Effects of lipopolysaccharide on macrophages analyzed with anti-lipid A monoclonal antibodies and polymyxin B

Effect of storage xyloglucans on peritoneal macrophages

Xyloglucans from seeds of Copaifera langsdorffii (XGC), Hymenaea courbaril (XGJ) and Mucuna sloanei (XGM) were obtained from milled and defatted cotyledons by aqueous extraction at 25 degrees C. The resulting fractions contained Glc, Xyl and Gal in molar ratios of 2.5: 1.5: 1.0 (XGC), 3.8: 2.6: 1.0 (XGJ) and 2.5: 1.6: 1.0 (XGM). HPSEC-MALLS/RI analysis showed that each polysaccharide fraction was homogeneous; M(w) values were 1.6 x 10(5), 2.0 x 10(5) and 1.5 x 10(5)g/mol, respectively. The effect of the xyloglucans on the production of O(2)*(-) and NO* and on the recruitment of macrophages to the mouse peritoneum was evaluated. All polysaccharides promoted an increase in the number of peritoneal macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The largest increase, of 576% in comparison to the control group, was elicited by XGJ at 200 mg/kg. The effect of XGC, XGJ and XGM on O(2)*(-) production, in the presence or absence of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), was not statistically significant. For NO(.) production, the lowest concentration of XGC (10 microg/ml) gave rise to an increase of 262% when compared to the control group; the effect was dose-dependent, reaching 307% at 50 microg/ml. On the other hand, XGJ at a concentration of 50 microg/ml enhanced NO* production by 92%. XGM did not affect NO* production significantly. The results indicate that xyloglucans from C. langsdorffii, H. courbaril and M. sloanei have immunomodulatory activity.

Platelet-activating factor antagonists protect amyloid-β damaged neurons from microglia-mediated death

Neurons treated with sub-lethal concentrations of amyloid-beta1-42 developed phenotypic changes and selectively bound a CD14-IgG chimera; in co-cultures, microglia recognised and killed these amyloid-beta1-42 -damaged neurons. Pre-treatment with the platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists (Hexa-PAF, CV6209 or ginkgolide B) reduced CD14-IgG binding to amyloid-beta1-42 -damaged neurons, and the presence of PAF antagonists in co-cultures increased neuronal survival in a dose-dependant manner. PAF antagonists also protected neurons treated with HuPrP82-146, a peptide found in prion diseases. Second messenger studies demonstrated that the addition of PAF mimicked some of the effects of amyloid-beta1-42 on neurons. PAF-damaged neurons bound CD14-IgG, and PAF-damaged neurons were killed by microglia in a CD14-dependent process. Neuronal death was inversely related to both the concentration of PAF, and the number of microglia added. The effects of PAF were reduced by an antagonist of the prostanoid D receptor (BWA868C) indicating that neuronal damage induced by PAF is partly mediated by prostaglandins. These observations are compatible with the hypothesis that sub-lethal concentrations of amyloid-beta1-42 stimulate a cascade of second messengers including PAF and the prostaglandins. At nanomolar concentrations PAF induces a change in neuronal phenotype that activates microglia via the CD14 molecule, these activated microglia then kill the amyloid-beta1-42 damaged neurons.

Prostaglandin D2 mediates neuronal damage by amyloid-β or prions which activates microglial cells

Microglial cells killed neurons damaged following incubation with sub-lethal concentrations of peptides derived from either the human prion protein (HuPrP82-146) or amyloid-beta1-42 (a peptide found in Alzheimer's disease). HuPrP82-146 or amyloid-beta1-42 induced phenotypic changes in neurons that caused them to bind a CD14-IgG chimera. In co-cultures microglial cells produced interleukin (IL)-6 in response to HuPrP82-146 or amyloid-beta1-42 damaged neurons. The binding of the CD14-IgG chimera to HuPrP82-146 or amyloid-beta1-42 damaged neurons was reduced by pre-treatment with cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-1 inhibitors and in co-cultures, COX-1 inhibitors significantly increased neuronal survival. Studies with individual prostaglandins demonstrated that the addition of prostaglandin D2, or prostaglandin E2, but not other prostaglandins (F2alpha, H2, I2 or 15-dJ2), mimicked the effects of amyloid-beta1-42 on neurons. Thus, prostaglandin D2 or E2 damaged neurons bound the CD14-IgG chimera, and in co-cultures prostaglandin D2 damaged neurons activated microglial cells. These effects were mediated via the DP prostanoid receptor; DP receptor agonists BW245C or SQ27986 induced neuronal damage, while the DP receptor antagonist BWA868C was neuroprotective in co-cultures. These results indicate that prostaglandin D2, produced following activation of COX-1 by sub-lethal concentrations of HuPrP82-146 or amyloid-beta1-42, causes phenotypic changes in neurons that activates microglial cells and leads to neuronal loss.

