The translocation of respiratory burst oxidase components from cytosol to plasma membrane is regulated by guanine nucleotides and diacylglycerol

NADPH Oxidase 3: Beyond the Inner Ear

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were formerly known as mere byproducts of metabolism with damaging effects on cellular structures. The discovery and description of NADPH oxidases (Nox) as a whole enzyme family that only produce this harmful group of molecules was surprising. After intensive research, seven Nox isoforms were discovered, described and extensively studied. Among them, the NADPH oxidase 3 is the perhaps most underrated Nox isoform, since it was firstly discovered in the inner ear. This stigma of Nox3 as "being only expressed in the inner ear" was also used by me several times. Therefore, the question arose whether this sentence is still valid or even usable. To this end, this review solely focuses on Nox3 and summarizes its discovery, the structural components, the activating and regulating factors, the expression in cells, tissues and organs, as well as the beneficial and detrimental effects of Nox3-mediated ROS production on body functions. Furthermore, the involvement of Nox3-derived ROS in diseases progression and, accordingly, as a potential target for disease treatment, will be discussed.

The atypical small GTPase GEM/Kir is a negative regulator of the NADPH oxidase and NETs production through macroautophagy

Despite the important function of neutrophils in the eradication of infections and induction of inflammation, the molecular mechanisms regulating the activation and termination of the neutrophil immune response is not well understood. Here, the function of the small GTPase from the RGK family, Gem, is characterized as a negative regulator of the NADPH oxidase through autophagy regulation. Gem knockout (Gem KO) neutrophils show increased NADPH oxidase activation and increased production of extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Enhanced ROS production in Gem KO neutrophils was associated with increased NADPH oxidase complex-assembly as determined by quantitative super-resolution microscopy, but normal exocytosis of gelatinase and azurophilic granules. Gem-deficiency was associated with increased basal autophagosomes and autolysosome numbers but decreased autophagic flux under phorbol ester-induced conditions. Neutrophil stimulation triggered the localization of the NADPH oxidase subunits p22phox and p47phox at LC3-positive structures suggesting that the assembled NADPH oxidase complex is recruited to autophagosomes, which was significantly increased in Gem KO neutrophils. Prevention of new autophagosome formation by treatment with SAR405 increased ROS production while induction of autophagy by Torin-1 decreased ROS production in Gem KO neutrophils, and also in wild-type neutrophils, suggesting that macroautophagy contributes to the termination of NADPH oxidase activity. Autophagy inhibition decreased NETs formation independently of enhanced ROS production. NETs production, which was significantly increased in Gem-deficient neutrophils, was decreased by inhibition of both autophagy and calmodulin, a known GEM interactor. Intracellular ROS production was increased in Gem KO neutrophils challenged with live Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Salmonella Typhimurium, but phagocytosis was not affected in Gem-deficient cells. In vivo analysis in a model of Salmonella Typhimurium infection indicates that Gem-deficiency provides a genetic advantage manifested as a moderate increased in survival to infections. Altogether, the data suggest that Gem-deficiency leads to the enhancement of the neutrophil innate immune response by increasing NADPH oxidase assembly and NETs production and that macroautophagy differentially regulates ROS and NETs in neutrophils.

NOX2 interacts with podocyte TRPC6 channels and contributes to their activation by diacylglycerol: essential role of podocin in formation of this complex

Canonical transient receptor potential-6 (TRPC6) channels have been implicated in the pathophysiology of glomerular diseases. TRPC6 channels are typically activated by diacylglycerol (DAG) during PLC-dependent transduction cascades. TRPC6 channels can also be activated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We previously showed that podocin is required for DAG analogs to produce robust activation of TRPC6 channels in podocytes. Here we show that endogenous TRPC6 channels in immortalized podocytes reciprocally coimmunoprecipitate with the catalytic subunit of the NADPH oxidase NOX2 (gp91(phox)). The NOX2-TRPC6 interaction was not detected in cells stably expressing a short hairpin RNA targeting podocin, although NOX2 and TRPC6 were present at normal levels. Application of a membrane-permeable DAG analog [1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG)] increased generation of ROS in podocytes, but this effect was not detected in podocin knockdown cells. OAG also increased steady-state surface expression of the NOX2 regulatory subunit p47(phox). In whole cell recordings, TRPC6 activation by OAG was reduced in podocytes pretreated with the NOX2 inhibitor apocynin, by the pan-NOX inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, and by tempol, a ROS quencher. Cholesterol depletion and disruption of lipid rafts by methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced activation of podocyte TRPC6 channels by OAG and also eliminated the NOX2-TRPC6 interaction as assessed by coimmunoprecipitation. These data suggest that active NOX2 assembles with TRPC6 at podocin-organized sterol-rich raft domains and becomes catalytically active in response to DAG. The localized production of ROS contributes to TRPC6 activation by chemical stimuli such as DAG. Podocin appears to be necessary for assembly of the NOX2-TRPC6 complex in lipid rafts.

Pulmonary endothelial cell NOX

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have profound influences on cellular homeostasis. In excess, they can potentiate the oxidation of numerous molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, affecting function. Furthermore, ROS-mediated oxidation of proteins can directly or indirectly modulate gene expression via effects on redox-sensitive transcription factors or via effects on phospho-relay-mediated signal transduction. In doing so, ROS impact numerous fundamental cellular processes, and have thus been implicated as critical mediators of both homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Vascular reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) is a major contributor of ROS within the lung. The generation of ROS in the pulmonary vasculature has a pivotal role in endothelial cell (EC) activation and function. Alterations in EC phenotype contribute to vascular tone, permeability, and inflammatory responses and, thus, have been implicated in numerous diseases of the lung, including pulmonary hypertension, ischemic-reperfusion injury, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Thus, although a detailed understanding of NOX-derived ROS in pulmonary EC biology in the context of health and disease is nascent, there is mounting evidence implicating these enzymes as critical modifiers of diseases of the lung and pulmonary circulation. The purpose of this review is to focus specifically on known as well as putative roles for pulmonary EC NOX, with attention to studies on the intact lung.

