SHP-1 inhibits LPS-mediated TNF and iNOS production in murine macrophages

Loss of neutrophil Shp1 produces hemorrhagic and lethal acute lung injury

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and neutrophils are critical to its pathogenesis. Neutrophil activation is closely regulated by inhibitory tyrosine phosphatases including Src homology region 2 domain containing phosphatase-1 (Shp1). Here, we report that loss of neutrophil Shp1 in mice produced hyperinflammation and lethal pulmonary hemorrhage in sterile inflammation and pathogen-induced models of acute lung injury (ALI) through a Syk kinase-dependent mechanism. We observed large intravascular neutrophil clusters, perivascular inflammation, and excessive neutrophil extracellular traps in neutrophil-specific Shp1 knockout mice suggesting an underlying mechanism for the observed pulmonary hemorrhage. Targeted immunomodulation through the administration of a Shp1 activator (SC43) reduced agonist-induced reactive oxygen species in vitro and ameliorated ALI-induced alveolar neutrophilia and NETs in vivo. We propose that the pharmacologic activation of Shp1 has the potential to fine-tune neutrophil hyperinflammation that is central to the pathogenesis of ARDS.

The impact of DAMP-mediated inflammation in severe COVID-19 and related disorders

The host response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is highly heterogeneous, ranging from mild/asymptomatic to severe. The moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 often require hospitalization, are associated with a high rate of mortality, and appear to be caused by an inappropriately exaggerated inflammatory response to the virus. Emerging data confirm the involvement of both innate and adaptive immune pathways both in protection from SARS-CoV-2, and in driving the pathology of severe COVID-19. In particular, innate immune cells including neutrophils appear to be key players in the inflammation that causes the vicious cycle of damage and inflammation that underlies the symptomatology of severe COVID-19. Several recent studies support a link between damage and inflammation, with damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) playing a key role in the pathology of severe COVID-19. In this review, we put into perspective the role of DAMPs and of components of the DAMP-signaling cascade, including Siglecs and their cognate ligands CD24 and CD52, in COVID-19. Further, we review clinical data on proposed therapeutics targeting DAMP pathways to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection and the regulation of these signaling cascades in COVID-19. We also discuss the potential impact of DAMP-mediated inflammation in other indications related to COVID-19, such as ARDS, endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulation, and sepsis.

SHP-1 suppresses endotoxin-induced uveitis by inhibiting the TAK1/JNK pathway

We investigated how Src-homology 2-domain phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) regulates the inflammatory response in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU), and the signalling pathways involved. One week after intravitreal injection of short hairpin RNA targeting SHP-1 or SHP-1 overexpression lentivirus in rats, we induced ocular inflammation with an intravitreal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We then assessed the extent of inflammation and performed full-field electroretinography. The concentrations and retinal expression of various inflammatory mediators were examined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Western blotting, respectively. SHP-1 overexpression and knockdown were induced in Müller cells to study the role of SHP-1 in the LPS-induced inflammatory response in vitro. Retinal SHP-1 expression was up-regulated by LPS. SHP-1 knockdown exacerbated LPS-induced retinal dysfunction and increased the levels of proinflammatory mediators in the retina, which was abrogated by a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (SP600125). SHP-1 overexpression had the opposite effects. In Müller cells, the LPS-induced inflammatory response was enhanced by SHP-1 knockdown and suppressed by SHP-1 overexpression. SHP-1 negatively regulated the activation of the transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase-1 (TAK1)/JNK pathway, but not the nuclear factor-κB pathway. These results indicate that SHP-1 represses EIU, at least in part, by inhibiting the TAK1/JNK pathway and suggest that SHP-1 is a potential therapeutic target for uveitis.

Toll-Like Receptors, Associated Biochemical Signaling Networks, and S100 Ligands

ABSTRACT

Host cells recognize molecules that signal danger using pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most studied class of PRRs and detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns and danger-associated molecular patterns. Cellular TLR activation and signal transduction can therefore contain, combat, and clear danger by enabling appropriate gene transcription. Here, we review the expression, regulation, and function of different TLRs, with an emphasis on TLR-4, and how TLR adaptor protein binding directs intracellular signaling resulting in activation or termination of an innate immune response. Finally, we highlight the recent progress of research on the involvement of S100 proteins as ligands for TLR-4 in inflammatory disease.

JAK-STAT Targeting Offers Novel Therapeutic Opportunities in Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by exaggerated host responses to infections taking place in two phases: (i) a systemic (hyper)inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), participating in multiple organ failure (MOF), a major complication of septic shock, followed by (ii) a compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS), leading to sepsis-induced immunosuppression and resulting in late infections and long-term mortality. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT)-dependent signaling pathway is involved in both manifestations, hence playing a key role during sepsis. It is also involved in emergency myelopoiesis, which participates in host defense. The aim of this review is to highlight and refine the recent implications of this signaling pathway in sepsis and illustrate why its central position makes it a potential biomarker and therapeutic target.

