Integrin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and cytokine message induction in monocytic cells. A possible signaling role for the Syk tyrosine kinase

LILRB4 in acute myeloid leukemia: From prognostic biomarker to immunotherapeutic target

ABSTRACT

Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) B4 (also known as ILT3/CD85k) is an immune checkpoint protein that is highly expressed in solid tumors and hematological malignancies and plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of cancer. LILRB4 is highly expressed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and this phenotype is associated with adverse patient outcomes. Its differential expression in tumors compared to normal tissues, its presence in tumor stem cells, and its multifaceted roles in tumorigenesis position it as a promising therapeutic target in AML. Currently, several immunotherapies targeting LILRB4 are undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes advancements made in the study of LILRB4 in AML, focusing on its structure, ligands, expression, and significance in normal tissues and AML; its protumorigenic effects and mechanisms in AML; and the application of LILRB4-targeted therapies in AML. These insights highlight the potential advantages of LILRB4 as an immunotherapeutic target in the context of AML.

Phagocytosis

One hundred years have passed since the death of Élie Metchnikoff (1845-1916). He was the first to observe the uptake of particles by cells and realized the importance of this process, named phagocytosis, for the host response to injury and infection. He also was a strong advocate of the role of phagocytosis in cellular immunity, and with this, he gave us the basis for our modern understanding of inflammation and the innate immune response. Phagocytosis is an elegant but complex process for the ingestion and elimination of pathogens, but it is also important for the elimination of apoptotic cells and hence fundamental for tissue homeostasis. Phagocytosis can be divided into four main steps: (i) recognition of the target particle, (ii) signaling to activate the internalization machinery, (iii) phagosome formation, and (iv) phagolysosome maturation. In this chapter, we present a general view of our current knowledge on phagocytosis performed mainly by professional phagocytes through antibody and complement receptors and discuss aspects that remain incompletely understood.

Integrin α3 promotes TH17 cell polarization and extravasation during autoimmune neuroinflammation

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by CNS-infiltrating leukocytes, including TH17 cells that are critical mediators of disease pathogenesis. Although targeting leukocyte trafficking is effective in treating autoimmunity, there are currently no therapeutic interventions that specifically block encephalitogenic TH17 cell migration. Here, we report integrin α3 as a TH17 cell-selective determinant of pathogenicity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. CNS-infiltrating TH17 cells express high integrin α3, and its deletion in CD4+ T cells or Il17a fate-mapped cells attenuated disease severity. Mechanistically, integrin α3 enhanced the immunological synapse formation to promote the polarization and proliferation of TH17 cells. Moreover, the transmigration of TH17 cells into the CNS was dependent on integrin α3, and integrin α3 deficiency enhanced the retention of CD4+ T cells in the perivascular space of the blood-brain barrier. Integrin α3-dependent interactions continuously maintain TH17 cell identity and effector function. The requirement of integrin α3 in TH17 cell pathogenicity suggests integrin α3 as a therapeutic target for MS treatment.

Disease-specific expansion of CD29+IL-17RA+ T effector cells possessing multiple signalling pathways in spondyloarthritis

OBJECTIVES

T cells adhere to enthesis fibrocartilage via integrins and intrinsically require IL-17RA-mediated signals to maintain their effector function. We analysed CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells in inflamed lesions and peripheral blood in patients with SpA and investigated their association with disease activity and therapeutic response.

METHODS

Transcriptome analysis of synovial fluid T cells from PsA was performed using publicly available bulk cell RNA sequencing data. Blood samples were obtained from healthy controls (n = 37), RA (n = 12), IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD; n = 12), large vessel vasculitis (LVV; n = 12) and SpA (n = 28) and were analysed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

T cells in the inflamed joints of PsA showed CD29 and IL-17RA expression. CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells showed enriched CXCR3+CD45RA+ effector cells and activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathways. The proportion of peripheral blood CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells was significantly increased in patients with SpA compared with patients with RA, IgG4-RD or LVV and in healthy controls. Based on the ASDAS-CRP scores, the proportion of CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells was positively correlated with disease activity in treatment-naïve patients with active SpA. Anti-IL-17 but not anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies reduced CD29+IL-17RA+ T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CD29+IL-17RA+ T effector cells with enhanced Syk, NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways were specifically increased in SpA and were correlated with disease activity, implicating a role of this newly identified T cell population in the pathogenesis. Anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibodies may be effective for patients by reducing this pathogenic T cell population.

Co-localization of Fibronectin Receptors LILRB4/gp49B and Integrin on Dendritic Cell Surface

A myeloid immune checkpoint, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) B4 (B4, also known as ILT3/CD85k in humans and gp49B in mice) is expressed on dendritic cells (DCs). However, a mode of regulation of DCs by B4/gp49B is not identified yet in relation to the ligand(s) as well as to the counteracting, activation-type receptor. Our recent identification of the physiological/pathological ligand for B4/gp49B as the fibronectin (FN) N-terminal 30-kDa domain poses the question of the relationship between B4/gp49B and a classical FN receptor/cellular activator, integrin, on DCs. Here we showed that FN is not constitutively tethered on the surface of bone marrow-derived cultured DCs (BMDCs) or splenic DCs, even though the FN receptor integrin and gp49B are co-expressed on these cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis, however, revealed weak correlation of fluorescent signals between gp49B and integrin β₁, suggesting their partial co-localization on the BMDC surface even in the absence of FN. We found that the plating of BMDCs onto immobilized FN induced tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). In the absence of gp49B, while the FAK phosphorylation level was virtually unchanged, that of phosphorylation of Syk was markedly augmented. These results suggested that the immobilized FN induced a crosstalk between gp49B and integrin in terms of the intracellular signaling of BMDCs, in which gp49B suppressed the integrin-mediated pro-inflammatory cascade. Our observations may provide a clue for elucidating the mechanism of the therapeutic efficacy of B4/gp49B blocking in autoimmune disease and cancer.

Myeloid immune checkpoint ILT3/LILRB4/gp49B can co-tether fibronectin with integrin on macrophages

LILRB4 (B4, also known as ILT3/CD85k) is an immune checkpoint of myeloid-lineage cells, albeit its mode of function remains obscure. Our recent identification of a common ligand for both human B4 and its murine ortholog gp49B as the fibronectin (FN) N-terminal 30-kDa domain poses the question of how B4/gp49B regulate cellular activity upon recognition of FN in the plasma and/or the extracellular matrix. Since FN in the extracellular matrix is tethered by FN-binding integrins, we hypothesized that B4/gp49B would tether FN in cooperation with integrins on the cell surface, thus they should be in close vicinity to integrins spatially. This scenario suggests a mode of function of B4/gp49B by which the FN-induced signal is regulated. FN pull-down complex was found to contain gp49B and integrin β1 in bone marrow-derived macrophages. The confocal fluorescent signals of the three molecules on the intrinsically FN-tethering macrophages were correlated to each other. When FN-poor macrophages adhered to culture plate, the gp49-integrin β1 signal correlation increased at the focal adhesion, supporting the notion that gp49B and integrin β1 become spatially closer to each other there. While adherence of RAW264.7 and THP-1 cells to immobilized FN induced phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase, whose level was augmented under B4/gp49B deficiency. Thus, we concluded that B4/gp49B can co-tether fibronectin in cooperation with integrin in the cis configuration on the same cell, forming a B4/gp49B-FN-integrin triplet as a regulatory unit of focal adhesion-dependent proinflammatory signal in macrophages.

Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Ameliorates Tubular Inflammation in IgA Nephropathy

Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase involved in signal transduction in a variety of immune responses. It has been demonstrated that Syk plays a pathogenic role in orchestrating inflammatory responses and cell proliferation in human mesangial cells (HMC) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). However, whether Syk is involved in tubular damage in IgAN remains unknown. Using human kidney biopsy specimens, we found that Syk was activated in renal tubules of biopsy-proven IgAN patients with an increase in total and phosphorylated levels compared to that from healthy control subjects. In vitro, cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) were stimulated with conditioned medium prepared from human mesangial cells incubated with polymeric IgA (IgA-HMC) from patients with IgAN or healthy control. Induction of IL-6, IL-8, and ICAM-1 synthesis from cultured PTECs incubated with IgA-HMC conditioned medium was significantly suppressed by treatment with the Syk inhibitor R406 compared to that from healthy control. Furthermore, R406 downregulated expression of phosphorylated p65 NF-κB and p-42/p-44 MAPK, and attenuated TNF-α-induced cytokine production in PTECs. Taken together, our findings suggest that Syk mediates IgA-HMC conditioned medium-induced inflammation in tubular cells via activation of NF-κB and p-42/p-44 MAPK signaling. Inhibition of Syk may be a potential therapeutic approach for tubulointerstitial injury in IgAN.

Identification of Inhibitors of Integrin Cytoplasmic Domain Interactions With Syk

Leukocyte inflammatory responses require integrin cell-adhesion molecule signaling through spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), a non-receptor kinase that binds directly to integrin β-chain cytoplasmic domains. Here, we developed a high-throughput screen to identify small molecule inhibitors of the Syk-integrin cytoplasmic domain interactions. Screening small molecule compound libraries identified the β-lactam antibiotics cefsulodin and ceftazidime, which inhibited integrin β-subunit cytoplasmic domain binding to the tandem SH2 domains of Syk (IC50 range, 1.02-4.9 µM). Modeling suggested antagonist binding to Syk outside the pITAM binding site. Ceftazidime inhibited integrin signaling via Syk, including inhibition of adhesion-dependent upregulation of interleukin-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, but did not inhibit ITAM-dependent phosphorylation of Syk mediated by FcγRI signaling. Our results demonstrate a novel means to target Syk independent of its kinase and pITAM binding sites such that integrin signaling via this kinase is abrogated but ITAM-dependent signaling remains intact. As integrin signaling through Syk is essential for leukocyte activation, this may represent a novel approach to target inflammation.

3D type I collagen environment leads up to a reassessment of the classification of human macrophage polarizations

Macrophages have multiple roles in development, tissue homeostasis and repair and present a high degree of phenotypic plasticity embodied in the concept of polarization. One goal of macrophage biology field is to characterize these polarizations at the molecular level. To achieve this task, it is necessary to integrate how physical environment signals are interpreted by macrophages under immune stimulation. In this work, we study how a 3D scaffold obtained from polymerized fibrillar rat type I collagen modulates the polarizations of human macrophages and reveal that some traditionally used markers should be reassessed. We demonstrate that integrin β₂ is a regulator of STAT1 phosphorylation in response to IFNγ/LPS as well as responsible for the inhibition of ALOX15 expression in response to IL-4/IL-13 in 3D. Meanwhile, we also find that the CCL19/CCL20 ratio is reverted in 3D under IFNγ/LPS stimulation. 3D also induces the priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome resulting in an increased IL-1β and IL-6 secretion. These results give the molecular basis for assessing collagen induced immunomodulation of human macrophages in various physiological and pathological contexts such as cancer.

Tyrosine kinase signaling pathways in neutrophils

Neutrophils play a critical role in antimicrobial host defense, but their improper activation also contributes to inflammation-induced tissue damage. Therefore, understanding neutrophil biology is important for the understanding, diagnosis, and therapy of both infectious and inflammatory diseases. Neutrophils express a large number of cell-surface receptors that sense extracellular cues and trigger various functional responses through complex intracellular signaling pathways. During the last several years, we and others have shown that tyrosine kinases play a critical role in those processes. In particular, Src-family and Syk tyrosine kinases couple Fc-receptors and adhesion receptors (integrins and selectins) to various neutrophil effector functions. This pathway shows surprising similarity to lymphocyte antigen receptor signaling and involves various other enzymes (e.g. PLCγ2), exchange factors (e.g. Vav-family members) and adapter proteins (such as ITAM-containing adapters, SLP-76, and CARD9). Those mediators trigger various antimicrobial functions and play a critical role in coordinating the inflammatory response through the release of inflammatory mediators, such as chemokines and LTB4 . Interestingly, however, tyrosine kinases have a limited direct role in the migration of neutrophils to the site of inflammation. Here, we review the role of tyrosine kinase signaling pathways in neutrophils and how those pathways contribute to neutrophil activation in health and disease.

Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand induces cell adhesion and integrin α2 expression via NF-κB in head and neck cancers

Cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix play critical roles in tumor progression. We previously reported that receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) specifically facilitates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression in vivo. Here, we report a novel role for RANKL in the regulation of cell adhesion. Among the major type I collagen receptors, integrin α2 was significantly upregulated in RANKL-expressing cells, and its knockdown suppressed cell adhesion. The mRNA abundance of integrin α2 positively correlated with that of RANKL in human HNSCC tissues. We also revealed that RANK-NF-κB signaling mediated integrin α2 expression in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Interestingly, the amount of active integrin β1 on the cell surface was increased in RANKL-expressing cells through the upregulation of integrin α2 and endocytosis. Moreover, the RANK-integrin α2 pathway contributed to RANKL-dependent enhanced survival in a collagen gel and inhibited apoptosis in a xenograft model, demonstrating an important role for RANKL-mediated cell adhesion in three-dimensional environments.

Macrophage depletion lowers blood pressure and restores sympathetic nerve α2-adrenergic receptor function in mesenteric arteries of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

We tested the hypothesis that vascular macrophage infiltration and O2 (-) release impairs sympathetic nerve α2-adrenergic autoreceptor (α2AR) function in mesenteric arteries (MAs) of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Male rats were uninephrectomized or sham operated (sham). DOCA pellets were implanted subcutaneously in uninephrectomized rats who were provided high-salt drinking water or high-salt water with apocynin. Sham rats received tap water. Blood pressure was measured using radiotelemetry. Treatment of sham and DOCA-salt rats with liposome-encapsulated clodronate was used to deplete macrophages. After 3-5, 10-13, and 18-21 days of DOCA-salt treatment, MAs and peritoneal fluid were harvested from euthanized rats. Norepinephrine (NE) release from periarterial sympathetic nerves was measured in vitro using amperometry with microelectrodes. Macrophage infiltration into MAs as well as TNF-α and p22(phox) were measured using immunohistochemistry. Peritoneal macrophage activation was measured by flow cytometry. O2 (-) was measured using dihydroethidium staining. Hypertension developed over 28 days, and apocynin reduced blood pressure on days 18-21. O2 (-) and macrophage infiltration were greater in DOCA-salt MAs compared with sham MAs after day 10. Peritoneal macrophage activation occurred after day 10 in DOCA-salt rats. Macrophages expressing TNF-α and p22(phox) were localized near sympathetic nerves. Impaired α2AR function and increased NE release from sympathetic nerves occurred in MAs from DOCA-salt rats after day 18. Macrophage depletion reduced blood pressure and vascular O2 (-) while restoring α2AR function in DOCA-salt rats. Macrophage infiltration into the vascular adventitia contributes to increased blood pressure in DOCA-salt rats by releasing O2 (-), which disrupts α2AR function, causing enhanced NE release from sympathetic nerves.