Identification and functional characterization of two novel mutations in the α-helical loop (residues 484-503) of CYBB/gp91(phox) resulting in the rare X91(+) variant of chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is mainly caused by mutations in X-linked CYBB that encodes gp91. We have identified two novel mutations in CYBB resulting in the rare X91(+)-CGD variant, c.1500T>G (p.Asp500Glu) in two male siblings and c.1463C>A (p.Ala488Asp) in an unrelated male. Zymosan and/or PMA (Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)-induced recruitment of p47(phox) and p67(phox) to the membrane fraction was normal for both mutants. Cell-free assays using recombinant wild-type and the mutant proteins revealed that these mutants were not activated by NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). Interestingly, the Ala488Asp mutant was activated by NADPH in the presence of glutathione. These data suggest that the mutations prevented NADPH from binding to gp91(phox) and the requirement of a negative charge at residue 500 in gp91(phox) for NADPH oxidase assembly, in contrast to a previously described Asp500Gly change. These mutations and the effect of glutathione provide a unique insight into disease pathogenesis and potential therapy in variant X91(+)-CGD.

Ribose enhances retinoic acid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells

Ribose, a critical building block for nucleotides, plays an important role in energy metabolism, transcription, translation, and second messenger systems. This 5-carbon sugar, synthesized from glucose via the pentose phosphate pathway, has a rate-limiting step at glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. Therefore, we hypothesized that when cells are required to proliferate or differentiate, as in an immune response, the requirement for D-ribose may be greater than what could be supplied by the synthetic pathway. We hypothesized that providing an exogenous source of D-ribose during cell differentiation will enhance the process of differentiation. We used a retinoic acid-induced HL-60 cell differentiation culture as a model of neutrophil maturation. The addition of 10 to 25 mmol/L D-ribose was shown to reduce cell proliferation and move the cell population toward apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of a cell surface marker representing maturity (CD11b) significantly increased and a cell surface marker indicative of immaturity (CD117) significantly decreased. Functionally, the cells had a greater oxidative burst function dependent on time and dose. The mechanism by which ribose enhances HL-60 cell differentiation is not known; however, as adenosine triphosphate levels did not change, adenosine triphosphate is not thought to be involved. We conclude that in this cell culture model, ribose supplementation enhanced cellular differentiation and function. Thus, ribose might be conditionally essential during time of higher need as in an immune response.

Priming of neutrophil oxidative burst in diabetes requires preassembly of the NADPH oxidase

Hyperglycemia associated with diabetes mellitus results in the priming of neutrophils leading to oxidative stress that is, in part, responsible for diabetic complications. p47phox, a NADPH oxidase cytosolic subunit, is a key protein in the assembly of the NADPH oxidase leading to superoxide generation. Little is known about the priming mechanism of oxidative pathways in neutrophils of people with diabetes. In this study, the kinetics of p47phox activation was investigated by comparing neutrophils from diabetic and healthy subjects, and the mechanism of hyperglycemia-induced changes was studied by using neutrophil-like HL-60 cells as a model. In resting neutrophils from diabetic subjects, p47phox prematurely translocates to the cell membrane and preassembles with p22phox, a NADPH oxidase membrane subunit. This premature p47phox translocation and preassembly with p22phox were also observed in HL-60 cells cultured with high glucose (HG; 25 mM) and with the specific ligand for the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), S100B. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, was the primary signaling pathway, as evidenced by PD98059 suppressing the translocation of p47phox in HL-60 cells incubated with HG and S100B. HL-60 cells cultured in HG and S100B exhibited a 1.8-fold increase in fMLP-induced superoxide generation compared with those cultured in normal glucose (5.5 mM). These data suggest that HG and increased AGE prime neutrophils and increase oxidative stress inducing the translocation of p47phox to the cell membrane and preassembly with p22phox by stimulating a RAGE-ERK1/2 pathway.

Role of intracellular kinases in the regulation of equine eosinophil migration and actin polymerization

Inappropriately activated eosinophils can contribute to disease pathogenesis and intracellular signalling pathways that regulate functional responses may represent a therapeutic target. Little is known about intracellular signalling in equine eosinophils and this study examined the role of phospholipase C (PLC) and a range of protein kinases on responses to histamine and CCL11. Histamine (10(-4) M) or CCL11 (5.6 x 10(-9) M)-induced actin polymerization, migration and superoxide production by eosinophils from healthy horses were compared in the presence and absence of selective kinase inhibitors. Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) significantly reduced the response in each assay. In contrast, whilst inhibition of PLC decreased actin polymerization and superoxide production, an increase in migration was observed; the latter effect was also seen when protein kinase C (PKC) was inhibited. With the exception of histamine-induced migration, which was significantly reduced by blocking extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and tyrosine kinase did not appear to play an important role in the responses studied. These results suggest that equine eosinophil activation by histamine and CCL11 is mediated through PI3K. Whilst PLC activation is required for actin polymerization and superoxide production, migration may be negatively regulated by PLC and PKC. These kinases represent potential targets for modulating eosinophil activation by multiple stimuli.

Dendritic cells and tumor microenvironment: a dangerous liaison

The fact that the immune response to cancer is compromised has been convincingly demonstrated in murine tumor models as well as in cancer patients. The unresponsiveness of the host immune system is one of the major mechanisms of tumor escape as well as an important factor that limits the success of cancer immunotherapy. Inadequate function of professional antigen presenting cells dendritic cells (DC) in cancer is one of the major elements of compromised anti-tumor immune response. Despite substantial progress in recent years, the mechanism of inadequate DC function in cancer still remains unclear. The tumor microenvironment has emerged as an important component contributing to DC malfunction. In this review we will discuss the potential role of tumor microenvironment in DC dysfunction.

