Purification of human blood monocytes by hypotonic density gradient centrifugation in Percoll

Unique subsite specificity and potential natural function of a chitosan deacetylase from the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects ∼280,000 people every year, causing >180,000 deaths. The human immune system recognizes chitin as one of the major cell-wall components of invading fungi, but C. neoformans can circumvent this immunosurveillance mechanism by instead exposing chitosan, the partly or fully deacetylated form of chitin. The natural production of chitosans involves the sequential action of chitin synthases (CHSs) and chitin deacetylases (CDAs). C. neoformans expresses four putative CDAs, three of which have been confirmed as functional enzymes that act on chitin in the cell wall. The fourth (CnCda4/Fpd1) is a secreted enzyme with exceptional specificity for d-glucosamine at its -1 subsite, thus preferring chitosan over chitin as a substrate. We used site-specific mutagenesis to reduce the subsite specificity of CnCda4 by converting an atypical isoleucine residue in a flexible loop region to the bulkier or charged residues tyrosine, histidine, and glutamic acid. We also investigated the effect of CnCda4 deacetylation products on human peripheral blood-derived macrophages, leading to a model explaining the function of CnCda4 during infection. We propose that CnCda4 is used for the further deacetylation of chitosans already exposed on the C. neoformans cell wall (originally produced by CnChs3 and CnCda1 to 3) or released from the cell wall as elicitors by human chitinases, thus making the fungus less susceptible to host immunosurveillance. The absence of CnCda4 during infection could therefore promote the faster recognition and elimination of this pathogen.

Improving the methods for isolation of monocyte and establishing macrophage cell culture in caprine model

Monocytes are widely used for immunological research, especially in the study of innate immune system. Although methods for isolation of human monocytes have been established, the procedure for non-human monocyte has not been well developed. This paper describes an improved method for isolation of monocyte and the subsequent macrophage cultivation from caprine blood. Monocytes were isolated from 16 ml of heparinized caprine blood using double density methods; the Ficoll and Percoll. The number of monocytes obtained was 5.12 ± 0.89 × 10(7) cells/ml at 70 % purity. The isolated monocytes were maintained in 10 % fetal bovine serum-enriched Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium for maturation to form macrophage cell culture. At the end of the experiment, the harvested macrophage was 2.48 ± 0.33 × 10(6) cells/ml.

Agonists of proteinase-activated receptor-2 affect transendothelial migration and apoptosis of human neutrophils

Skin is the first barrier preventing microorganism invasion in host. Wounds destroy this defense barrier and, without an appropriate care, may lead to sepsis. Neutrophil activation and immigration plays an important role at the inflammatory stage of wound healing. Neutrophils are known to express proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), which can be activated by serine proteases, also by enzymes involved in wound healing. We previously reported that PAR(2) agonists up-regulate cell adhesion molecule expression and cytokine production by human neutrophils. Here, we demonstrate that PAR(2) agonists (serine proteases as well as synthetic peptides) reduce transendothelial migration of neutrophils and prolong their life in vitro. Synthetic PAR(2) agonist also enhanced protective interferon (IFN)gamma-induced FcgammaRI expression at neutrophil cell surface. Of note, IFNgamma is a cytokine, which was used in clinical trials to reactivate human neutrophil functions during sepsis. Moreover, we observed a significant increase of PAR(2) expression on cell surface of neutrophils from septic patients as compared with healthy volunteers. Together, our results indicate that PAR(2) may be involved in the pathophysiology of neutrophil-endothelial interactions during wound healing or later during sepsis in humans, potentially by affecting neutrophil apoptosis, transendothelial migration and Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis.

Characterization of peripheral blood human immunodeficiency virus isolates from Hispanic women with cognitive impairment

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) tropism plays an important role in HIV-associated dementia. In this study, aimed at determining if the tropism and coreceptor usage of circulating viruses correlates with cognitive function, the authors isolated and characterized HIV from the peripheral blood of 21 Hispanic women using antiretroviral therapy. Macrophage tropism was determined by inoculation of HIV isolates onto monocyte-derived macrophages and lymphocyte cultures. To define coreceptor usage, the HIV isolates were inoculated onto the U87.CD4 glioma cell lines with specific CCR5 and CXCR4 coreceptors. HIV isolates from cognitively impaired patients showed higher levels of replication in mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells than did isolates from patients with normal cognition (P < .05). The viral growth of HIV primary isolates in macrophages and lymphocytes did not differ between patients with and those without cognitive impairment. However, isolates from the cognitively impaired women preferentially used the X4 coreceptor (P < .05). These phenotypic studies suggest that cognitively impaired HIV-infected women receiving treatment may have a more highly replicating and more pathogenic X4 virus in the circulation that could contribute to their neuropathogenesis.

Role of Endothelium-derived CC Chemokine Ligand 2 in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

RATIONALE

Inflammatory cytokines may affect pulmonary vascular remodeling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is synthesized by vascular cells and can stimulate monocyte/macrophage migration and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of CCL2 in IPAH.

METHODS

CCL2 levels in plasma, monocytes, lungs, and medium from pulmonary endothelial cell (P-EC) or pulmonary artery SMC (PA-SMC) cultures were measured by ELISA and Western blot analysis. CCL2 receptor CCR2 mRNA levels in monocytes, P-ECs, and PA-SMCs were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Effect of CCL2 on PA-SMC proliferation and migration was assessed using [3H]thymidine incorporation and a modified Boyden's chamber. The effect of endothelial cell-derived CCL2 on monocyte migration was measured using a modified Boyden's chamber.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Compared with control subjects, we found the following in patients with IPAH: elevated CCL2 protein levels in plasma and lung tissue, whereas monocyte CCL2 levels were similar between patients and control subjects, and elevated CCL2 release by P-ECs or PA-SMCs. P-ECs released twice as much CCL2 than did PA-SMCs. Monocyte migration was markedly increased in the presence of P-ECs, and the increase was larger with P-ECs from patients with IPAH. CCL2-blocking antibodies reduced P-ECs' chemotactic activity by 60%. Compared with controls, PA-SMCs from patients exhibited stronger migratory and proliferative responses to CCL2, in keeping with the finding that CCR2 was markedly increased in PA-SMCs from patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that CCL2 overproduction may be a feature of the abnormal P-EC phenotype in IPAH, contributing to the inflammatory process and to pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Pertussis toxin transiently affects barrier integrity, organelle organization and transmigration of monocytes in a human brain microvascular endothelial cell barrier model

