The chemotactic factor N-formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine activates microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP) kinase and a MAP kinase kinase in polymorphonuclear leucocytes

The Differential Reactive Oxygen Species Production of Tear Neutrophils in Response to Various Stimuli In Vitro

A large number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) invade the ocular surface during prolonged eye closure (sleep); these leukocytes are commonly referred as tear PMNs. PMNs contribute to homeostasis and possess an arsenal of inflammatory mediators to protect against pathogens and foreign materials. This study examined the ability of tear PMNs to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), an essential killing mechanism for PMNs which can lead to oxidative stress and imbalance. Cells were collected after sleep from healthy participants using a gentle eye wash. ROS production in stimulated (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or N-Formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)) and unstimulated tear PMNs was measured using luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence for 60 min. A high level of constitutive/spontaneous ROS production was observed in tear PMNs in the absence of any stimulus. While tear PMNs were able to produce ROS in response to PMA, they failed to appropriately respond to LPS and fMLP, although fMLP-stimulated tear PMNs generated ROS extracellularly in the first three minutes. Higher ROS generation was observed in isolated tear PMNs which may be due to priming from the magnetic bead cell separation system. The differential responses of tear PMNs in ROS generation provide further evidence of their potential inflammatory roles in ocular complications involving oxidative stress.

MEK1/2 inhibitors reverse acute vascular occlusion in mouse models of sickle cell disease

In sickle cell disease (SCD), treatment of recurrent vasoocclusive episodes, leading to pain crises and organ damage, is still a therapeutic challenge. Vasoocclusion is caused primarily by adherence of homozygous for hemoglobin S (SS) red blood cells (SSRBCs) and leukocytes to the endothelium. We tested the therapeutic benefits of MEK1/2 inhibitors in reversing vasoocclusion in nude and humanized SCD mouse models of acute vasoocclusive episodes using intravital microscopy. Administration of 0.2, 0.3, 1, or 2 mg/kg MEK1/2 inhibitor to TNF-α-pretreated nude mice before human SSRBC infusion inhibited SSRBC adhesion in inflamed vessels, prevented the progression of vasoocclusion, and reduced SSRBC organ sequestration. By use of a more clinically relevant protocol, 0.3 or 1 mg/kg MEK1/2 inhibitor given to TNF-α-pretreated nude mice after human SSRBC infusion and onset of vasoocclusion reversed SSRBC adhesion and vasoocclusion and restored blood flow. In SCD mice, 0.025, 0.05, or 0.1 mg/kg MEK1/2 inhibitor also reversed leukocyte and erythrocyte adhesion after the inflammatory trigger of vasoocclusion and improved microcirculatory blood flow. Cell adhesion was reversed by shedding of endothelial E-selectin, P-selectin, and αvβ3 integrin, and leukocyte CD44 and β2 integrin. Thus, MEK1/2 inhibitors, by targeting the adhesive function of SSRBCs and leukocytes, could represent a valuable therapeutic intervention for acute sickle cell vasoocclusive crises.

Apoptotic human cells inhibit migration of granulocytes via release of lactoferrin

Apoptosis is a noninflammatory, programmed form of cell death. One mechanism underlying the non-phlogistic nature of the apoptosis program is the swift phagocytosis of the dying cells. How apoptotic cells attract mononuclear phagocytes and not granulocytes, the professional phagocytes that accumulate at sites of inflammation, has not been determined. Here, we show that apoptotic human cell lines of diverse lineages synthesize and secrete lactoferrin, a pleiotropic glycoprotein with known antiinflammatory properties. We further demonstrated that lactoferrin selectively inhibited migration of granulocytes but not mononuclear phagocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we were able to attribute this antiinflammatory function of lactoferrin to its effects on granulocyte signaling pathways that regulate cell adhesion and motility. Together, our results identify lactoferrin as an antiinflammatory component of the apoptosis milieu and define what we believe to be a novel antiinflammatory property of lactoferrin: the ability to function as a negative regulator of granulocyte migration.

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase couples platelet-activating factor-induced adhesion and delayed apoptosis of human neutrophils

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) promotes adhesion of neutrophil granulocytes to the endothelium, which is also linked to neutrophil survival. Here we report that PAF can prolong neutrophil survival by suppressing spontaneous apoptosis. PAF induced concurrent activation of the Ras/Raf-1/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways. ERK activation tightly correlated with up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 expression and beta(2)-integrin-dependent homotypic adhesion. These actions of PAF were markedly attenuated by the MAPKK/ERK inhibitor PD98059, but not by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. By contrast, concurrent activation of ERK and Akt was required to inhibit caspase-3 activation and consequently to delay apoptosis. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of either ERK or Akt partially reversed the anti-apoptotic action of PAF; however, they did not produce additive inhibition. These results indicate that PAF-induced activation of ERK contributes to both the expression of the pro-adhesive phenotype and repression of neutrophil apoptosis, thereby amplifying the inflammatory response.

Lyn- and ERK-mediated vs. Ca2+ -mediated neutrophil O responses with thermal injury

We evaluated the dependency of neutrophil O production on PTK-Lyn and MAPK-ERK1/2 in rats after thermal injury. Activation of PTK-Lyn was assessed by immunoprecipitation. Phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was assessed by Western blot analysis. O production was measured by isoluminol-enhanced luminometry. Imaging technique was employed to measure neutrophil [Ca2+](i) in individual cells. Thermal injury caused marked upregulation of Lyn and ERK1/2 accompanying enhanced neutrophil O production. Treatment of rats with PTK blocker (AG556) or MAPK blocker (AG1478) before burn injury caused complete inhibition of the respective kinase activation. Both AG556 and AG1478 produced an ~66% inhibition in O production. Treatment with diltiazem (DZ) produced an ~37% inhibition of O production without affecting Lyn or ERK1/2 activation with burn injury. Ca2+ mobilization was upregulated with burn injury but not affected by treatment of burn rats with AG556. Unlike the partial inhibition of burn-induced O production by AG556, AG1478, or DZ, platelet-activating factor antagonist (PAFa) treatment of burn rats produced near complete inhibition of O production. PAFa treatment also blocked activation of Lyn. The findings suggest that the near complete inhibition of O production by PAFa was a result of blockade of PTK as well as Ca2+ signaling. Overall, our studies show that enhanced neutrophil O production after thermal injury is a result of potentiation of Ca2+ -linked and -independent signaling triggered by inflammatory agents such as PAF.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase plays an essential role in endothelin-1-induced homotypic adhesion of human neutrophil granulocytes

1. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates integrin-dependent adhesion of neutrophil granulocytes to endothelial cells, one of the early key events in acute inflammation. However, the signalling pathway(s) of ET-1-stimulated neutrophil adhesive responses has not been elucidated. Previous studies indicated that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation could mediate rapid responses of neutrophil granulocytes to various stimuli. In this study, we investigated the role of ERK signalling in human neutrophil granulocytes challenged with ET-1. 2. ET-1 rapidly down-regulated the expression of L-selectin and up-regulated the expression of CD11b/CD18 on the neutrophil surface. Concomitantly, ET-1 induced homotypic adhesion (aggregation) of neutrophils, that was blocked by a monoclonal antibody to CD18. 3. ET-1, through ET(A) receptors, evoked activation of Ras and subsequent phosphorylation of Raf-1, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPK/ERK kinase) and ERK 1/2. ERK activation by ET-1 was rapid, concordant with the kinetics of ET-1-stimulated neutrophil aggregation. 4. Neutrophil responses to ET-1 were markedly attenuated by the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059, whereas inhibitors of p38 MAPK, tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase had no detectable effects. We have observed a tight correlation between neutrophil ERK activation and homotypic adhesion. 5. These data indicate an essential role for ERK in mediating ET-1-stimulated adhesive responses of human neutrophil granulocytes.

