Molecular cloning of a human monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (MDNCF) and the induction of MDNCF mRNA by interleukin 1 and tumor necrosis factor

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cytokine networking

A number of scientific investigations support the theory that the coordinate expression of cytokines are paramount to the successful initiation and maintenance of inflammation. Interleukin-1 and TNF appear particularly important in that these cytokines are important as both proximal and distal mediators of disease. The importance of IL-1 and TNF during early inflammatory events are exemplified via their ability to upregulate the expression of adherence proteins on the endothelium and allow inflammatory cells to bind to a localized area. In addition, these same cytokines can induce the expression of specific chemotactic cytokines from non-immune cells by a cascade effect known as cytokine networking. This interaction essentially transforms a bystander or target cell of the inflammatory response into an effector cell. Once the appropriate inflammatory cell has arrived at an inflammatory site, cytokines continue to be expressed and exert their influence by organizing the local immune response. Finally, the appropriate endogenous suppressive factors are expressed that initiate the resolution process. Thus, cytokines are effective transmitters of intracellular information that is crucial to each phase of an inflammatory reaction.

Regulation of human interleukin 8 gene expression and binding of several other members of the intercrine family to receptors for interleukin-8

IL-8 is produced by a wide variety of cells in response to polyclonal mitogens and cytokines. Northern blotting analysis revealed that IL-1, TNF and PMA could induce rapid expression of IL-8 mRNA in the absence of new protein synthesis. Nuclear run-off assays using different cell types demonstrated that IL-8 mRNA expression could at least be partly due to the activation of transcription. Cloning and determination of the entire sequence of IL-8 genomic DNA enabled us to explore the functional significance of the 5'-flanking enhancer region of the IL-8 gene by employing CAT assays. The results indicated that the region spanning from -94 to -71 bp is minimally sufficient for conferring responsiveness to IL-1, TNF and PMA. Further analysis using point-mutations revealed that this region consisted of two distinct cis-elements; one being the potential binding site for NFkB-like and the other for a C/EBP-like factor. These results suggested that all three stimuli, IL-1/TNF/PMA, modulate the identical combination of nuclear factors possibly by phosphorylation. We previously reported that these three stimuli activated the same serine protein kinase which phosphorylates identical 65 kDa and 74 kDa cytosol proteins in human PBMC. This IL-1/TNF/PMA-activated protein kinase is distinct from protein kinase A, protein kinase C or casein kinase in substrate specificity; in Ca and phospholipid dependency; in cyclic nucleotide dependency; and sensitivity to protein kinase inhibitors. Taken collectively, IL-1/TNF/PMA may activate a common serine protein kinase and this protein kinase may in turn directly or indirectly modulate several nuclear factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Interleukin-8 (IL-8): the major neutrophil chemotactic factor in the lung

A number of novel chemotactic cytokines are becoming increasingly recognized as important participants in the elicitation of specific inflammatory cells from the peripheral blood to sites of inflammation. Recent observations have now demonstrated that certain chemotactic cytokines possess specificity for the selected movement of individual immune/inflammatory cell populations. One of the more studied chemotactic cytokines is a neutrophil chemotactic factor identified as interleukin-8 (IL-8). This polypeptide mediator is produced in abundance by mononuclear phagocytic cells, as well as a number of non-inflammatory cells. This latter list includes both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Moreover, the synthesis of IL-8 by fibroblasts and epithelial cells involves stimulus specificity, as the production of this mediator by non-inflammatory cells is dependent upon an initial host response. In the context of the lung, the alveolar macrophage appears to play a central role by generating factors, such as interleukin-1 and tumor-necrosis factor, which are potent stimuli for the induction of IL-8 by the lung fibroblasts and type II epithelial cells. The cascade-like interaction may lead to the rapid production of significant quantities of IL-8 by the lung and may selectively recruit neutrophils to the pulmonary interstitium and/or airspace. This sequence of events, which leads to cytokine networking in the lung, may be an important phenomenon for the generation of a major chemotaxin important to a variety of lung diseases.

Localization of neutrophil-activating peptide-1/interleukin-8-immunoreactivity in normal and psoriatic skin

Various cytokines have in the past been detected in human skin. Among these, the neutrophil-activating peptide NAP-1/IL-8 is a potent 8-kD proinflammatory peptide that has been purified from psoriatic scales. Its chemotactic activity on human neutrophils, as well as its presence in psoriatic scales, may relate to a role in this disease. In the present study, the tissue distribution of the peptide was examined immunohistochemically using two monoclonal antibodies (52E8, 46E5) recently produced and characterized in our laboratory. Immunoreactivity was detected in both normal and psoriatic skin, resulting in uniform suprabasal keratinocyte staining in normal skin with 52E8 and of all keratinocytes with 46E5. Immunoreactivity in psoriasis correlated to the inflammatory tissue reaction, varying from uniform absence in highly active psoriasis to focally weak staining in plaque type psoriasis. Cells of the acrosyringium and hair follicles were always positive and were unaffected by the inflammatory activity. Epidermal immunoreactivity detected in this study may be associated with closely related peptides of the IL8 family or with truncated or extended forms of NAP-1/IL-8.

Chemotactic cytokine gene expression and production induced in human monocytes by membrane proteoglycans from Klebsiella pneumoniae

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of membrane proteoglycans (MPG) from Klebsiella pneumoniae on production of the chemotactic cytokine, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) by human peripheral blood monocytes. Exposure of human peripheral blood monocytes to MPG in vitro induced high levels of mRNA transcripts for IL-8 and MCP, as assessed by Northern blot analysis. Cytokine gene expression was associated with the production of chemotactic activity in the supernatants. The levels of IL-8 and MCP expression induced by MPG were comparable with those elicited by LPS. Induction of chemotactic cytokines in mononuclear phagocytes may play a role in the immunomodulatory activity of MPG.