Encephalopathies and neurological disorders are sometimes associated with respiratory tract infections caused by Bordetella pertussis. For these complications to occur cerebral barriers have to be compromised. Therefore, the influence of pertussis toxin (PT), a decisive virulence determinant of B. pertussis, on endothelial barrier integrity was investigated. Human brain microvascular endothelial cells cultured on Transwell filter devices were used as model for the blood brain barrier. PT, but not its B-oligomer, induced a reduction of the transendothelial resistance and enhanced the permeability for the protein marker horseradish peroxidase. Moreover, transmigration of human monocytes was also elevated suggesting a PT-associated enhancement of the diapedesis of blood leucocytes. Uptake and trafficking of PT was followed by electron microscopy via clathrin-coated pits and accumulation in lysosomes and microvesicular bodies. The breach in barrier integrity was accompanied by a transient disintegration of Golgi structures. Interestingly, PT-induced effects were only transient and restoration of barrier function was observed after 24 h. In summary, intoxication by PT causes a transient destruction of the cellular organization in human brain-derived endothelial cells resulting in a transient disruption of barrier functions. We suggest that these findings reflect early steps in the development of neurological disorders associated with pertussis disease.

Proteolytic cleavage of annexin 1 by human leukocyte elastase

Annexin 1 has been shown to participate through its unique N-terminal domain in the recruitment and activation of leukocytes at sites of inflammation. Peptides derived from this domain are true mimetics of the annexin 1 action in all inflammation models tested and most likely serve as the active entities generated at sites of inflammation. To elucidate mechanisms underlying peptide generation we used isolated blood leukocytes and endothelial cell monolayers. We show that following endothelial adhesion, annexin 1 was externalized from leukocytes and rapidly cleaved. Addition of purified annexin 1 to degranulating leukocytes resulted in the truncation of annexin 1, which seemed to depend on the proteolytic activity of human leukocyte elastase (HLE). The capacity of elastase to proteolytically cleave annexin 1 was confirmed using both purified annexin 1 and HLE. The identification of annexin 1 as a substrate for HLE supports the model in which annexin 1 participates in regulating leukocyte emigration into inflamed tissue through N-terminal peptides generated at inflammatory sites.

Verotoxin-1 stimulation of macrophage-like THP-1 cells up-regulates tissue factor expression through activation of c-Yes tyrosine kinase: Possible signal transduction in tissue factor up-regulation

Verotoxin (VT)-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 infections are frequently complicated by thrombotic angiopathy, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and neurological symptoms. The present data demonstrate that VT-1 (Shiga toxin) stimulation of macrophage-like THP-1 cells up-regulates the activity, antigen and mRNA levels of tissue factor (TF), a key cofactor of the coagulation-inflammation-thrombosis circuit. This up-regulation is accompanied by phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), IkappaB kinase beta (IKKbeta) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). Changes in TF mRNA levels were in parallel with the activation of NF-kappaB/Rel and Egr-1 activation, but not with AP-1. Inhibition of PI3-kinase attenuated VT-1-induced phosphorylation of IKKbeta and ERK2, and the up-regulation of TF mRNA levels. VT-1 stimulation rapidly activated c-Yes tyrosine kinase, a member of the Src family. Treatment of the cells with c-Yes antisense oligos attenuated the VT-1-induced phosphorylation of PI3-kinase, IKKbeta and ERK2, activations of NF-kappaB/Rel and Egr-1, and up-regulation of TF mRNA levels. These results suggest that VT-1-induced macrophage stimulation activates c-Yes, which then up-regulates TF expression through activation of the IKKbeta/proteasome/NF-kappaB/Rel and MEK/ERK2/Egr-1 pathways via activation of PI3-kinase. Induction of macrophage TF expression by VT-1 may play an important role in the acceleration of the coagulation-inflammation-thrombosis circuit during infections by VT-producing E. coli.

An annexin 1 N-terminal peptide activates leukocytes by triggering different members of the formyl peptide receptor family

The human N-formyl peptide receptor (FPR) is a key modulator of chemotaxis directing granulocytes toward sites of bacterial infections. FPR is the founding member of a subfamily of G protein-coupled receptors thought to function in inflammatory processes. The other two members, FPR-like (FPRL)1 and FPRL2, have a greatly reduced affinity for bacterial peptides or do not bind them at all, with FPRL2 being considered an orphan receptor so far. In this study we show that a peptide derived from the N-terminal domain of the anti-inflammatory protein annexin 1 (lipocortin 1) can activate all three FPR family members at similar concentrations. The annexin 1 peptide initiates chemotactic responses in human monocytes that express all three FPR family members and also desensitizes the cells toward subsequent stimulation with bacterial peptide agonists. Experiments using HEK 293 cells stably expressing a single FPR family member reveal that all three receptors can be activated and desensitized by the N-terminal annexin 1 peptide. These observations identify the annexin 1 peptide as the first endogenous ligand of FPRL2 and indicate that annexin 1 participates in regulating leukocyte emigration into inflamed tissue by activating and desensitizing different receptors of the FPR family.

Method for large scale isolation, culture and cryopreservation of human monocytes suitable for chemotaxis, cellular adhesion assays, macrophage and dendritic cell differentiation

This paper presents an improved method of isolating, culturing and cryopreserving human monocytes in large quantity with high purity using standard laboratory centrifuges. Monocytes were isolated from 300 to 360 ml of heparinized human blood using a Double Density technique employing Ficoll Isopaque and 46% iso-osmotic Percoll. Yields of monocytes ranged from 75 to 205 million (from 300 to 360 ml of blood) with an average purity of 90.6%. The ability of fresh or frozen monocytes to adhere to endothelial cells in the presence of oxidized L-alpha-1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonosyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (oxPAPC) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not differ and no significant difference in response to the chemotactic stimulant N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (FMLP) was observed. We define a useful method for the culture and differentiation of fresh or frozen monocytes isolated by this method, into macrophages as judged by morphology, expression of the macrophage marker SRA-1 and induction of inflammatory genes TNF-alpha, IL-6 and COX-2. Also, fresh or frozen Double Density isolated cells can be successfully differentiated into dendritic cells in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 as judged by the expression of the hallmark surface proteins CD1a and DC-sign and the absence of CD14. This method also yields a pure population of lymphocytes.