Boswellic acids activate p42(MAPK) and p38 MAPK and stimulate Ca(2+) mobilization

Here we show that extracts of Boswellia serrata gum resins and its constituents, the boswellic acids (BAs), activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p42(MAPK) and p38 in isolated human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL). MAPK activation was rapid and transient with maximal activation after 1-2.5 min of exposure and occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The keto-BAs (11-keto-beta-BA and 3-O-acetyl-11-beta-keto-BA) gave substantial kinase activation at 30 microM, whereas other BAs lacking the 11-keto group were less effective. Moreover, 11-keto-BAs induced rapid and prominent mobilization of free Ca(2+) in PMNL. Inhibitor studies revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) is involved in BA-induced MAPK activation, whereas a minor role was apparent for protein kinase C. MAPK activation by 3-O-acetyl-11-beta-keto-BA was partially inhibited when Ca(2+) was removed by chelation. Our results suggest that 11-keto-BAs might function as potent activators of PMNL by stimulation of MAPK and mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+).

Alpha-tocopherol modulates tyrosine phosphorylation in human neutrophils by inhibition of protein kinase C activity and activation of tyrosine phosphatases

Alpha-tocopherol augmentation in human neutrophils was investigated for effects on neutrophil activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, through its modulation of protein kinase C (PKC) and tyrosine phosphatase activities. Incubation of neutrophils with alpha-tocopherol succinate (TS) resulted in a dose-dependent incorporation into cell membranes, up to 2.5 nmol/2x10(6) cells. A saturating dose of TS (40 micromol/l) inhibited oxidant production by neutrophils stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or opsonized zymosan (OZ) by 86 and 57%, as measured by luminol-amplified chemiluminescence (CL). With PMA, TS inhibited CL generation to a similar extent to staurosporine (10 nmol/l) or genistein (100 micromol/l), and much more than Trolox (40 micromol/l). With OZ, TS inhibited CL to a similar extent to Trolox. Neutrophil PKC activity was inhibited 50% or more by TS or staurosporine. The enzyme activity was unaffected by genistein or Trolox, indicating a specific interaction of alpha-tocopherol. TS or Trolox increased protein tyrosine phosphorylation in resting neutrophils, and as with staurosporine further increased tyrosine phosphorylation in PMA-stimulated neutrophils, while the tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitor genistein diminished phosphorylation. These effects in resting or PMA-stimulated neutrophils were unrelated to protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activities, which were maintained or increased by TS or Trolox. In OZ-stimulated neutrophils, on the other hand, all four compounds inhibited the increase in tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. In this case, the effects of pre-incubation with TS or Trolox corresponded with partial inhibition of the marked (85%) decrease in PTP activity induced by OZ. These results indicate that alpha-tocopherol inhibits PMA-activation of human neutrophils by inhibition of PKC activity, and inhibits tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of OZ-stimulated neutrophils also through inhibition of phosphatase inactivation.

Matrix metalloproteinases regulate neutrophil-endothelial cell adhesion through generation of endothelin-1[1-32]

We recently reported that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2, gelatinase A) cleaves big endothelin 1 (ET-1), yielding the vasoactive peptide ET-1[1-32]. We tested whether ET-1[1-32] could affect the adhesion of human neutrophils to coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). ET-1[1-32] rapidly down-regulated the expression of L-selectin and up-regulated expression of CD11b/CD18 on the neutrophil surface, with EC50 values of 1-3 nM. These actions of ET-1[1-32] were mediated via ETA receptors and did not require conversion of ET-1[1-32] into ET-1 by neutrophil proteases, as revealed by liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Moreover, ET-1[1-32] evoked release of neutrophil gelatinase B, which cleaved big ET-1 to yield ET-1[1-32], thus revealing a positive feedback loop for ET-1[1-32] generation. Up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 expression and gelatinase release was tightly associated with activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Stimulation of Erk activity was due to activation of Ras, Raf-1, and MEK (MAPK kinase). ET-1[1-32] also produced slight increases in the expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin on HCAEC, and markedly enhanced beta2 integrin-dependent adhesion of neutrophils to activated HCAEC. These results are the first indication that gelatinolytic MMPs via cleavage of big ET-1 to yield ET-1[1-32] activate neutrophils and promote leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion and, consequently, neutrophil trafficking into inflamed tissues.

Propofol inhibits FMLP-stimulated phosphorylation of p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase and chemotaxis in human neutrophils

Propofol is used in the peri-operative setting and may affect some neutrophil functions. The effects of propofol on the function and intracellular signal transduction systems of neutrophils is controversial. Mitogen-activated protein kinase families (MAPKs) are members of the intracellular signal-transducing systems in eukaryotes. MAPKs have been shown to be involved in neutrophil chemotaxis by the use of PD98059, the specific inhibitor of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK). The effects of propofol in dimethyl sulfoxide on phosphorylation of MAPKs and chemotaxis were investigated in human neutrophils. Isolated neutrophils (2 x 10(7) cells per ml) from healthy volunteers were incubated with propofol (2-500 microM) and stimulated by N-formyl-L-methionyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) (100 nM). The effects of propofol on the phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK were investigated by immunoblotting. The effects of FMLP (1 microM) on chemotaxis were investigated with the under-agarose method. The phosphorylation of p42 MAPK and chemotaxis stimulated by FMLP were both inhibited by propofol at clinically relevant concentrations (> or = 10 and > or = 20 microM respectively). PD98059 (50 microM) also inhibited chemotaxis stimulated by FMLP, suggesting the involvement of p42 MAPK in the response. Propofol might therefore inhibit human neutrophil chemotaxis, at least in part, by suppressing the p44/42 MAPK pathway.

Peroxynitrite induces integrin-dependent adhesion of human neutrophils to endothelial cells via activation of the Raf-1/MEK/Erk pathway

Accumulating evidence suggests that enhanced peroxynitrite (ONOO-) formation occurs during inflammation. We have studied the impact and the mechanisms of ONOO- action on expression of adhesion molecules on human neutrophils and coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and binding of neutrophils to HCAEC. Addition of ONOO- (0.1 to 200 5M) to isolated neutrophils resulted in a concentration-dependent down-regulation of L-selectin expression, and up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 expression. ONOO- stimulation of Erk activity was accompanied by activation of Ras, Raf-1 and MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase), and was sensitive to the MEK inhibitor PD 98059. We have observed a tight association between Erk activation and changes in CD11b/CD18 expression. ONOO- also evoked activation of neutrophil p38 MAPK. Neither ONOO--induced up-regulation of CD11b/CD18 expression nor Erk activation was affected by SB 203580, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK. ONOO- by itself had little effect on expression of ICAM-1 and E-selectin on HCAEC, whereas it markedly enhanced attachment of neutrophils to lipopolysaccharide-activated HCAEC only when it was added together with neutrophils. Increases in neutrophil adhesion evoked by ONOO- were blocked by an anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody. These data suggest that ONOO- activates Erk in neutrophils via the Ras/Raf-1/MEK signal transduction pathway, leading to up-regulation of surface expression of CD11b/CD18 and consequently to increased neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells.

MEK-1/2 inhibition prevents 5-lipoxygenase translocation in N-formylpeptide-challenged human neutrophils

In order to elucidate the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK-1/2) in 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) activation we studied the N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced 5-LO translocation in human blood neutrophils (PMNs). In non-primed, Ca(2+)-repleted PMNs, fMLP consistently stimulated MEK-1/2 phosphorylation, but induced 5-LO translocation and product formation (430+/-128 pmol; SEM, n=13) only in 13 of 18 PMN preparations from different healthy donors. In fMLP-responsive cells, the MEK-1/2 inhibitor PD098059 (50 microM) attenuated MEK phosphorylation and abolished 5-LO activation at the translocation step. The fMLP-mediated 5-LO product formation was also sensitive to MEK inhibition by U0126 and to p38 inhibition by SB203580. But in contrast to PD098059, U0126 at 10 microM and SB203580 at 20-50 microM impaired 5-LO activity in the cell-free assay setting, suggesting direct actions of higher concentrations of U0126 and SB203580 on 5-LO apart from MEK and p38 inhibition, respectively. These data show that fMLP initiates 5-LO product formation in non-primed, Ca(2+)-repleted human blood PMNs from healthy donors, and that MEK signaling is pivotal, but not sufficient for 5-LO activation in response to the receptor agonist fMLP.