PDGF and the small inducible gene (SIG) family: roles in the inflammatory response

A growing body of evidence suggests that cells responding to an initial growth, inflammatory or immune signal can respond by inducing the transcription of selective members of the SIG family. This family of related inducible cytokines are involved in the amplification, propagation and coordination of intercellular communication among cell types involved in the immune and inflammatory responses. The principal anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids may involve the transcriptional and translational inhibition of cytokines such as JE and other members of the SIG family to effectively disrupt the normal lines of intercellular communication which normally coordinates the immune and inflammatory response. The identification of new members of the family and the discovery of the functions of the known members will lead to a clearer understanding of the complicated processes which lead to normal and pathological immune and inflammatory responses.

Human neutrophils exhibit disparate chemotactic factor gene expression

The evolution of acute inflammation from initiation through resolution is associated with the changing character of the infiltrating leukocytes. Recruitment of these leukocytes is dependent upon the generation of chemotactic factors that have either global or specific activity for a particular leukocyte. In this manuscript we present data demonstrating that human neutrophils can express mRNA for neutrophil chemotactic factor/interleukin 8 (IL-8), but fail to express mRNA for monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1). The expression of IL-8 was observed upon adherence or in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. Maximal IL-8 antigenic production was noted at 24 hrs. These studies demonstrate a disparate expression of chemotactic cytokines by neutrophils.

Phagocyte function in familial hypercholesterolaemia: peripheral blood monocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide show increased tumour necrosis factor production

We studied functions of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) and monocytes from peripheral blood of subjects with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). FH monocytes exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 10% human AB serum generated tumour necrosis factor (TNF) significantly more than did control monocytes. After lowering of serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels by drug treatment, FH monocytes exposed to LPS in the absence of exogenous lipoproteins generated significantly more TNF than did control monocytes. These findings suggest that increased TNF production is not affected by hypolipidaemic treatment and may not derive from differences between uptake of exogenous LDL by FH monocytes and control cells. Chemotaxis, chemokinesis, and random migration of both FH PMN and FH monocytes were normal, as determined by agarose assay and membrane filter assay. FH PMN showed increased luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence in response to 2.5 x 10(-8) M, but not to 2.5 x 10(-6) M, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, and not to serum-treated zymosan or to phorbol myristate acetate. Luminol- and lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence responses of FH monocytes were normal. In summary, the major aberration found in the present study was that FH monocytes stimulated with LPS show enhanced production of TNF. The possibility that exaggerated TNF production contributes to an early development of atherosclerotic lesions in FH subjects warrants further studies.

Antitumor effect of PSK at a distant site: inductions of interleukin-8-like factor and macrophage chemotactic factor in murine tumor

The antitumor effect of PSK, a Coriolus preparation, at a distant site was analyzed with the use of a double grafted tumor system in which male BALB/c mice received simultaneous intradermal inoculations of Meth-A tumor in the right (10(6) cells) and the left (2 x 10(5) cells) flanks and were then injected with PSK in the right tumor on the third day thereafter. The antitumor effect of intratumoral administration of PSK in the right tumor on days 3, 4 and 5 was compared with the effect of surgical resection of the right tumor on day 5. Three out of 8 mice given PSK intratumorally became tumor-free whereas no mouse tumor-free in the left flank was found among the surgically resected mice. As regards sinecomitant immunity, tumor inoculation into the right flank followed by intra-tumoral administration of PSK on days 3 and 5 and surgical excision of the primary tumor on day 6 resulted in complete rejection of a tumor challenge in the left flank on day 21. The combination of presurgical intratumoral injections of PSK (more than 2 times) and postoperative oral administration of PSK appeared to be most effective in eradicating secondary tumors. Isolated TILs (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes), obtained from the right tumor (treated with PSK) and the left tumor on day 10 in the double grafted tumor system were cultured in RPMI1640 with 10% fetal calf serum for 24 h. The culture supernatants were harvested and tested for the presence of chemotactic activity for neutrophils or macrophages. Significant neutrophil chemotactic factor (NCF) and macrophage chemotactic factor (MCF) activities were detected in the culture media from PSK-treated TILs that had been cultured for 24 h. Neither significant neutrophil nor macrophage chemotactic activity was detected in the media from untreated TILs. NCF and MCF activities were also detected in the culture supernatant from PSK-treated tumor tissue on day 6. PSK-induced NCF in the murine tumor was neutralized by treatment with anti-human IL-8 IgG, and might be murine IL-8-like factor. Therefore, neutrophil and macrophage infiltrations of tumors following intratumoral injections of PSK are probably mediated by inductions of IL-8-like factor and MCF.

Interleukin-8 gene expression by a pulmonary epithelial cell line. A model for cytokine networks in the lung

Cellular constituents of the alveolar-capillary wall may be key participants in the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the lung through the generation of the novel neutrophil chemotactic peptide interleukin-8 (IL-8). This interaction appears to occur via the ability of human alveolar macrophage (AM)-derived monokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-1 (IL-1) to induce gene expression of IL-8 from pulmonary type II-like epithelial cells (A549). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that steady-state IL-8 mRNA expression, by either TNF- or IL-1 beta-treated A549 cells, occurred in both a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Similarly, extracellular antigenic IL-8, as assessed by specific ELISA, was expressed from TNF- or IL-1 beta-stimulated epithelial cells in a time-dependent fashion with maximal IL-8 antigen detected at 24 h poststimulation. Immunohistochemical staining utilizing rabbit anti-human IL-8 antibody identified immunoreactive, cell-associated IL-8 antigen as early as 8 h post-TNF or IL-1 beta stimulation. A549-generated neutrophil chemotactic bioactivity paralleled IL-8 steady-state mRNA levels. Signal specificity was demonstrated in this system as IL-8 mRNA or protein expression by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated A549 cells was not different from unstimulated cells. Although LPS did not serve as a direct stimulus for the production of IL-8 by type II-like epithelial cells, the condition media from LPS-challenged AM induced a significant expression of IL-8 mRNA by the A549 cells. 24-h conditioned media from LPS-treated cells was as potent as either IL-1 beta or TNF in generating steady-state IL-8 mRNA by A549 cells. Preincubation of LPS-treated AM-conditioned media with anti-human TNF or IL-1 beta neutralizing antibodies resulted in significant abrogation of IL-8 gene expression by A549 pulmonary epithelial cells. These findings demonstrate potential cell-to-cell communication circuits that may be important between AMs and pulmonary epithelial cells during the recruitment phase of acute lung inflammation.