Phosphatase SHP1 impedes mesenchymal stromal cell immunosuppressive capacity modulated by JAK1/STAT3 and P38 signals

Background

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multiple stromal cells existing in various tissues and have already been employed in animal models and clinical trials to treat immune disorders through potent immunosuppressive capacity. Our previous reports have suggested that MSC immunosuppression is not intrinsic but is acquired upon combined inflammatory cytokine treatment. However, the understanding of detailed molecular mechanisms involved in MSC immunomodulation remains incomplete.

Results

In the study, we report that MSCs derived from viable motheaten (me^v) mice, with deficiency in SH2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP1), exhibited remarkable increased suppressive effect on activated splenocyte proliferation. Consistently, when MSCs were treated with combined inflammatory cytokines, SHP1-deficient MSCs produced dramatically more iNOS expression compared with wild-type MSCs. SHP1 was found to suppress the phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT3 and P38 signals. The classical animal model of concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver injury was applied to examine the role of SHP1 in modulation MSC-therapeutic effect in vivo. Consistent with the results in vitro, SHP1-deficient MSCs exhibited dramatically more effective protection against ConA-induced hepatitis, compared to WT MSCs.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study reveals a possible role for SHP1 in modulation of MSC immunosuppression regulated by JAK1/STAT3 and P38 signals.

CARD9 mediates dendritic cell-induced development of Lyn deficiency-associated autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

CARD9 is an immune adaptor protein in myeloid cells that is involved in C-type lectin signaling and antifungal immunity. CARD9 is implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory-related diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, IgA nephropathy, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Given that Lyn-deficient (Lyn^-/-) mice are susceptible to both autoimmunity and IBD, we investigated the immunological role of CARD9 in the development of these diseases using the Lyn^-/- mouse model. We found that genetic deletion of CARD9 was sufficient to reduce the development of both spontaneous autoimmune disease as well as DSS- or IL-10 deficiency-associated colitis in Lyn^-/- mice. Mechanistically, CARD9 was a vital component of the Lyn-mediated regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR2 and TLR4) signaling in dendritic cells, but not in macrophages. In the absence of Lyn, signaling through a CD11b-Syk-PKCδ-CARD9 pathway was amplified, leading to increased TLR-induced production of inflammatory cytokines. Dendritic cell-specific deletion of CARD9 reversed the development of autoimmune and experimental colitis observed in dendritic cell-specific, Lyn-deficient mice. These findings suggest that targeting CARD9 may suppress the development of colitis and autoimmunity by reducing dendritic cell-driven inflammation.

Regulation of peripheral and central immunity: Understanding the role of Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 & SHP-2

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a potent post-translational regulatory mechanism necessary for maintaining normal physiological functioning of immune cells and it is under the stringent control of antagonizing actions of Protein tyrosine phosphatases and kinases. Two such important Non-Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2, have been found to be expressed in immune cells and reported to be key regulators of immune cell development, functions, and differentiation by modulating the duration and amplitude of the downstream cascade transduced via receptors. They also have been conceded as the immune checkpoints & therapeutic targets and hence, it is important to understand their significance intricately. This review compares the roles of these two important cytoplasmic PTPs, SHP1 & SHP-2 in the regulation of peripheral as well as central immunity.

Shp1 function in myeloid cells

The motheaten mouse was first described in 1975 as a model of systemic inflammation and autoimmunity, as a result of immune system dysregulation. The phenotype was later ascribed to mutations in the cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase Shp1. This phosphatase is expressed widely throughout the hematopoietic system and has been shown to impact a multitude of cell signaling pathways. The determination of which cell types contribute to the different aspects of the phenotype caused by global Shp1 loss or mutation and which pathways within these cell types are regulated by Shp1 is important to further our understanding of immune system regulation. In this review, we focus on the role of Shp1 in myeloid cells and how its dysregulation affects immune function, which can impact human disease.

Regulatory dendritic cells in autoimmunity: A comprehensive review

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells (APC) with significant phenotypic heterogeneity and functional plasticity. DCs play crucial roles in initiating effective adaptive immune responses for elimination of invading pathogens and also in inducing immune tolerance toward harmless components to maintain immune homeostasis. The regulatory capacity of DCs depends on their immature state and distinct subsets, yet not restricted to the immature state and one specialized subset. The tolerogenicity of DC is controlled by a complex network of environmental signals and cellular intrinsic mechanisms. Regulatory DCs play an important role in the maintenance of immunological tolerance via the induction of T cell unresponsiveness or apoptosis, and generation of regulatory T cells. DCs play essential roles in driving autoimmunity via promoting the activation of effector T cells such as T helper 1 and T helper 17 cells, and/or suppressing the generation of regulatory T cells. Besides, a breakdown of DCs-mediated tolerance due to abnormal environmental signals or breakdown of intrinsic regulatory mechanisms is closely linked with the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Novel immunotherapy taking advantage of the tolerogenic potential of regulatory DCs is being developed for treatment of autoimmune diseases. In this review, we will describe the current understanding on the generation of regulatory DC and the role of regulatory DCs in promoting tolerogenic immune responses and suppressing autoimmune responses. The emerging roles of DCs dysfunction in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the potential application of regulatory DCs in the treatment of autoimmune diseases will also be discussed.