SYK interaction with ITGβ4 suppressed by Epstein-Barr virus LMP2A modulates migration and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded Latent Membrane Protein 2A (LMP2A) is an EBV latency-associated protein regularly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In B cells, LMP2A activity resembles that of a constitutively activated antigen receptor, which recruits the Syk tyrosine kinase to activate a set of downstream signaling pathways. LMP2A also downregulates cellular Syk levels. In the present study, we demonstrate that Syk interacts with the integrin β4 subunit (ITGβ4) of integrin α6β4 in epithelial cells and that concurrent LMP2A expression interferes with this interaction by competitive binding to Syk. We find that both Syk and LMP2A have an effect on ITGβ4 cell surface expression. However, in LMP2A expressing cells, ITGβ4 remains concentrated at the cellular protrusions, an expression pattern characteristic of motile cells, including NPC-derived epithelial cells. This effect of LMP2A on ITGβ4 localization is associated with a greater propensity for migration and invasion in-vitro, and may contribute to the invasive property of LMP2A-expressing NPC.

Modulation by Syk of Bcl-2, calcium and the calpain-calpastatin proteolytic system in human breast cancer cells

Syk is a 72kDa non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is best characterized in hematopoietic cells. While Syk is pro-tumorigenic in some cancer cell types, it also has been reported as a negative regulator of metastatic cell growth in others. An examination of the RelA (p65) subunit of NF-κB expressed in MCF7 breast cancer cells indicated that either treatment with pervanadate or stable expression of Syk protected RelA from calpain-mediated proteolysis. Similar results were observed with the tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1B, another sensitive calpain substrate. The activity of calpain in MCF7 cell lysates was inhibited by both treatment with hydrogen peroxide and expression of Syk, the former due to oxidative inactivation of calpain and the latter to enhanced expression of calpastatin (CAST), the endogenous calpain inhibitor. The level of CAST was elevated in the cytosolic fraction of Syk-positive breast cancer cells resulting in more CAST present in complex with calpain in cell lysates. The high levels of CAST coincided with elevated basal levels of calcium-and of intracellular calpain activity-in Syk-expressing cells resulting from decreased levels of Bcl-2, an inhibitor of IP3-receptor-mediated calcium release. The inhibition of cellular calpain stimulated the Syk-mediated enhancement of NF-κB induced by TNF-α, enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation resulting from integrin crosslinking, and increased the localization of Syk to the plasma membrane.

Boosting of nonspecific host response by aromatic spices turmeric and ginger in immunocompromised mice

The present investigation was intended to study the immunostimulant properties of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizomes on splenic macrophages in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated male albino mice. The study was based on functional parameters like morphology, cell adhesion, phagocytosis, myeloperoxidase release, nitric oxide release and intracellular killing capacity of splenic macrophages. To elucidate the detailed mechanism of boosting of these cell functions, serum levels of TNF-α, and IFN-γ were quantified in different experimental mice groups. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) intoxication (0.5ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally) was found to affect the functional status of splenic macrophages as evident from these studies. Moreover, CCl(4) intoxicated mice also showed lower levels of cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. However, oral administration (singly) of polar fractions of C. longa (50mg/kg b.wt) and Z. officinale (120mg/kg b.wt) rhizomes ameliorated the affects of CCl(4), as evident from an increased functional status as well as the serum levels of these cytokines. Based on this study it can be suggested that, polar fractions of C. longa and Z. officinale rhizomes boost the immune system by altering the cytokine milieu of the immunosuppressed macrophages, thus modulating their functional status. Therefore, it can be inferred that dietary intake of C. longa and Z. officinale potentiates the non-specific host defenses against opportunistic infections.

Effect of aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia on functions of peritoneal macrophages isolated from CCl4 intoxicated male albino mice

BACKGROUND

The current practice of ingesting phytochemicals for supporting the immune system or fighting infections is based on centuries-old tradition. Macrophages are involved at all the stages of an immune response. The present study focuses on the immunostimulant properties of Tinospora cordifolia extract that are exerted on circulating macrophages isolated from CCl(4) (0.5 ml/kg body weight) intoxicated male albino mice.

METHODS

Apart from damaging the liver system, carbon tetrachloride also inhibits macrophage functions thus, creating an immunocompromised state, as is evident from the present study. Such cell functions include cell morphology, adhesion property, phagocytosis, enzyme release (myeloperoxidase or MPO), nitric oxide (NO) release, intracellular survival of ingested bacteria and DNA fragmentation in peritoneal macrophages isolated from these immunocompromised mice. T. cordifolia extract was tested for acute toxicity at the given dose (150 mg/kg body weight) by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay.

RESULTS

The number of morphologically altered macrophages was increased in mice exposed to CCl(4). Administration of CCl(4) (i.p.) also reduced the phagocytosis, cell adhesion, MPO release, NO release properties of circulating macrophages of mice. The DNA fragmentation of peritoneal macrophages was observed to be higher in CCl(4) intoxicated mice. The bacterial killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages was also adversely affected by CCl(4). However oral administration of aqueous fraction of Tinospora cordifolia stem parts at a dose of 40 mg/kg body weight (in vivo) in CCl(4) exposed mice ameliorated the effect of CCl(4), as the percentage of morphologically altered macrophages, phagocytosis activity, cell adhesion, MPO release, NO release, DNA fragmentation and intracellular killing capacity of CCl(4) intoxicated peritoneal macrophages came closer to those of the control group. No acute toxicity was identified in oral administration of the aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight.

CONCLUSION

From our findings it can be suggested that, polar fractions of Tinospora cordifolia stem parts contain major bioactive compounds, which directly act on peritoneal macrophages and have been found to boost the non-specific host defenses of the immune system. However, the molecular mechanism of this activity of Tinospora cordifolia on immune functions needs to be elucidated.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa in carbon tetra chloride intoxicated Swiss albino mice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hepatoprotective and immunotherapeutic effects of aqueous extract of turmeric rhizome in CCl4 intoxicated Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

First group of mice (n=5) received CCl4 treatment at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg bw (i.p.) for 7 days. Second group was fed orally the aqueous extract of turmeric at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw for 15 days. The third group was given both the turmeric extract (for 15 days, orally) and CCl4 (for last 7 days, i.p.). The fourth group was kept as a control. To study the liver function, the transaminase enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) and bilirubin level were measured in the serum of respective groups. For assaying the immunotherapeutic action of Curcuma longa (C. longa), non specific host response parameters like morphological alteration, phagocytosis, nitric oxide release, myeloperoxidase release and intracellular killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages were studied from the respective groups.