Microglial cells kill prion-damaged neurons in vitro by a CD14 dependent process

Microglial cells killed primary cortical neurons exposed to the prion (PrP)-derived peptide HuPrP106-126. The survival of HuPrP106-126-damaged neurons was increased by pre-treating microglial cells with anti-CD14 antibodies, while microglial cells from CD14 knockout mice failed to kill HuPrP106-126-damaged neurons. In addition, HuPrP106-126-damaged neurons selectively bound a CD14-IgG chimera. The killing of HuPrP106-126-damaged neurons by human monocytes was epitope specific; it was reduced by pre-treating monocytes with some anti-CD14 monoclonal antibodies (mabs) (60bca, 3C10 or MAB3832), but not others (26ic or MAB3831). None of the mabs affected the survival of HuPrP106-126-damaged neurons in the absence of monocytes.

Intracellular survival of Burkholderia cepacia complex isolates in the presence of macrophage cell activation

Strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex have emerged as a serious threat to patients with cystic fibrosis due to their ability to infect the lung and cause, in some patients, a necrotizing pneumonia that is often lethal. It has recently been shown that several strains of the B. cepacia complex can escape intracellular killing by free-living amoebae following phagocytosis. In this work, the ability of two B. cepacia complex strains to resist killing by macrophages was explored. Using fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy and a modified version of the gentamicin-protection assay, we demonstrate that B. cepacia CEP021 (genomovar VI), and Burkholderia vietnamiensis (previously B. cepacia genomovar V) CEP040 can survive in PU5-1.8 murine macrophages for a period of at least 5 d without significant bacterial replication. Furthermore, bacterial entry into macrophages stimulated production of tumour necrosis factor and primed them to release toxic oxygen radicals following treatment with phorbol myristoyl acetate. These effects were probably caused by bacterial LPS, as they were blocked by polymyxin B. Infected macrophages primed with interferon gamma produced less nitric oxide than interferon-gamma-primed uninfected cells. We propose that the ability of B. cepacia to resist intracellular killing by phagocytic cells may play a role in the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis lung infection. Our data are consistent with a model where repeated cycles of phagocytosis and cellular activation without bacterial killing may promote a deleterious inflammatory response causing tissue destruction and decay of lung function.

Polymyxin B sulfate and colistin: old antibiotics for emerging multiresistant gram-negative bacteria

BACKGROUND

Polymyxin B sulfate and colistin, also known as colistimethate, have not been used for many years because less toxic antimicrobials are available. Gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to the aminoglycosides, beta-lactams, and fluoroquinolones are becoming more common. These bacteria are often susceptible to the polymyxins.

OBJECTIVE

To present a review of the chemistry, antibacterial spectrum, dosing, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and indications for polymyxin B sulfate and colistin.

DATA SOURCE

A MEDLINE search (1966-1998) of the English-language literature was performed to identify primary literature on the polymyxins. Older citations ( 1949-1965) were identified through the bibliographies of these articles.

STUDY SELECTION

All available reports of in vitro antibacterial activity, animal and clinical trials, and case reports were reviewed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The polymyxins are amphipathic molecules that interact with lipopolysaccharide in the bacterial outer membrane. They have potent antiendotoxic properties and antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and many of the Enterobacteriaceae. Polymyxin B and colistin are usually given at a dose of 1.5-2.5 and 5 mg/kg/d, respectively, in two divided doses. Dosing must be altered in renal failure since the kidney is the primary route of elimination. Distribution into pleural fluid, joints, and cerebrospinal fluid is poor. Toxic effects involve the kidney and central nervous system. The polymyxins are recommended for serious systemic infections caused by gram-negative bacteria that are resistant to other agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymyxin B sulfate and colistin have a role in the therapy of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infections.