Interleukin-1 is released at sites of human cutaneous allergic reactions

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) promotes cell recruitment and influences allergic mediator release. We analyzed histamine, prostaglandin D2, IL-1, and leukocytes accumulating hourly for 12 hours at skin-chamber sites after local ragweed challenge in eight allergic subjects with cutaneous late-phase reactions. Ragweed induced a peak of histamine at 1 hour (p less than 0.02), which diminished, and then steadily increased (p less than 0.02). Prostaglandin D2 levels peaked by the second hour (p less than 0.02) and then decreased, approaching prechallenge levels by 12 hours. Leukocyte infiltration (predominantly neutrophils) was detectable 3 to 4 hours after challenge, although selective enrichment of mononuclear cells, eosinophils, and basophils ws observed at later hours (p less than 0.02). IL-1 bioactivity was detected in fluids 10 to 12 hours after challenge but not at control sites (p less than 0.05). Analysis of IL-1 beta levels by RIA revealed an initial peak at 1 hour of 0.90 ng/ml (p less than 0.02) and a second elevation of up to 0.75 ng/ml during the later hours (p less than 0.04). Ragweed challenge of three nonatopic subjects did not change levels of the above-mentioned mediators or cells. Bioactivity in chamber fluids from antigen-challenged sites of atopic subjects was significantly neutralized by an anti-IL-1 beta antiserum, although treatment with anti-IL-1 alpha and anti-IL-1 beta was needed for complete neutralization, IL-1 released locally during cutaneous allergic reactions may contribute to IgE-dependent cutaneous inflammation.

Leukocyte chemoattractant cytokines of the epidermis

The constitutive production of interleukin-1 alpha-like material in normal human epidermis, its inflammatory properties, and the mechanism of its inflammatory action are briefly reviewed. The isolation of interleukin-8 from psoriatic lesions, its in vitro production, and leukocyte chemoattractant properties are also described. Available evidence suggests that interleukins-1 and -8 are inflammatory cytokines of major potential importance in the induction of leukocyte infiltrates in human skin.

Intraglomerular leukocyte recruitment during nephrotoxic serum nephritis in rats

Although circulating phagocytic cells are important mediators of glomerular injury, their recruitment mechanisms are not completely understood. In this study, the intraglomerular trafficking of leukocytes was characterized in a rat model of acute glomerular injury induced by nephrotoxic serum (NTS). Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells infiltrated, then disappeared rapidly, reaching a peak at 2 hr. By 6 hr the PMN migration had almost reversed but small numbers persisted until Day 7. The monocyte influx began almost simultaneously but was of lesser magnitude. However, the number of ED-1+ monocytes increased progressively from 60 min to reach a plateau by Day 2 and persisted to the end of the study (Day 28). Quantitation of intraglomerular Ia+ cells suggested in situ activation of monocytes within the glomeruli. Increased Ia+ cells were first evident on Day 2. By Day 5, 80% of the intraglomerular macrophages were Ia+. Complement depletion with cobra venom factor abrogated early albuminuria, delayed the initial PMN influx, but failed to attenuate monocyte migration. T lymphocytes appeared briefly between 10 min and 2 hr. In vitro proliferation study failed to demonstrate lymphocyte sensitization to glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigens. A unique population of cells (OX19 OX8+), possibly representing natural killer cells, was present from Day 1 to Day 14. During the secondary wave of proteinuria (autologous phase), all leukocytes had disappeared except for macrophages and a small number of OX19-, OX8+ cells. A complex intraglomerular migration of leukocytes was triggered by the binding of nephrotoxic antibodies to GBM antigens. We speculate that this cascade involves several cell-to-cell interactions necessary for the full expression of glomerular injury.

Interaction of interferons with skin reactive cytokines: from interleukin-1 to interleukin-8

The skin as an organ contains a large pool of cells, important for the production of various cytokines. This study focuses on interferon-beta (IFN-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by fibroblasts and epithelial cells in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Both these primary cytokines show multiple biologic activities in the skin. Their antiviral activity on fibroblasts is mediated by IFN-beta and not by IL-6. In addition, TNF-alpha and IL-1 have a growth stimulatory effect on dermal fibroblasts, which is not mediated by IFN-beta or IL-6. IL-1, double-stranded RNA, or virus are potent inducers of IL-6 and IL-8 on dermal fibroblasts, but they are less efficient on epidermal cells. IL-8 has been discovered as an early acting skin reactive factor responsible for the chemotaxis of neutrophilic granulocytes. Furthermore, IL-1 possesses delayed skin reactivity upon intradermal injection which presumably is mediated by local release of IL-8. These findings demonstrate that cytokines also interact in the skin and that dermal fibroblasts play an important role in the regulation of aspecific host defense.

Macrophages cultured in vitro release leukotriene B4 and neutrophil attractant/activation protein (interleukin 8) sequentially in response to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide and zymosan

The capacity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), zymosan, and calcium ionophore A23187 to induce neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA), leukotriene B4 (LTB4), and neutrophil attractant/activation protein (NAP-1) release from human alveolar macrophages (AM) retrieved from normal nonsmokers was evaluated. LPS induced a dose-dependent release of LTB4 that began by 1 h, 4.0 +/- 3.2 ng/10(6) viable AM; peaked at 3 h, 24.7 +/- 13.5 ng/10(6) viable AM; and decreased by 24 h, 1.2 +/- 1.0 ng/10(6) viable AM (n = 8). Quantities of LTB4 in cell-free supernatants of AM stimulated with LPS were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and corresponded well with results obtained by radioimmunoassay. By contrast, NAP-1 release began approximately 3-5 h after stimulation of AM with LPS, 197 +/- 192 ng/ml, and peaked at 24 h, 790 +/- 124 ng/ml. Release of NAP-1 was stimulus specific because A23187 evoked the release of LTB4 but not NAP-1, whereas LPS and zymosan induced the release of both LTB4 and NAP-1. The appearance of neutrophil chemotactic activity in supernatants of AM challenged with LPS for 3 h could be explained completely by the quantities of LTB4 present. After stimulation with LPS or zymosan for 24 h, AM had metabolized almost all generated LTB4. Preincubation of AM with nordihydroguiaretic acid (10(-4) M) completely abolished the appearance of NCA, LTB4, and NAP-1 in supernatants of AM challenged with LPS. Therefore, LPS and zymosan particles were potent stimuli of the sequential release of LTB4 and NAP-1 from AM.