RESULTS

The result of present study suggested that CCl4 administration increased the level of SGOT and SGPT and bilirubin level in serum. However, the aqueous extract of turmeric reduced the level of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin in CCl4 intoxicated mice. Apart from damaging the liver system, CCl4 also reduced non specific host response parameters like morphological alteration, phagocytosis, nitric oxide release, myeloperoxidase release and intracellular killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages. Administration of aqueous extract of C. longa offered significant protection from these damaging actions of CCl4 on the non specific host response in the peritoneal macrophages of CCl4 intoxicated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study suggests that C. longa has immunotherapeutic properties along with its ability to ameliorate hepatotoxicity.

RANKL expression specifically observed in vivo promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition and tumor progression

Recent findings have focused attention on the molecular consequences of the microenvironment in tumor progression, but events occurring in cancer cells themselves in response to their ambient conditions remain obscure. Here, we identify receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) as a microenvironment-specific factor essential for tumorigenesis in vivo, using head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as a model. In human HNSCC tissues, RANKL is abundantly expressed, and its expression level correlates with the histological grade of differentiation. RANKL levels are significantly higher in poorly differentiated SCCs than in well or moderately differentiated SCCs. In contrast, all HNSCC cell lines tested displayed extremely low RANKL expression; however, RANKL is efficiently up-regulated when these cell lines are inoculated in the head and neck region of mice. RANKL expression is restored in a microenvironment-specific manner, and cannot be observed when the cells are inoculated in the hindlimbs. Forced expression of RANKL compensates for tumor growth in the hindlimb milieu, promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition, and induces tumor angiogenesis, in a manner independent of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These results implicate RANKL expression causatively in tumor growth and progression in HNSCC in vivo. RANKL may provide a novel functional marker for biological malignancy and a therapeutic target based on the specific nature of the microenvironment.

Chemerin contributes to inflammation by promoting macrophage adhesion to VCAM-1 and fibronectin through clustering of VLA-4 and VLA-5

Chemerin is a potent macrophage chemoattractant protein. We used murine peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) in adhesion, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy assays to test the hypothesis that chemerin can also contribute to inflammation by promoting macrophage adhesion. Chemerin stimulated the adhesion of PECs to the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and to the adhesion molecule VCAM-1 within a minute, with an EC(50) of 322 and 196 pM, respectively. Experiments using pertussis toxin and PECs from ChemR23(-/-) mice demonstrated that chemerin stimulated the adhesion of macrophages via the Gi protein-coupled receptor ChemR23. Blocking Abs against integrin subunits revealed that 89% of chemerin-stimulated adhesion to fibronectin was dependent on increased avidity of the integrin VLA-5 (alpha(5)beta(1)) and that 88% of adhesion to VCAM-1 was dependent on increased avidity of VLA-4 (alpha(4)beta(1)). Although chemerin was unable to induce an increase in integrin affinity as judged by the binding of soluble ligand, experiments using confocal microscopy revealed an increase in valency resulting from integrin clustering as the mechanism responsible for chemerin-stimulated macrophage adhesion. PI3K, Akt, and p38 were identified as key signaling mediators in chemerin-stimulated adhesion. The finding that chemerin can rapidly stimulate macrophage adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins and adhesion molecules, taken together with its ability to promote chemotaxis, suggests a novel role for chemerin in the recruitment and retention of macrophages at sites of inflammation.

Mechanisms of anti-atherosclerotic functions of soy-based diets

Soy-based diets have been reported to protect against the development of atherosclerosis. However, the underlying mechanism(s) for this protection remains unknown. Although atherosclerosis was traditionally considered a disease associated with impaired lipid metabolism, in recent years the inflammatory components of atherosclerosis have been explored. Recent studies have convincingly delineated that uncontrolled chronic inflammation is the principal contributing factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Interaction between activated monocytes and vascular endothelial cells is an early event in atherogenesis. The adhesion of leukocytes, including monocytes, to the inflamed-vascular endothelium and their transmigration into intima initiate the inflammatory processes. Following transmigration, monocytes in the intima are transformed to macrophages, which take up oxidized-LDL (oxLDL) to generate lipid-laden macrophages, also known as foam cells. Hence, in this review article the inflammatory processes associated with atherosclerosis and possible anti-inflammatory functions of soy-based diets contributing to the prevention of atherosclerosis are presented.

Adhesion of monocytes to type I collagen stimulates an APP-dependent proinflammatory signaling response and release of Abeta1-40

BACKGROUND

Amyloid precursor protein (APP) is a ubiquitously expressed cell surface protein reported to be involved in mediating cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions. Prior work has demonstrated that APP co-localizes with beta1 integrin in different cell types.

METHODS

In an effort to determine the function of APP on monocytic lineage cells, in particular, the human monocyte cell line, THP-1, was used to assess the role of APP during adhesion to the extracelluar matrix component type I collagen.

RESULTS

Pull-down assays demonstrated that THP-1 adhesion to collagen stimulated a tyrosine kinase-associated signaling response which included subsequent phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and increased association of APP with alpha2beta1 integrin, specifically. In addition, cell adhesion was dependent upon APP expression since APP siRNA knockdown attenuated THP-1 adhesion to collagen compared to mock transfected controls. One consequence of the tyrosine kinase-dependent signaling response was increased secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and Abeta1-40 but not the Abeta1-42 fragment of APP. Increased secretion of IL-1beta was dependent upon p38 MAP kinase activity while Abeta1-40 secretion required Src family kinase activity since the specific p38 inhibitor, SB202190, and the Src family kinase inhibitor, PP2, attenuated IL-1beta and Abeta1-40 secretion, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that APP is involved in classic integrin-dependent tyrosine kinase-associated adhesion and activation of peripheral monocytic cells. Moreover, divergent APP-dependent signaling is required for increased secretion of both IL-1beta and Abeta1-40 as a component of the adhesion-dependent change in phenotype. This suggests that APP may have a broad role in not only mediating cell-matrix adhesion but also in the function of peripheral immune cells.

The interactome of the amyloid beta precursor protein family members is shaped by phosphorylation of their intracellular domains

BACKGROUND

Brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease has shown an increase of phosphorylation of Tyr-682, located on the conserved Y682ENPTY motif, and Thr-668 residues, both in the intracellular domain (AID) of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), although the role of these two residues is not yet known.

RESULTS

Here, we report that the phosphorylation status of Tyr-682, and in some cases Thr-668, shapes the APP interactome. It creates a docking site for SH2-domain containing proteins, such as ShcA, ShcB, ShcC, Grb7, Grb2, as well as adapter proteins, such as Crk and Nck, that regulate important biological processes, cytosolic tyrosine kinases, such as Abl, Lyn and Src, which regulate signal transduction pathways, and enzymes that control phosphatidylinositols levels and signaling, such as PLC-gamma. At the same time, it either reduces (like for JIP1, NUMB, NUMBL and ARH) or abolishes (like for Fe65, Fe65L1 and Fe65L2) binding of other APP interactors. Phosphorylation of Thr-668, unlike Tyr-682, does not seem to affect APP's ability to interact with the various proteins, with Pin1 and X11 being the exclusions. We also found that there are some differences between the interactions to AID and to ALID1 and ALID2, its two homologues.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicates that APP can regulate diverse cellular processes and that, vice versa, a network of signaling events can impact APP processing. Our results also suggest that phosphorylation of the APP Intracellular Domain will dramatically shape the APP interactome and, consequently, will regulate APP processing, APP transport and APP/AID-mediated functions.