Galectin-3 Activates the NADPH-Oxidase in Exudated but not Peripheral Blood Neutrophils

Galectin-3, a lactose-binding mammalian lectin that is secreted from activated macrophages, basophils, and mast cells, was investigated with respect to its ability to activate the human neutrophil NADPH-oxidase. The galectin-3–induced activity was determined with in vivo exudated cells (obtained from a skin chamber) and compared with that of peripheral blood neutrophils. Galectin-3 was found to be a potent activator of the NADPH-oxidase only in exudated neutrophils and the binding of galectin-3 to the surface of these cells was increased compared with peripheral blood cells. Different in vitro priming protocols resulting in degranulation were used to mimic the exudation process in terms of increasing the receptor exposure on the cell surface. Galectin-3 could induce an oxidative response similar to that in exudated cells only after a significant amount of the intracellular organelles had been mobilized. This increase in oxidative response was paralleled by an increased binding of galectin-3 to the surface of the cells. The major conclusion of the study is that galectin-3 is a potent stimulus of the neutrophil respiratory burst, provided that the cells have first experienced an extravasation process. The results also imply that the neutrophil response to galectin-3 could be mediated through receptors mobilized from intracellular granules, and we report the presence of galectin-3–binding proteins in such organelles.

Galectin-3 Activates the NADPH-Oxidase in Exudated but not Peripheral Blood Neutrophils

Galectin-3, a lactose-binding mammalian lectin that is secreted from activated macrophages, basophils, and mast cells, was investigated with respect to its ability to activate the human neutrophil NADPH-oxidase. The galectin-3–induced activity was determined with in vivo exudated cells (obtained from a skin chamber) and compared with that of peripheral blood neutrophils. Galectin-3 was found to be a potent activator of the NADPH-oxidase only in exudated neutrophils and the binding of galectin-3 to the surface of these cells was increased compared with peripheral blood cells. Different in vitro priming protocols resulting in degranulation were used to mimic the exudation process in terms of increasing the receptor exposure on the cell surface. Galectin-3 could induce an oxidative response similar to that in exudated cells only after a significant amount of the intracellular organelles had been mobilized. This increase in oxidative response was paralleled by an increased binding of galectin-3 to the surface of the cells. The major conclusion of the study is that galectin-3 is a potent stimulus of the neutrophil respiratory burst, provided that the cells have first experienced an extravasation process. The results also imply that the neutrophil response to galectin-3 could be mediated through receptors mobilized from intracellular granules, and we report the presence of galectin-3–binding proteins in such organelles.

Helicobacter pylori induces proinflammatory cytokines and major histocompatibility complex class II antigen in mouse gastric epithelial cells

Although Helicobacter pylori has been reported to stimulate the release of various cytokines from gastric tissue, it remains unknown whether normal and nontumorous gastric epithelial cells produce these cytokines. Therefore, in this study, we used a normal mouse gastric surface mucous cell line (GSM06) to determine whether gastric epithelial cells produce proinflammatory cytokines in response to H. pylori. The expression of MHC class II antigen was also examined, to investigate whether gastric epithelial cells participate in the immune response to H. pylori. In the study, GSM06 cells were incubated with H. pylori or its lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Proinflammatory cytokines were detected by Northern and Western blot analysis. The expression of MHC class II antigen was examined by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis. Genetic expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2beta was enhanced by both intact and sonicated H. pylori, but not by H. pylori LPS. The expression of MHC class II antigen was induced by H. pylori more strongly than by interferon-gamma. We conclude that H. pylori induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and MHC class II antigen in gastric epithelial cells. Gastric epithelial cells may act as antigen-presenting cells and participate in the immune response to H. pylori infection.