Pro-MMP-9 is a specific macrophage product and is activated by osteoarthritic chondrocytes via MMP-3 or a MT1-MMP/MMP-13 cascade

In joint diseases of both the inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, or RA) or the degenerative variety (osteoarthritis, or OA), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential mediators of irreversible tissue destruction. MMP-9 is secreted as a stable, inactive zymogen and is proteolytically converted to the active enzyme. To understand the activation mechanism of MMP-9 in joint diseases, the process was investigated in serum-free cocultures of human articular chondrocytes and macrophages. Macrophages extensively expressed and secreted pro-MMP-9 whereas chondrocytes failed to produce the enzyme. However, efficient activation of pro-MMP-9 required soluble and membrane-associated chondrocyte proteinases. Two alternative activation pathways mainly involved MMPs and, marginally, serine or cysteine proteinases. MT1-MMP (MMP-14), the only MT-MMP expressed in chondrocytes, converted pro-MMP-13 which, in turn, cleaved pro-MMP-9. Alternatively, pro-MMP-9 was activated less efficiently by MMP-3, which was converted by autocatalysis or by serine or cysteine proteinases. Both pathways were triggered by chondrocytes from OA, but not normal joints. Therefore, articular chondrocytes are not innocent bystanders in joint diseases. They not only produce destructive enzymes guided by environmental cues but also they can instruct inflammatory cells or cells from surrounding tissues to do so by converting in several ways zymogens produced but not activated by these cells themselves.

The myeloid expressed EF-hand proteins display a diverse pattern of lipid raft association

EF-hand proteins are known to translocate to membranes, suggesting that they are involved in signaling events located in the cell membrane. Many proteins involved in signaling events associate cholesterol rich membrane domains, so called lipid rafts, which serve as platforms for controlled protein-protein interaction. Here, we demonstrate that the myeloid expressed EF-hand proteins can be distinguished into three classes with respect to their membrane association. Grancalcin, a myeloid expressed penta EF-hand protein, is constitutively located in lipid rafts. S100A9 (MRP14) and S100A8 (MRP8) are translocated into detergent resistant lipid structures only after calcium activation of the neutrophils. However, the S100A9/A8 membrane association is cholesterol and sphingolipid independent. On the other hand, the association of S100A12 (EN-RAGE) and S100A6 (calcyclin) with membranes is detergent sensitive. These diverse affinities to lipid structures of the myeloid expressed EF-hand proteins most likely reflect their different functions in neutrophils.

Agonists of proteinase-activated receptor-2 modulate human neutrophil cytokine secretion, expression of cell adhesion molecules, and migration within 3-D collagen lattices

Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) belongs to a novel subfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors with seven-transmembrane domains. PAR2 can be activated by serine proteases such as trypsin, mast cell tryptase, and allergic or bacterial proteases. This receptor is expressed by various cells and seems to be crucially involved during inflammation and the immune response. As previously reported, human neutrophils express functional PAR2. However, the precise physiological role of PAR2 on human neutrophils and its implication in human diseases remain unclear. We demonstrate that PAR2 agonist-stimulated human neutrophils show significantly enhanced migration in 3-D collagen lattices. PAR2 agonist stimulation also induced down-regulation of L-selectin display and up-regulation of membrane-activated complex-1 very late antigen-4 integrin expression on the neutrophil cell surface. Moreover, PAR2 stimulation results in an increased secretion of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-8, and IL-6 by human neutrophils. These data indicate that PAR2 plays an important role in human neutrophil activation and may affect key neutrophil functions by regulating cell motility in the extracellular matrix, selectin shedding, and up-regulation of integrin expression and by stimulating the secretion of inflammatory mediators. Thus, PAR2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases involving activated neutrophils.

Proteomic fingerprinting of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated dementia from patient monocyte-derived macrophages: A case study

The emergence of a subset of circulating monocytes during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease has been shown to correlate with cognitive impairment. Thus, it is hypothesized that diagnostic protein profiles may be obtained from these cells from patients with or at risk for HIV-1-associated dementia (HAD). To address this possibility, we used ProteinChip assays to define a unique monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) protein fingerprint during HAD and whether it is affected by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The study included five Hispanic women, one with HAD, two HIV-1-infected without cognitive impairment, and two seronegative controls. All patients were matched by age and immune status. Monocytes were recovered from the peripheral blood leukocytes by Percoll gradient centrifugation and allowed to differentiate in vitro for 7 days. Cell lysates and supernatants were collected from the MDM and analyzed by surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight ProteinChip assays. Seven unique protein peaks between 3.0 and 20.0 kDa were found in the HAD MDM sample. Each of these proteins were abrogated after HAART. Additional studies extending this one time point determination would serve to confirm the general utility of MDM protein profiling for the diagnosis and monitoring of HAD.

Endothelial Rho signaling is required for monocyte transendothelial migration

Bacterial toxins affecting Rho activity in microvascular endothelial cells were employed to elucidate whether endothelial Rho participates in regulating the migration of monocytes across monolayers of cultured endothelial cells. Inactivation of Rho by the Clostridium C3 exoenzyme resulted in an increased adhesion of peripheral blood monocytes to the endothelium and a decreased rate of transendothelial monocyte migration. Cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1-mediated activation of endothelial Rho also reduced the rate of monocyte transmigration, but did not affect monocyte-endothelium adhesion. Thus, efficient leukocyte extravasation requires Rho signaling not only within the migrating leukocytes but also within the endothelial lining of the vessel wall.

Nitric oxide of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines promotes tumour cell invasion

The present study investigates the role of nitric oxide and the involvement of nitric oxide synthase II isoform on the invasion of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HRT-18 and HT-29. HRT-18 cells, which constitutively express nitric oxide synthase II mRNA were three-fold more invasive in a Matrigel invasion assay than nitric oxide synthase II mRNA negative HT-29 cells. Treatment of HT-29 cells with the nitric oxide donor Deta NONOate (50 nM) as well as induction of nitric oxide synthase II mRNA and production of endogenous nitric oxide by inflammatory cytokines (IFN-gamma and IL-1alpha) increased the invasiveness of HT-29 cells by approximately 40% and 75%, respectively. In HT-29 cells nitric oxide synthase II mRNA was also induced in co-culture with human monocytes. The invasiveness of HRT-18 cells and stimulated HT-29 cells was partly inhibited by the nitric oxide synthase II inhibitor 1400 W. These results show that nitric oxide increases the invasion of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines HRT-18 and HT-29, and the involvement of nitric oxide synthase II isoform in tumour cell invasion. Therefore, the production of nitric oxide and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by tumour-associated macrophages, which in turn induce nitric oxide synthase II isoform in tumour cells, promotes tumour cell invasiveness.

