, CXCR3 deletion had no effect on homing but reduced the ability of uNK cells to modify placental spiral arterioles.

CONCLUSIONS

Redundant mechanisms underlie homing of leukocytes to the uterus and their importance can be evaluated by an in vivo approach described herein.

BCR/ABL-mediated downregulation of genes implicated in cell adhesion and motility leads to impaired migration toward CCR7 ligands CCL19 and CCL21 in primary BCR/ABL-positive cells

The mechanism underlying p210(BCR/ABL) oncoprotein-mediated transformation in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is not fully understood. We hypothesized that p210(BCR/ABL) suppresses expression of genes which may explain at least some of the pathogenetic features of CML. A subtractive cDNA library was created between BCR/ABL-enhanced-green-fluorescent-protein (GFP)-transduced umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ cells and GFP-transduced UCB CD34+ cells to identify genes whose expression is downregulated by p210(BCR/ABL). At least 100 genes were identified. We have confirmed for eight of these genes that expression was suppressed by quantitative real-time-RT-PCR (Q-RT-PCR) of additional p210(BCR/ABL)-transduced CD34+ UCB cells as well as primary early chronic phase (CP) bone marrow (BM) CML CD34+ cells. Imatinib mesylate reversed downregulation of some genes, to approximately normal levels. Several of the genes are implicated in cell adhesion and motility, including L-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and the chemokine receptor, CCR7, consistent with the known defect in adhesion and migration of CML cells. Compared with GFP UCB or normal (NL) BM CD34+ cells, p210 UCB and CML CD34+ cells migrated poorly towards the CCR7 ligands, CCL19 and CCL21, suggesting a possible role for CCR7 in the abnormal migratory behavior of CML CD34+ cells.

Cocaine and catecholamines enhance inflammatory cell retention in the coronary circulation of mice by upregulation of adhesion molecules

Cocaine treatment of mice with viral myocarditis significantly increases neutrophil infiltration into the myocardium and exacerbates the inflammatory response. The mechanisms of these effects are unknown; however, it may be that cocaine increases circulating catecholamines and consequently increases inflammatory cell adhesion to the coronary endothelium. Here, we examined the hypothesis that cocaine enhances inflammatory cell infiltration via catecholamine-induced upregulation of cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression in adult BALB/c mouse hearts. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (E-selectin), and leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (L-selectin) were detected by gene array analysis, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. CAMs were significantly upregulated in cocaine-treated mouse hearts. beta-Adrenergic stimulation with epinephrine also upregulated CAM expression, confirming the effects obtained with cocaine. Beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol inhibited epinephrine-induced CAM expression. In hearts infused with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), an increased adhesion of PMN to the coronary endothelium was observed in cocaine-treated and epinephrine-treated mouse hearts compared with control hearts. Blocking antibodies against ICAM-1, E-selectin, and L-selectin significantly inhibited epinephrine-enhanced PMN adhesion, whereas anti-VCAM-1 had lesser effects. Our findings suggest that cocaine-induced neutrophil infiltration is mediated by beta-adrenergic stimulation through upregulation of CAM expression, which enhances PMN adhesion. Conversely, beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol inhibits the effects of cocaine and epinephrine on CAM expression and decreases PMN adhesion to the coronary endothelium. These observations may be of significance for the development of preventative and therapeutic approaches to patients with cocaine- or catecholamine-induced myocarditis.

Monocyte activation by circulating fibronectin fragments in HIV-1-infected patients

To identify signals that can alter leukocyte function in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), we analyzed single blood samples from 74 HIV-1-infected patients and additional blood was collected at 90-day intervals from 51 HIV-1-infected patients over a 516 +/- 172 (mean +/- SD) day interval. Despite the absence of circulating immune complexes and normalization of phagocytic function, compared with controls, the fraction of patients' monocytes expressing CD49e and CD62L was decreased and expression of CD11b and CD86 increased. Plasma from 63% of patients but none from normal controls contained 110-120 kDa fibronectin fragments (FNf). Presence of FNf did not reflect poor adherence to therapy. Addition of FNf to normal donor blood in vitro replicated changes in monocyte CD49e, CD62L, CD11b, and CD86 seen in vivo. FNf also induced monocytes to release a serine proteinase, nominally identified as proteinase-3, that hydrolyzed cell surface CD49e. alpha(1)-Antitrypsin blocked FNf-induced shedding of CD49e in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma with a normal frequency of CD49e(+) monocytes contained antiproteases that partially blocked FNf-induced monocyte CD49e shedding, whereas plasma from patients with a low frequency of CD49e(+) monocytes did not block this effect of FNf. Electrophoretic analyses of plasma from the latter group of patients suggested that a significant fraction of their alpha(1)-antitrypsin was tied up in high molecular mass complexes. These results suggest that monocyte behavior in HIV-1-infected patients may be influenced by FNf and the ratio of protease and antiproteases in the cells' microenvironment.