Membrane proteinase 3 and its interactions within microdomains of neutrophil membranes

Proteinase 3 (PR3) is a serine protease of neutrophil granules released to the medium or into the phagocytic vesicle upon neutrophil stimulation. A fraction of the enzyme is thought to associate with the cell membrane yielding membrane PR3 (mPR3). In autoimmune disorders characterized by the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), the reaction of the latter with their target antigen mPR3 activates the cell inflicting injuries on the surrounding tissues. In a previous communication we provided evidence for the presence of mPR3 in lipid rafts obtained by lysis of neutrophils in Triton X-100 and for the mediation of PR3 binding to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored neutrophil protein, possibly FcgammaRIIIb. In the current study we employed the mild detergent Brij 58 to isolate high molecular weight (HMW) protein complexes in the void volume of a Sepharose 4B gel filtration minicolumn. HMW complexes of unstimulated neutrophils comprised PR3, FcgammaRIIIb, the beta2 integrin CD11b/CD18 as well as the membrane and cytosolic subunits of the NADPH oxidase, p22phox and p47phox/p67phox. Treatment of neutrophils with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) reduced amounts of PR3 and FcgammaRIIIb in HMW complexes isolated from the treated cells, supporting our previous suggestion that FcgammaRIIIb acts as a membrane adaptor for PR3. FcgammaRIIIb of HMW fractions co-immunoprecipitated with PR3, indicating their presence in the same protein complex. Since HMW fractions contained also the majority of biotinylated proteins obtained by the reaction of neutrophils with a membrane impermeable biotinylating agent Sulfo-NHS-biotin, it was concluded that HMW proteins were derived from cell membranes. Lipid rafts isolated from Brij 58-lysed neutrophils were similar in their protein composition to the HMW complexes but not identical.

Interleukin-8-induced priming of neutrophil oxidative burst requires sequential recruitment of NADPH oxidase components into lipid rafts

The superoxide-producing phagocyte NADPH oxidase consists of a membrane-bound flavocytochrome b(558), the cytosol factors p47(phox), p67(phox), p40(phox), and the small GTPase Rac2, which translocate to the membrane to assemble the active complex following neutrophil activation. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) does not activate NADPH oxidase, but potentiates the oxidative burst induced by stimuli such as formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) via a priming mechanism. The effect of IL-8 on the components of NADPH oxidase during the priming process has never been investigated in human neutrophils. Here we showed that within 3 min, IL-8 treatment enhanced the Btk- and ERK1/2-dependent phosphorylation of p47(phox), as well as the recruitment of flavocytochrome b(558), p47(phox), and Rac2 into cholesterol-enriched detergent-resistant microdomains (or lipid rafts). Conversely, IL-8 treatment lasting 15 min failed to recruit flavocytochrome b(558), p47(phox), or Rac2, but did enhance the Btk- and p38 MAPK-dependent phosphorylation and the translocation of p67(phox) into detergent-resistant microdomains. Moreover, methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, which disrupts lipid rafts, inhibited IL-8-induced priming in response to fMLP. Our findings indicate that IL-8-induced priming of the oxidative burst in response to fMLP involves a sequential assembly of the NADPH oxidase components in the lipid rafts of neutrophils.

Deficient phospholipase C activity in blood polimorphonuclear neutrophils from patients with liver cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Circulating neutrophils from cirrhotic patients have a reduced capacity to generate superoxide anion (O(2)(-)), which might contribute to frequent bacterial infections in these patients. We studied the signal transduction pathways involved in the generation of O(2)(-) in neutrophils from 98 cirrhotic patients and 46 healthy controls.

METHODS

We measured O(2)(-) production in neutrophils induced by fMLP, opsonized zymosan, TNF alpha, NaF, AlF(4)(-), A23187 and phorbol myristate acetate. Furthermore, we measured phospholipase C activity in neutrophils from healthy controls and end-stage cirrhotic patients.

RESULTS

O(2)(-) production was decreased in neutrophils from patients in response to fMLP, opsonized zymosan and TNF alpha. Likewise, response of these cells to G-protein stimulation by fluorides was also decreased. These reduced responses correlated significantly with the degree of liver dysfunction. On the contrary, neutrophils from patients responded normally to A23187 and phorbol esters stimulation indicating that Ca(2+)- and PKC-dependent pathways are intact in these cells. Finally, phospholipase C activity was markedly reduced in neutrophils from end-stage liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm that O(2)(-) generation by neutrophils is decreased in patients with cirrhosis, particularly in those with more severe liver dysfunction, and suggest that this defect involves phosphatidylinositol specific phospholipase C activity.

Effect of phosphotyrosine proteins on phorbol myristate acetate-induced NADPH oxidase activation in guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide radical (O(2)(-))-production in guinea pig peritoneal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) was significantly lower than that in peripheral cells. To determine the role of phosphotyrosine proteins in the lower O(2)(-) production, the effect of ST638 and genistein, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, on PMA-induced O(2)(-) production in peritoneal PMNs was examined. PMA-induced O(2)(-)-production of the cells was increased by the pretreatment with ST638 or genistein, the increment depending on the inhibitor concentration. The p47phox level in the plasma membrane of PMA-stimulated PMNs was increased by the pretreatment with ST638, although the phosphorylated p47phox level in the cells was not altered by ST638. On the other hand, PMA-induced O(2)(-)-production of peripheral PMNs was not affected by the pretreatment with ST638, but that of cytochalasin B (CB)-primed peripheral PMNs significantly increased by further treatment with ST638. The phosphotyrosine protein level of peritoneal PMNs was higher than that of the peripheral cells, especially in cytosolic proteins including 50-60 and 70-85 kDa proteins, and that of the CB-primed peripheral cells was also higher than that of the intact cells in similar cytosolic proteins to those above. Further treatment of CB-primed peripheral cells with ST638 resulted in a lower level of phosphotyrosine proteins. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of some protein(s) at specific tyrosine residues inhibits the translocation of p47phox to the plasma membrane from the cytosol, resulting in lower O(2)(-)-generation in casein-induced peritoneal exudate PMNs.