Kinase pathways in chemoattractant-induced degranulation of neutrophils: the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activated by Src family kinases

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of tyrosine phosphorylation pathways in fMLP-induced exocytosis of the different secretory compartments (primary and secondary granules, as well as secretory vesicles) of neutrophils. Genistein, a broad specificity tyrosine kinase inhibitor, blocked the exocytosis of primary and secondary granules, but had only a marginal effect on the release of secretory vesicles. Genistein also inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), raising the possibility that inhibition of ERK and/or p38 MAPK might be responsible for the effect of the drug on the degranulation response. Indeed, SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, decreased the release of primary and secondary granules, but not that of secretory vesicles. However, blocking the ERK pathway with PD98059 had no effect on any of the exocytic responses tested. PP1, an inhibitor of Src family kinases, also attenuated the release of primary and secondary granules, and neutrophils from mice deficient in the Src family kinases Hck, Fgr, and Lyn were also defective in secondary granule release. Furthermore, activation of p38 MAPK was blocked by both PP1 and the hck-/-fgr-/-lyn-/- mutation. Taken together, our data indicate that fMLP-induced degranulation of primary and secondary granules of neutrophils is mediated by p38 MAPK activated via Src family tyrosine kinases. Although piceatannol, a reportedly selective inhibitor of Syk, also prevented degranulation and activation of p38 MAPK, no fMLP-induced phosphorylation of Syk could be observed, raising doubts about the specificity of the inhibitor.

Role of p38 in the priming of human neutrophils by peritoneal dialysis effluent

Peritoneal dialysis effluent (PDE) contains a low-molecular-weight substance that is able to prime human neutrophils for the release of arachidonic acid and superoxide anion. Conventional priming agents, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), are known to signal via mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases; at least one possible substrate for MAP kinases is cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)). Phosphorylation of this enzyme results in arachidonic acid release, and this fatty acid is a potent primer and activator of the human neutrophil NADPH oxidase. Because of the striking similarities between the priming of neutrophils with agents such as TNF-alpha and PDE, we have investigated the signalling pathways evoked by PDE and explored the possibility that cPLA(2) is a target for activated MAP kinases. Our results show that PDE treatment of human neutrophils results in the phosphorylation of the p38 kinase rather than the p42 and p44 kinases. Phosphorylation of p38 is transient with maximal activity being observed 1 min after exposure to PDE. We were unable to demonstrate that activation of p38 resulted in phosphorylation of cPLA(2); furthermore, translocation of this enzyme to a membrane-containing fraction was not enhanced in PDE-treated neutrophils. Taken together, these data suggest that, in a manner similar to that of TNF-alpha, PDE primes human neutrophils by the activation of the p38 kinase. However, unlike the cytokine, the activation of this protein does not result in phosphorylation or activation of cPLA(2).

Activation of p90RSK and cAMP Response Element Binding Protein in Stimulated Neutrophils: Novel Effects of the Pyridinyl Imidazole SB 203580 on Activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Cascade

Neutrophils stimulated with the chemoattractant FMLP or the phorbol ester PMA are known to exhibit activation of a 90-kDa renaturable protein kinase. Activation of this kinase was maximal at ∼1–3 min after cell stimulation and the time course for activation was similar to that of the extracellular-regulated kinases (ERKs) and p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38MAPK). Compounds that block activation of ERK-1/2 (PD 98059) or that inhibit the activity of p38MAPK (SB 203580) blocked activation of this 90-kDa kinase. SB 203580 is a highly selective inhibitor of p38MAPK in vitro and is under intense study as a lead compound for developing novel anti-inflammatory agents. However, we demonstrate that SB 203580 at concentrations ≥10 μM can also inhibit activation of ERK-1/2 in neutrophils. An Ab to the protein kinase p90RSK2 (also referred to as MAPKAP-K1b, or p90rsk) immunoprecipitated the active 90-kDa kinase from lysates of stimulated neutrophils. No activity was observed for this enzyme in immunoprecipitates obtained from unstimulated cells, and the amounts of activity were markedly reduced if the cells were treated with PD 98059 or SB 203580 before stimulation. Neutrophils stimulated with FMLP exhibited phosphorylation of the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and this reaction was inhibited by SB 203580 and PD 98059. These data establish that the renaturable 90-kDa protein kinase is p90RSK2 and that CREB may be a substrate for this enzyme in these cells. Novel effects of compound SB 203580 on stimulated neutrophils are also described.

Activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase is inhibited by SB 203580, a specific inhibitor of SAPK2/p38

Activation of the neutrophil NADPH oxidase by either the bacterial peptide fMLP or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) is partially suppressed by SB 203580, a specific inhibitor of the MAP kinase family member, SAPK2/p38. The concentration of SB 203580 that suppresses activation of NADPH oxidase is similar to that which inhibits SAPK2/p38 in vitro, and both fMLP and PMA induce an extremely rapid and potent activation of SAPK2/p38 in neutrophils. SB 203580 does not exert its effect by preventing the neutrophil priming reaction, by suppressing the phosphorylation of p47phax, or by preventing the translocation of p47phax/p67phax to the plasma membrane.

Role of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase cascade in human neutrophil killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and in migration

Killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans by neutrophils involves adherence of the microorganisms, phagocytosis, and a collaborative action of oxygen reactive species and components of the granules. While a number of intracellular signalling pathways have been proposed to regulate neutrophil responses, the extent to which each pathway contributes to the killing of S. aureus and C. albicans has not been clearly defined. We have therefore examined the effect of blocking one such pathway, the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) cascade, using the specific inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase, PD98059, on the ability of human neutrophils to kill S. aureus and C. albicans. Our data demonstrate the presence of ERK2 and a 43-kDa form of ERK but not ERK1 in human neutrophils. Upon stimulation with formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (fMLP), the activities of both ERK2 and the 43-kDa form were stimulated. Despite abrogating the activity of both ERK forms, PD98059 only slightly reduced the ability of neutrophils to kill S. aureus or C. albicans. This is consistent with our finding that PD98059 had no effect on neutrophil adherence or degranulation, although pretreatment of neutrophils with PD98059 inhibited fMLP-stimulated superoxide production by 50%, suggesting that a change in superoxide production per se is not strictly correlated with microbicidal activity. However, fMLP-stimulated chemokinesis was markedly inhibited, while random migration and fMLP-stimulated chemotaxis were partially inhibited, by PD98059. These data demonstrate, for the first time, that the ERK cascade plays only a minor role in the microbicidal activity of neutrophils and that the ERK cascade is involved primarily in regulating neutrophil migration in response to fMLP.

Isolation and Characterization of a Variant HL60 Cell Line Defective in the Activation of the NADPH Oxidase by Phorbol Myristate Acetate

Promyelocytic human leukemia HL60 cells can be differentiated into neutrophil-like cells that exhibit an NADPH oxidase activity through direct stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) with PMA or through formyl peptide receptor activation. We have isolated a variant HL60 clone that exhibited a conditional PMA-induced oxidative response depending on the agent used for the differentiation. While cells differentiated with DMSO responded to either PMA or N-formyl peptide (N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys or fMLFK), cells differentiated with dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP) responded to fMLFK but very poorly to PMA. However, in Bt2cAMP-differentiated cells, the expression of the different PKC isoforms was similar to that observed in DMSO-differentiated cells. Moreover, PMA was able to induce a normal phosphorylation of the cytosolic factor p47phox and to fully activate extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk1/2). Interestingly, Bt2cAMP-differentiated cells exhibited a strong and sustained O2− production when costimulated with PMA and suboptimal concentrations of fMLFK which were, per se, ineffective. This sustained response was only slightly reduced by the conjunction of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 and wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Variant HL60 cells that were stably transfected with a constitutively active form of Rac1 were able, when differentiated with Bt2cAMP, to secrete oxidant following PMA stimulation. Altogether, the results suggest that, in addition to the phosphorylation of p47phox, the activation of NADPH oxidase requires the activation of a Rac protein through a pathway that diverges at a point upstream of MEK and that is independent of the activation of wortmannin sensitive PI3K.