Role of the protein tyrosine kinase Syk in regulating cell-cell adhesion and motility in breast cancer cells

The expression of the Syk protein tyrosine kinase in breast cancer cells is inversely correlated with invasive growth and metastasis. The expression of Syk inhibits cell motility while supporting the formation of cell clusters by enhancing cell-cell contacts and promoting the redistribution of the adhesion proteins cortactin and vinculin to these contacts. Syk associates physically with cortactin and catalyzes its phosphorylation on tyrosine. The clustering of integrins leads to the phosphorylation of Syk and of numerous cellular proteins in a manner dependent on the activity of the kinase and on the presence of tyrosine 342 located in the linker B region. The ability of Syk to participate in integrin-mediated protein tyrosine phosphorylation correlates well with its ability to inhibit cell motility.

The role of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) in osteoclast differentiation induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand

Multinuclear osteoclasts are derived from CD11b-positive mononuclear cells in bone marrow and in circulation. FACS sorting experiments showed impaired osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells with low CD11b expression. Neutralizing antibodies and siRNA against CD11b inhibited osteoclastogenesis induced by RANKL. Although primary cultured mouse bone marrow macrophages expressed CD11a and CD11b, osteoclastogenesis induced by M-CSF and RANKL was inhibited in the presence of anti-CD11b or anti-CD18 but not anti-CD11a antibodies. Furthermore, anti-CD11b antibodies inhibited NFATc1 expression induced by M-CSF and RANKL in BMMs. These findings suggest, at least partly, an important role of CD11b in osteoclastogenesis.

Alpha4beta1 integrin blockade after spinal cord injury decreases damage and improves neurological function

The extent of disability caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) relates to secondary tissue destruction arising partly from an intraspinal influx of neutrophils and monocyte/macrophages after the initial injury. The integrin alpha4beta1, expressed by these leukocytes, is a key to their activation and migration into/within tissue. Therefore, blocking this integrin's functions may afford significant neuroprotection. Rats were treated intravenously with a blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the alpha4 subunit of alpha4beta1 at 2 and 24 h after thoracic clip-compression SCI. Anti-alpha4beta1 treatment significantly decreased neutrophil and monocyte/macrophage influx at 3 d by 47% and 53%, respectively, and decreased neutrophil influx by 61% at 7 d after SCI. Anti-alpha4beta1 treatment also significantly reduced oxidative activity in injured cord homogenates at 3 d. For example, myeloperoxidase activity decreased by 38%, inducible nitric oxide by 44%, dichlorofluorescein (marking free radicals) by 33% and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) by 42%. At 2-8 weeks after SCI, motor function improved by up to 2 points on an open-field locomotor scale. Treated rats supported weight with their hind paws instead of sweeping. At 2-4 weeks after SCI, anti-alpha4beta1 treatment decreased blood pressure responses during autonomic dysreflexia by as much as 43% and, at 2-8 weeks, decreased mechanical allodynia elicited from the trunk and hind paw by up to 54% and 40%, respectively. This improved functional recovery correlated with spared myelin-containing white matter and >10-fold more bulbospinal serotonergic axons below the injury than were in controls. The significant neurological improvement offered by this neuroprotective strategy underscores the potential for an anti-integrin treatment for SCI.

Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors block leukocyte adhesion and migration

Leukocyte trafficking is a tightly regulated process essential for an appropriate inflammatory response. We now report a new adhesion pathway that allows unstimulated leukocytes to adhere to and migrate through exposed endothelial matrix or high-density ligand, a process we have termed ligand-induced adhesion. This ligand-induced adhesion is integrin mediated, but in contrast to phorbol ester-stimulated adhesion, it is not dependent on the small GTPase Rap-1 activity. Instead, we show a critical role for cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 4 in ligand-induced adhesion by three independent lines of evidence: inhibition by pharmacological inhibitors of Cdk, inhibition by dominant-negative construct of Cdk4, and inhibition by Cdk4 small interfering RNA. The major substrate of Cdk4, Rb, is not required for ligand-induced adhesion, suggesting the involvement of a novel Cdk4 substrate. We also demonstrate that Cdk4(-/-) mice have impaired recruitment of lymphocytes to the lung following injury. The finding that Cdk inhibitors can block leukocyte adhesion and migration may expand the clinical indications for this emerging class of therapeutics.

Material dependent differences in inflammatory gene expression by giant cells during the foreign body reaction

Multinucleated giant cells (GCs) are often observed in the foreign body reaction against implanted materials. The in vivo function of GCs in this inflammatory process remains to be elucidated. GCs degrade collagen implants in rats and may also orchestrate the inflammatory process via the expression and secretion of modulators, such as cytokines and chemokines. In this study, we show that the gene expression of PMN chemoattractants, CXCL1/KC and CXCL2/MIP-2, is high in GCs micro-dissected from explanted Dacron, cross-linked collagen (HDSC), and bioactive ureido-pyrimidinone functionalized oligocaprolactone (bioactive PCLdiUPy). Conversely, the gene expression levels of TGFbeta and pro-angiogenic mediators VEGF and FGF were found to be low in these GCs as compared with the expression levels in total explants. GCs in bioactive PCLdiUPy displayed high cytokine and angiogenic mediator expression compared with GCs isolated from the two other studied materials, whereas chemokine gene expression in GCs isolated form HDSC was low. Thus, GCs adopt their expression profile in response to the material that is encountered.

Immunoreceptor-like signaling by beta 2 and beta 3 integrins

Although adhesion to extracellular structures is one of the most fundamental cell biological processes, the intracellular signals triggered by integrins, the most important receptors involved, are incompletely understood. Several recent reports indicate that signaling by beta(2) and beta(3) integrins in various cell types (neutrophils, macrophages, osteoclasts and platelets) use components of the signal transduction machinery of lymphocyte antigen receptors. Central to this immunoreceptor-like signaling is the phosphorylation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing adapters (such as DAP12 and the Fc receptor gamma-chain) by Src-family kinases and the concomitant recruitment of the Syk tyrosine kinase through its dual SH2 domains. These and other reports reveal an unexpected similarity between the signal-transduction mechanisms used by integrins and immune recognition receptors.

Convergence of immunoreceptor and integrin signaling

A common signaling pathway is known to operate downstream of immunoreceptors, such as the T-cell, B-cell, or Fc receptors, following engagement by their respective ligands. This pathway involves Src family kinase-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) that recruit and activate spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) or Zap70 (zeta-associated protein of 70 kDa) kinases, which in turn activate a variety of downstream signals. Evidence has been building from a variety of sources, particularly mouse models, that molecules involved in the immunoreceptor signaling pathway are also required for signals initiated by integrins. Integrins are the major cell surface receptors that mediate adhesion of leukocytes to a variety of extracellular matrix proteins and counter-receptors expressed on endothelial cells. Integrin ligation is a critical step in the activation of leukocyte effector functions (such as neutrophil degranulation or lymphocyte proliferation). Integrin signaling through pathways common to those utilized by immunoreceptors provides a mechanism by which leukocyte adhesion can regulate activation of cellular responses. In animal models, integrin-mediated signal transduction plays a critical role in inflammatory disease. In this review, we discuss the convergence of immunoreceptor and integrin signaling, focusing on how these pathways modulate leukocyte activation.