Effect of NADPH oxidase inhibitor-apocynin on the expression of Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) exposed renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

This study was designed to evaluate whether NADPH oxidase inhibitor (apocynin) preconditioning induces expression of Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) to protect against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (RI/RI) in rats. Rats were pretreated with 50 mg/kg apocynin, then subjected to 45 min ischemia and 24 h reperfusion. The results indicated that apocynin preconditioning improved the recovery of renal function and nitroso-redox balance, reduced oxidative stress injury and inflammation damage, and upregulated expression of SHP-1 as compared to RI/RI group. Therefore our study demonstrated that apocynin preconditioning provided a protection to the kidney against I/R injury in rats partially through inducing expression of SHP-1.

A phosphoproteomic study reveals shp-1 cleavage reprograms LPS signaling via a PI-3K/NF-κB and mTORC1 related mechanism

The reprogrammed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pathway has been reported to render patients more susceptible to the development of post-traumatic multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). To facilitate thorough understanding of this mechanism, a phosphoproteomic study was utilized to screen the potential signaling molecules. Interestingly, a truncated form of Src homology 2-domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (shp-1) emerged in human THP-1 macrophages sequentially treated with H2O2 and LPS and not with either of the treatments alone. Subsequent immunoblot analysis confirmed the cleavage of shp-1 and reduction of shp-1 activity in rat alveolar macrophages, mast cells, and neutrophils. Mechanistically, calpain is essential but not sufficient for shp-1 cleavage. In addition, shp-1 cleavage renders the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in macrophages, resulting in enhanced cytokine induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) secretion, which is critical for neutrophil recruitment in MODS. On the other hand, shp-1 cleavage results in the activation of PI-3K/Akt, enhancing the survival of neutrophils. Collectively, these results highlight the cleavage of shp-1 as a critical event in reprogramming LPS pathway to promote both neutrophil recruitment and survival and provide a novel mechanistic framework for the investigation of the post-traumatic MODS.

The genetics of Leishmania virulence

The ability of Leishmania parasites to infect and persist in the antigen-presenting cell population of their mammalian hosts is dependent on their ability to gain entry to their host and host cells, to survive the mammalian cell environment, and to suppress or evade the protective immune response mechanisms of their hosts. A multitude of genes and their products have been implicated in each of these virulence-enhancing strategies to date, and we present an overview of the nature and known function of such virulence genes.

Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin Blocks Induction of Bactericidal Nitric Oxide in Macrophages through cAMP-Dependent Activation of the SHP-1 Phosphatase

The adenylate cyclase toxin-hemolysin (CyaA) plays a key role in the virulence of Bordetella pertussis. CyaA penetrates complement receptor 3-expressing phagocytes and catalyzes uncontrolled conversion of cytosolic ATP to the key second messenger molecule cAMP. This paralyzes the capacity of neutrophils and macrophages to kill bacteria by complement-dependent oxidative burst and opsonophagocytic mechanisms. We show that cAMP signaling through the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway activates Src homology domain 2 containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP) 1 and suppresses production of bactericidal NO in macrophage cells. Selective activation of PKA by the cell-permeable analog N(6)-benzoyladenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate interfered with LPS-induced inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 macrophages, whereas inhibition of PKA by H-89 largely restored the production of iNOS in CyaA-treated murine macrophages. CyaA/cAMP signaling induced SHP phosphatase-dependent dephosphorylation of the c-Fos subunit of the transcription factor AP-1 and thereby inhibited TLR4-triggered induction of iNOS gene expression. Selective small interfering RNA knockdown of SHP-1, but not of the SHP-2 phosphatase, rescued production of TLR-inducible NO in toxin-treated cells. Finally, inhibition of SHP phosphatase activity by NSC87877 abrogated B. pertussis survival inside murine macrophages. These results reveal that an as yet unknown cAMP-activated signaling pathway controls SHP-1 phosphatase activity and may regulate numerous receptor signaling pathways in leukocytes. Hijacking of SHP-1 by CyaA action then enables B. pertussis to evade NO-mediated killing in sentinel cells of innate immunity.