Modes of action of aspirin-like drugs: salicylates inhibit erk activation and integrin-dependent neutrophil adhesion

The anti-inflammatory effects of high-dose salicylates are well recognized, incompletely understood and unlikely due entirely to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. We have previously reported a role for activation of the kinase Erk in CD11b/CD18 integrin-dependent adhesiveness of human neutrophils, a critical step in inflammation. We now report the effects of salicylates on neutrophil Erk and adhesion. Exposure of neutrophils to aspirin or sodium salicylate (poor COX inhibitor) inhibited Erk activity and adhesiveness of formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine- and arachidonic acid-stimulated neutrophils, consistent with anti-inflammation but not COX inhibition (IC50s = 1-8 mM). In contrast, indomethacin blocked neither Erk nor adhesion. Inhibition of Mek (proximal activator of Erk) also blocked stimulation of Erk and adhesion by formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanineand arachidonic acid. Salicylate inhibition of Erk was independent of protein kinase A activation and generation of extracellular adenosine. These data are consistent with a role for Erk in stimulated neutrophil adhesion, and suggest that anti-inflammatory effects of salicylates may be mediated via inhibition of Erk signaling required for integrin-mediated responses.

Integrin-dependent homotypic adhesion of neutrophils. Arachidonic acid activates Raf-1/Mek/Erk via a 5-lipoxygenase- dependent pathway

AA stimulates integrin-dependent neutrophil adhesion, a critical early step in acute inflammation. However, neither the signaling pathway(s) of AA-stimulated adhesion, nor whether AA acts directly or through the generation of active metabolites, has been elucidated. Previously, we have observed a tight association between neutrophil Erk activation and homotypic adhesion in response to chemoattractants acting through G protein-linked receptors. We now report a similar association between homotypic adhesion and Erk activation in response to AA. Erk activation was cyclooxygenase independent and required AA metabolism to 5(S)- hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HpETE) via 5-lipoxygenase, but not the further lipoxygenase-dependent metabolism of 5-HpETE to leukotrienes. AA stimulation of Erk was accompanied by Raf-1 activation and was sensitive to inhibitors of Raf-1 and Mek. Whereas activation of Erk by AA was pertussis toxin sensitive, [3H]-AA binding to neutrophils was not saturable, suggesting that an AA metabolite activates a G protein. Consistent with this hypothesis, Erk activation by 5(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE; lipoxygenase-independent metabolite of 5-HpETE) was also pertussis toxin sensitive. These data suggest that a 5-lipoxygenase metabolite of AA, e.g., 5-HETE, is released from AA-treated cells to engage a plasma membrane-associated, pertussis toxin-sensitive, G protein-linked receptor, leading to activation of Erk and adhesion via the Raf-1/Mek signal transduction pathway.

The Dictyostelium MAP kinase DdERK2 functions as a cytosolic protein in complexes with its potential substrates in chemotactic signal transduction

A polyclonal antibody against a MAP kinase (DdERK2) in Dictyostelium has been made and used to study DdERK2 activation and localization. The activation of DdERK2 by the chemoattractants cAMP and folate is rapid and transient. Its activity peaks between 15 and 60 seconds after cAMP stimulation and declines to basal levels after 5 minutes. In parallel with the DdERK2 activation is the appearance of a higher mobility band on Western blots. An antibody specific for activated MAP kinase shows that only the shifted band is tyrosine phosphorylated, suggesting that it is the active form. Both unstimulated and stimulated DdERK2 are soluble. In vitro phosphorylation with cell lysate supernatants or immunoprecipitates demonstrates the presence of several potential substrates, as identified by SDS-PAGE with mobility corresponding to molecular weights of 150, 25, and 19 kDa. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation studies suggest that these substrates are in a complex with DdERK2. These data suggest that DdERK2 works via cytoplasmic proteins to mediate signaling responses in Dictyostelium.

Signaling in unicellular eukaryotes

Aspects of intercellular and intracellular signaling systems in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, chemosensory behavior, and programmed cell death in free-living unicellular eukaryotes have been reviewed. Comparisons have been made with both bacteria and metazoa. The central organisms were flagellates (Trypanosoma, Leishmania, and Crithidia), slime molds (Dictyostelium), yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and ciliates (Paramecium, Euplotes, and Tetrahymena). There are two novel aspects in this review. First, cellular responses are viewed in an evolutionary perspective, rather than from the more prevailing one, in which the unicellular eukaryotes are seen by the mammalian organisms. Second, results obtained with cell cultures in minimal, chemically defined nutrient media at low cell densities where intercellular signaling is strongly reduced are discussed. These results shed light on control mechanisms and their cooperation inside the living cell. Intracellular systems have many common features in unicellular and multicellular organisms.

Differential effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade on degranulation and superoxide production of human neutrophil granulocytes

The effects of two different tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and erbstatin analog) and an inhibitor (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone; PD98059) of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase on the primary granule exocytosis and superoxide (O2.-) production of human neutrophil granulocytes were compared. The effector responses induced by stimulation of the chemotactic receptors by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and platelet-activating factor were blocked both by genistein and erbstatin analog. In contrast, degranulation and O2.- production triggered by the activation of protein kinase C with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate were reduced by erbstatin analog but not by genistein. This inhibitory pattern was observed in both effector responses, but the sensitivity of O2.- production toward tyrosine kinase inhibition was markedly higher than that of degranulation. PD98059 caused no considerable effect on any of the above responses. The data presented indicate that tyrosine kinases are involved not only in the respiratory burst but also in the organization of the degranulation response of neutrophil granulocytes. It is suggested that several tyrosine kinases of different inhibitor sensitivity may participate in the transduction of extracellular signals. However, activation of the MAP kinase cascade does not appear to be involved in either of the investigated biological responses of the neutrophils.

Comparison of alkylacylglycerol vs. diacylglycerol as activators of mitogen-activated protein kinase and cytosolic phospholipase A2 in human neutrophil priming

In human neutrophils, the choline-containing phosphoglycerides contain almost equal amounts of alkylacyl- and diacyl-linked subclasses. In contrast to phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis which yields diacylglycerol, hydrolysis of choline-containing phosphoglycerides by phospholipase D coupled with phosphohydrolase yields both alkylacyl- and diacylglycerol. While diacylglycerol activates protein kinase C, alkylacylglycerol does not, and its role is unclear. Yet previous studies have shown that exogenous alkylacyl- and diacylglycerols can prime for the release of radiolabeled arachidonic acid (AA) in intact neutrophils stimulated by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. We have now examined the effects of both diacylglycerol (1-oleoyl-2-acetylglycerol; OAG) and alkylacylglycerol (1-O-hexadecyl-2-acetylglycerol; EAG) on the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in human neutrophils. We observed that while OAG could effectively activate p42 and p44 MAP kinases along with cPLA2 in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, EAG could not. A novel p40 MAP kinase isoform is also present and activated in response to OAG treatment; the behavior of this MAP kinase isoform is discussed. The activation of cPLA2 and MAP kinase by 20 microM OAG could be inhibited by pretreatment with 1 microM GF-109203X, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C. Although only OAG activated cPLA2, both OAG and EAG primed for the release of AA mass as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The priming of AA release by OAG may be explained by the phosphorylation of cPLA2 through the activation of protein kinase C linked to MAP kinase. However, priming by EAG appears to involve a separate mechanism that is dependent on a different PLA2. Our results support a role for phospholipase D-derived products modulating the activation of cPLA2, further supporting the idea of cross-talk among various phospholipases.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 regulates cytoskeletal organization and chemotaxis via catalytic and microtubule-specific interactions

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) 1 and 2 are mitogen-activated protein kinases that act as key components in a signaling cascade linking growth factor receptors to the cytoskeleton and the nucleus. ERK2 mutants have been used to alter cytoskeletal regulation in Chinese hamster ovary cells without affecting cell growth or feedback signaling. Mutation of the unique loop L6 (residues 91-95), which is in a portion of the molecule that is cryptic upon the binding of ERK2 to the microtubules (MTs), generated significant morphological alterations. Most notable phenotypes were observed after expression of a combined mutant incorporating changes to both L6 and the TEY phosphorylation lip, including a 70% increase in cell spreading. Actin stress fibers in these cells, which normally formed a single broad parallel array, were arranged in three or more orientations or in fan-like arrays. MTs, which ordinarily extend longitudinally from the centrosome, spread radially, covering a larger surface area. Single, but not the double, mutations of the Thr and Tyr residues of the TEY phosphorylation lip caused a ca. 25% increase in cell spreading, accompanied by a threefold increase in chemotactic cell migration. Mutation of Lys-52 triggered a 48% increase in cell spreading but no alteration to chemotaxis. These findings suggest that wild-type ERK2 inhibits the organization of the cytoskeleton, the spreading of the cell, and chemotactic migration. This involves control of the orientation of actin and MTs and the positioning of focal adhesions via regulatory interactions that may occur on the MTs.