Functional epitope on human neutrophil flavocytochrome b558

mAb NL7 was raised against purified flavocytochrome b(558), important in host defense and inflammation. NL7 recognized the gp91(phox) flavocytochrome b(558) subunit by immunoblot and bound to permeabilized neutrophils and neutrophil membranes. Epitope mapping by phage display analysis indicated that NL7 binds the (498)EKDVITGLK(506) region of gp91(phox). In a cell-free assay, NL7 inhibited in vitro activation of the NADPH oxidase in a concentration-dependent manner, and had marginal effects on the oxidase substrate Michaelis constant (K(m)). mAb NL7 did not inhibit translocation of p47(phox), p67(phox), or Rac to the plasma membrane, and bound its epitope on gp91(phox) independently of cytosolic factor translocation. However, after assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex, mAb NL7 bound the epitope but did not inhibit the generation of superoxide. Three-dimensional modeling of the C-terminal domain of gp91(phox) on a corn nitrate reductase template suggests close proximity of the NL7 epitope to the proposed NADPH binding site, but significant separation from the proposed p47(phox) binding sites. We conclude that the (498)EKDVITGLK(506) segment resides on the cytosolic surface of gp91(phox) and represents a region important for oxidase function, but not substrate or cytosolic component binding.

Antimicrobial mechanisms of fish phagocytes and their role in host defense

Phagocytosis is a primitive defense mechanism in all multicellular animals. Phagocytes such as macrophages and neutrophils play an important role in limiting the dissemination of infectious agents, and are responsible for the eventual destruction of phagocytosed pathogens. These cells have evolved elaborate killing mechanisms for destroying pathogens. In addition to their repertoire of degradative enzymes and antimicrobial peptides, macrophages and neutrophils can be activated to produce a number of highly toxic molecules. Production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates by these cells are potent cytotoxic mechanisms against bacteria and protozoan pathogens. Studies in fish suggest that the biological basis of these inducible killing mechanisms is similar to those described in mammals. More recent work suggest novel roles for regulating these killing responses in fish. In this review, we describe the biological basis of these killing mechanisms and how they are regulated in fish.

JFC1, a novel tandem C2 domain-containing protein associated with the leukocyte NADPH oxidase

We have employed a yeast two-hybrid system to screen a B lymphoblast-derived cDNA library, searching for regulatory components of the NADPH oxidase. Using as bait the C-terminal half of p67(phox), which contains both Src homology 3 domains, we have cloned JFC1, a novel human 62-kDa protein. JFC1 possesses two C2 domains in tandem. The C2A domain shows homology with the C2B domain of synaptotagmins. JFC1 mRNA was abundantly expressed in bone marrow and leukocytes. The expression of JFC1 in neutrophils was restricted to the plasma membrane/secretory vesicle fraction. We confirmed JFC1-p67(phox) association by affinity chromatography. JFC1-containing beads pulled down both p67(phox) and p47(phox) subunits from neutrophil cytosol, but when the recombinant proteins were used, only p67(phox) bound to JFC1, indicating that JFC1 binds to the cytosolic complex via p67(phox) without affecting the interaction between p67(phox) and p47(phox). In contrast to synaptotagmins, JFC1 was unable to bind to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate but did bind to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and to a lesser extent to phosphatidylinositol 3,4-diphosphate. From the data presented here, it is proposed that JFC1 is acting as an adaptor protein between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase products and the oxidase cytosolic complex.

Phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol directly activate NADPH oxidase by interacting with enzyme components

The enzyme NADPH oxidase is regulated by phospholipase D in intact neutrophils and is activated by phosphatidic acid (PA) plus diacylglycerol (DG) in cell-free systems. We showed previously that cell-free NADPH oxidase activation by these lipids involves both protein kinase-dependent and -independent pathways. Here we demonstrate that only the protein kinase-independent pathway is operative in a cell-free system of purified and recombinant NADPH oxidase components. Activation by PA + DG was ATP-independent and unaffected by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, indicating the lack of protein kinase involvement. Both PA and DG were required for optimal activation to occur. The drug reduced activation of NADPH oxidase by either arachidonic acid or PA + DG, with IC(50) values of 46 and 25 microm, respectively. The optimal concentration of arachidonic acid or PA + DG for oxidase activation was shifted to the right with, indicating interference of the drug with the interaction of lipid activators and enzyme components. inhibited the lipid-induced aggregation/sedimentation of oxidase components p47(phox) and p67(phox), suggesting a disruption of the lipid-mediated assembly process. The direct effects of on NADPH oxidase activation complicate its use as a "specific" inhibitor of DG kinase. We conclude that the protein kinase-independent pathway of NADPH oxidase activation by PA and DG involves direct interaction with NADPH oxidase components. Thus, NADPH oxidase proteins are functional targets for these lipid messengers in the neutrophil.

Roles of phospholipid signaling in chemoattractant-induced responses

Chemoattractants, including chemokines, play a central role in regulation of inflammatory reactions by attracting and activating leukocytes. These molecules have been found to regulate metabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P(2)) via phospholipase C (PLC) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Recent studies of mouse lines that lack PLC-(beta)2, PLC-(beta)3, or PI3K(gamma) demonstrate that chemoattractants act through PLC-(beta)2 and PLC-(beta)3 to hydrolyze PtdIns(4,5)P(2) and through PI3K(gamma) to phosphorylate PtdIns(4,5)P(2) in mouse neutrophils. These studies also confirmed the importance and revealed new roles of these signaling pathways in chemoattractant-induced responses.