Insight into redox-regulated gene networks in vascular cells

To understand the complex nature of the atherogenic response initiated by oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs), computational prediction methodology was employed to define putative gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in vSMCs subjected to oxidative chemical stress. Computational relationships were derived from the global gene expression profiles of murine cells challenged with a chemical pro-oxidant to cause oxidative stress or cells treated with anti-oxidant prior to oxidative injury. Target clones were chosen based on their biological relevance within the context of the atherogenic response and included lysyl oxidase, matrix metalloproteinase 2, insulin like growth factor binding protein 5, and lymphocyte antigen 6c. Established biological relationships were derived computationally confirming the usefulness of the algorithm in uncovering novel biological relationships worthy of future investigation. Thus, the predictive algorithm can be a useful tool to advance the frontiers of biological discovery.

Beta3 integrin deficiency promotes cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation

Cardiac hypertrophy commonly develops in response to pressure overload and is associated with increased mortality. Mechanical stress in the heart can result in the activation of transmembrane integrin alphabeta heterodimers that are expressed in cardiomyocytes. Once activated, integrins stimulate focal adhesion kinase, Grb2, c-src, and other signaling molecules to promote cardiomyocyte growth and gene expression. Mechanical stress can also promote cardiac inflammation that may be mediated, in part, by the activation of integrins expressed in blood-borne cells. To address the role of one integrin, beta(3), in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy, beta(3)(-/-) mice were examined. beta(3)(-/-) Mice developed moderate spontaneous cardiac hypertrophy associated with systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and these abnormalities were exacerbated by transverse aortic constriction. In addition, beta(3)(-/-) mice developed mild cardiac inflammation with infiltrating macrophages at baseline that was markedly worsened by pressure overload. Bone marrow transplantation experiments showed that blood-borne cells were at least partially responsible for the cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation observed in beta(3)(-/-) mice. These results suggest that alpha(v)beta(3) expression in bone marrow has a generalized suppressive effect on cardiac inflammation.

The interrelated role of fibronectin and interleukin-1 in biomaterial-modulated macrophage function

Macrophages play a critical role in mediating the host response to biomaterials, perhaps most notably by guiding the host inflammatory response through the release of inflammatory molecules such as the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). The extent of the macrophage response following interaction with the biomaterial surface contributes greatly to device efficacy, yet the molecular mechanisms of this interaction are still unclear. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin (FN) is recognized by macrophages and frequently used in biomaterial modification to elicit greater cellular adhesion and tissue integration. Macrophage interaction with FN and other ECM molecules on the biomaterial surface has been shown to induce a variety of inflammatory responses, thus both FN and IL-1 can be utilized as model molecules to better understand the mechanisms of material-mediated macrophage responses. This literature review presents a comprehensive survey of past and current research on the interrelated role of IL-1, FN, and FN-derivatives in determining biomaterial-modulated macrophage function.

Synergism in immunotoxicological effects due to repeated combined administration of arsenic and lead in mice

Arsenic and lead are considered potent human hazards because of their neoplastic outcomes; increasing epidemiologic evidence indicates a link between heavy metal exposure and health risk. Since health risks of singly administered metals are well-established, in the present study we determined whether simultaneous repeated multimetal (arsenic + lead) exposure influences the development of immunotoxicity in mice exposed (in vivo) to lead acetate (10 mg/kg b.w.) and sodium arsenite (0.5 mg/kg b.w.) simultaneously. We report that in vivo multimetal exposure alters cell morphology, inhibits cell adhesion, nitric oxide release, intracellular killing ability, chemotactic migration, myeloperoxidase release, bacterial clearance from blood and spleen and increases DNA fragmentation. On measuring bacterial density in blood and spleen after 0, 24, 48 and 72 h post infection (with Staphylococcus aureus MC524) in control and multimetal treated groups, bacterial load showed delayed clearance from blood and spleen in the multimetal exposed group. We also found that in vivo exposure to the multimetal caused a decrease in cell adhesion, indicated by a fall in absorbance at 570 nm with respect to control. Exposure to multimetal led to morphological changes in macrophages, since more deformed cells were obtained in repeated combined exposure to arsenic and lead compared to control. Nitric oxide, which has a potent microbicidal activity in macrophages, was found to be released in fewer amounts in the multimetal exposed group from that of control group. It was observed that the viability of bacteria gradually decreased in control macrophage with time, whereas, in macrophages of multimetal exposed mice, the viability of S. aureus gradually increased. Chemotactic migration of splenic macrophages significantly decreased in the multimetal exposed group from that of control. Lysosomal enzyme release from splenic macrophages decreased upon simultaneous exposure to arsenic and lead, as is evident from the decrease in myeloperoxidase release in multimetal group from that in control. That the structural integrity of splenic macrophages is decreased in the multimetal exposed group is also evident from the enhanced percentage of DNA fragmentation after multimetal exposure, suggesting apoptotic death of splenic macrophage. Intracellular viable bacteria in the splenic macrophage from multimetal exposed group was 89.16 +/- 3.54% while that from control group was 49.19 +/- 1.16%, whereas single metal exposed groups showed a bacterial viability of 69.6 +/- 2.45% and 71.71 +/- 1.89% in arsenic and lead treated groups respectively. What is essentially noteworthy from the observed results is that lead and arsenic causes a greater immunotoxic effect when administered together as multimetal than when singly administered. Simultaneous exposure to lead and arsenic appears to be additive as is further established from the isobologram constructed by plotting the concentration of arsenic against the concentration of lead at which effect (in this case myeloperoxidase release) remained constant, a convex line showing synergism was demonstrated. The present study reports a definite synergistic trend of immunotoxicity during simultaneous exposure to arsenic and lead, that is, a multimetal challenge, as compared to the effects of independent exposure to them.

Coupling of C3bi to IgG inhibits the tyrosine phosphorylation signaling cascade downstream Syk and reduces cytokine induction in monocytes

The effect of coupling C3bi to immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune complexes (IC) on their ability to produce protein tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) routes was assessed in human monocytes. Cross-linking Fc receptors for IgG activated the protein tyrosine kinase Syk, phospholipases Cgamma1 and Cgamma2, the MAPK cascade, and the Akt/PKB route. Linkage of C3bi to the gamma-chain of IgG produced a decrease of the protein bands displaying tyrosine phosphorylation, whereas the MAPK cascades and the Akt/PKB route remained almost unaffected. Zymosan particles, which because of their beta-glucan content mimic the effect of fungi, produced a limited increase of tyrosine-phosphorylated protein bands, whereas treatment of zymosan under conditions adequate for C3bi coating increased its ability to induce protein tyrosine phosphorylation. Noteworthy, this was also observed under conditions where other components of serum might be bound by zymosan particles, for instance, serum IgG, thereby suggesting their potential involvement in Syk activation. The induction of cytokines showed a changing pattern consistent with the changes observed in the signaling pathways. IC induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)/CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and eotaxin-2/CCL24, which were not observed with C3bi-coated IC. Zymosan induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), TNF-beta, IL-10, IL-6, and MCP-2/CCL8, whereas the cytokine signature of C3bi-coated zymosan also included interferon-inducible protein 10/CXC chemokine ligand 10, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and I-309/CCL1. Taken together, these findings indicate that C3bi targets the phagocytic cargo, and engagement or diversion of the Syk route determines the phagocyte response.