A novel neutrophil chemoattractant generated during an inflammatory reaction in the rabbit peritoneal cavity in vivo. Purification, partial amino acid sequence and structural relationship to interleukin 8

An inflammatory reaction was induced in vivo by injection of zymosan into the peritoneal cavity of the rabbit. The inflammatory exudate was found to contain oedema-inducing and neutrophil chemoattractant activity when assayed in rabbit skin in vivo, using 125I-albumin and 111In-neutrophils. This activity was additional to that of complement fragment C5a, which was removed by an affinity gel. Two chemoattractants were isolated by cation-exchange, gel-filtration and reversed-phase h.p.l.c. One of these, which ran as a single band of 6-8 kDa on SDS/PAGE, was subjected to N-terminal sequence analysis without reduction and alkylation of cysteine residues. Positive identification of 28 of the first 31 amino acids revealed a rabbit homologue of interleukin-8 (75% sequence identity with human interleukin-8). The demonstration of interleukin-8 as a major neutrophil chemoattractant in an inflammatory reaction in vivo provides the basis for further investigations into the role of this cytokine in the inflammatory process.

Selective attraction of monocytes and T lymphocytes of the memory phenotype by cytokine RANTES

An important process in the immune response is the migration of different populations of lymphocytes at the proper time to sites of antigenic challenge. Although several chemoattractants are known for broad classes of lymphocytes, such as T and B cells, the process by which lymphocytes of specific subsets, such as helper, cytotoxic or memory T cells, migrate to the appropriate sites remains obscure. Interleukin-8 is a chemoattractant for T cells and neutrophils and is a member of a superfamily of soluble molecules related by a conserved motif containing four cysteine residues. IL-8 and related molecules, including platelet factor 4, constitute the C-X-C class of the superfamily and a group of cytokines produced by haematopoietic cells constitute the RANTES/sis or C-C class. The roles of most of these molecules are not well known, although murine MIP-1 alpha of the C-C branch is a specific inhibitor of haematopoietic stem cell proliferation and some members of the C-X-C branch are neutrophil-targeted inflammatory agents. Here we report that the RANTES protein of the C-C class causes the selective migration of human blood monocytes and of T lymphocytes expressing the cell surface antigens CD4 and UCHL1. CD4+/UCHL1+T cells are thought to be prestimulated or primed helper T cells involved in memory T cell function. The preferential attraction of T-cell subsets by specific cytokines could in part explain how lymphocytes are targeted, and may provide insight into the workings of T cell memory.

Antitumor effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta alone and in combination with natural human tumor necrosis factor-alpha

In order to investigate the antitumor effect of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) alone and in combination with natural human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (nHuTNF-alpha), we used female BDF1 mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma (3LL). IL-1 beta showed an antiproliferative effect against pulmonary metastatic tumors of 3LL in a dose-dependent manner. We observed 19.6 +/- 6.6, 18.6 +/- 5.3, 14.1 +/- 4.4 and 13.0 +/- 6.0 metastatic tumors at doses of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 micrograms IL-1 beta/mouse/day by daily intravenous administration (the number of metastatic tumors of the control group was 26.3 +/- 8.2). Similar results were obtained by intraperitoneal administration, but in this case, mice showed a marked decrease of body weight. When IL-1 beta was administered in combination with nHuTNF-alpha, pulmonary metastatic tumors decreased much more than when IL-1 beta was administered alone. When the control group had 18.6 +/- 12.7 metastatic tumors, the nHuTNF-alpha group had 12.3 +/- 3.9 and the IL-1 beta group had 12.8 +/- 8.0, the group which was administered both cytokines had a significantly decreased number of 5.6 +/- 3.3 metastatic tumors. This antiproliferative effect of IL-1 beta in combination with nHuTNF-alpha was reduced by the intravenous administration of anti-asialo GM1 antibody and carrageenan. The number of metastatic tumors was increased from 8.9 +/- 8.0 to 18.8 +/- 11.4 by anti-asialo GM1 antibody and from 9.5 +/- 6.8 to 28.0 +/- 12.3 by carrageenan. It was suggested that asialo GM1-positive cells and macrophage were two of the most important effectors of the antiproliferative effect of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha.

Identification of three related human GRO genes encoding cytokine functions

The product of the human GRO gene is a cytokine with inflammatory and growth-regulatory properties; GRO is also called MGSA for melanoma growth-stimulatory activity. We have identified two additional genes, GRO beta and GRO gamma, that share 90% and 86% identity at the deduced amino acid level with the original GRO alpha isolate. One amino acid substitution of proline in GRO alpha by leucine in GRO beta and GRO gamma leads to a large predicted change in protein conformation. Significant differences also exist in the 3' untranslated region, including different numbers of ATTTA repeats associated with mRNA instability. A 122-base-pair region in the 3' region is conserved among the three GRO genes, and a part of it is also conserved in the Chinese hamster genome, suggesting a role in regulation. DNA hybridization with oligonucleotide probes and partial sequence analysis of the genomic clones confirm that the three forms are derived from related but different genes. Only one chromosomal locus has been identified, at 4q21, by using a GRO alpha cDNA clone that hybridized to all three genes. Expression studies reveal tissue-specific regulation as well as regulation by specific inducing agents, including interleukin 1, tumor necrosis factor, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and lipopolysaccharide.