A synthetic lipopolysaccharide-binding peptide based on the neutrophil-derived protein CAP37 prevents endotoxin-induced responses in conscious rats

The lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Escherichia coli has been implicated as a significant mediator in the development of circulatory and metabolic dysfunction and lethality associated with sepsis. A synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 20 through 44 of the neutrophil-derived 37-kDa cationic antimicrobial protein (CAP37 P(20-44)) possesses lipid A binding characteristics which may be useful in attenuating in vivo responses induced during circumstances of endotoxemia, including sepsis. The E. coli LPS to be used in the in vivo study was shown to be attenuated by CAP37 P(20-44) in a dose-dependent manner in the in vitro reaction with Limulus amoebocyte lysate. Intravenous infusion of CAP37 P(20-44) (1.5 or 3.0 mg/kg of body weight) with E. coli LPS (250 microg/kg over 30 min) into conscious, unrestrained rats prevented LPS-induced hyperdynamic and hypodynamic circulatory shock, hyperlactacidemia, and leukopenia in a dose-related fashion. CAP37 P(20-44) (0.2, 1.0, and 5.0 mg/kg) administered intravenously to conscious, actinomycin D-sensitized rats following a lethal dose of LPS neutralized LPS toxicity, resulting in dose-dependent 7-day survival rates of 30, 50, and 80%, respectively. CAP37 P(20-44) (5.0 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the endotoxin-induced increase in circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha in sensitized rats. These data demonstrate that CAP37 P(20-44) has the capacity to abolish in vivo biological responses to LPS that are relevant to human sepsis and to significantly neutralize the toxicity of circulating E. coli LPS.

Escherichia coli-induced activation of neutrophil NADPH-oxidase: lipopolysaccharide and formylated peptides act synergistically to induce release of reactive oxygen metabolites

The prevailing view of neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activation during interaction with bacteria is that the production of toxic oxygen metabolites should be directed into the phagosome containing the engulfed prey. However, in this report we show that a common Escherichia coli strain, HB101, may induce a release of neutrophil oxygen metabolites to the extracellular milieu. This phenomenon is dependent on three factors: (i) the mobilization (upregulation) of neutrophil secretory vesicles prior to interaction with the bacteria, (ii) soluble bacterial factors binding to the formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptor and tentatively identified as formylated peptides, and (iii) a bacterium-associated priming factor identified as lipopolysaccharide.

Endotoxin-induced arterial endothelial barrier dysfunction assessed by an in vitro model

Using an in vitro model in which albumin transfer across monolayers of bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) was measured, we have shown that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a concentration-dependent increase in endothelial permeability. This increase was biphasic, having an early peak at 2 h and rising again by 24 h. Both peaks were abolished by polymixin B (PMB) but were unaffected by N omega-monomethyl-L-arginine, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or dexamethasone. Furthermore, LPS did not stimulate nitric oxide production by BAEC following 24 h exposure. Thus, the LPS-induced increase in permeability may account for the vascular leakage of septic shock, but the L-arginine-nitric oxide system does not appear to be involved.

Anti-endotoxin monoclonal antibodies inhibit secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha by two distinct mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) act by promoting LPS neutralization, LPS uptake by macrophages, or both processes, the authors assessed the effects of these agents on LPS-induced cytokine secretion and cellular uptake of LPS.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

MAbs directed against LPS have been shown to attenuate LPS-induced macrophage tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) secretion, a process that may contribute to protective capacity. The mechanisms by which this process occurs have not been established.

METHODS

MAbs directed against LPS were evaluated in vitro for their capacity to (1) inhibit TNF-alpha secretion, and (2) alter fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled LPS uptake (employing flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence microscopy) by the macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7.

RESULTS

MAb 8G9, an IgG3 directed against the O-antigen polysaccharide region of Escherichia coli 0111:B4 LPS, significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-alpha secretion and promoted a more than 40-fold increase in LPS uptake by macrophages. The authors established that this was mediated by a Fc receptor-mediated process because 8G9 F(ab')2 fragments that lack the Fc portion of the IgG molecule were capable of inhibiting TNF-alpha secretion, but did not promote increased LPS uptake to the same degree. Cross-reactive, anti-deep core/lipid A mAb 1B6, an IgG2a, also promoted uptake of E. coli 0111:B4 LPS and O-antigen polysaccharide-deficient E. coli J5 LPS, but only inhibited TNF-alpha secretion induced by E. coli J5 LPS to which it binds most efficiently. MAb 3D10, an IgM also directed against the O-antigen polysaccharide region of E. coli 0111:B4 LPS, inhibited TNF-alpha secretion but did not increase cellular uptake of LPS, presumably acting solely due to LPS neutralization. Polymyxin B, an antibiotic that binds stoichiometrically to the lipid A portion of LPS, inhibited TNF-alpha secretion and prevented cellular LPS uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that IgG and IgM anti-LPS mAbs exert protective capacity by extracellular neutralization of LPS, while IgG Fc receptor-mediated cellular uptake also may serve to bypass macrophage activation and TNF-alpha secretion by promoting internalization and intracellular neutralization.