Prion protein induced signaling cascades in monocytes

Prion proteins play a central role in transmission and pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The cellular prion protein (PrP(C)), whose physiological function remains elusive, is anchored to the surface of a variety of cell types including neurons and cells of the lymphoreticular system. In this study, we investigated the response of a mouse monocyte/macrophage cell line to exposure with PrP(C) fusion proteins synthesized with a human Fc-tag. PrP(C) fusion proteins showed an attachment to the surface of monocyte/macrophages in nanomolar concentrations. This was accompanied by an increase of cellular tyrosine phosphorylation as a result of activated signaling pathways. Detailed investigations exhibited activation of downstream pathways through a stimulation with PrP fusion proteins, which include phosphorylation of ERK(1,2) and Akt kinase. Macrophages opsonize and present antigenic structures, contact lymphocytes, and deliver cytokines. The findings reported here may become the basis of understanding the molecular function of PrP(C) in monocytes and macrophages.

Protein-tyrosine kinase Syk is required for pathogen engulfment in complement-mediated phagocytosis

The protein tyrosine kinase Syk plays a central role in Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis in the adaptive immune system. We show here that Syk also plays an essential role in complement-mediated phagocytosis in innate immunity. Macrophage-like differentiated HL60 cells and C3bi-opsonized zymosan comprised the pathogen-phagocyte system. C3bi-opsonized zymosan particles promptly attached to the cells and were subsequently engulfed via complement receptor 3. During this process, Syk became tyrosine phosphorylated and accumulated around the nascent phagosomes. The transfer of Syk-siRNA or dominant-negative Syk (DN-Syk) into HL60 cells resulted in impaired phagocytosis. Quenching assays using fluorescent zymosan revealed that most of the attached zymosan particles were located inside parental HL60 cells, whereas few were ingested by the mutant cells. These data indicated that Syk is required for the engulfment of C3bi-opsonized zymosan. During C3bi-zymosan-induced phagocytosis, actin accumulation occurred around phagosomes and was followed by depolymerization, and further RhoA was activated together with tyrosine phosphorylation of Vav. These responses including the actin remodeling were suppressed in Syk-siRNA- or DN-Syk-expressing cells. Our results demonstrated that Syk plays an indispensable role in complement-mediated phagocytosis by regulating both actin dynamics and the RhoA activation pathway and that these functions of Syk lead to phagosome formation and pathogen engulfment.

Role of αvβ5 integrin receptor in endocytosis of crocidolite and its effect on intracellular glutathione levels in human lung epithelial (A549) cells

Crocidolite, containing 27% iron by weight, is the most carcinogenic form of asbestos. Crocidolite fibers are endocytized by alphavbeta5 integrin receptors in rabbit pleural mesothelial cells. We show here that crocidolite fibers are endocytized in human lung epithelial (A549) cells and in primary small airway epithelial (SAEC) cells. Presence of the integrin alphavbeta5 blocking antibody, P1F6, significantly reduced the uptake of crocidolite fibers in A549 cells. Thus, the integrin alphavbeta5 receptor is involved in endocytosis of crocidolite fibers in A549 cells as well. Previously, it has been observed that asbestos fibers lead to changes in the intracellular redox environment, i.e. a marked decrease in intracellular glutathione concentrations and an increase in the extracellular glutathione in A549 cells. In addition, the decrease in intracellular glutathione was found to be largely independent of iron present on the surface of the fiber. A549 cells were treated with crocidolite in the presence of endocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin D. Our data indicate that, upon preventing endocytosis, we were able to reverse the decrease in total intracellular glutathione. The decrease in total intracellular glutathione could also be prevented in the presence of the monoclonal antibody P1F6. Thus, we observed that endocytosis of crocidolite fibers via integrin alphavbeta5 receptor is linked to the marked decrease in total intracellular glutathione in A549 cells.

Targeting prostaglandin E2 receptors as an alternative strategy to block cyclooxygenase-2-dependent extracellular matrix-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression by macrophages

COX-2-dependent prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis regulates macrophage MMP expression, which is thought to destabilize atherosclerotic plaques. However, the administration of selective COX-2 inhibitors paradoxically increases the frequency of adverse cardiovascular events potentially through the loss of anti-inflammatory prostanoids and/or disturbance in the balance of pro- and anti-thrombotic prostanoids. To avoid these collateral effects of COX-2 inhibition, a strategy to identify and block specific prostanoid-receptor interactions may be required. We previously reported that macrophage engagement of vascular extracellular matrix (ECM) triggers proteinase expression through a MAPKerk1/2-dependent increase in COX-2 expression and PGE2 synthesis. Here we demonstrate that elicited macrophages express the PGE2 receptors EP1-4. When plated on ECM, their expression of EP2 and EP4, receptors linked to PGE2-induced activation of adenylyl cyclase, is strongly stimulated. Forskolin and dibutryl cyclic-AMP stimulate macrophage matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, an EP2 agonist (butaprost) has no effect on MMP-9 expression, and macrophages from EP2 null mice exhibited enhanced COX-2 and MMP-9 expression when plated on ECM. In contrast, the EP4 agonist (PGE1-OH) stimulated macrophage MMP-9 expression, which was inhibited by the EP4 antagonist ONO-AE3-208. When compared with COX-2 silencing by small interfering RNA or inhibition by celecoxib, the EP4 antagonist was as effective in inhibiting ECM-induced proteinase expression. In addition, ECM-induced MMP-9 expression was blocked in macrophages in which EP4 was silenced by small interfering RNA. Thus, COX-2-dependent ECM-induced proteinase expression is effectively blocked by selective inhibition of EP4, a member of the PGE2 family of receptors.

ITAM-based signaling beyond the adaptive immune response

Classical immunoreceptors like lymphocyte antigen receptors and Fc-receptors (FcR) are central players of the adaptive immune response. These receptors utilize a common signal transduction mechanism, which relies on immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs) present in the receptor complex. Upon ligand binding to the receptors, tyrosines within the ITAM sequence are phosphorylated by Src-family kinases, leading to an SH2-domain mediated recruitment and activation of the Syk or the related ZAP-70 tyrosine kinase. These kinases then initiate further downstream signaling events. Here we review recent evidence indicating that components of this ITAM-based signaling machinery are also present in a number of non-lymphoid or even non-immune cell types and they participate in diverse biological functions beyond the adaptive immune response, including innate immune mechanisms, platelet activation, bone resorption or tumor development. These results suggest that the ITAM-based signaling paradigm has much wider implications than previously anticipated.

Activation of NF-kappaB by extracellular matrix is involved in spreading and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion of pancreatic beta cells

Laminin-5-rich extracellular matrix derived from 804G cells (804G-ECM) engages beta1 integrins to induce spreading, improve glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), and increase survival of pancreatic beta cells. The present study examines whether 804G-ECM activates the transcriptional activity of NF-kappaB and the involvement of NF-kappaB in those effects of 804G-ECM on pancreatic beta cells. 804G-ECM induces nuclear translocation and the DNA binding activity of the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. 804G-ECM-induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB was weak as compared with that induced by interleukin-1beta. Transient 804G-ECM-induced DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB (peak at 2 h) and overexpression of NF-kappaB target genes IkappaB alpha and NF-kappaB1(p105) (peak at 4 h) were observed. When NF-kappaB was inhibited by an inhibitor of IkappaB alpha phosphorylation (Bay 11-7082) or by a recombinant adenovirus expressing the nonphosphorylatable form of IkappaB alpha, 804G-ECM-induced cell spreading and actin cytoskeleton organization were reduced. GSIS from cells on 804G-ECM was inhibited 5-fold, whereas cell survival was not affected. In summary, the results indicate that 804G-ECM induces a transient and moderate NF-kappaB activity. This study shows for the first time that ECM-induced NF-kappaB activity is necessary in maintaining GSIS, although it does not affect survival of pancreatic beta cells. The effects of ECM-induced NF-kappaB activity contrast with the deleterious effects of cytokine-induced NF-kappaB activity. It is proposed that transient and moderate NF-kappaB activity is essential for proper function of the pancreatic beta cell.