S100A8, S100A9 and the S100A8/A9 heterodimer complex specifically bind to human endothelial cells: identification and characterization of ligands for the myeloid-related proteins S100A9 and S100A8/A9 on human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line-1 cells

The natural ligands of the S100 EF hand proteins S100A8 and A9 [myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14] have long been searched for in order to further the understanding of the role of the S100A8/A9-expressing monocyte subpopulation in progressing inflammatory processes. We demonstrate that S100A8, S100A9 and the S100A8/A9 heterodimeric complex bind to human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC)-1 with an increasing binding capacity progressing from S100A8 < or = S100A9 < or = S100A8/A9. Similar results were obtained in the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse model, where preferably recombinant S100A9 but no S100A8 bound to the endothelium of the aorta ascendens. The binding of the S100A8/A9 heterodimer complex to activated HMEC-1 is specific as demonstrated by a dose-responding and satiable binding curve and the competition of FITC-labeled versus unlabeled protein. The protein character of the binding site was proven by treatment with trypsin. S100A8/A9 binding to HMEC-1 is inducible by lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and in the presence of calcium. A 163-kDa protein was isolated from a cell lysate of activated HMEC-1 cells using an affinity-chromatography protocol. The endothelial cell-associated ligand proteins isolated by the use of the S100A9 monomer and the S100A8/A9 dimer were subjected to mass spectrometry for protein identification. Clearly, alpha(2)-macroglobulin was identified as a binding partner for the S100A9 monomer, whereas no protein could be identified from the database for the ligand of the S100A8/A9 dimer.

Paracrine interactions of chondrocytes and macrophages in cartilage degradation: articular chondrocytes provide factors that activate macrophage-derived pro-gelatinase B (pro-MMP-9)

Cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage are involved in the development of inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. This disease is characterized by cartilage degradation and synovial membrane inflammation with a progressive loss of joint function. The pathological processes are still not well understood. Therefore it would be interesting to develop a suitable experimental in vitro model system for defined studies of monocyte/macrophage and chondrocyte interactions at the molecular level. For that purpose we cocultured chondrocytes from adult human articular cartilage with human monocytes and macrophages for defined periods of time in agarose without addition of serum. We performed zymographic and western blot analysis of culture medium, completed by quantitative RT-PCR of each chondrocyte, monocyte and macrophage RNA, respectively. The reliability of the newly established coculture systems is confirmed by causing a clear decrease of intact aggrecan in the coculture medium plus concurrent appearance of additional smaller fragments and a reduction of chondrocyte aggrecan and collagen II gene expression in the presence of monocytes. In culture medium from cocultures we detected active forms of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 accompanied by induction of gene expression of MMP-1, membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) in chondrocytes. No gene expression of MMP-9 was detectable in chondrocytes, the enzyme was solely expressed in monocytes and macrophages and was downregulated in the presence of chondrocytes. Our results suggest that MMP-9 protein in coculture medium originated from monocytes and macrophages but activation required chondrocyte-derived factors. Because addition of plasmin, a partial activator of pro-MMP-3 and pro-MMP-1, enhanced the activation of pro-MMP-9 and pro-MMP-1 in cocultures but not in monocultured macrophages, and the presence of MMP-3 inhibitor II prevented pro-MMP-9 activation, we assumed a stepwise activation process of pro-MMP-9 that is dependent on the presence of at least MMP-3 and possibly also MMP-1.

Use of nonspecific cleavage products for protein sequence analysis as shown on calcyclin isolated from human granulocytes

In this paper, analysis strategies developed for a sequencing problem concerning the identification of an S100 protein isolated from human granulocytes are discussed. The analysis of a trypsinized lyophilized sample suggested the presence of a number of peptides which are non-tryptic in origin. During purification of proteins from cell lysates nonspecific cleavage can be observed which may reflect biological processes and can become an unavoidable analytical problem. Current mass spectrometric software is evaluated for the analysis of nonspecific digests in this context. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS/MS, and selected ion monitoring (SIM)-MS/MS have been used for peptide analysis and in addition HPLC-MS was carried out for protein analysis leading to the detection of an N-terminal modification of the protein. The success of the study is mainly due to the careful investigation of nonspecific cleavage products. Data obtained from the routine mass spectrometric analysis of an in-gel-digest allowed the identification of this protein as S100 calcium-binding protein A6-calcyclin whose expression in granulocytes has not been described so far.

Endothelial intracellular Ca2+ release following monocyte adhesion is required for the transendothelial migration of monocytes

Although molecular changes accompanying leukocyte extravasation have been investigated intensively, the particular events following leukocyte adhesion and leading to the actual transendothelial migration process remain largely unknown. To characterize intraendothelial signals elicited by leukocyte adhesion and functionally required for their transmigration, we recorded endothelial free cytosolic intracellular Ca(2+)levels ([Ca(2+)]i) during the course of leukocyte adhesion. We show that monocyte and granulocyte adhesion induced Ca(2+)transients in either untreated or TNF-alpha-stimulated microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The functional significance of these [Ca(2+)]i rises was demonstrated by treating filter-grown endothelial monolayers with BAPTA/AM. This in traendothelial Ca(2+)chelation left monocyte adhesion basically unaffected, but caused a significant and dose-dependent reduction of the transendothelial migration of monocytes. Granulocyte diapedesis, on the other hand, was hardly modified. Thapsigargin-treatment of endothelial cells almost completely inhibited the transmigration of monocytes suggesting that the necessary Ca(2+)transients depended on a release from intracellular Ca(2+)stores. Our results thus show that the transmigration of monocytes through endothelial monolayers of microvascular origin is favoured by an increase of the intraendothelial [Ca(2+)]i induced by leukocyte adhesion to the endothelial cells.

Influence of alternatively and classically activated macrophages on fibrogenic activities of human fibroblasts

Activated macrophages regulate fibrogenesis by providing cytokines and growth factors that modulate the proliferation and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. However, macrophages can be activated in a classical pathway induced by LPS or IFN-gamma and an alternative pathway induced by IL-4 or glucocorticoid. Differently activated macrophages display distinct biological features. To clarify the difference between these two subsets of macrophages in the regulatory mechanisms controlling fibrogenesis, human peripheral blood monocytes were used as the source of macrophages and cocultivation of differently activated macrophages and a fibroblast cell line, WI-38, was performed. Alternatively activated macrophages increased the proliferation index and collagen synthesis of cocultivated WI-38 cells in comparison to untreated monocytes, while classically activated macrophages markedly reduced collagen production of cocultivated WI-38 cells. Additionally, mRNA expression and protein production of TGF-beta(1), PDGF-AA, and PDGF-BB were elevated in alternatively activated macrophages in parallel to their profibrogenic effects. In contrast, expression and production of TNF-alpha, as well as MMP-7, were enhanced in classically activated macrophages. These findings suggested that alternatively activated macrophages enhance fibrogenesis of fibroblasts by providing profibrogenic factors, while classically activated macrophages inhibit fibrogenesis of fibroblasts by releasing antifibrogenic or fibrolytic factors.