Proliferin induces endothelial cell chemotaxis through a G protein-coupled, mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway

To investigate the mechanism of action of the placental angiogenic hormone proliferin (PLF), we analyzed the signaling components in endothelial cells that are required for PLF-induced chemotaxis. Pertussis toxin, which inactivates Gi proteins, inhibited PLF-induced chemotaxis of endothelial cells. Gi proteins can lead to activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; PLF was found to stimulate MAPK activity, and this induction was blocked by both pertussis toxin and a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinase, PD 098059. Furthermore, a blockade of MAPK activation prevented endothelial cell movement in response to PLF. As PLF functionally interacts with the insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II)/mannose 6-phosphate receptor, we also examined the effects of pertussis toxin and PD 098059 on another ligand for this receptor, a mutant form of IGF-II; both inhibitors also block the action of this factor on endothelial cells. These data suggest that chemotaxis initiated by PLF and mediated by the IGF-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor occurs through a G protein-coupled pathway, and that MAPK activation is necessary for the chemotactic response.

Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals activate MAP kinase in human neutrophils: inhibition of MAP kinase, oxidase activation and degranulation responses of neutrophils by taxol

The activation of MAP kinase in human neutrophils stimulated by both uncoated and plasma-opsonized crystals of triclinic calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) was investigated. The effect of taxol on MAP kinase activation and on the responses of neutrophils stimulated by plasma-opsonized crystals was determined. MAP kinase activation was identified and quantified in Mono Q chromatography separated fractions of neutrophils that had been incubated with CPPD crystals by measuring [gamma-32P]adenosine triphosphate (ATP) phosphorylation of myelin basic protein and using immunoblotting techniques. Human neutrophils were incubated with taxol (0-50 microM), added to plasma-opsonized CPPD (50 mg/ml) and MAP kinase activation, chemiluminescence, superoxide anion generation, lysozyme and myeloperoxidase release were monitored. Both uncoated and plasma coated CPPD crystals induced a large increase in MAP kinase activity in neutrophils over control levels within 1 min of incubation. Pretreatment of neutrophils with taxol was able to suppress this activation of MAP kinase. Taxol produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of opsonized CPPD-induced neutrophil chemiluminescence, superoxide anion production and myeloperoxide release. Taxol at 28 microM also significantly inhibited chemiluminescence, superoxide anion production and myeloperoxidase release from neutrophils stimulated by opsonized zymosan. This is the first report of crystal-induced activation of MAP kinase in neutrophils. Microtubule-associated processes, such as signal transduction, secretion and phagocytosis are involved in particulate-induced neutrophil responses. We have suggested that the inhibitory effect of taxol observed in this work is due to its stabilizing effect on microtubules and disruption of MAP kinase activation associated with microtubules.

Differential effects of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor on human neutrophil responses to chemotactic factors

Chemotactic factors, i.e., an N-formyl peptide, C5a, interleukin-8, and leukotriene B4, induced neutrophils to activate mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, as defined by the tyrosine phosphorylation and decrease in electrophoretic mobility of immunodetected 44-, 42-, and 40-kDa proteins. PD 98059, an inhibitor of MAP kinase kinase activation, blocked these changes. The drug likewise blocked neutrophil chemotaxis but did not alter superoxide anion production and paradoxically enhanced degranulation responses to the stimuli. The MAP kinase pathway appears to have a highly selective role in mediating motility but not other cellular responses.

Common and distinct intracellular signaling pathways in human neutrophils utilized by platelet activating factor and FMLP

Stimulation of human neutrophils with chemoattractants FMLP or platelet activating factor (PAF) results in different but overlapping functional responses. We questioned whether these differences might reflect patterns of intracellular signal transduction. Stimulation with either PAF or FMLP resulted in equivalent phosphorylation and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPk) homologue 38-kD murine MAP kinase homologous to HOG-1 (p38) MAPk. Neither FMLP nor PAF activated c-jun NH2-terminal MAPk (JNKs). Under identical conditions, FMLP but not PAF, resulted in significant p42/44 (ERK) MAPk activation. Both FMLP and PAF activated MAP kinase kinase-3 (MKK3), a known activator of p38 MAPk. Both MAP ERK kinase kinase-1 (MEKK1) and Raf are activated strongly by FMLP, but minimally by PAF. Pertussis toxin blocked FMLP-induced activation of the p42/44 (ERK) MAPk cascade, but not that of p38 MAPk. A specific p38 MAPk inhibitor (SK&F 86002) blocked superoxide anion production in response to FMLP and reduced adhesion and chemotaxis in response to PAF or FMLP. These results demonstrate distinct patterns of intracellular signaling for two chemoattractants and suggest that selective activation of intracellular signaling cascades may underlie different patterns of functional responses.

Chemotactic peptide N-formyl-met-leu-phe activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 in human neutrophils

Activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) by chemotactic peptides initiates a series of functional responses that serve to eliminate pathogens. The intermediate steps that link engagement of the chemoattractant receptor to the microbicidal responses involve protein kinases that have yet to be identified. In this study we detected in human PMN the presence of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which became rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated and activated in response to the chemotactic peptide N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Pretreatment of PMN with wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, or bis-indolylmaleimide, a protein kinase C antagonist, resulted in partial inhibition of p38 phosphorylation upon fMLP stimulation. Similarly, phosphorylation of p38 was only partially inhibited when the fMLP-induced cytosolic calcium transient was prevented. Stimulation of PMN by the chemoattractant also resulted in the rapid phosphorylation and activation of MAPK-activated protein kinase-2 (MAPKAPK-2), which was completely inhibited by the specific p38 inhibitor, SB203580. The physical interaction of p38 with MAPKAPK-2 was studied by coimmunoprecipitation. These two kinases were found to be associated in unstimulated PMN but dissociated upon activation of the cells by fMLP. Together these findings demonstrate the activation of p38 by chemotactic peptides in human PMN by a process involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase C, and calcium. p38, in turn, is an upstream activator of MAPKAPK-2.

Activation of MEKK by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine in human neutrophils. Mapping pathways for mitogen-activated protein kinase activation

Mechanisms of neutrophil activation in response to chemoattractants remain incompletely understood. We have recently reported a Ras-mediated c-Raf pathway leading to the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in human neutrophils stimulated with the chemoattractant formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP). However, concern that Raf activation may not fully account for the early FMLP-mediated human neutrophil responses prompted us to investigate the activation of MAP kinase/ERK kinase (MEK) by MEK kinase (MEKK). In cell lysates we identified protein species at 180, 160, 110, 72, and 54 kDa with a monoclonal antibody to MEKK. Activation of MEKK was determined on immunoprecipitates from FMLP-stimulated neutrophils by in vitro kinase assay, which utilized both MEK1 and MEK2 as substrates. It was rapid, detectable at 30 s and reaching a plateau at 5 min, and it was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. Partial inhibition by pertussis toxin was observed. We were unable to show inhibition of the MEKK response by GF 109203X, a protein kinase C-specific inhibitor. These data indicate that in neutrophils activation of MEKK in addition to Raf may underlie stimulation of MAP kinase and other MAP kinase homologues by FMLP.