Detection of interleukin 8 biological activity in synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and production of interleukin 8 mRNA by isolated synovial cells

The presence of neutrophils in the synovial joint of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is thought to be due to the activity of chemotactic factors released by activated cells in the joint. We have shown in this report, for the first time, the abundance of one such factor, interleukin 8 (IL 8), in the synovial fluid of patients both with RA and other non-RA joint diseases, and the spontaneous production of IL 8 mRNA by RA synovial cells in culture. There was no correlation between the levels of chemotactic activity and IL 8 protein, suggesting that other factors with similar neutrophil chemotactic activity are also present in the synovial fluid exudate. In support of this concept neither the level of chemotactic activity nor IL 8 protein levels correlated with neutrophil or leukocyte infiltration, indicating that the mechanism of migration into the inflammatory environment of the joint is complex. Such migration is likely to be due to a number of chemotactic signals in addition to IL 8, which may either synergize with, or inhibit, the action of IL 8.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) gene expression, synthesis, and effect of specific IL-1 receptor blockade in rabbit immune complex colitis

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) may be a key mediator of inflammation and tissue damage in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In rabbits with immune complex-induced colitis, IL-1 alpha and beta mRNA levels were detectable at 4 h, peaked at 12 but were absent at 96 h after the induction of colitis. Colonic IL-1 tissue levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays. IL-1 alpha was significantly elevated at 4 h (9.4 +/- 1.5 ng/g colon), progressively increased at 48 h (31 +/- 5.8 ng/g) and then decreased by 96 h (11.5 +/- 3.4 ng/g). IL-1 beta levels were 2.0 +/- 0.5 ng/g colon at 4 h, 5.0 +/- 1.6 ng/g at 48 h and undetectable by 96 h. By comparison, colonic levels of PGE2 and LTB4 were unchanged during the first 12 h and did not become elevated until 24 h. IL-1 alpha levels were highly correlated with inflammation (r = 0.885, P less than 0.0001), edema (r = 0.789, P less than 0.0001) and necrosis (r = 0.752, P less than 0.0005). Treatment with a specific IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra) before and during the first 33 h after the administration of immune complexes markedly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration index (from 3.2 +/- 0.4 to 1.4 +/- 0.3, P less than 0.02), edema (from 2.2 +/- 0.4 to 0.6 +/- 0.3, P less than 0.01) and necrosis (from 43 +/- 10% to 6.6 +/- 3.2%, P less than 0.03) compared to vehicle-matched colitis animals. These studies demonstrate that (a) IL-1 gene expression and synthesis occur early in the course of immune complex-induced colitis; (b) are significantly elevated for 12 h before the appearance of PGE2 and LTB4; (c) tissue levels of IL-1 correlate with the degree of tissue inflammation and; (d) specific blockade of IL-1 receptors reduces the inflammatory responses associated with experimental colitis.

Cloning and characterization of cDNAs for murine macrophage inflammatory protein 2 and its human homologues

A cDNA clone of murine macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) has been isolated from a library prepared from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and the nucleotide sequence determined. This cDNA was used to clone cDNAs for human homologues of MIP-2 from a library prepared from phorbol myristate acetate-treated and LPS-stimulated U937 cells. Two homologues were isolated and sequenced. Human MIP-2 alpha and MIP-2 beta are highly homologous to each other and to a previously isolated gene, human gro/melanoma growth-stimulating activity (MGSA). These three human genes, MIP-2 alpha, MIP-2 beta, and gro/MGSA, constitute a sub-family within the cytokine family represented by platelet factor 4 and interleukin 8.

Chemotaxis and chemiluminescence responses of synovial fluid polymorphonuclear leucocytes during acute reactive arthritis

The chemotaxis and chemiluminescence responses of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) of synovial fluid and peripheral blood from patients with acute reactive arthritis were studied. Rates of chemotactic and chemokinetic migration of synovial fluid PMN were significantly decreased. In addition, chemiluminescence responses tended to be depressed, suggesting that the cells were deactivated for both chemotaxis and production of oxygen derived free radicals. Such deactivation has been described previously as a characteristic of synovial fluid PMN in rheumatoid arthritis. Compared with those with a mild disease, patients with severe acute reactive arthritis had higher chemiluminescence responses of synovial fluid PMN to phorbol myristate acetate during acute disease and developed increased migration of peripheral blood PMN towards zymosan treated serum after recovery from the disease. This supports the view that hyperreactive PMN contribute to the development of severe inflammatory symptoms in acute reactive arthritis.

Recombinant human cytokines stimulate neutrophil adherence to IgG autoantibody-treated epithelial basement membranes

We investigated the ability of the purified recombinant human cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (rTNF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF), interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1), interleukin-3, and tumor necrosis factor-beta (rTNF-beta) to stimulate neutrophil adherence (NA) to basement membranes (BMs) of stratified squamous epithelia pretreated with autoantibodies (ABM) specific for the BM matrix protein, type-VII collagen. rTNF, rGM-CSF, rIL-1, and rTNF-beta, but not IL-3, stimulated NA and stimulation was ABM- and cytokine-concentration-dependent. Stimulation was cytokine-specific and not due to endotoxin since it was significantly inhibited by cytokine-specific antibodies but not by polymyxin B (PB). rTNF and rGM-CSF were the most potent stimulators, were effective at concentrations less than 0.067 ng/ml, and stimulated NA greater than 600%. Relative potency was: rTNF = rGM-CSF greater than rTNF-beta greater than rIL-1. Stimulation by rTNF was due to a rapid, time-dependent effect on the neutrophil, and NA appeared to be dependent, in part, on the low-affinity neutrophil receptor for IgG, Fc(gamma)RIII, because it could be specifically inhibited by monoclonal antibody (3G8) to Fc(gamma)RIII. These results suggest that rTNF, rGM-CSF, rIL-1, and rTNF-beta may contribute individually or in combination to immune-mediated inflammation and tissue injury by stimulating immune adherence of neutrophils to tissue-bound autoantibodies and immune complexes.