Binding of endotoxin to macrophages: distinct effects of serum constituents

The respective roles of serum lipoproteins, and of the complement component C3, in the binding of endotoxin (LPS) to macrophages were analyzed by an in vitro assay using [3H]LPS. The addition of an anti-C3 serum in the medium induced an apparent abolishment of the specific binding of LPS to mouse macrophages, but this effect appeared to be due to an actual increase of nonspecific binding. Isolated complexes of LPS with lipoproteins of high density (HDL3) and of very high density (VHDL) did not bind to macrophages. Furthermore, addition of HDL3 and VHDL in the incubation medium inhibited the specific binding of LPS to macrophages. These results suggest that C3 reduces nonspecific interactions between LPS and macrophages whereas associations between LPS and HDL3 or VHDL inhibit specific LPS-macrophage interactions.

In vitro cytokine release by activated murine peritoneal macrophages: role of prostaglandins in the differential regulation of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1, and interleukin 6

Distinct subpopulations of macrophages or differently activated macrophages display various functions in immune reactions. Some of their activities depend on specific sets of factors (i.e., cytokines and eicosanoids) produced by activated macrophages. We have studied the ability of murine (CBA/ca) peritoneal macrophages to selectively release tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1 (IL-1), and IL-6. We have found that the priming of cells (Mo) with different stimulants (thioglycolate vs. LPS) induces the release of particular cytokines by reactivated macrophages. The increased release of TNF-alpha correlates with lower levels of IL-1 and IL-6. We have also found that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) have opposing effects on the production of two of these cytokines. The release of TNF-alpha is inhibited by prostaglandins, whereas increased levels of PGE2 and PGI2 correlate with higher levels of IL-6.

Specific binding of lipopolysaccharides to mouse macrophages--II. Involvement of distinct lipid a substructures

The interaction of lipopolysaccharide-binding sites of mouse macrophages with the Lipid A region of endotoxins (LPS) was demonstrated by direct binding of labeled Lipid A conjugates, by inhibition of the binding of labeled LPS with anti-Lipid A monoclonal antibodies, and by the considerable reduction of this binding after chemical and enzymatic removal of the fatty acid esters of the LPS. The substructures of Lipid A required for the specific binding of LPS to macrophages were analyzed by the use of synthetic lipids consisting of mono- or disaccharide derivatives of glucosamine. The two phosphate groups of Lipid A (at positions 1 and 4') as well as certain hydroxyl groups, appeared to play a critical role in the binding. However, the reactivities of the synthetic lipids with the macrophage surface, as compared with those with anti-Lipid A antibodies, could hardly be explained by the existence of a single LPS receptor, and suggested the presence, on the macrophage surface, of different LPS-binding sites that recognize different substructures or spatial configurations of the lipid moiety of endotoxins.

Specific binding of lipopolysaccharides to mouse macrophages--I. Characteristics of the interaction and inefficiency of the polysaccharide region

Tritium-labeled lipopolysaccharide interacted specifically and reversibly with mouse peritoneal macrophages. The binding was higher at 22 degrees C than at 4 degrees C, but was no longer observable at 37 degrees C. The specificity of the interaction (inhibition with unlabeled LPS) was strictly dependent on the presence of serum, and required divalent cations. The binding was saturable. The specific binding sites of peritoneal macrophages were saturated with 6-9 x 10(6) LPS molecules/cell, and those of macrophage-like cell lines with 2-3 x 10(6) molecules/cell. The binding of LPS was not inhibited by ligands of scavenger receptors (maleylated BSA) or complement receptors (zymosan), but was strongly inhibited with dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid which is known to modulate the expression of other surface markers of macrophages. The polysaccharide region of the LPS, as well as 3-deoxy-2-octulosonic acid (KDO) coupled to bovine serum albumin, did not bind to macrophages, whereas a specific binding was observed with a lipid A-BSA conjugate.