Suppression of the reactive oxygen intermediates production of human macrophages by colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines

Although some in vitro studies indicate that macrophages exert cytotoxic responses against tumour cells by production of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI), no obvious impairment of tumour cell growth is visible in various human malignant tumours, which contain a large number of tumour-associated macrophages (TAM). We made use of an in vivo-like co-culture model of multicellular tumour spheroids of three colon carcinoma cell lines (HRT-18, HT-29, CX-2) and three functionally different phenotypes of human macrophages (27E10, RM3/1, 25F9) to investigate if tumour cells deactivate macrophage cytotoxicity. The production of ROI was measured by a lucigenin-amplified chemiluminescence assay in a 96-well-microplate luminometer. Different capabilities to produce ROI by different macrophage phenotypes were observed. However, independent of the macrophage phenotype and the tumour cell type a significant inhibition of ROI formation was found in co-cultures after 1 hr, 1 and 2 days. Macrophages were also suppressed by tumour cell supernatants, which contained anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and negligible levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10 as shown by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Although recombinant human cytokines TGF-beta1, IL-10 and IL-4 inhibited the production of ROI in freshly isolated monocytes, these cytokines had no effect on differentiated macrophage phenotypes, indicating that these cytokines are not involved in mediating tumour-induced suppression of ROI production by human macrophages.

Calcium-induced noncovalently linked tetramers of MRP8 and MRP14 detected by ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

MRP8 and MRP14 are members of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins which play an important role during calcium-induced activation of phagocytes. Both proteins form noncovalently associated complexes as a prerequisite for biological functions. The exact stoichiometric composition of these complexes, however, has not been completely clarified yet. In the present study we show for the first time by ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (UV-MALDI-MS) the calcium-induced formation of noncovalently associated (MRP8/MRP14)2 tetramers. Furthermore, we could determine posttranslational modifications of MRP8 and MRP14, the stoichiometric proportion of the two known MRP14 isoforms in the complexes as well as the number of calcium ions bound to the single MRP8 and MRP14 monomers and tetramers. MRP14 showed a higher affinity for calcium than MRP8. Upon complex formation the calcium binding increased to maximal saturation of the known EF hands in the complexed forms. Calcium-induced stabilization of the MRP8/MRP14 complexes was confirmed by DSC studies. Our results extend scope and application of UV-MALDI-MS by allowing identification of noncovalent protein complexes, the identification of minor alterations of subunits in such complexes as well as the determination of bound calcium ions.

Human peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells express functional melanocortin receptor MC-1R

The neuropeptide, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) is well known for its immunomodulating capabilities. alpha-MSH antagonizes the activity of numerous proinflammatory mediators; for example, Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and bacterial endotoxin. In vivo alpha-MSH has been shown to suppress a contact hypersensitivity reaction in mice, and to induce hapten-specific tolerance. Since antigen presenting cells (APC) represent key elements for tolerance induction, the effect of alpha-MSH, and the expression of its receptor-melanocortin receptor-1 (MC-1R), on human peripheral blood-derived monocytes and dendritic cells (DC), was investigated. Semiquantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that monocytes and DC express MC-1R, but none of the other members of the MC-receptor family. Moreover, the extent of MC-1R expression correlated with the state of activation of these cells. Since the major ligand of MC-1R is alpha-MSH the question of whether alpha-MSH affects the function of monocyte derived DC was further investigated. We found that the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD 86 and CD 40 was downregulated on DC in the presence of alpha-MSH. Thus, alpha-MSH may exert its immunosuppressive effects by altering the function of APC.

S100A12 is expressed exclusively by granulocytes and acts independently from MRP8 and MRP14

Changes in cytosolic calcium concentrations regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, and calcium-binding proteins are the key molecules in signal transduction, differentiation, and cell cycle control. S100A12, a recently described member of the S100 protein family, has been shown to be coexpressed in granulocytes and monocytes together with two other S100 proteins, MRP8 (S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9), and a functional relationship between these three S100 proteins has been suggested. Using Western blotting, calcium overlays, intracellular flow cytometry, and cytospin preparations, we demonstrate that S100A12 expression in leukocytes is specifically restricted to granulocytes and that S100A12 represents one of the major calcium-binding proteins in these cells. S100A12, MRP8, and MRP14 translocate simultaneously from the cytosol to cytoskeletal and membrane structures in a calcium-dependent manner. However, no evidence for direct protein-protein interactions of S100A12 with either MRP8 or MRP14 or the heterodimer was found by chemical cross-linking, density gradient centrifugation, mass spectrometric measurements, or yeast two hybrid detection. Thus, S100A12 acts individually during calcium-dependent signaling, independent of MRP8, MRP14, and the heterodimer MRP8/MRP14. This granulocyte-specific signal transduction pathway may offer attractive targets for therapeutic intervention with exaggerated granulocyte activity in pathological states.

Shedding of CD163, a novel regulatory mechanism for a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich family

The glucocorticoid-inducible transmembrane protein CD163 is a member of the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) family which is expressed exclusively on human monocytes and macrophages. The expression of the protein is significantly downregulated in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) by a yet unknown mechanism. We now demonstrate that PMA induces shedding of a soluble form of CD163 rather than internalization, revealing a novel regulatory mechanism for a member of the SRCR family. Bisindolylmaleimide I was shown to inhibit phorbol ester-induced shedding, thus implying an involvement of protein kinase C (PKC). Furthermore, cleavage could be prevented by protease inhibitors. Therefore, we suggest that PMA-induced activation of PKC leads to protease-mediated shedding of CD163. These results indicate a specific release mechanism of soluble CD163 by human monocytes which could play an important role in modulating inflammatory processes.