A macrophage mRNA selectively induced by gamma-interferon encodes a member of the platelet factor 4 family of cytokines

In order to identify novel mediators synthesized in activated macrophages, a cDNA library was prepared from cultures of the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 that had been treated with lymphokine-rich conditioned medium from mitogen-stimulated mouse spleen cells. Differential plaque hybridization identified a cDNA, designated m119, that detected a 1.6-kilobase mRNA that accumulated in response to gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) but not in response to other macrophage activators, including IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and lipopolysaccharide. The mRNA encoded a predicted protein of Mr 14,461 containing a 21-amino acid signal peptide. The primary structure of the predicted protein indicated that it is a member of a recently described family of cytokines related to platelet factor 4, including Gro/melanoma growth stimulatory activity and neutrophil-activating peptide/interleukin 8. The selective induction of the m119 mRNA by IFN-gamma that the predicted m119 protein mediates a macrophage activity regulated by IFN-gamma. The m119 protein may be a cytokine that affects the growth, movement, or activation state of cells that participate in immune and inflammatory responses. It is proposed that the gene encoding this protein be called mig, for monokine induced by gamma interferon.

Thrombin-induced expression of the KC gene in cultured aortic endothelial cells. Involvement of proteolytic activity and protein kinase C

The KC gene, first identified in platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated BALB/c 3T3 cells, shares structural similarities with a new family of genes that code for secreted cytokines which appear to be involved in wound healing and inflammation. Thrombin is a coagulation system proteinase likely to be present in vivo at sites of tissue injury. This enzyme is known to stimulate multiple responses in cultured endothelial cells (EC), including the production of eicosanoids, the expression of growth factor genes and the adhesion of leukocytes. The present experiments were designed to examine the effect of thrombin on KC mRNA expression in EC and to explore the molecular mechanisms involved. Thrombin caused a marked concentration-dependent increase in the steady state level of KC mRNA in confluent porcine aortic EC. The level of KC mRNA reached a peak 2 h after thrombin treatment and returned to near control levels by 8 h. Thrombin that was pretreated with phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) to block proteolytic activity did not stimulate KC gene expression. Trypsin (2 micrograms/ml) but not PSMF-trypsin also caused a substantial increase in the level of KC mRNA. We postulated a role for protein kinase C in thrombin-induced KC gene expression since previous work had demonstrated a similar EC response to phorbol esters. This hypothesis was further supported by the finding that thrombin-induced KC expression was suppressed by the C kinase inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, but not by its structural analogue. The results of the present study demonstrate that thrombin augments KC mRNA expression by vascular EC in a process that requires intact proteinase activity. The activation of protein kinase C may be a necessary component of the intracellular signalling pathway involved in this response.

Neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1 [interleukin-8])

Neutrophil attractant/activation protein-1 (NAP-1 [interleukin-8]) is an 8,400 D protein that is a chemoattractant and granule release stimulus for neutrophils. NAP-1 was first purified from culture fluids of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human blood mononuclear leukocytes. It was subsequently isolated from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated lung macrophages, mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes, and virus-infected fibroblasts. Interleukin-1 or tumor necrosis factor induces NAP-1 mRNA in many cells, including monocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. NAP-1 belongs in a family of host defense small proteins, which have a degree of sequence and structural similarity. Noteworthy are the four half-cystine residues in each protein, which are in register when the protein sequences are suitably aligned. Based on cloning data and N-terminal sequence analyses, NAP-1 is secreted as a 79 residue protein after cleavage of a 20 residue signal peptide. The commonly isolated 77 and 72 residue forms are probably extracellular cleavage products. NAP-1 has considerable charge heterogeneity. Charge and length variants all have chemotactic activity. In contrast to many chemoattractants, NAP-1 does not attract monocytes. Intradermal injection of NAP-1 causes neutrophil infiltration. The wide spectrum of cell sources and production stimuli suggests that NAP-1 mediates neutrophil recruitment in host defense and disease.

Recombinant interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor induce neutrophil migration "in vivo" by indirect mechanisms

The alpha and beta forms of recombinant interleukin-1 (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) and of recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF alpha and TNF beta) induced dose-dependent neutrophil migration into rat peritoneal cavities. Migration induced by both IL-1s showed a bell-shaped dose-response curve and IL-1 beta was 3-fold more potent than IL-1 alpha. Pretreatment of the animals with dexamethasone or depletion of the peritoneal macrophage population, abolished the neutrophil migration induced by the four cytokines. "In vitro" stimulation of macrophage monolayers with IL-1 beta and the TNFs released a factor into the supernatant which, unlike these cytokines, induced neutrophil migration in dexamethasone pretreated animals. These results suggest that the neutrophil migration induced by IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and TNF beta is not due to a direct effect on neutrophils, but occurs via the release of a chemotactic factor(s) from resident macrophages.

Potent inflammatory properties in human skin of interleukin-1 alpha-like material isolated from normal skin

Recombinant human interleukin 1 (IL-1) possesses potent inflammatory properties in both animal and human skin. However, IL-1-like material has been isolated from normal epidermal samples. In view of the uncertainty concerning the structure and biologic properties of human epidermal IL-1, heel stratum corneum, and chamber fluid samples from normal skin have been purified by successive reversed phase and anion exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and aliquots of each HPLC fraction tested for IL-1 activity in an EL-4 NOB-1 assay and for inflammatory activity by intradermal injection of autologous material. The results consistently indicated the presence of inflammatory quantities of IL-1 alpha-like material, which induced persistent erythema lasting at least 24 h, associated in 4-h biopsies with mixed dermal leukocyte infiltrates containing increased numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and T helper cells. Biologically active quantities of IL-1 beta were not recovered following HPLC purification in most experiments. Analysis of heel stratum corneum extract also showed that the majority of the dilution-related IL-1 activity detected in the EL-4 NOB-1 bioassay was neutralized by IL-1 alpha but not IL-1 beta antiserum. These findings suggest that IL-1 alpha-like material is present in inflammatory amounts in normal human epidermis, and its release may represent a primary inflammatory mechanism in human skin.