Roles of PLC-beta2 and -beta3 and PI3Kgamma in chemoattractant-mediated signal transduction

The roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phospholipase C (PLC) in chemoattractant-elicited responses were studied in mice lacking these key enzymes. PI3Kgamma was required for chemoattractant-induced production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns (3,4,5)P3] and has an important role in chemoattractant-induced superoxide production and chemotaxis in mouse neutrophils and in production of T cell-independent antigen-specific antibodies composed of the immunoglobulin lambda light chain (TI-IglambdaL). The study of the mice lacking PLC-beta2 and -beta3 revealed that the PLC pathways have an important role in chemoattractant-mediated production of superoxide and regulation of protein kinases, but not chemotaxis. The PLC pathways also appear to inhibit the chemotactic activity induced by certain chemoattractants and to suppress TI-IglambdaL production.

Inhibition by alkylamines of NADPH oxidase through blocking the assembly of enzyme components

Alkylamines inhibit NADPH oxidase both in intact neutrophils and in a cell-free system. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism underlying this inhibitory effect. Among alkylamines with different chain lengths, the C12 compound (laurylamine) showed the greatest inhibitory effect on the cell-free NADPH oxidase activity induced by arachidonic acid (AA) in the presence of GTPgammaS. The inhibition was overcome by further addition of AA, and it was observed irrespective of whether laurylamine was added before or after the enzyme activation by AA. When added prior to the enzyme activation, laurylamine blocked translocation to the membrane of all three cytosolic components (p47-phox, p67-phox and rac) in a cell-free translocation assay. When added after the activation, laurylamine released only rac from the membrane. Laurylamine did not inhibit the reduction of cytochrome c by xanthine oxidase, suggesting that it does not have superoxide-scavenging activity. These results indicate that laurylamine inhibits both the activation process of NADPH oxidase and the activated enzyme itself by blocking the assembly of the oxidase components.

Phospholipase D: a novel major player in signal transduction

The role of the mammalian phospholipase D (PLD) in the control of key cellular responses has been recognised for a long time, but only recently have there been the reagents to properly study this very important enzyme in the signalling pathways, linking cell agonists with intracellular targets. With the recent cloning of PLD isoenzymes, their association with low-molecular-weight G proteins, protein kinase C and tyrosine kinases, the availability of antibodies and an understanding of the role of PLD product, phosphatidic acid (PA), in cell physiology, the field is gaining momentum. In this review, we will explore the molecular properties of mammalian PLD and its gene(s), the complexity of this enzyme regulation and the myriad physiological roles for PLD and PA and related metabolic products, with particular emphasis on a role in the activation of NADPH oxidase, or respiratory burst, leading to the generation of oxygen radicals.

Indication of a protein kinase C-independent pathway for NADPH oxidase activation in human neutrophils

A potent tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, pervanadate, induced (i) translocation of the cytosolic NADPH oxidase factors, p47-phox and p67-phox, to the plasma membrane; and (ii) O2- production in human neutrophils. However, the translocation of p47-phox and p67-phox was inhibited by H-7, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor without markedly affecting O2- production in whole neutrophils. Results from the plasma membrane fraction showed that NADPH oxidase activity in neutrophils treated with pervanadate did not vary in the presence or absence of H-7, despite a lower content of p47-phox and p67-phox in H-7-treated neutrophils. These findings suggest that in addition to the well-known PKC-dependent pathway, there may exist another PKC-independent pathway to activate NADPH oxidase in human neutrophils. This pathway involves protein tyrosine phosphorylation but does not seem to necessitate translocation of p47-phox and p67-phox to the plasma membrane.

Ca(2+)-dependent p47phox translocation in hydroperoxide modulation of the alveolar macrophage respiratory burst

Oxidative stress produces dual effects on the respiratory burst of rat alveolar macrophages. Preincubation with hydroperoxide concentrations [H2O2 or tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH); < 50 microM] enhances stimulation of the respiratory burst, whereas higher concentrations inhibit stimulation. Both the enhancement and inhibition are markedly attenuated by buffering t-BOOH-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Phosphorylation of the NADPH oxidase component p47phox and its translocation from cytoplasm to plasma membrane are essential in respiratory burst activation. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated p47phox phosphorylation was negligibly affected by 25 or 100 microM t-BOOH. Nonetheless, 25 microM t-BOOH increased PMA-stimulated p47phox translocation, whereas 100 microM t-BOOH decreased PMA-stimulated translocation. In unstimulated cells, however, neither phosphorylation nor translocation of p47phox was affected by t-BOOH. Buffering of the t-BOOH-mediated changes of [Ca2+]i abolished the effects of t-BOOH on PMA-stimulated translocation in parallel to effects upon the respiratory burst. The results suggest that the dual effects of hydroperoxides are mediated, in part, by Ca(2+)-dependent processes affecting the assembly of the respiratory burst oxidase at steps that are separate from p47phox phosphorylation.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation by 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride and related compounds

The elicitation of an oxidative burst in phagocytes rests on the assembly of a multicomponental complex (NADPH oxidase) consisting of a membrane-associated flavocytochrome (cytochrome b559), representing the redox element responsible for the NADPH-dependent reduction of oxygen to superoxide (O-2), two cytosolic components (p47(phox), p67(phox)), and the small GTPase Rac (1 or 2). We found that 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), an irreversible serine protease inhibitor, prevented the elicitation of O-2 production in intact macrophages and the amphiphile-dependent activation of NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system, consisting of solubilized membrane or purified cytochrome b559 combined with total cytosol or a mixture of recombinant p47(phox), p67(phox), and Rac1. AEBSF acted at the activation step and did not interfere with the ensuing electron flow. It did not scavenge oxygen radicals and did not affect assay reagents. Five other serine protease inhibitors (three irreversible and two reversible) were found to lack an inhibitory effect on cell-free activation of NADPH oxidase. A structure-function study of AEBSF analogues demonstrated that the presence of a sulfonyl fluoride group was essential for inhibitory activity and that compounds containing an aminoalkylbenzene moiety were more active than amidinobenzene derivatives. Exposure of the membrane fraction or of purified cytochrome b559, but not of cytosol or recombinant cytosolic components, to AEBSF, in the presence of a critical concentration of the activating amphiphile lithium dodecyl sulfate, resulted in a marked impairment of their ability to support cell-free NADPH oxidase activation upon complementation with untreated cytosol or cytosolic components. Kinetic analysis of the effect of varying the concentration of each of the three cytosolic components on the inhibitory potency of AEBSF indicated that this was inversely related to the concentrations of p47(phox) and, to a lesser degree, p67(phox). AEBSF also prevented the amphiphile-elicited translocation of p47(phox) and p67(phox) to the membrane. These results are interpreted as indicating that AEBSF interferes with the binding of p47(phox) and/or p67(phox) to cytochrome b559, probably by a direct effect on cytochrome b559.