Disruption of endothelial microfilaments selectively reduces the transendothelial migration of monocytes

The transendothelial migration of leukocytes (diapedesis) is a central event in inflammatory and immunological processes. Although leukocyte-endothelium interactions occurring during diapedesis have been investigated intensively, little is known about the actual transmigration and the molecular mechanisms involved. Toward this end we analyzed whether the endothelial cytoskeleton plays a direct role during the transendothelial migration of monocytes. Filter-grown monolayers of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were treated with cytoskeleton stabilizing or destabilizing drugs and the effect of this treatment on the transmigration of peripheral blood monocytes was analyzed in a two-chamber assay. Our results show that taxol-induced stabilization of microtubules causes a reduction of leukocyte transmigration through HMEC-1, while the opposite effect is induced by the destabilization of microtubules with colchicine or nocodazol. Disruption of microfilaments with cytochalasin B or latrunculin A, on the other hand, significantly reduces the transendothelial migration although monocyte adhesion and endothelial permeability for macromolecules are slightly increased. An active participation of the endothelial microfilament system with a direct role of unconventional, calmodulin-regulated myosins is suggested by the finding that monocyte transmigration is decreased upon treatment of the endothelial cells with the Ca2+/CaM antagonist triflouperazine.

Colon carcinoma cell lines stimulate monocytes and lamina propria mononuclear cells to produce IL-10

Cytokines released from tumour cells may have function as signals to neighbouring immune and inflammatory cells. Several studies have shown that the immunoregulatory cytokines IL-10 and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) as well as prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) play an important role in tumour-induced immunosuppression. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of colon carcinoma cell lines on IL-10 production in peripheral monocytes (PBMC) and lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC). We examined four colon carcinoma cell lines (HT-29, Caco-2, Colo-320 and HCT-116) and determined their production of TGF-beta1, IL-10 and PGE2. Peripheral monocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and LPMC were isolated from surgical specimens using a collagenase digestion method. Monocytes and LPMC were cultured with colon carcinoma cell conditioned medium or in co-culture with colon carcinoma cells. Supernatants were then determined for the production of IL-10 by ELISA assays. All colon carcinoma cell lines stimulated peripheral monocytes as well as LPMC to produce markedly increased levels of IL-10. Colon cancer cells secreted negligible levels of IL-10, but high amounts of TGF-beta1 and PGE2. Neutralization of TGF-beta1 by administration of anti-TGF-beta as well as neutralization of PGE2 with anti-PGE2 antisera reduced the IL-10 production of monocytes markedly, indicating that tumour cell-derived TGF-beta1 and PGE2 are major factors for IL-10 stimulation. In vitro stimulation of monocytes with TGF-beta1 and PGE2 could confirm that TGF-beta1 as well as PGE2 at picogram concentrations were able to prime monocytes for enhanced IL-10 production. Our results demonstrate that colon carcinoma cell lines enhance the ability of monocytes and intestinal macrophages to produce IL-10. The stimulation of monocyte IL-10 by colon cancer cell-derived TGF-beta1 and PGE2 may act as a tumour-protecting mechanism by impairing the activation of anti-tumour cytokines.

Identification of a novel surface molecule, RM3/1, that contributes to the adhesion of glucocorticoid-induced human monocytes to endothelial cells

The functions of different populations of peripheral blood monocytes in the course of an inflammatory reaction are presently not fully understood. In particular, the mechanisms for their specific recruitment to an inflammatory site are not yet known. We investigated a dexamethasone (Dex)-inducible monocyte subtype and its adhesion to either unstimulated or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or interferon (IFN)-gamma-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The Dex-induced monocytes were characterized by the expression of the surface glycoprotein RM3/1. It was found that pretreatment of monocytes with Dex increased their adhesion to unstimulated and stimulated HUVEC. This increase in adhesion was paralleled by the expression of the RM3/1 surface molecule. Treatment with cyclosporin A (CsA) caused a down-regulation of the RM3/1 density per cell by 67% and also decreased adhesion to HUVEC. In contrast, the expression of other adhesion molecules remained unaffected by Dex or CsA treatment. Treatment of Dex-induced monocytes with antibodies against RM3/1, CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD14 and CD18 resulted in suppression of adhesion to stimulated HUVEC by 46%, 18%, 17%, 12%, 25% and 15%, respectively. Antibodies to the known adhesion molecules on endothelial cells (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin) did not block adhesion of Dex-induced monocytes. However, the combination of antibodies to RM3/1 and CD14 inhibited adhesion to LPS-stimulated HUVEC by 74%. These effects were also seen on IFN-gamma-stimulated HUVEC, where adhesion of Dex-induced monocytes was blocked with antibodies to RM3/1 + CD14 by 63%. From this, it is concluded that the RM3/1-molecule is a novel surface molecule that contributes to the adhesion of cortisone-induced monocytes to LPS or cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells.

Characterization of a novel anti-inflammatory factor produced by RM3/1 macrophages derived from glucocorticoid treated human monocytes

Glucocorticoids exert their anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the functions of various cell types including macrophages. They also induce the generation of a distinct macrophage subtype defined by the surface antigen RM3/1 which appears to be associated with the down-regulation of inflammation. Supernatants from these cells were found to exert a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, particularly in the early phase as shown in the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) induced footpad edema of mice. By using conventional purification methods the anti-inflammatory factor was found to have a molecular mass of about 78 kD and an isoelectric point of about 7.9. Heat lability and sensitivity to trypsin and proteinase K indicate the protein nature of the anti-inflammatory factor. The inhibition of the early phase of inflammation and the molecular weight suggest that the anti-inflammatory agent released from RM3/1 macrophages is a novel protein different from other anti-inflammatory proteins described so far.

Microheterogeneity of human interleukin 6 synthesized by transfected NIH/3T3 cells: comparison with human monocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells

A cDNA containing the entire coding region of human interleukin 6 (IL 6) was stably expressed in murine NIH/3T3 fibroblasts using a bovine papilloma virus-based expression vector with a metallothionein promoter. Expression of IL 6 in transfected cells was highly inducible by heavy metals like cadmium as measured at mRNA and protein levels. Cadmium-stimulated transfected NIH/3T3 cells synthesized and exported biologically active IL 6 (1.7 x 10(4) U/10(6) cells/24 h). IL 6 from the culture medium of transfected NIH/3T3 cells exhibited at least eight bands on Western blots after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, indicating that human IL 6 expressed in NIH/3T3 cells shows a complex glycosylation pattern. Using glycosidases and the N-glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin it was possible to discriminate between five species carrying N-linked carbohydrate side chains and two species carrying only O-linked side chains. In addition, a substantial amount of unglycosylated IL 5 was observed. IL 6 from transfected NIH/3T3 cells differed markedly in its glycosylation pattern from those of stimulated human monocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells.