Cytokine-activated human endothelial cells synthesize and secrete a monocyte chemoattractant, MCP-1/JE

We have demonstrated inducible expression of the mRNA encoding the monocyte chemoattractant MCP-1, the human homolog of the JE gene, in endothelial cells within 3 hours of treatment with IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor. IFN-gamma also induced expression of this mRNA after 24 hours, but to a lesser extent. MCP-1/JE protein steadily accumulated in the medium of endothelial cells during a 48-hour exposure to IL-1 beta. Medium conditioned by IL-1 beta-treated endothelial cells contained monocyte chemoattractant activity that was immunoadsorbed by anti-MCP-1 antibodies. These results suggest that endothelial cells secrete a monocyte chemoattractant, MCP-1/JE, in response to inflammatory mediators, and thus may contribute to the accumulation of monocytes at sites of inflammation.

In vivo activation of alveolar macrophages in ovine lentivirus infection

Sheep infected by visna-maedi virus, a lentivirus related to the human immunodeficiency virus, develop a chronic interstitial lung disease. Since monocyte/macrophages are known to be specifically infected by visna-maedi virus, we investigated the role of macrophages in the appearance of pulmonary lesions in animals with naturally occurring disease. Alveolitis in maedi leads to a doubling in bronchoalveolar lavage total cell counts and of macrophages as compared to normal sheep. A significant increase in the relative percentage of neutrophils was also observed, accompanied by an increased spontaneous release of neutrophil chemotactic activity by alveolar macrophages of diseased animals, suggesting that they may be activated. Macrophage activation is also demonstrated by the observation of a significant (x3) increase of spontaneous fibronectin release by alveolar macrophages from maedi lungs, and furthermore by the high level expression of major histocompatibility complex class II antigens on most of these cells. Thus viral infection, although restricted to a small population of macrophages, is able to modulate extensive activation of macrophages in the lung. Activated macrophages release mediators likely to play a role in the development of the alveolitis and the parenchymal desorganization. These findings may be relevant to our understanding of the mechanisms by which human immunodeficiency virus infection leads to pulmonary disease other than that caused by opportunistic infections.

The role of adhesion molecules, chemotactic factors, and cytokines in inflammatory and neoplastic skin disease--1990 update

In 1986 it was discovered that cultured human keratinocytes, when treated with gamma interferon, attract and bind T lymphocytes and monocytes. More is now known about trafficking of inflammatory cells in the skin, with specific molecular details involving various cytokines, chemotactic factors, and adhesion molecules. One key element is the in vivo movement of T cells that express LFA-1 into the epidermis, and their subsequent binding to keratinocytes via the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This interaction represents a common immunologic pathway, which has been identified in a wide variety of different skin diseases. This review provides a synopsis of advances in this field, which have grown rapidly during the past few years, and adds recent results dealing with coordinate regulation at the gene-transcriptional level of keratinocyte chemotactic factor production and adhesion molecule expression. Moreover, epidermal keratinocytes appear to play a pre-eminent role in the skin, serving as transducing elements converting exogenously applied low-molecular-weight chemical stimuli such as phorbol ester and urushiol (the active ingredient in poison ivy extracts) into the production of endogenously derived immunoregulatory proteins. These keratinocyte-derived molecules may then influence immunocytes and endothelial cells to further amplify the inflammatory response. The identification of keratinocyte-derived molecules such as IL-8 and ICAM-1, which influence the chemotaxis and adherence of T cells, adds substantial evidence supporting an active participatory role for keratinocytes in cutaneous immunohomeostasis. Finally, we highlight the importance of these immunoregulatory molecules in two malignant cutaneous disorders (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and basal-cell carcinoma) and attempt to integrate these new findings into novel pathophysiologic models for two inflammatory dermatoses (rhus dermatitis and psoriasis).

Coding region structure of interleukin-8 gene of human lung giant cell carcinoma LU65C cells that produce LUCT/interleukin-8: homogeneity in interleukin-8 genes

A 1.9-kb fragment containing an interleukin-8 (IL-8) coding region was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the genomic DNA of human lung giant cell carcinoma LU65C cells that produce LUCT/IL-8 with N-terminal sequence of AVLPR. The coding region was found to consist of 4 exons and 3 introns as identical as that of the gene of MDNCF/IL-8 lacking N-terminal AVLPR. PCR using genomic DNAs from human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and mononuclear cells also provided the same 1.9-kb fragment as that from LU65C genomic DNA. Thus, it seems likely that human cells possess IL-8 genes with the homogeneous coding region so that they may first produce the same mature protein with N-terminal AVLPR (= LUCT) which was then truncated.

Induction of haptotactic migration of melanoma cells by neutrophil activating protein/interleukin-8

Natural or recombinant neutrophil activating cytokine (IL-8) induced migration across polycarbonate filters of human A 2058 melanoma cells. Anti-IL-8 antibodies blocked IL-8 induced melanoma cell migration. Checkerboard experiments revealed a gradient-dependent response of A2058 melanoma cells to IL-8. Filters exposed to IL-8 and washed supported melanoma cell migration, thus implying a haptotactic component in the response. The homologous polypeptide platelet factor 4 was inactive. The observation that IL-8 affects melanoma cells emphasizes the need for a comprehensive analysis of the spectrum of action of platelet factor 4-related peptides. The effect of the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 on melanoma cells may be relevant to augmented secondary localization of tumors at sites of inflammation.