Characterization of peptide diffusion into electropermeabilized neutrophils

The superoxide (O2-)-generating NADPH oxidase of human neutrophils consists of membrane-bound and cytosolic proteins that assemble in the plasma membrane of activated cells. To date, most of our understanding of the assembly of the NADPH oxidase has been obtained through the use of a cell-free assay, and a number of peptides that mimic regions of NADPH oxidase proteins have been shown to block oxidase assembly using this assay. However, the cell-free assay provides an incomplete representation of the assembly and regulation of the NADPH oxidase in vivo, and it has become necessary to develop methods for introducing biomolecules, such as peptides, into intact neutrophils where their effects can be investigated. One such method is electropermeabilization. Although this method has been used previously with human neutrophils, it has not been well characterized. We report here a detailed characterization of the electropermeabilized neutrophil assay system, including optimal conditions for membrane electropermeabilization with maximal retention of functional capacity, optimal conditions for analyzing the effects of experimental peptides, quantification of internalized peptide concentration, and molecular size limits for diffusion of molecules into these cells. Our results demonstrate that optimal neutrophil permeabilization (98-100%) can be achieved using significantly lower electrical fields than previously reported, resulting in the retention of higher levels of O2(-)-generating activity. We also found that biomolecules as large as 2.3 kDa readily diffuse into permeabilized cells. Analysis of flavocytochrome b peptides that were shown previously to inhibit NADPH oxidase activity in a cell-free assay demonstrated that these peptides also blocked O2- production in electropermeabilized human neutrophils; although at higher effective concentrations than in the cell-free system. Thus, electropermeabilized neutrophils provide a model system for evaluating the effects of peptides and other pharmacological agents in intact cells which closely mimic neutrophils in vivo.

A domain of p47phox that interacts with human neutrophil flavocytochrome b558

The NADPH-dependent oxidase of human neutrophils is a multicomponent system including cytosolic and membrane proteins. Activation requires translocation of cytosolic proteins p47phox, p67phox, and Rac2 to the plasma membrane and association with the membrane flavocytochrome b to assemble a functioning oxidase. We report the location of a region in p47phox that mediates its interaction with flavocytochrome b. From a random peptide phage display library, we used biopanning with purified flavocytochrome b to select phage peptides that mimicked potential p47phox binding residues. Using this approach, we identified a region of p47phox from residue 323 to 342 as a site of interaction with flavocytochrome b. Synthetic peptides 315SRKRLSQDAYRRNS328, 323AYRRNSVRFL332, and 334QRRRQARPGPQSPG347 inhibited superoxide (O2-.) production in the broken cell system with IC50 of 18, 57, and 15 microM, respectively. 323AYRRNSVRFL332 and its derivative peptides inhibited phosphorylation of p47phox. However, the functional importance of this peptide was independent of its effects on phosphorylation, since 323AYRRNAVRFL332 inhibited O2-. production, but had no effect on phosphorylation. None of the peptides blocked O2-. production when added after enzyme activation, suggesting that they inhibited the assembly, rather than the activity, of the oxidase. Furthermore these peptides inhibited membrane association of p47phox in the broken cell translocation assay and O2-. production by electropermeabilized neutrophils, thereby supporting the interpretation that this region of p47phox interacts with flavocytochrome b.

Activation induces dephosphorylation of cofilin and its translocation to plasma membranes in neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 cells

We suggested that a cytosolic 21-kDa phosphoprotein played an important role in opsonized zymosan-trigered activation of superoxide-generating enzyme in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells through dephosphorylation (Suzuki, K., Yamaguchi, T., Oshizawa, T., Yamamoto, Y., Nishimaki-Mogami, T., Hayakawa, T., and Takahashi, A (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1266, 261-267). In the present study, we characterized the phosphoprotein and studied changes in it localization upon activation of phagocytes. The 21-kDa phosphoprotein was rapidly dephosphorylated upon activation not only wit opsonized zymosan but also with formyl-Met-Leu-Phe and arachidonic acid. The peptide fragments derived from the 21-kDa phosphoprotein were found to have the same amino acid sequences as those of cofilin, an actin-binding protein. The phosphoprotein reacted exclusively with anti-cofilin antibody on two dimensional immunoblots. Accordingly, together with its apparent molecular weight, isoelectric point, and detection of phosphoserine as a phosphoamino acid, we concluded that the 21-kDa phosphoprotein was a phosphorylated form of cofilin. The amount of cofilin in membranous fractions was increased upon activation. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that cofilin existed diffusely in the cytosol and nuclear region of the resting cells, while in the activated cells, it was accumulated at the plasma membrane area, forming ruffles or endocytic vesicles on which O2.- should be produced. These results suggested that in resting cells cofilin exists as a soluble phosphoprotein in the cytosol and nuclei, while upon stimulation a large portion of cofilin is dephosphorylated and translocated to the plasma membrane regions.