Mutagenesis of the Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin Binding Domain of L-selectin Tail Affects Shedding, Microvillar Positioning, and Leukocyte Tethering

L-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule that mediates the initial capture (tethering) and subsequent rolling of leukocytes along ligands expressed on endothelial cells. We have previously identified ezrin and moesin as novel binding partners of the 17-amino acid L-selectin tail, but the biological role of this interaction is not known. Here we identify two basic amino acid residues within the L-selectin tail that are required for binding to ezrin-radixinmoesin (ERM) proteins: arginine 357 and lysine 362. L-selectin mutants defective for ERM binding show reduced localization to microvilli and decreased phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced shedding of the L-selectin ectodomain. Cells expressing these L-selectin mutants have reduced tethering to the L-selectin ligand P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, but rolling velocity on P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 is not affected. These results suggest that ERM proteins are required for microvillar positioning of L-selectin and that this is important both for leukocyte tethering and L-selectin shedding.

Chromatin landscape dynamics of the Il4-Il13 locus during T helper 1 and 2 development

Il4 and Il13 encode the canonical T helper 2 (TH2) cytokines responsible both for promoting immune responses against extracellular pathogens and, when misregulated, causing allergic and autoimmune disease. The expression potential of these genes undergoes developmentally programmed repression and enhancement during commitment of naïve CD4+ T cells to the mature T helper 1 (TH1) and TH2 fates, respectively. Thus, like the globin locus, the TH2 cytokine locus provides a highly tractable system to study a developmental fate choice leading to alternative transcriptional states of either silence or permissivity. We used quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation and RT-PCR to correlate changes in the transcriptional states of Il4 and Il13 with markers of permissive chromatin across the Il4-Il13 locus in naïve CD4+ T cells undergoing TH1 and TH2 differentiation. We provide evidence that DNaseI hypersensitive site V in the Il4 3' enhancer is the likely target for signals maintaining Il4 and Il13 transcriptional permissivity in naïve cells. We also demonstrate rapid acquisition of differences in H3 acetylation between TH1- and TH2-primed cells, indicating a developmentally early role for cytokine signaling in the process of TH cell fate determination. Finally, we show that transcriptional repression correlates with the disappearance of permissive H3 modifications from everywhere in the Il4-Il13 locus except hypersensitive site IV, suggesting a critical role for this element in the maintenance of transcriptional repression. Our findings are consistent with a progressive regulatory element activation/deactivation model of TH1/TH2 development.

[Role of polymorphic adhesion molecules in the development of graft-versus-leukemia effect after HLA-matched allogeneic stem cell transplantation]

Mismatches of minor histocompatibility antigens (mHas) between HLA-identical stem cell donors and recipients are known as a major risk factor for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We determined the alleles of 5 polymorphic molecules including HA-1 and 4 adhesion molecules in 102 patients who had undergone stem cell transplantation from HLA-identical donors and investigated the association of their mismatches with the relapse rate and incidence of GVHD. We observed relapse rates of 16.1% in patients with at least one or more incompatibilities and 39.4% in patients without incompatibilities (p = 0.018). The respective relapse rates of patients with CD62L, HA-1, CD31 exon 563, CD31 exon 125 and 49b incompatibilities were 6.1%, 14.3%, 11.7%, 20% and 40%. Only patients with CD62L incompatibilities showed a lower relapse rate than patients who received a compatible graft. Since there was no difference between patients with and without incompatibilities as far as the appearance of acute GVHD (> or = 2) was concerned, we conclude that the polymorphic CD62L molecule contributes to graft-versus-leukemia rather than the development of GVHD after HLA-identical stem cell transplantation.