Involvement of reactive oxygen metabolites in the candidacidal activity of human neutrophils stimulated by muramyl dipeptide or tumor necrosis factor

In the presence of the adjuvant glycopeptide muramyl dipeptide (MDP), purified human PMN exhibited an enhanced capacity to kill Candida albicans cells at various cell ratios. A significant effect was obtained at 100 ng/ml MDP, and the maximum was reached at 1 micrograms/ml MDP. Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (rHuTNF), a monokine that enhances host resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, also stimulated the candidacidal potency of PMN with a maximal effect at 10(-2) ng/ml rHuTNF. When MDP- or rHuTNF-stimulated PMN were cultured with yeast cells, the intracellular production of oxygen metabolites was enhanced. Pretreatment with inhibitors of oxidative burst demonstrated that the yeast cell killing by MDP-stimulated PMN was not affected by SOD but was inhibited by sodium azide, indicating the involvement of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-halide system in fungicidal mechanisms induced by MDP. When PMN were stimulated with rHuTNF, the killing of yeast cells was neutralized by iodoacetamide, showing that the candidacidal potency of stimulated-PMN was due to oxygen derivatives. Inhibition by sodium azide and sodium benzoate indicated that these oxygen metabolites could be derived from the MPO-halide system but also from hydroxyl radical production. Moreover, SOD partially inhibited the fungicidal potency of rHuTNF-stimulated PMN, thus indicating a possible reutilization of the released O2- anion for intracellular killing. Cytochalasin B abrogated the PMN fungicidal potency in all cases.

Immunolocalization of an angiogenic factor (HAF) in normal, inflammatory and tumor tissues

The distribution of a novel human angiogenic factor (HAF) (Schulze Osthoff et al., 1987) has been investigated on various human cell lines, isolated blood cells as well as in normal, inflammatory and tumor tissues. Localization was performed by using the monoclonal antibody (MAb) 5F4 directed against HAF. It was found that 30% of freshly isolated human monocytes expressed the 5F4 antigen. The number of positive cells increased to 75-90% on day 4 to 7 upon culture and then decreased. Twenty percent of freshly isolated human lymphocytes also stained positively, whereas granulocytes and platelets were negative. In cryostat sections of normal human tissue (skin, lung, liver, spleen, placenta) 5F4 is positive with capillary endothelial cells and few macrophages. In inflammatory tissue derived from gingivitis and rheumatoid arthritis, more macrophages than in normal tissues and less endothelial cells were positive. In tumor tissues some endothelial cells and a subset of tumor-infiltrating macrophages expressed the antigen. Tumor cells were positive in advanced melanomas, but only occasionally in stomach carcinomas. We conclude that the angiogenic factor is produced mainly by a subset of inflammatory macrophages which appear to be the principal source of HAF in regenerating or growing tissues.

Comparative study of phagocytosis and intracellular bactericidal activity of human monocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. Application of fluorochrome and extracellular quenching technique

Simultaneous assessment of the total number of bacteria (TNB) ingested, phagocytosis (Ph), phagocytic index (PI), and intracellular bactericidal activity (ICBA) of human monocytes was done by applying the fluorochrome acridine orange technique. Living bacteria stained orthochromatically green, whereas the dead ones were metachromatically red. The stain of extracellular bacteria was completely quenched by crystal violet counterstain. Using the Hypaque-Ficoll separation method combined with glass adherence, the yield of monocytes was 84 +/- 11%, the purity 90 +/- 8%, and the viability 99 +/- 1%. After 60 min of incubation of monocytes with Staphylococcus aureus, phagocytosis was 94 +/- 4%, PI 10.0 +/- 0.5, ICBA 76 +/- 5%, and TNB ingested 946 +/- 67/100 cells. E. coli B4 was equally ingested by PMNs and monocytes and killed intracellularly more efficiently by the latter type of cells. Over the ratios of bacteria to cells of 5:1 to 20:1, phagocytic activity of monocytes was equal or superior to that of PMNs. Phagocytic and bactericidal activities were enhanced by AB serum, more by the fresh one than by inactivated. Phagocytic activity of monocytes was markedly influenced by temperature of incubation. Room temperature (24 degrees C) significantly suppressed phagocytosis. Contrary to the previous beliefs no significant quantitative differences were found between phagocytic and bactericidal functions of monocytes as compared to polymorphonuclear phagocytes. The acridine orange-crystal violet method is simple, reliable, reproducible, and can be used for assessment of functional capacity of human phagocytes.

Enhanced oxidative burst without interleukin 1 production by normal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes primed with muramyl dipeptides

Purified polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells were obtained from human blood leukocytes by centrifugation on colloidal silica gradients. PMNs could be primed for PMA-triggered oxidative burst by muramyl peptide molecules (MDP) and two of its adjuvant active nonpyrogenic derivatives. The priming effect of MDP could be demonstrated after a 1-h incubation period, whereas monocytes needed an 18-h incubation to produce an enhanced response in the NBT reduction test. Only the monocyte-enriched population was able to produce IL-1 activity after muramyl peptide stimulation. Under such conditions, PMNs neither produced nor secreted IL-1-like activity, and no IL-1 inhibitor was present in the supernatant fluids. In conclusion, muramyl peptides were able to prime PMNs for oxidative burst but not to stimulate IL-1-like factor production.

Comparative interaction of free and liposome-encapsulated nor-muramyl dipeptide or muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (3H-labelled) with human blood monocytes

The purpose of this study was to analyse on biochemical and functional levels the interaction of free and liposome-encapsulated nor-muramyl dipeptide (nor-MDP) or muramyl tripeptide phosphatidylethanolamine (MTP-PE) with human peripheral blood monocytes. The activation of tumoricidal properties in monocytes by free MTP-PE required approximately 40-fold less material than free nor-MDP. Encapsulation of either MTP-PE or nor-MDP within multilamellar liposomes (MLV) increased the efficiency of the immunomodulators for activation of monocytes. The initial interaction of free 3H-nor-MDP or 3H-MTP-PE with monocytes was influenced by lipophilic derivatization, but neither derivatives exhibited characteristics of specific binding to the monocyte surface. The encapsulation of 3H-nor-MDP or 3H-MTP-PE within MLV increased uptake of both compounds by monocytes. The metabolic fate of MLV-entrapped 3H-nor-MDP was unaltered, but liposome encapsulation retarded the metabolism of 3H-MTP-PE. Collectively, the data suggest that the activation of monocytes by muramyl peptides results from an intracellular interaction which can be modulated by both lipophilic derivatization and/or liposome-encapsulation of this immunomodulator.