Inhibitory effect of epinastine on superoxide generation by rat neutrophils

We studied the effects of antiallergic drugs, epinastine, ketotifen, oxatomide, mequitazine and cromolyn sodium on superoxide anion (O2-) generation from rat neutrophils. Epinastine, ketotifen, oxatomide and mequitazine dose-dependently prevented the N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced O2- generation, but cromolyn sodium did not prevent it. When membrane and cytosol fractions were incubated with each drug, epinastine, ketotifen and mequitazine prevented O2- generation. On the other hand, when only the membrane fraction was incubated with each drug, ketotifen and mequitazine prevented O2- generation, but epinastine did not. Epinastine may inhibit the NADPH oxidase system through the obstruction of NADPH oxidase-associated cytosol components.

The fatty acid bimodal action on superoxide anion production by human adherent monocytes under phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or diacylglycerol activation can be explained by the modulation of protein kinase C and p47phox translocation

We studied the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC), the endogenous phosphorylation and presence in the membrane fraction of p47phox (the 47-kDa cytosolic component of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase), and the O-.2 production in human adherent monocytes (HAMs). This was performed under phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or diacylglycerol stimulation after cell preincubation in the presence of either 13-methyltetradecanoate or arachidonate. At 3 nM and 30 microM, both fatty acids had enhancing and depressing effects, respectively, on PKC translocation and O-.2 production strictly depending on the PMA- or diacylglycerol-stimulated state of the cell. Endogenous phosphorylation and membrane presence of p47phox were markedly reinforced in PMA-stimulated HAMs in the presence as compared to the absence of 13-methyltetradecanoate. These results emphasize the fact that in intact cells the capacity of both FAs to potentiate or depress the HAM O-.2 production is mediated by a direct action on the PKC membrane translocation leading to a simultaneous endogenous phosphorylation and membrane translocation of p47phox. They confirm the recent findings (Kadri-Hassani, N., Léger, C. L., and Descomps, B. (1995) J. Lipid Med. Cell Signal. 11, 159-173) on the PKC-mediated, adherent monocyte-specific capacity of these fatty acids and others (with the exception of linear saturated fatty acids) to enhance the PMA-stimulated O-.2 production at nanomolar concentrations and to depress it at micromolar concentrations.

Translocation of p21rac2 from cytosol to plasma membrane is neither necessary nor sufficient for neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity

Activation of the membrane-associated NADPH oxidase of neutrophils requires several cytosolic factors including p47phox, p67phox and p21rac2. We compared NADPH oxidase activity with the membrane translocation of p47phox, p67phox, and p21rac2. In a cell-free system, GTP gamma S stimulated translocation of p47phox and p67phox to the plasma membrane only in the presence of arachidonate, and this translocation correlated with NADPH oxidase activity of the reisolated plasma membranes (R = 0.94 and 0.97, respectively). In contrast, GTP gamma S-stimulated p21rac2 translocation with or without arachidonate, and the extent of translocation did not correlate with oxidase activity (R = 0.17). Neutrophil cytoplasts were used to relate membrane translocation of p47phox, p67phox and p21rac2 to membrane oxidase activity in response to the inflammatory agonists. Whereas N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine stimulated equimolar, transient membrane translocation of p47phox and p67phox which kinetically paralleled NADPH oxidase activity, relatively little p21rac2 translocated (moles of p47phox/p21rac2 = 16.6). Moreover, although phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulated both the stable translocation of p47phox and p67phox and sustained NADPH oxidase activity, it did not stimulate p21rac2 translocation. From these data we conclude that membrane translocation of p21rac2 does not regulate NADPH oxidase activity stoichiometrically.

Specific interaction of pancreatic elastase and leucocytes to produce oxygen radicals and its implication in pancreatitis

Many previous reports using experimental animal models of pancreatitis have suggested that oxygen free radicals play an important part in initiation and development of pancreatitis. Infiltration of inflammatory cells--that is, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes--has been seen in damaged pancreatic glands of animal models and patients with pancreatitis. As neutrophils are known to be the highest producer of oxygen free radicals among these inflammatory cells, it seems plausible that oxygen free radicals produced by neutrophils have some pathoaetiological meaning in pancreatitis. This study measured the superoxide production by neutrophils obtained from patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis and then examined the effects of pancreatic enzymes on superoxide production. Patients showed significantly higher superoxide production by 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate (PMA) stimulated neutrophils than healthy controls. Among the three pancreatic enzymes, amylase, trypsin, and elastase, elastase was the only one that increased the superoxide production by PMA stimulated neutrophils, by an increment of 1.5-fold. It also increased the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase prepared from PMA stimulated neutrophils by a factor of 2.1. High affinity and low affinity binding sites for elastase on neutrophils were identified. These results suggest that elastase plays a part in the development of pancreatitis by enhancing superoxide production of neutrophils.

Interaction of Rac with p67phox and regulation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase activity

Rho and Rac, two members of the Ras superfamily of guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins, regulate a variety of signal transduction pathways in eukaryotic cells. Upon stimulation of phagocytic cells, Rac enhances the activity of the enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced) (NADPH) oxidase, resulting in the production of superoxide radicals. Activation of the NADPH oxidase requires the assembly of a multimolecular complex at the plasma membrane consisting of two integral membrane proteins, gp91phox and p21phox, and two cytosolic proteins, p67phox and p47phox. Rac1 interacted directly with p67phox in a GTP-dependent manner. Modified forms of Rac with mutations in the effector site did not stimulate oxidase activity or bind to p67phox. Thus, p67phox appears to be the Rac effector protein in the NADPH oxidase complex.

Regulation of the human neutrophil NADPH oxidase by the Rac GTP-binding proteins

Recent progress in our understanding of the regulation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase by the Rac GTP-binding protein(s) has provided the first detailed glimpse into the mechanisms of leukocyte regulation by a small GTP-binding protein. Studies over the past year have indicated that the activity of the NADPH oxidase can be modulated by regulation of the GTP/GDP state of Rac. Proteins exist in leukocytes that are able to modify GTP-binding protein function in this manner, and their activity may be regulated by signals generated upon phagocyte stimulation.