Interactions between bradykinin (BK) and cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression in peptidoglycan‐polysaccharide (PG‐PS)‐induced arthritis

Bradykinin (BK), a vasoactive, proinflammatory nonapeptide, promotes cell adhesion molecule (CAM) expression, leukocyte sequestration, inter-endothelial gap formation, and protein extravasation in postcapillary venules. These effects are mediated by bradykinin-1 (B1R) and-2 (B2R) receptors. We delineated some of the mechanisms by which BK could influence chronic inflammation by altering CAM expression on leukocytes, endothelium, and synovium in joint sections of peptidoglycan-polysaccharide-injected Lewis rats. Blocking B1R results in significantly increased joint inflammation. Immunohistochemistry of the B1R antagonist group revealed increased leukocyte and synovial CD11b and CD54 expression and increased CD11b and CD44 endothelial expression. B2R antagonism decreased leukocyte and synovial CD44 and CD54 and endothelial CD11b expression. Although these findings implicate B2R involvement in the acute phase of inflammation by facilitating leukocyte activation (CD11b), homing (CD44), and transmigration (CD54). Treatment with a B2R antagonist did not affect the disease evolution in this model. In contrast, when both BK receptors are blocked, the aggravation of inflammation by B1R blockade is neutralized and there is no difference from the disease-untreated model. Our findings suggest that B1R and B2R signaling show physiologic antagonism. B1R signaling suggests involvement in down-regulation of leukocyte activation, transmigration, and homing. Further studies are needed to evaluate the B1 receptor agonist's role in this model.

Mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced down-regulation of neutrophil L-selectin in cattle: evidence for effects at the gene-expression level and primarily on blood neutrophils

One anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids is down-regulation of surface L-selectin on circulating neutrophils. However, it is unclear if this is a result of release of affected bone marrow neutrophils or if the steroid has direct effects on L-selectin expression in existing blood neutrophils. We recently demonstrated that circulating neutrophils from cattle with high blood concentrations of endogenous glucocorticoid had reduced L-selectin mRNA, suggesting that the steroid interrupted L-selectin gene expression. In the current study, dexamethasone (DEX) was administered to cattle in vivo, and blood and bone marrow neutrophils were studied simultaneously within the animal to determine which pool of cells responds to glucocorticoids with inhibited L-selectin expression. Purified blood neutrophils were also treated with DEX +/- RU486 in vitro, and glucocorticoid effects on L-selectin expression were determined. Our results indicate that glucocorticoid-induced suppression of L-selectin, which accompanies neutrophilia, is likely mediated by direct effects of glucocorticoid receptor activation on intracellular reservoirs of L-selectin mRNA and protein in cattle, predominantly in blood neutrophils.

Peritoneal macrophages express both P-selectin and PSGL-1

Macrophages, phagocytic cells involved in an early phase of host defense, are known to express the P-selectin ligand, PSGL-1. Heretofore, P-selectin has only been found on platelets and endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate that peritoneal macrophages isolated by peritoneal lavage of unchallenged mice express P-selectin on the plasma membrane. The peritoneal macrophages synthesize P-selectin, as indicated by metabolic labeling experiments. P-Selectin is constitutively expressed on the extracellular surface of macrophages but is only partially colocalized with PSGL-1. P-Selectin is rapidly translocated from the macrophage plasma membrane to intracellular vesicles and to lysosomes. Peritoneal macrophages assemble into cell strings under flow conditions based upon macrophage–macrophage interactions mediated by P-selectin and PSGL-1. This is the first description of a leukocyte shown to express both P-selectin and PSGL-1.

Role of L-selectin in the development of autoimmune diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice

Autoimmune diabetes is characterized by an early mononuclear infiltration of pancreatic islets and later selective autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Lymphocyte homing receptors have been considered candidate targets to prevent autoimmune diabetes. L-selectin (CD62L) is an adhesion molecule highly expressed in naive T and B cells. It has been reported that blocking L-selectin in vivo with a specific antibody (Mel-14) partially impairs insulitis and diabetes in autoimmune diabetes-prone non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. In the present study we aimed to elucidate whether genetic blockade of leukocyte homing into peripheral lymph nodes would prevent the development of diabetes. We backcrossed L-selectin-deficient mice onto the NOD genetic background. Surprisingly NOD/L-selectin-deficient mice exhibited unaltered islet mononuclear infiltration, timing of diabetes onset and cumulative incidence of spontaneous diabetes when compared to L-selectin-sufficient animals. CD4, CD8 T cells and B cells were present in islet infiltrates from 9-week-old L-selectin-sufficient and -deficient littermates. Moreover, total splenocytes from wild-type, heterozygous or NOD/L-selectin-deficient donor mice showed similar capability to adoptively transfer diabetes into NOD/SCID recipients. On the other hand, homing of activated, cloned insulin-specific autoaggressive CD8 T cells (TGNFC8 clone) is not affected in NOD/L-selectin-deficient recipients. We conclude that L-selectin plays a small role in the homing of autoreactive lymphocytes to regional (pancreatic) lymph nodes in NOD mice.