Directed evolution of an LBP/CD14 inhibitory peptide and its anti-endotoxin activity

Background

LPS-binding protein (LBP) and its ligand CD14 are located upstream of the signaling pathway for LPS-induced inflammation. Blocking LBP and CD14 binding might prevent LPS-induced inflammation. In previous studies, we obtained a peptide analog (MP12) for the LBP/CD14 binding site and showed that this peptide analog had anti-endotoxin activity. In this study, we used in vitro directed evolution for this peptide analog to improve its in vivo and in vitro anti-endotoxin activity.

Methods

We used error-prone PCR (ep-PCR) and induced mutations in the C-terminus of LBP and attached the PCR products to T7 phages to establish a mutant phage display library. The positive clones that competed with LBP for CD14 binding was obtained by screening. We used both in vivo and in vitro experiments to compare the anti-endotoxin activities of a polypeptide designated P1 contained in a positive clone and MP12.

Results

11 positive clones were obtained from among target phages. Sequencing showed that 9 positive clones had a threonine (T) to methionine (M) mutation in amino acid 287 of LBP. Compared to polypeptide MP12, polypeptide P1 significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α expression and NF-κB activity in U937 cells (P<0.05). Compared to MP12, P1 significantly improved arterial oxygen pressure, an oxygenation index, and lung pathology scores in LPS-induced ARDS rats (P<0.05).

Conclusion

By in vitro directed evolution of peptide analogs for the LBP/CD14 binding site, we established a new polypeptide (P1) with a threonine (T)-to-methionine (M) mutation in amino acid 287 of LBP. This polypeptide had high anti-endotoxin activity in vitro and in vivo, which suggested that amino acid 287 in the C-terminus of LBP may play an important role in LBP binding with CD14.

Reactive nitrogen species and hydrogen sulfide as regulators of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity

SIGNIFICANCE

Redox modifications of thiols serve as a molecular code enabling precise and complex regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and other proteins. Particular gasotransmitters and even the redox modifications themselves affect each other, of which a typical example is S-nitrosylation-mediated protection against the further oxidation of protein thiols.

RECENT ADVANCES

For a long time, PTPs were considered constitutively active housekeeping enzymes. This view has changed substantially over the last two decades, and the PTP family is now recognized as a group of tightly and flexibly regulated fundamental enzymes. In addition to the conventional ways in which they are regulated, including noncovalent interactions, phosphorylation, and oxidation, the evidence that has accumulated during the past two decades suggests that many of these enzymes are also modulated by gasotransmitters, namely by nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S).

CRITICAL ISSUES

The specificity and selectivity of the methods used to detect nitrosylation and sulfhydration remains to be corroborated, because several researchers raised the issue of false-positive results, particularly when using the most widespread biotin switch method. Further development of robust and straightforward proteomic methods is needed to further improve our knowledge of the full extent of the gasotransmitters-mediated changes in PTP activity, selectivity, and specificity. FURTHER DIRECTIONS: Results of the hitherto performed studies on gasotransmitter-mediated PTP signaling await translation into clinical medicine and pharmacotherapeutics. In addition to directly affecting the activity of particular PTPs, the use of reversible S-nitrosylation as a protective mechanism against oxidative stress should be of high interest.

DJ-1 facilitates the interaction between STAT1 and its phosphatase, SHP-1, in brain microglia and astrocytes: A novel anti-inflammatory function of DJ-1

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Importantly, altered astrocyte and microglial functions could contribute to neuronal death in PD. In this study, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which DJ-1 (PARK7), an early onset autosomal-recessive PD gene, negatively regulates inflammatory responses of astrocytes and microglia by facilitating the interaction between STAT1 and its phosphatase, SHP-1 (Src-homology 2-domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1). Astrocytes and microglia cultured from DJ-1-knockout (KO) mice exhibited increased expression of inflammatory mediators and phosphorylation levels of STAT1 (p-STAT1) in response to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) compared to cells from wild-type (WT) mice. DJ-1 deficiency also attenuated IFN-γ-induced interactions of SHP-1 with p-STAT1 and STAT1, measured 1 and 12h after IFN-γ treatment, respectively. Subsequent experiments showed that DJ-1 directly interacts with SHP-1, p-STAT1, and STAT1. Notably, DJ-1 bound to SHP-1 independently of IFN-γ, whereas the interactions of DJ-1 with p-STAT1 and STAT1 were dependent on IFN-γ. Similar results were obtained in brain slice cultures, where IFN-γ induced much stronger STAT1 phosphorylation and inflammatory responses in KO slices than in WT slices. Moreover, IFN-γ treatment induced neuronal damage in KO slices. Collectively, these findings suggest that DJ-1 may function as a scaffold protein that facilitates SHP-1 interactions with p-STAT1 and STAT1, thereby preventing extensive and prolonged STAT1 activation. Thus, the loss of DJ-1 function may increase the risk of PD by enhancing brain inflammation.