Emerging paradigms in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor signaling

The myelomonocytic lineage of hematopoiesis is regulated by the growth factor granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This cytokine has proven to be safe for use in coordination with the treatments for bone marrow transplants and acute myelogenous leukemia. GM-CSF and related cytokines operate through specific receptors in the membranes of target cells of the myelopoietic lineages (both immature and mature cells). The exact signal transduction mechanisms in the cell are only beginning to be clarified and involve a plethora of signaling molecules. With a wealth of new information from studies in GM-CSF-induced cell activation, three major experimental approaches are emerging as gold standards in the exploration of those signaling pathways initiated by hematopoietic growth factors. We consider here: (1) a protein-protein interaction, as exemplified by the association between the cytokine membrane receptor and JAK kinase; (2) a covalent modification of an enzyme, as studied in the phosphorylation of MAP kinase; and (3) a protein-DNA interaction, as demonstrated by the translocation of STAT from the cytosol to the nucleus where it can bind to the promoters of specific genes.

5-Oxo-eicosanoids and hematopoietic cytokines cooperate in stimulating neutrophil function and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

The newly defined eicosatetraenoates (ETEs), 5-oxoETE and 5-oxo-15(OH)-ETE, share structural motifs, synthetic origins, and bioactions with leukotriene B4 (LTB4). All three eicosanoids stimulate Ca2+ transients and chemotaxis in human neutrophils (PMN). However, unlike LTB4, 5-oxoETE and 5-oxo-15(OH)-ETE alone cause little degranulation and no superoxide anion production. However, we show herein that, in PMN pretreated with granulocyte-macrophage or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF or G-CSF), the oxoETEs become potent activators of the last responses. The oxoETEs also induce translocation of secretory vesicles from the cytosol to the plasmalemma, an effect not requiring cytokine priming. To study the mechanism of PMN activation in response to the eicosanoids, we examined the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). PMN expressed three proteins (40, 42, and 44 kDa) that reacted with anti-MAPK antibodies. The oxoETEs, LTB4, GM-CSF, and G-CSF all stimulated PMN to activate the MAPKs and cPLA2, as defined by shifts in these proteins' electrophoretic mobility and tyrosine phosphorylation of the MAPKs. However, the speed and duration of the MAPK response varied markedly depending on the stimulus. 5-OxoETE caused a very rapid and transient activation of MAPK. In contrast, the response to the cytokines was rather slow and persistent. PMN pretreated with GM-CSF demonstrated a dramatic increase in the extent of MAPK tyrosine phosphorylation and electrophoretic mobility shift in response to 5-oxoETE. Similarly, 5-oxoETE induced PMN to release some preincorporated [14C]arachidonic acid, while GM-CSF greatly enhanced the extent of this release. Thus, the synergism exhibited by these agents is prominent at the level of MAPK stimulation and phospholipid deacylation. Pertussis toxin, but not Ca2+ depletion, inhibited MAPK responses to 5-oxoETE and LTB4, indicating that responses to both agents are coupled through G proteins but not dependent upon Ca2+ transients. 15-OxoETE and 15(OH)-ETE were inactive while 5-oxo-15(OH)-ETE and 5(OH)-ETE had 3- and 10-fold less potency than 5-oxoETE, indicating a rather strict structural specificity for the 5-keto group. LY 255283, a LTB4 antagonist, blocked the responses to LTB4 but not to 5-oxoETE. Therefore, the oxoETEs do not appear to operate through the LTB4 receptor. In summary, the oxoETEs are potent activators of PMN that share some but not all activities with LTB4. The response to the oxoETEs is greatly enhanced by pretreatment with cytokines, indicating that combinations of these mediators may be very important in the pathogenesis of inflammation.

In vitro activation of a 60-70 kDa histone H4 protein kinase from neutrophils by limited proteolysis

Neutrophils stimulated with the chemotactic peptide fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLP) are known to exhibit a rapid and transient activation of a histone H4 kinase that may function in a stimulatory pathway downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. The activity of this histone kinase in unstimulated neutrophils and cells treated with 1.0 microM fMLP for 10 sec was 8.8 +/- 5 and 43 +/- 2 pmol P/min per 10(7) cells, respectively. In this paper, we report that unstimulated neutrophils contain a latent H4 kinase in the 100,000 x g soluble fraction that can be markedly activated by treatment with trypsin. The values for the untreated and trypsin treated enzyme were 5.5 +/- 1.0 and 63.6 +/- 18 pmol P/min per 10(7) cell-equivalents, respectively. This kinase was insensitive to a selective antagonist of protein kinase C (i.e., 50 microM 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H-7)) but completely blocked by 100 nM staurosporine. Only a single peak of activity was observed for this enzyme when the 100,000 x g supernatant fraction was fractionated on either an exclusion (KW-803) or an anion exchange column (DEAE), or during isoelectric focusing. The molecular weight of the latent kinase was 64 +/- 6 kDa and the isoelectric point was 7.6 +/- 0.1. During all fractionation procedures, the H4 kinase co-chromatographed with a trypsin-activated kinase that catalyzed the phosphorylation of a peptide which corresponds to residues 297-331 of the 47 kDa subunit of the NADPH-oxidase complex (p47-phox). The properties of the trypsin-activated H4 kinase from unstimulated neutrophils are very similar to those reported for this enzyme from fMLP-stimulated cells.

Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway by fMet-leu-Phe in the absence of Lyn and tyrosine phosphorylation of SHC in transfected cells

The chemotactic peptide f-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) stimulates leukocyte functions through binding and activation of a specific G-protein-coupled formyl peptide receptor (FPR). Recent studies have shown that stimulation of neutrophils with fMLP induces the activation of two members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) family, ERK1 and ERK2, through mechanisms that are not completely understood but may involve the phosphorylation of the adapter protein SHC by the Src-related kinase Lyn. In this study, transfected fibroblasts expressing the rabbit FPR were used to investigate further the role of Lyn and SHC phosphorylation in fMLP-stimulated MAP kinase activation. Stimulation of transfected cells with fMLP resulted in the time- and dose-dependent increase in tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of ERK1 and ERK2 and the activation of MEK, the MAP kinase/ERK kinase. The activation of both ERKs and MEK was inhibited by preincubation of the cells with pertussis toxin, indicating that activation was dependent upon a Gi/Go-like protein that couples to the receptor. Our data also show that, unlike neutrophils, FPR-transfected fibroblasts do not express the Src-related kinase Lyn. In the absence of Lyn, fMLP stimulation did not result in an increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the adapter protein SHC, whereas it was still able to induce MAP kinase activation. These data suggest that Lyn and SHC are not the only upstream signals for activation of the MAP kinase/ERK pathway by fMLP and demonstrate the potential application of the FPR-transfected cells for the delineation of additional signaling mechanisms stimulated by fMLP.

S6 kinase p90rsk in granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-stimulated proliferative and mature hematopoietic cells

The ribosomal S6 kinase p90(rsk) was studied in mature and proliferating hemopoietic cells in response to the human cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). In neutrophils, GM-CSF induced time-dependent electrophoretic mobility shifts in immunoreactive p90(rsk). Although these shifts suggested changes in the phosphorylation status of the molecule, a kinase assay with whole cell lysates detected minimal (1.5-fold) increments in enzymatic activity. Only immunoprecipitation followed by immune complex kinase assay or in-gel kinase assay performed against the RSK substrate RRLSSLRA evidenced an increase in p90(rsk) activity (3.4-fold). p90(rsk) was also detected in the GM-CSF-dependent erythroleukemia cell line TF-1. Normally cultured, cytokine-supplemented cells did not respond to further GM-CSF stimulation. However, the activity of p90(rsk) in cytokine-starved cells increased dramatically in response to short term GM-CSF challenge. This effect was readily observable in total cell lysates (6.6-fold increase over controls) and was paralleled by changes in mitogen-activated protein kinase activity (a substrate of p90(rsk)). Thus, p90(rsk) is present in mature hemopoietic cells, but the extent of the enzymatic response to GM-CSF is significantly lower than that seen in proliferative cells.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase in neutrophils and enucleate neutrophil cytoplasts: evidence for regulation of cell-cell adhesion