Leukocyte migration is regulated by L-selectin endoproteolytic release

L-selectin mediates lymphocyte migration to peripheral lymph nodes and leukocyte rolling on vascular endothelium during inflammation. One unique feature that distinguishes L-selectin from other adhesion molecules is that it is rapidly cleaved from the cell surface after cellular activation. The biological significance of L-selectin endoproteolytic release was determined by generating gene-targeted mice expressing a modified receptor that was not cleaved from the cell surface. Blocking L-selectin cleavage on antigen-stimulated lymphocytes allowed their continued migration to peripheral lymph nodes and inhibited their short-term redirection to the spleen. Blocking homeostatic L-selectin cleavage also resulted in a constitutive 2-fold increase in overall L-selectin expression by leukocytes. As a result, neutrophils entered the inflamed peritoneum in greater numbers or for a longer duration. Thus, endoproteolytic cleavage regulates both homeostatic and activation-induced changes in cell surface L-selectin density, which directs the migration patterns of activated lymphocytes and neutrophils in vivo.

Expression of CD34 and L-selectin on human corneal keratocytes

PURPOSE

To investigate the expression of CD34, a hematopoietic stem cell marker and an adhesion molecule, and its ligand L-selectin in the human cornea.

METHODS

Seventeen normal adult human corneal specimens were studied by immunohistochemistry using a panel of monoclonal antibodies against all three classes of the hematopoietic stem cell marker CD34 and its ligand L-selectin. An additional six corneal specimens were used for protein extraction and analysis by Western blotting, using the CD34 and L-selectin antibodies. PCR was used to determine expression of mRNA for CD34 and L-selectin in the corneal specimens.

RESULTS

Only corneal keratocytes showed positive immunostaining for all three classes of CD34. Western blotting confirmed the expression of CD34 by these cells and mRNA expression for CD34 in the corneal stroma was demonstrated by PCR. For L-selectin, positive staining around keratocytes was noted on immunohistochemistry but L-selectin could not be detected either by Western blotting or PCR.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal human corneal keratocytes express all three classes of CD34. The expression of this adhesion molecule on corneal keratocytes suggests that it may have a role in keeping the keratocytes anchored in their microniche, between the collagen lamellae. The positive staining for L-selectin found by immunohistochemistry but not by Western blotting or PCR would indicate the presence of either another ligand from the selectin family or a cross-reactive epitope on corneal keratocytes.

Natural killer cells and B lymphocytes in L-selectin and Mac-1/LFA-1 knockout mice: marker-dependent, but not cell lineage-dependent changes in the spleen and bone marrow

The majority of B lymphocytes, virgin T lymphocytes and a subpopulation of memory T cells express the addressin, L-selectin. Natural killer (NK) cells in rodents and humans also express L-selectin. We have shown that a similar proportion (40%) of NK cells in mouse spleen also express the integrin, CD18Mac-1, and moreover, that NK cells express both the addressin and the integrin constitutively. It was the aim of the present study to quantify, in knock-out mice deficient for either the L-selectin addressin, or the CD18:Mac-1/LFA-1 integrins, NK cells and B cells in both the spleen and their bone marrow birth site. These cells, in both organs, were immunophenotypically stained with FITC-conjugated anti-NK1.1 (to identify NK cells), and FITC-conjugated anti-mouse B220 (to identify B lymphocytes) and subjected to flow-cytometric analysis using a FACScan equipped with a doublet discrimination module. From the known total organ (spleen, femurs) cellularity, obtained by means of an electronic cell counter, at the time of extraction of each organ, the absolute numbers of NK cells and B lymphocytes from each mouse were obtained. The results revealed that there are significantly more NK cells and B lymphocytes in the spleens of CD18:Mac-1/LFA-1 knockout mice than in control (same strain) mice. Moreover, in L-selectin knockout mice spleens, NK cells and B lymphocytes were elevated by 26.2% and 17.8% respectively. NK cells and B lymphocytes in the bone marrow of the integrin knockout showed no difference from control, however, both cell types in the bone marrow of the L-selectin knockout mice fell to only 3/4 their control levels. Collectively, the results demonstrated that there are organ-specific, but not cell lineage-specific differences in the absolute numbers of NK cells and B lymphocytes, in integrin-deficient (CD18:Mac-1/LFA-1 knockout) mice and addressin-deficient (L-selectin knockout) mice.