SHP-1-Pyk2-Src protein complex and p38 MAPK pathways independently regulate IL-10 production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages

The role of tyrosine phosphatase Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase (SHP)-1 in LPS-activated cytokine production and inflammation was investigated by determining TNF-α and IL-10 production in splenic macrophages employing SHP-1-null (me/me) mouse model. LPS-stimulated me/me splenic macrophages secreted significantly less IL-10 with concomitantly elevated levels of TNF-α compared with wild-type (WT) macrophages irrespective of LPS dose and duration of stimulation. IL-10 significantly inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α production in both me/me and WT macrophages. The critical requirement for SHP-1 in regulating LPS-induced IL-10 and TNF-α production was confirmed by interfering with SHP-1 expression in WT macrophages and by reconstituting me/me macrophages with the SHP-1 gene. To delineate the role of SHP-1 in positive regulation of LPS-induced IL-10 production, signaling proteins representing SHP-1 targets were examined. The results reveal that tyrosine kinases Src and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) regulate SHP-1-dependent LPS-induced IL-10 production and infer that optimal LPS-induced IL-10 production requires an assembly of a protein complex consisting of SHP-1-Pyk2-Src proteins. Moreover, LPS-induced IL-10 production also requires activation of the p38 MAPK independent of SHP-1 function. Overall, to our knowledge our results show for the first time that SHP-1 acts as a positive regulator of LPS-induced IL-10 production in splenic macrophages through two distinct and independent SHP-1-Pyk2-Src and p38 MAPK pathways.

Distinct roles for neutrophils and dendritic cells in inflammation and autoimmunity in motheaten mice

The motheaten mouse has long served as a paradigm for complex autoimmune and inflammatory disease. Null mutations in Ptpn6, which encodes the nonreceptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase Shp1, cause the motheaten phenotype. However, Shp1 regulates multiple signaling pathways in different hematopoietic cell types, so the cellular and molecular mechanism of autoimmunity and inflammation in the motheaten mouse has remained unclear. By using floxed Ptpn6 mice, we dissected the contribution of innate immune cells to the motheaten phenotype. Ptpn6 deletion in neutrophils resulted in cutaneous inflammation, but not autoimmunity, providing an animal model of human neutrophilic dermatoses. By contrast, dendritic cell deletion caused severe autoimmunity, without inflammation. Genetic and biochemical analysis showed that inflammation was caused by enhanced neutrophil integrin signaling through Src-family and Syk kinases, whereas autoimmunity resulted from exaggerated MyD88-dependent signaling in dendritic cells. Our data demonstrate that disruption of distinct Shp1-regulated pathways in different cell types combine to cause motheaten disease.

Synthetic peptides containing ITIM-like domains block expression of inflammatory mediators and migration/invasion of cancer cells through activation of SHP-1 and PI3K

Increasing evidence supports that inflammation is closely associated with the development of cancer. In an effort to develop synthetic peptides that can suppress the inflammatory activation of cancer cells, decapeptides representing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-like sequences of immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (IREM-1) were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects in cancer cell lines. One (named TAT-YADL) out of the five synthetic peptides tested exhibited inhibitory effects on the expression of inflammatory mediators as well as invasion and migration. The inhibitory activities of the synthetic peptides required activation of SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K).

The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 regulates phagolysosome biogenesis

The process of phagocytosis and phagosome maturation involves the recruitment of effector proteins that participate in phagosome formation and in the acidification and/or fusion with various endocytic vesicles. In the current study, we investigated the role of the Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) in phagolysosome biogenesis. To this end, we used immortalized bone marrow macrophages derived from SHP-1-deficient motheaten mice and their wild-type littermates. We found that SHP-1 is recruited early and remains present on phagosomes for up to 4 h postphagocytosis. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blot analyses on purified phagosome extracts, we observed an impaired recruitment of lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 in SHP-1-deficient macrophages. Moreover, Western blot analyses revealed that whereas the 51-kDa procathepsin D is recruited to phagosomes, it is not processed into the 46-kDa cathepsin D in the absence of SHP-1, suggesting a defect in acidification. Using the lysosomotropic agent LysoTracker as an indicator of phagosomal pH, we obtained evidence that in the absence of SHP-1, phagosome acidification was impaired. Taken together, these results are consistent with a role for SHP-1 in the regulation of signaling or membrane fusion events involved in phagolysosome biogenesis.