The genetic basis of chronic granulomatous disease

Chronic granulomatous disease is a serious clinical entity. The disease is caused by the failure of NADPH oxidase in phagocytic leukocytes to generate superoxide, needed for the killing of micro-organisms. The patients need careful management aimed at prevention and aggressive treatment of infections. CGD is a heterogeneous syndrome, both clinically and genetically. This disease is caused by a diversity of mutations, and multiple genes are affected. In fact, in the A22 and X91 subtypes of CGD, in which the alpha subunit and the beta subunit of cytochrome b558 are affected, respectively, the mutations are virtually unique for each CGD family tested. The results of these studies provide a better understanding of the mechanism of action of the various components of the superoxide-generating enzyme. Although treatment of CGD patients has improved considerably over the past 30 years, death caused by overwhelming infections is still a serious threat. Prenatal diagnosis now provides the relatives of a CGD patient with the possibility to choose for first-trimester abortion of an affected fetus. Moreover, genetic correction of the disease is now a goal within reach.

The role of small GTP-binding proteins in leukocyte function

Recent progress in understanding the regulation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase by the Rac GTP-binding protein(s) provides the first detailed glimpse into the mechanisms of leukocyte regulation by a small GTP-binding protein. Studies over the past year indicate that the activity of NADPH oxidase can be modulated by regulation of the GTP- versus GDP-bound state of Rac. Additional proteins of the Ras superfamily are likely to be involved in a variety of normal leukocyte functions.

Phospholipases and activation of the NADPH oxidase

The signal transductional mechanisms regulating the activation of NADPH oxidase, the respiratory burst enzyme in phagocytic cells, are not completely understood. Receptors for most physiologic stimuli trigger the activation of various phospholipases, including phospholipases A2, C, and D. The lipid mediators formed (arachidonic acid, 1,2-diacylglycerol, and phosphatidic acid) have been implicated as second messengers in the induction of the respiratory burst. In intact cells, we have correlated phospholipase D activation and the production of phosphatidic acid with the activation of NADPH oxidase, using the drug propranolol. Phosphatidic acid activated NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system, but the level of activation was low. 1,2-Diacylglycerol markedly enhanced NADPH oxidase activation by phosphatidic acid. The synergistic effect required the diacyl species, since mono- or tri-acylglycerols were ineffective. Phosphatidic acid could be replaced by either lysophosphatidic acid or phosphatidylserine, but not by phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylinositol, suggesting specificity for an anionic phospholipid. Since other cell-free activators of NADPH oxidase (arachidonic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate) are also anionic amphiphiles, phosphatidic acid may directly interact with an enzyme component(s). The targets for phosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol in the cell-free system are currently under investigation. These results emphasize the critical importance of phospholipases, particularly phospholipase D, in the regulation of the respiratory burst.

Cytosolic oxidase factors in the NADPH-dependent oxidase of human neutrophils

The NADPH-dependent superoxide generating system of human PMNs is a complex, multicomponent system. Studies over the past two decades have identified some of the various components both in the membrane and in the cytosol. The cytosolic factors p47 phox and p67 phox are clearly essential components of the oxidase, as evidenced by their absence producing autosomal CGD. Despite this, the specific function of each of these factors in the assembled oxidase remains unknown. In the case of p47 phox, determinants for translocation are multifactorial, depending in part on phosphorylation and in part on the participation of a functional domain at p47 phox(323-332). The importance of SH3 regions and proline-rich domains in intramolecular interactions and associations with the membrane skeleton remain to be defined. In addition, factors which modulate the assembly of this oxidase are largely unknown and their elucidation may provide insights into novel means by which to modify the inflammatory response.

GTPase activity of small GTP-binding proteins in HL-60 membranes is stimulated by arachidonic acid

The GTPase activity of membranes isolated from differentiated HL-60 cells was investigated to obtain information about the possible involvement of membrane-bound GTP-binding proteins in the regulation of the NADPH oxidase. A more than tenfold increase in the rate of hydrolysis of membrane-bound GTP was observed when cytosol and arachidonic acid were added simultaneously, i.e. under the same conditions where NADPH oxidase becomes activated. There were parallel changes in GTPase and NADPH oxidase activities when the concentration of arachidonic acid or the species of the fatty acid was varied or different detergents were applied. Separation of the GTP-binding proteins of the solubilized membrane by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, allowed us to ascribe the observed effect to the stimulation of the GTPase activity of small GTP-binding proteins by cytosolic component(s). Indirect evidence suggests that, in contrast to the effect upon recombinant ras and ras-GTPase-activating protein, in intact HL-60 membranes the interaction of rap1A with rap-GTPase-activating protein, is strongly enhanced by arachidonic acid.

The respiratory burst oxidase and the molecular genetics of chronic granulomatous disease

The phagocyte respiratory burst oxidase plays a central role in the inflammatory response. This membrane-bound enzyme complex is comprised of both integral membrane and cytosolic proteins and catalyzes the formation of large quantities of superoxide in response to inflammatory stimuli. While superoxide and its oxidant derivatives normally serve a microbicidal function, excessive or inappropriate release of these products contribute to inflammatory tissue injury. Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a group of inherited disorders characterized by an absent neutrophil respiratory burst, which leads to recurrent and often life-threatening infections in affected patients. The analysis of the specific cellular defects in CGD has been instrumental in the identification and characterization of individual oxidase components. Four distinct genetic subgroups are presently recognized, each involving a different protein essential for respiratory burst oxidase function. This article summarizes recent advances in the characterization of the protein components and cellular biochemistry of the respiratory burst oxidase and reviews the classification and molecular genetics of CGD. The application of these findings to new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of CGD are also reviewed.