A macrophage LPS-inducible early gene encodes the murine homologue of IP-10

Recently, we have isolated and characterized a set of cDNA clones which encode lipopolysaccharide-inducible proteins in murine peritoneal macrophages. Here, we report the sequence and identification of one of these cDNAs previously termed C7. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame encoding a predicted polypeptide composed of 98 amino acids, which contained a 21 amino acid residue signal peptide, indicating approximately 9 kDa of mature protein. The deduced protein sequence showed homology (67% identity, 77% considering conservative amino acid changes) with the human INF gamma-inducible gene IP-10, a member of the recently described superfamily of chemotactic and mitogenic proteins which includes platelet factor 4, monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (NAF, NAP-1, IL-8), and MGSA/gro/KC. Thus C7 would appear to represent the murine homologue of the human IP-10 gene or a very closely related gene.

Pulmonary host defenses and oropharyngeal pathogens

The lower respiratory tract is repetitively inoculated with oropharyngeal bacteria and yet pneumonia is an infrequent event. Efficient mechanisms of antibacterial defense are present in the respiratory tract that eliminate microbes before their presence or multiplication leads to disease in the majority of instances. Resident pulmonary defenses consist of aerodynamic defenses, the mucociliary apparatus, alveolar macrophages, complement, and surfactant. These resident defenses can be augmented by the development of an inflammatory response or the development of specific immunity. Significant species variability exists in the efficiency and mechanisms of clearance for oropharyngeal organisms. Streptococci are cleared promptly, Branhamella catarrhalis is cleared slowly, whereas non-typable Haemophilus influenzae multiply before being cleared. A dual phagocytic system of alveolar macrophages and recruited polymorphonuclear leukocytes is required for clearance of most oropharyngeal microbes. Systemic immunization can significantly enhance clearance of non-typable H. influenzae, suggesting immunoprophylaxis might be possible for this organism.

Shared actions of endotoxin and taxol on TNF receptors and TNF release

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exerts profound effects on mammalian hosts in part by inducing macrophages to release tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha); the mechanisms involved are unresolved. The microtubule stabilizer taxol shared two actions of LPS on macrophages: it rapidly decreased TNF-alpha receptors and triggered TNF-alpha release. Both actions of taxol were absent in LPS-hyporesponsive C3H/HeJ mice. In recombinant inbred mice, the genes controlling responses to LPS and to taxol were closely linked. Dexamethasone blocked release of TNF-alpha by both stimuli but did not block the decrease in TNF-alpha receptors. Thus, a protein associated with microtubules may be a cellular target of LPS.

Human alveolar macrophage gene expression of interleukin-8 by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, lipopolysaccharide, and interleukin-1 beta

The alveolar macrophage (AMO) in its pivotal position for pulmonary host defense may play a prominent role in the orchestration of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) diapedesis. We demonstrate that the human AMO may participate in these inflammatory events through the production of a novel neutrophil chemotactic factor, interleukin-8 (IL-8). The induction of AMO-derived IL-8 by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta) was shown to be both dose and time dependent. Maximal IL-8 gene expression, as assessed by Northern blot analyses, was achieved with 20 ng/ml and 1 microgram/ml, respectively, for each of the cytokines and LPS. A kinetic study of TNF-, IL-1 beta-, and LPS-treated AMOs showed significant steady-state IL-8 mRNA accumulation post-stimulation at 1 h, peaking by 8 h, with a decline over the next 16 h. Immunohistochemical staining using rabbit anti-human IL-8 antibody demonstrated significant immunolocalization of cell-associated IL-8 antigen at 4 h, with persistence over the next 20 h. Chemotactic bioactivity peaked by 8 h, with continued production over the next 16 h. Chemotactic bioactivity from AMO-conditioned media was inhibited by IL-8 antiserum by 2, 31, 44, and 47%, respectively, for unstimulated control, LPS-, IL-1 beta-, and TNF-treated cells. Preimmune serum had no effect on chemotactic activity. These data support the central role of the AMO in the elicitation of PMNs into the lung via the production of IL-8.

Neutrophil chemotactic factor (IL-8) gene expression by cytokine-treated retinal pigment epithelial cells

The neural-derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) underlies the sensory retina and is central to both retinal homeostasis and many common retinal diseases. Retinal pigment epithelium cells are actively phagocytic and share several features with macrophages that have recently been shown to produce a neutrophil chemotactic factor (NCF), also known as interleukin-8, after cytokine stimulation. Because RPE cell responses to cytokines are largely unknown, human RPE cell NCF production was monitored after interleukin-1-beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, or lipopolysaccharide stimulation. RPE NCF mRNA expression and RPE production of biologically active NCF was time and concentration dependent. Maximal NCF mRNA expression occurred at 20 ng/ml for IL-1 beta. Messenger RNA expression in RPE cells and biologically active NCF in RPE cell supernatants were found 1 hour after stimulation and were maintained for 24 hours. These findings demonstrate that cytokine-stimulated RPE cells may evoke or augment neutrophil-mediated inflammation by synthesizing NCF, a cytokine that may be important in ocular disease mechanisms.

IL-1 transcriptionally activates the neutrophil chemotactic factor/IL-8 gene in endothelial cells

Leucocytes and vascular cells interact closely in inflammation and immunity and cytokines are important mediators of this interaction. The present study was designed to define the capacity of human endothelial cells (HEC) to produce a monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor (provisionally termed IL-8). IL-8 is a polypeptide chemotactic for neutrophils originally identified in the culture supernatant of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes. IL-1 induced high levels of production of neutrophil chemotactic activity in culture supernatants of HEC. Optimal stimulation of activity was observed when HEC were cultured with 10-100 ng/ml IL-1 beta for 16 hr. Anti-IL-8 antibody blocked the chemotactic activity for neutrophils of IL-1-activated HEC supernatants. IL-1-treated HEC expressed high levels of IL-8 mRNA transcripts, as assessed by Northern blot analysis. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and LPS, unlike the inflammatory monokine IL-6, also induced IL-8 expression. Nuclear run-off experiments revealed that IL-1 activated transcription of the IL-8 gene. The production of IL-8 may represent a mechanism whereby endothelial cells, exposed to inflammatory signals, participate in the regulation of neutrophil extravasation.