Synthetic peptides containing ITIM-like sequences of IREM-1 (CD300F) differentially regulate MyD88 and TRIF-mediated TLR signalling through activation of SHP and/or PI3K

The immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (IREM-1/CD300F) has been shown to inhibit various inflammatory processes in myeloid cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. IREM-1 exerts its inhibitory effect through its intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs). In order to generate immunomodulatory molecules that can regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages, decapeptides representing each of the five ITIM-like sequences in the cytoplasmic tail of IREM-1 were synthesized in conjugation with human immunodeficiency virus-transactivator of transcription (HIV-TAT(48-57)), which was added to promote internalization of the peptides. Interestingly, all these TAT-ITIM fusion peptides inhibited Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated production of proinflammatory molecules, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin (IL)-8. When various TLR ligands were used to stimulate the human macrophage-like cell line human acute monocytic leukaemia cell line (THP)-1, the TAT-ITIM peptides blocked both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and Toll-interleukin 1 receptor (TIR)-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-mediated TLR signalling pathways. Utilization of specific inhibitors and detection of the active form of signalling adaptors by Western blot analysis further demonstrated that the inhibitory effects of these TAT-ITIM peptides require activation of Src homology 2 (SH2)-containing tyrosine phosphatase (SHP) and/or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). These data indicate that these synthetic peptides may be used to regulate immune responses that involve TLR-mediated inflammatory activation of macrophages.

CD300F blocks both MyD88 and TRIF-mediated TLR signaling through activation of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1

CD300F is known to exhibit inhibitory activity in myeloid cells through its intracellular ITIM. To investigate the effect of CD300F stimulation on TLR signaling, the human acute monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 was treated with CD300F-specific mAbs or two synthetic peptides that represented the ITIM-like domains of CD300F. Treatment with these agents blocked TLR2-, 3-, 4-, and 9-mediated expression of proinflammatory mediators such as IL-8 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. The luciferase reporter assay in 293T cells and Western blot analysis of THP-1 cells revealed that these inhibitory actions were effective in pathways involving MyD88 and/or TRIF of TLR signaling and associated with marked suppression of IκB kinase activation, phosphorylation/degradation of IκB, and subsequent activation of NF-κB. Use of specific inhibitors and immunoprecipitation analysis further indicated that the inhibitory effects were mediated by Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1, a protein tyrosine phosphatase with inhibitory activity in hematopoietic cells. These data indicate that CD300F is an active regulator of TLR-mediated macrophage activation through its association with Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 and that the synthetic peptides can be applied for the regulation of immune responses that are induced by TLRs.

Immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (IREM-1) inhibits B cell activation factor (BAFF)-mediated inflammatory regulation of THP-1 cells through modulation of the activities of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)

The immune receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (IREM-1) has been known to regulate the activities of myeloid cells through its immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) in its intracellular region. In order to investigate its effect on macrophage activation, a human macrophage cell line (THP-1) was tested after stimulation of its membrane-bound form of B cell activation factor (BAFF), which has been shown to modulate inflammatory activities through induction of proinflammatory mediator expression and suppression of phagocytosis. IREM-1-specific monoclonal antibodies detected the expression of high levels of IREM-1 in THP-1 cells. Cross-linking of IREM-1 with these antibodies resulted in the blockage of the BAFF-mediated expression of interleukin (IL)-8 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 through inhibition of the activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphorylation/degradation of IκB. Furthermore, cross-linking of IREM-1 also reversed the BAFF-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis. In order to demonstrate the role of ITIM in the IREM-1-mediated suppression of BAFF signalling, a decapeptide containing YADL (an ITIM in IREM-1) was fused with HIV-TAT(48-57) which was required for the internalization of the synthetic polypeptide (TAT-YADL). TAT-YADL, but not control peptides, recapitulated the effect of the anti-IREM-1 monoclonal antibody. These observations indicate that IREM-1 exerted its inhibitory effect on BAFF-medicated signalling through ITIM-mediated regulation of ERK activities in THP-1 cells.

The tyrosine phosphatase, SHP-1, is involved in bronchial mucin production during oxidative stress

Mucus hypersecretion is a clinically important manifestation of chronic inflammatory airway diseases, such as asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mucin production in airway epithelia is increased under conditions of oxidative stress. Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-1 suppression is related to the development of airway inflammation and increased ROS levels. In this study, we investigated the role of SHP-1 in mucin secretion triggered by oxidative stress. Human lung mucoepidermoid H292 carcinoma cells were transfected with specific siRNA to eliminate SHP-1 gene expression. Cultured cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and Mucin 5AC(MUC5AC) gene expression and mucin production were determined. Activation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in association with MUC5AC production was evaluated. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was employed to determine whether antioxidants could block MUC5AC production. To establish the precise role of p38, mucin expression was observed after pre-treatment of SHP-1-depleted H292 cells with the p38 chemical blocker. We investigated the in vivo effects of oxidative stress on airway mucus production in SHP-1-deficient heterozygous (mev/+) mice. MUC5AC expression was enhanced in SHP-1 knockdown H292 cells exposed to H(2)O(2), compared to that in control cells. The ratio between phosphorylated and total p38 was significantly increased in SHP-1-deficient cells under oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with NAC suppressed both MUC5AC production and p38 activation. Blockage of p38 MAPK led to suppression of MUC5AC mRNA expression. Notably, mucin production was enhanced in the airway epithelia of mev/+ mice exposed to oxidative stress. Our results clearly indicate that SHP-1 plays an important role in airway mucin production through regulating oxidative stress.

Leucocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 is an inhibitory regulator of contact hypersensitivity

Leucocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is a membrane receptor of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily that is expressed on most types of haematopoietic cells, and delivers inhibitory signals through interacting with collagens. In order to elucidate the immunological functions of LAIR-1 in vivo, we established transgenic mice expressing a chimeric protein composed of the extracellular domain of LAIR-1 fused with an Ig tag (LAIR-1-Ig), which acts as a decoy by competing with endogenous LAIR-1. The transgenic mice showed an increased susceptibility for development of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), an experimental model of allergic contact dermatitis, in association with enhanced hapten-specific T-cell responses. When T cells from the hapten-sensitized donor mice were transferred into non-sensitized recipients, treatment of either donor mice or recipient mice with LAIR-1-Ig protein accelerated CHS, suggesting a potentially negative role of LAIR-1 in both the sensitization and the elicitation of hapten-reactive T cells. In vitro assays revealed that LAIR-1 decreased the production of interleukin-6 and interleukin-12 in dendritic cells, and inhibited the proliferation and cytokine production of naïve and memory T cells along with G(0)/G(1) cell cycle arrest. Collectively, our findings suggest that LAIR-1 plays a crucial inhibitory role in CHS by regulating antigen-presenting cell and T-cell functions.

Tetraspanin CD9 negatively regulates lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophage activation and lung inflammation

Tetraspanins facilitate the formation of multiple molecular complexes at specialized membrane microdomains and regulate cell activation and motility. In the present study, the role of tetraspanin CD9 in LPS-induced macrophage activation and lung inflammation was investigated in vitro and in vivo. When CD9 function was ablated with mAb treatment, small interfering RNA transfection, or gene knockout in RAW264.7 cells or bone marrow-derived macrophages, these macrophages produced larger amounts of TNF-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and -9 upon stimulation with LPS in vitro, when compared with control cells. Sucrose gradient analysis revealed that CD9 partly colocalized with the LPS-induced signaling mediator, CD14, at low-density light membrane fractions. In CD9 knockout macrophages, CD14 expression, CD14 and TLR4 localization into the lipid raft, and their complex formation were increased whereas IkappaBalpha expression was decreased when compared with wild-type cells, suggesting that CD9 prevents the formation of LPS receptor complex. Finally, deletion of CD9 in mice enhanced macrophage infiltration and TNF-alpha production in the lung after intranasal administration of LPS in vivo, when compared with wild-type mice. These results suggest that macrophage CD9 negatively regulates LPS response at lipid-enriched membrane microdomains.

The diverse functions of Src family kinases in macrophages

Macrophages are key components of the innate immune response. These cells possess a diverse repertoire of receptors that allow them to respond to a host of external stimuli including cytokines, chemokines, and pathogen-associated molecules. Signals resulting from these stimuli activate a number of macrophage functional responses such as adhesion, migration, phagocytosis, proliferation, survival, cytokine release and production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase Src and its family members (SFKs) have been implicated in many intracellular signaling pathways in macrophages, initiated by a diverse set of receptors ranging from integrins to Toll-like receptors. However, it has been difficult to implicate any given member of the family in any specific pathway. SFKs appear to have overlapping and complementary functions in many pathways. Perhaps the function of these enzymes is to modulate the overall intracellular signaling network in macrophages, rather than operating as exclusive signaling switches for defined pathways. In general, SFKs may function more like rheostats, influencing the amplitude of many pathways.

Tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in oxidative stress and development of allergic airway inflammation

Oxidative stress has been implicated in allergic responses. SHP-1 is a target of oxidants and has been reported as a negative regulator in a mouse model of asthma. We investigated the effect of oxidative stress on the development of allergic airway inflammation in heterozygous viable motheaten (mev/+) mice deficient of SHP-1. Wild-type (WT) and mev/+ mice were compared in this study. Human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) transfected with mutant SHP-1 gene were used to evaluate the role of SHP-1 in lung epithelial cells. Hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and Paraquat were used in vitro and in vivo, respectively. We also investigated whether mev/+ mice can break immune tolerance when exposed to aeroallergen intranasally. Compared with WT mice, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and splenocytes from mev/+ mice showed a different response to oxidant stress. This includes a significant enhancement of intracellular reactive oxygen species and STAT6 phosphorylation in vitro and increased CCL20, decreased IL-10, and increased number of dendritic cells in BAL fluid in vivo. Mutant SHP-1-transfected epithelial cells secreted higher levels of CCL20 and RANTES after exposure to oxidative stress. Furthermore, break of immune tolerance, as development of allergic airway inflammation, was observed in mev/+ mice after allergen exposure, which was suppressed by antioxidant N-acetylcystein. These data suggest that SHP-1 plays an important role in regulating oxidative stress. Thus, increased intracellular oxidative stress and lack of SHP-1 in the presence of T helper cell type 2-prone cellular activation may lead to the development of allergic airway inflammation.