We employed neutrophils and enucleate neutrophil cytoplasts to study the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p44erk1 and p42erk2 in neutrophils by inflammatory agonists that engage G protein-linked receptors. Formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) rapidly and transiently activated MAPK in neutrophils and cytoplasts, consistent with a role in signaling for neutrophil functions. FMLP stimulated p2lras activation in neutrophils and Raf-1 translocation from cytosol to plasma membrane in cytoplasts, with kinetics consistent with events upstream of MAPK activation. Insulin, a protein tyrosine kinase receptor (PTKR) agonist, stimulated neutrophil MAPK activation, demonstrating an intact system of PTKR signaling in these post-mitotic cells. FMLP- and insulin-stimulated MAPK activation in cytoplasts were inhibited by Bt2cAMP, consistent with signaling through Raf-1 and suggesting a mechanism for cAMP inhibition of neutrophil function. However, Bt2cAMP had no effect on FMLP-stimulated MAPK activation in neutrophils. The extent of MAPK activation by various chemoattractants correlated with their capacity to stimulate neutrophil and cytoplast homotypic aggregation. Consistent with its effects on MAPK, Bt2cAMP inhibited FMLP-stimulated aggregation in cytoplasts but not neutrophils. Insulin had no independent effect but primed neutrophils for aggregation in response to FMLP. Our studies support a p2lras-, Raf-1-dependent pathway for MAPK activation in neutrophils and suggest that neutrophil adhesion may be regulated, in part, by MAPK.

Cyclic AMP-increasing agents interfere with chemoattractant-induced respiratory burst in neutrophils as a result of the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase rather than receptor-operated Ca2+ influx

Superoxide anion and arachidonic acid were produced in guinea pig neutrophils in response to a chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Both responses were markedly, but the former response to a phorbol ester was not at all, inhibited when the cellular cAMP level was raised by prostaglandin E1 combined with a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Increasing cAMP was also inhibitory to fMLP-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and Ca2+ influx without any effect on the cation mobilization from intracellular stores. The fMLP-induced respiratory burst was abolished when PI 3-kinase was inhibited by wortmannin or LY294002, but was not affected when Ca2+ influx was inhibited. On the contrary, fMLP released arachidonic acid from the cells treated with the PI 3-kinase inhibitors as well as from non-treated cells, but it did not so when cellular Ca2+ uptake was prevented. The chemotactic peptide activated PI 3-kinase even in cells in which the receptor-mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and respiratory burst were both abolished by exposure of the cells to a permeable Ca(2+)-chelating agent. Thus, stimulation of fMLP receptors gave rise to dual effects, activation of PI 3-kinase and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization; both effects were necessary for the fMLP-induced respiratory burst. Increasing cellular cAMP inhibited the respiratory burst and arachidonic acid release as a result of the inhibitions of PI 3-kinase and Ca2+ influx, respectively, in fMLP-treated neutrophils.

Leukotriene synthesis in calcium-depleted human neutrophils: arachidonic acid release correlates with calcium influx

The relationship between intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), the release of arachidonic acid and the synthesis of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was investigated using Ca(2+)-depleted human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) in which [Ca2+]i can be manipulated by varying the concentration of exogenous Ca2+ added with agonists. In this model, Ca2+, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP), added alone, were unable to induce arachidonic acid release or LTB4 synthesis, as assessed by measurements of the products by MS and HPLC, respectively. However, the simultaneous addition of Ca2+ and either PAF or FMLP to these Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs resulted in an influx of Ca2+ proportional to the extracellular concentration of Ca2+ and caused a substantial release of arachidonic acid and synthesis of LTB4. The [Ca2+]i values for threshold and maximal arachidonic acid release were found to be 150 nM and 350 nM respectively, suggesting the involvement of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). Under stimulatory conditions resulting in similar [Ca2+]i, Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs released significant amounts of arachidonic acid but normal (Ca(2+)-repleted) PMNs did not, indicating that Ca2+ depletion of PMNs altered the normal regulation of arachidonic acid release and facilitated the release of the fatty acid upon stimulation with agonists. cPLA2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) phosphorylation, as assessed by changes of electrophoretic mobility, occurred in both Ca(2+)-depleted and Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs upon addition of agonist. These data demonstrate that in Ca(2+)-depleted PMNs stimulated with agonists, arachidonic acid release and LTB4 synthesis correlated with extracellular Ca2+ influx.

G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors regulate Lyn tyrosine kinase.Shc adapter protein signaling complexes

Receptors for chemoattractants that direct the migration of phagocytic leukocytes to sites of injury/infection also modulate many other leukocyte functions that are critical to the inflammatory response. These chemoattractant receptors, members of the G protein-coupled heptahelical receptor family, have been classically linked to cell activation via phospholipase C, calcium, and protein kinase C. We show here that activation of the N-formyl peptide chemoattractant receptor stimulates an additional protein kinase C-independent pathway through the Src-related tyrosine kinase, Lyn, in human neutrophils. We demonstrate that activation of Lyn is associated with binding to the Shc adapter protein, which becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. This interaction appears to be mediated via the Shc SH2 domain. Complexes of phosphorylated Lyn and Shc with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase are rapidly formed in stimulated neutrophils, correlating with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [corrected] formation and cell activation. This signaling pathway involving a Src-related kinase and the Shc adapter protein provides a potential mechanism linking chemoattractant receptors to downstream events involving Rac activation and NADPH oxidase. Regulation of Shc by G protein-coupled receptors may also allow these receptors to modulate the activity of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade.

Dissociation of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation from the oxidative burst in differentiated HL-60 cells and human neutrophils

In human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erks), are activated within minutes upon stimulation with either chemoattractant formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). This activation of MAPKs coincides with the formation of superoxide anion, which occurs through the activation of a multiple-component NADPH oxidase pathway. MAPKs have thus been suggested to be involved in signal transduction leading to the oxidative burst. To investigate whether MAPK activation plays a central role in the oxidative burst, we evaluated the effect of cAMP on MAPK activation induced by fMLP and PMA. cAMP inhibits many PMN functional responses, including the oxidative burst, and has recently been shown to reduce growth factor- and PMA-induced MAPK activities in a variety of cells. We found that in differentiated, neutrophil-like HL-60 cells, while cAMP reduced PMA-induced MAPK activation, it had no effect on fMLP-induced MAPK activation. Despite the presence of unchanged levels of activated MAPKs, the fMLP-induced oxidative burst was substantially diminished by cAMP. By contrast, O2-production induced by PMA remained the same even though MAPK activation was inhibited. In PMNs, although the levels of O2-induced by either 10 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml PMA were similar, only 100 ng/ml could stimulate MAPK activation, suggesting that the oxidative burst could occur in the absence of detectable activation of MAPKs. As in HL-60 cells, cAMP inhibited the O2-production in fMLP-stimulated PMNs but had no effect on MAPK activity. These results demonstrate that, while MAPK activation coincides with PMN activation, it can be dissociated from the oxidative burst.

Neutrophil priming: the cellular signals that say 'amber' but not 'green'

One of the most intriguing gaps in our understanding of how neutrophils work concerns the mechanism by which the oxidase response in these cells is 'primed'. In the primed state, there is no increase in oxidase activity, yet subsequent stimulation provokes a response that is larger than in nonprimed, activated cells. Thus, neutrophils exist in one of three states: quiescent, primed or active. Individual primed cells may be thought of as being 'ready to go' but awaiting further stimulus before the oxidase response is elicited. The primed neutrophils are thus held at 'amber', awaiting 'green' before activity is triggered. Here, Maurice Hallett and Darren Lloyds suggest a molecular basis for the signals that say 'amber' but not 'green'.