Human peripheral blood accessory cell: isolation by hypotonic density gradient, functional, and phenotypical characterization

In order to purify the human peripheral blood-derived accessory cell that cooperate with T lymphocytes in the process of mitogenic stimulation, we developed a new density gradient separation. This was based on the principle of hypotonic swelling of the cells to obtain a differential change of the buoyant densities of cells. By this method, we have obtained a highly accessory cell-depleted lymphocyte fraction whose proliferative response to sodium periodate stimulation was almost aborted. Another fraction containing high accessory cell activity was further divided into Fc-receptor-positive and -negative cells. The latter revealed the highest accessory activity for T lymphocyte periodate stimulation. The cells were characterized according to a number of markers and appeared to resemble lymphoid dendritic cells. Compared with the monocyte/macrophage fraction, they showed veils and dendritiform elongations and expressed reduced values of monocyte/macrophage specific markers. Compared with the high accessory activity of these cells, monocytes/macrophages expressed a low accessory activity.

Spontaneous aggregation as a mechanism for human monocyte purification

A previously unreported property of human mononuclear phagocytes is the ability of these cells to spontaneously aggregate. Fresh mononuclear cells obtained after plateletpheresis were noted to spontaneously form large cellular aggregates. Dual parameter immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the aggregating cells were positive for the monocyte marker CD11 (complement receptor, type 3) but were negative for the lymphocyte marker CD3 (T3 antigen). In addition, less than 5% of the nonaggregating cells were CD11+, suggesting that almost all CD11+ cells aggregated. Cellular aggregates were independent of cell concentration and formed more efficiently at 4 degrees C than at either 22 or 37 degrees C. Based on these observations, a purification procedure utilizing Ficoll-Hypaque separation, spontaneous aggregation at 4 degrees C, and transient plastic adherence resulted in a sevenfold enrichment of the CD11+ peripheral blood monocytes. Purified monocytes were contaminated with less than 2% CD3 cells. The size, growth, and adherence characteristics as well as cytologic stains indicated that the monocytes were not significantly altered by the purification procedure. Thus, spontaneous aggregation is an efficient and convenient method for the isolation of large numbers of purified monocytes.

Monoclonal antibodies identify phenotypically and functionally distinct cell types in the bovine lymphoid system

Monoclonal antibodies were produced against bovine lymphoid cells. The reactivities of the antibodies for membrane determinants were examined on both cell suspensions and cryostat tissue sections prepared from bovine blood, thymus, spleen and lymph nodes. The antibodies were putatively grouped into sets which reacted with monomorphic and polymorphic determinants associated with bovine class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens (MAbs P12 and P3, and R1 and P2 respectively), or associated with differentiation antigens expressed on T cells and monocytes (MAb P5) or exclusively on monocytes (MAb P8). The antibodies were used to identify the surface phenotypes of cells which stimulate (R1+ P5+ P8+) and proliferate (R1- P5+ P8-) in the bovine mixed leukocyte cultures, and cells which proliferate in response to the mitogen, concanavalin A (R1- P5+).

Generation and characterization of a monoclonal antibody (1C5) to human migration inhibitory factor (MIF)

A monoclonal antibody was raised in mice against human MIF of the Mr 14,000 kd, produced by Concanavalin A-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A hybridoma (1C5) secreting an IgG 1 antibody was selected which binds, yet does not neutralize MIF in the macrophage migration assay. MIF activity may be released from immobilized antibodies by acidic buffer elution. The eluate consists of three major bands at Mr 8,000, 14,000 and 28,000 as revealed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular sieve chromatography (HPLC). By radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunoassay, it could be shown that the antibody binds material with isoelectric points of 4.5 to 5.0 and of 3.0, which coincides precisely with the biological activities. Similar congruencies between the distribution of biologically reactive and binding material were found in molecular sieve and ion exchange chromatography. It is concluded that the antibody 1C5 reacts with most molecular weight entities of MIF which seem to be structurally related and which display similar characteristics as described for guinea pig and mouse MIF.

Improved methods for purification and depletion of monocytes from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Functional evaluation of monocytes in responses to lectins

We have compared different techniques for the enrichment and depletion of monocytes from bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Adherence to plasma-coated gelatin was the most efficient and reproducible method for enrichment of monocytes (80% monocytes), whereas depletion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of monocytes (0.3% monocytes and less) was best achieved by defibrination of the blood from which the PBM were separated. In both instances, purity of the cell population could be improved further by an additional step, namely, FACS sorting with a monocyte-specific monoclonal antibody to purify monocytes (97% monocytes and more), and adherence to polystyrene to remove residual monocytes from defibrinated PBM (0.1% monocytes and less). Depletion of monocytes abolished the response of PBM to concanavalin A and phytohaemagglutinin. The lectin-induced response could be restored by adding gelatin/plasma purified monocytes. This activity of monocytes could be replaced by 2-mercaptoethanol.

Migration inhibitory factors and macrophage differentiation

It has been described before that only certain types of macrophages are capable to respond to lymphokines and that only certain macrophage phenotypes were able to migrate and to respond to migration inhibitory factors (MIF). With respect to the dissociation of MIF activities from a series of other biological activities, and with regard to the phenotype-associated response of macrophages to MIF it was asked: What are the characteristics of the MIF-responsive macrophage phenotype and what are the functional changes induced by MIF on macrophages in addition to inhibition of random migration? Bone marrow-derived macrophages on day 6 of culture were separated by hypotonic Percoll density gradient centrifugation into three distinct bands and analyzed for a variety of functions. It was found that migrating and MIF-responsive macrophages accumulate at a certain density. These macrophages were further characterized by monoclonal antibodies generated against murine macrophage phenotypes. One marker was found to be preferentially expressed by MIF-responsive macrophages. In order to study the inducibility of MIF responsiveness, bone marrow-derived macrophages on day 16 of culture which were poorly migrating and did not respond to MIF were induced to proliferate by the addition of L cell-conditioned medium. After proliferation had subsided, MIF sensitivity was restored. The effects of MIFs other than migration inhibition, on a number of functions which had been mapped within the cell cycle, were investigated. It was found that MIF acts anti-proliferative on "young", cycling macrophages. Non-cycling, mature macrophages were shifted to a state characterized by a decreased expression of transglutaminase and plasminogen activator and an increase of certain phenotypic surface markers. It is concluded that MIFs are differentiation-inducing signals, acting on the generation of macrophages from precursors but also in the recruitment of terminally differentiated macrophages to "inflammatory" type of macrophages which are functional in the induction of immune responses.