Negative regulation by SHPS-1 of Toll-like receptor-dependent proinflammatory cytokine production in macrophages

SHPS-1 is a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in macrophages. The possible role of SHPS-1 in regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages has remained unknown, however. We now show that expression either of a mutant version of mouse SHPS-1 (SHPS-1-4F) in which the four tyrosine phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic region are replaced by phenylalanine or of a chimeric protein comprising the extracellular and transmembrane regions of human CD8 fused to the cytoplasmic region of SHPS-1-4F (CD8-4F) markedly promoted the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-6 (IL-6) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I : C)] in RAW264.7 macrophages. In contrast, expression of a mutant form of SHPS-1 that lacks most of the cytoplasmic region did not promote such responses. Expression of SHPS-1-4F promoted the LPS- or poly(I : C)-induced activation of NF-kappaB. LPS and poly(I : C) each induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1 through a Src family kinase and the association of SHPS-1 with SHP-1 and SHP-2. These results suggest that LPS or poly(I : C) induces tyrosine phosphorylation of SHPS-1 and the association of SHPS-1 with SHP-1 and SHP-2 in a manner dependent on a Src family kinase. SHPS-1 then negatively regulates TLR4- or TLR3-dependent cytokine production through inhibition of NF-kappaB-dependent signaling.

Siglec-9 enhances IL-10 production in macrophages via tyrosine-based motifs

We examined whether Siglec-9 modulates cytokine production in the macrophage cell line RAW264. Cells expressing Siglec-9 produced low levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, unmethylated CpG DNA, and double-stranded RNA. On the other hand, interleukin (IL)-10 production was strongly enhanced in Siglec-9-expressing cells. Similar activities were also exhibited by Siglec-5. However, the up-regulation of IL-10 as well as the down-regulation of TNF-alpha was abrogated when two tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic tail of Siglec-9 were mutated to phenylalanine. A membrane proximal ITIM mutant of Siglec-9 did not enhance IL-10 production but partly inhibited TNF-alpha production, indicating diverse regulation mechanisms of TNF-alpha and IL-10. Siglec-9 also enhanced the production of IL-10 in the human macrophage cell line THP-1. These results demonstrate that Siglec-9 enhances the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in macrophages.

LPS-induced down-regulation of signal regulatory protein {alpha} contributes to innate immune activation in macrophages

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) cascades after Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation contributes to innate immune responses. Signal regulatory protein (SIRP) alpha, a member of the SIRP family that is abundantly expressed in macrophages, has been implicated in regulating MAPK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways. In addition, SIRPalpha can negatively regulate the phagocytosis of host cells by macrophages, indicating an inhibitory role of SIRPalpha in innate immunity. We provide evidences that SIRPalpha is an essential endogenous regulator of the innate immune activation upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. SIRPalpha expression was promptly reduced in macrophages after LPS stimulation. The decrease in SIRPalpha expression levels was required for initiation of LPS-induced innate immune responses because overexpression of SIRPalpha reduced macrophage responses to LPS. Knockdown of SIRPalpha caused prolonged activation of MAPKs and NF-kappaB pathways and augmented production of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon (IFN). Mice transferred with SIRPalpha-depleted macrophages were highly susceptible to endotoxic shock, developing multiple organ failure and exhibiting a remarkable increase in mortality. SIRPalpha may accomplish this mainly through its association and sequestration of the LPS signal transducer SHP-2. Thus, SIRPalpha functions as a biologically important modulator of TLR signaling and innate immunity.

Activating and inhibitory functions of DAP12

When associated with different receptors, the signalling adaptor DAP12 has been shown to both potentiate and attenuate the activation of leukocytes. But how can a protein with a single signalling motif elicit qualitatively different cellular responses? We describe a model of DAP12 function, whereby the quality of the cellular response (activation or inhibition) is modulated by the avidity of the interaction between the DAP12-associated receptor and its ligand. This model extends from previous studies of inhibitory signalling mediated by other adaptors, such as the Fc-receptor gamma-chain and CD3zeta, and provides a potential mechanism for the conflicting phenotypes observed in studies of DAP12-deficient mice.