Development of oxidase 'priming' in maturing HL60 cells: correlation with protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation

The mechanisms involved in 'priming' of the oxidase response of neutrophils are unknown. Two major problems are encountered in using circulating neutrophils; firstly, prior exposure to circulating 'priming' cytokines cannot be controlled and secondly, non-intentional 'priming' during cell separation can occur. In this study, these problems were avoided by differentiating the promyeloid leukaemic cell line, HL60, towards granulocytes using dibutyrl cyclic AMP, to produce a 'virgin cell' model system. We have demonstrated that the ability of substance P to both prime the oxidase response and induce tyrosine phosphorylation increased during differentiation. The major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein, with molecular weight of 74 kDa, was not recognised by anti-c-raf1 antibodies. Furthermore, c-raf1 expression rapidly declined during HL60 cell granulocytic differentiation. This data shows that although there was no simple relationship between c-raf quantity and priming, the data were consistent with tyrosine phosphorylation of a 74 kDa protein being important for oxidase 'priming'.

A comparison of post-receptor signal transduction events in Jurkat cells transfected with either IL-8R1 or IL-8R2. Chemokine mediated activation of p42/p44 MAP-kinase (ERK-2)

The CXC chemokine, IL-8, is a potent chemoattractant of neutrophils and binds to two distinct receptors, termed IL-8R1 and IL-8R2. These receptors share high affinity for IL-8, however, only IL-8R1 is specific for IL-8 whereas IL-8R2 binds other related chemokines, including GRO alpha with high affinity. Stable Jurkat transfectants were generated expressing either functional IL-8R1 or IL-8R2 (J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2). Both J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2 exhibited high affinity IL-8 binding (Kd 3-5 nM) with respective receptor densities of 23,000 +/- 3,000 and 18,500 +/- 1,500. Pre-treatment of both transfectants with 1.0 micrograms/ml B. pertussis toxin (PTx) resulted in inhibition of IL-8 mediated intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and chemotaxis, without altering the receptor's affinity for its ligand. This indicates that both receptors couple to a PTx-sensitive G-protein. Further studies showed that IL-8R1 and IL-8R2 could mediate time-dependent phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAP-kinase. In both transfectants, phosphorylation was maximal at 1-2 min after IL-8 stimulation and could be inhibited by PTx. Stimulation of J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2 with GRO alpha revealed that this chemokine was a more potent activator of MAP-kinase in J-IL8R2, an observation reflected in the high affinity binding of GRO alpha to IL-8R2. These studies indicate that chemokines are capable of activating protein kinases and with regards to PTx-sensitivity and MAP-kinase stimulation, no significant differences between IL-8R1 and IL-8R2 post-receptor signalling occur during cell activation by IL-8.

The intracellular signal transduction mechanism of interleukin 5 in eosinophils: the involvement of lyn tyrosine kinase and the Ras-Raf-1-MEK-microtubule-associated protein kinase pathway

Interleukin 5 (IL-5) regulates the growth and function of eosinophils. The objective of this study was to investigate the intracellular signal transduction mechanism of IL-5 in eosinophils. Purified eosinophils were stimulated with IL-5, and the involvement of various kinases was investigated by immunoblotting, immune complex kinase assay, and in situ denatured/renatured kinase assay. We found that IL-5 induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of a number of kinases. Two species of lyn kinases (53 and 56 kD) were present in eosinophils. Both forms were Tyr-phosphorylated and activated rapidly within 1 min. Further, lyn kinase was physically associated with the IL-5 beta receptor in eosinophils. Ras was studied by immunoprecipitation followed by thin-layer chromatography. Ras bound higher quantities of [alpha-32P]guanosine 5'triphosphate upon stimulation with IL-5. Raf-1 kinase showed increased Tyr phosphorylation on immunoblotting and increased activity in the immune complex kinase assay. Two species of MEK (MAP or Erk kinase) (41 and 45 kD) were identified in eosinophils, which underwent autophosphorylation upon stimulation. Microtubule-associated protein (MAP) kinase (p44) was Tyr-phosphorylated on immunoblotting and had increased activity in the immune-complex kinase assay. MAP kinases were also studied after metabolic radiolabeling of the cells with [32P]orthophosphates. IL-5 stimulated phosphorylation of MAP kinases in situ. Thus, we have delineated major components of an important signaling pathway in eosinophils. We believe that one of the signals generated by IL-5 receptor activation is propagated through the lyn-Ras-Raf-1-MEK-MAP kinase pathway.

Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor subtypes expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells activate differentially mitogen-activated protein kinase by a p21ras independent pathway

Epinephrine stimulation of rat alpha 2D, alpha 2B, and alpha 2C adrenergic receptor subtypes, expressed stably in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, caused a rapid, transient activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), with subtype-specific different efficiencies. The order of activation was CHO-2B approximately CHO-2D much greater than CHO-2C. Pertussis toxin blocked the stimulation of MAPK enzymatic activity and the parallel MAPK phosphorylation, demonstrating that these responses are mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi proteins. Contrary to what has been reported for the alpha 2A subtype expressed in rat-1 fibroblasts, epinephrine did not cause any detectable activation of p21ras in the CHO transfectants. Furthermore, combined application of epinephrine and phorbol myristate acetate had a potent cooperative but not additive effect in clones CHO-2D and CHO-2B but not in CHO-2C, suggesting that protein kinase C is probably differently involved in the signaling by the three alpha 2 receptor subtypes. These results show that in CHO cells, the different alpha 2 adrenergic receptor subtypes utilize differential pathways to activate MAPK in a p21ras-independent way.

A MAP kinase necessary for receptor-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase in Dictyostelium

Analysis of a developmental mutant in Dictyostelium discoideum which is unable to initiate morphogenesis has shown that a protein kinase of the MAP kinase/ERK family affects relay of the cAMP chemotactic signal and cell differentiation. Strains in which the locus encoding ERK2 is disrupted respond to a pulse of cAMP by synthesizing cGMP normally but show little synthesis of cAMP. Since mutant cells lacking ERK2 contain normal levels of both the cytosolic regulator of adenylyl cyclase (CRAC) and manganese-activatable adenylyl cyclase, it appears that this kinase is important for receptor-mediated activation of adenylyl cyclase.

Priming of human neutrophils by tumour necrosis factor-alpha and substance P is associated with tyrosine phosphorylation

The mechanisms involved in neutrophil 'priming' are unknown. 'Priming' by substance P and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) occurred without effecting cytosolic-free Ca2+ signalling and was independent of actin polymerization. We demonstrate here that these two primers, which act on different receptor classes, both cause tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of protein substrates including a prominent 74,000 MW protein. This protein was not recognized by anti-c-raf antibodies. The concentration relationship and time-course of tyrosine phosphorylation were consistent with a role in mediating priming. Pretreatment with genistein both inhibited tyrosine phosphorylation and abolished the priming by either substance P or TNF-alpha.

FMLP activates Ras and Raf in human neutrophils. Potential role in activation of MAP kinase

Chemoattractants bind to seven transmembrane-spanning, G-protein-linked receptors on polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) and induce a variety of functional responses, including activation of microtubule-associated protein (MAP) kinase. Although the pathways by which MAP kinases are activated in neutrophils are unknown, we hypothesized that activation of the Ras/Raf pathway leading to activation of MAP/ERK kinase (MEK) would be induced by the chemoattractant f-met-leu-phe. Human neutrophils exposed to 10 nM FMLP for 30 s exhibited an MAP kinase kinase activity coeluting with MEK-1. Immunoprecipitation of Raf-1 kinase after stimulation with FMLP revealed an activity that phosphorylated MEK, was detectable at 30 s, and peaked at 2-3 min. Immunoprecipitation of Ras from both intact neutrophils labeled with [32P]orthophosphate and electropermeabilized neutrophils incubated with [32P]GTP was used to determine that FMLP treatment was associated with activation of Ras. Activation of both Ras and Raf was inhibited by treatment of neutrophils with pertussis toxin, indicating predominant linkage to the Gi2 protein. Although phorbol esters activated Raf, activation induced by FMLP appeared independent of protein kinase C, further suggesting that Gi2 was linked to Ras and Raf independent of phospholipase C and protein kinase C. Dibutyryl cAMP, which inhibits many neutrophil functional responses, blocked the activation of Raf by FMLP, suggesting that interruption of the Raf/MAP kinase pathway influences neutrophil responses to chemoattractants. These data suggest that Gi2-mediated receptor regulation of the Ras/Raf/MAP kinase pathway is a primary response to chemoattractants.