Characterization of histopathology and gene-expression profiles of synovitis in early rheumatoid arthritis using targeted biopsy specimens

The disease category of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been limited with respect to clinical criteria. Pathological manifestations of synovitis in patients whose disease is clinically classified as early RA seem to be heterogeneous, with regular variations. To clarify the relation between the molecular and histopathological features of the synovitis, we analyzed gene-expression profiles in the synovial lining tissues to correlate them with histopathological features. Synovial tissues were obtained from knee joints of 12 patients with early RA by targeted biopsy under arthroscopy. Surgical specimens of long-standing RA (from four patients) were examined as positive controls. Each histopathological parameter characteristic of rheumatoid synovitis in synovial tissues was scored under light microscopy. Total RNAs from synovial lining tissues were obtained from the specimens selected by laser capture microdissection and the mRNAs were amplified by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase. Their cDNAs were analyzed in a cDNA microarray with 23,040 cDNAs, and the levels of gene expression in multilayered lining tissues, compared with those of normal-like lining tissues in specimens from the same person, were determined to estimate gene-expression profiles characteristic of the synovial proliferative lesions in each case. Based on cluster analysis of all cases, gene-expression profiles in the lesions in early RA fell into two groups. The groups had different expression levels of genes critical for proliferative inflammation, including those encoding cytokines, adhesion molecules, and extracellular matrices. One group resembled synovitis in long-standing RA and had high scores for some histopathological features – involving accumulations of lymphocytes and plasma cells – but not for other features. Possible differences in the histopathogenesis and prognosis of synovitis between the two groups are discussed in relation to the candidate genes and histopathology.

Syk tyrosine kinase participates in beta1-integrin signaling and inflammatory responses in airway epithelial cells

The protein tyrosine kinase Syk is critically involved in immunoreceptor signaling in hematopoietic cells. Recent studies demonstrate Syk expression in nonhematopoietic cells, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, hepatocytes, and breast epithelium. However, the role of Syk in these cells is uncertain. We hypothesized that Syk is expressed in respiratory epithelial cells (EC) and that it functions as a signaling molecule involved in inflammatory responses in the epithelium. With the use of immunohistochemistry, Western blot, PCR, and laser scanning confocal microscopy, Syk was detected in human, rat, and mouse bronchial epithelium in situ and in cultured human bronchial EC in primary cells and the cell lines HS-24 and BEAS-2B. Syk-dependent signaling pathways in EC were initiated by engagement of beta1-integrin receptors. Stimulation of beta1-integrin receptors by fibronectin or antibody cross-linking caused redistribution of Syk from a cytoplasmic to plasma membrane localization. In stimulated cells, Syk and beta1-integrin colocalized. In addition, following beta1-integrin receptor engagement, tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk was observed. Expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and production of IL-6, both important molecules in lung inflammation, was downregulated in EC treated with Syk small interfering RNA or Syk inhibitor piceatannol. We propose that Syk is involved in signaling pathways induced by integrin engagement in airway EC. Syk-mediated signaling regulates IL-6 and ICAM-1 expression and may be important in the pathophysiology of lung inflammation.

Extracellular Matrix-induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Regulates Macrophage Proteinase Expression

Chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by the persistent presence of macrophages and other mononuclear cells, tissue destruction, cell proliferation, and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The tissue degradation is mediated, in part, by enhanced proteinase expression by macrophages. It has been demonstrated recently that macrophage proteinase expression can be stimulated or inhibited by purified ECM components. However, in an intact ECM the biologically active domains of matrix components may be masked either by tertiary conformation or by complex association with other matrix molecules. In an effort to determine whether a complex ECM produced by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) regulates macrophage degradative phenotype, we prepared insoluble SMC matrices and examined their ability to regulate proteinase expression by RAW264.7 and thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Here we demonstrate that macrophage engagement of SMC-ECM triggers PKC-dependent activation of MAPK(erk1/2) leading to increased expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E(2) synthesis. The addition of PGE(2) to macrophage cultures stimulates their expression of both urokinase-type plasminogen activator and MMP-9, and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 blocks ECM-induced proteinase expression. Moreover, ECM-induced PGE(2) and MMP-9 expression by elicited COX-2(-/-) macrophages is markedly reduced when compared with the response of either COX-2(+/-) or COX-2(+/+) macrophages. These data clearly demonstrate that SMC-ECM exerts a regulatory role on the degradative phenotype of macrophages via enhanced urokinase-type plasminogen activator and MMP-9 expression, and identify COX-2 as a targetable component of the signaling pathway leading to increased proteinase expression.

Amyloid Precursor Protein Mediates Proinflammatory Activation of Monocytic Lineage Cells

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by extracellular deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide containing neuritic plaques. Abeta peptides are proteolytically derived from the membrane-bound amyloid precursor protein (APP). Although the function of APP is not entirely clear, previous studies demonstrate that neuronal APP colocalizes with beta(1) integrin receptors at sites of focal adhesion, suggesting that APP is involved in mediating neuronal process adhesion. Integrin-dependent adhesion is also a well-characterized component of immune cell proinflammatory activation. Using primary mouse microglia and the human monocytic cell line, THP-1, we have begun investigating the role of APP in integrin-dependent activation. Co-immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate that APP is recruited into a multi-receptor signaling complex during beta(1) integrin-mediated adhesion of monocytes. Stimulation induces a subsequent, specific recruitment of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins to APP, including Lyn and Syk. Antibody cross-linking of cell surface APP leads to a similar response characterized by activation and recruitment of tyrosine kinases to APP as well as subsequent activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and increased proinflammatory protein levels. These data demonstrate that APP can act as a proinflammatory receptor in monocytic lineage cells and provide insight into the contribution of this protein to the inflammatory conditions described in Alzheimer's disease.

Unraveling gene-gene interactions regulated by ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor

The co-expression of genes coupled to additive probabilistic relationships was used to identify gene sets predictive of the complex biological interactions regulated by ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ((Italic)Ahr(/Italic)). To maximize the number of possible gene-gene combinations, data sets from murine embryonic kidney, fetal heart, and vascular smooth muscle cells challenged (Italic)in vitro(/Italic) with ligands of the (Italic)Ahr(/Italic) were used to create predictor/training data sets. Biologically relevant gene predictor sets were calculated for (Italic)Ahr(/Italic), cytochrome P450 1B1, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-5, lysyl oxidase, and osteopontin. Transcript levels were categorized into ternary expressions and target genes selected from the data set and tested for all possible combinations using three gene sets as predictors of transitional level. The goodness of prediction for each set was quantified using a multivariate nonlinear coefficient of determination. Evidence is presented that predictor gene combinations can be effectively used to resolve gene-gene interactions regulated by (Italic)Ahr(/Italic) ligands. (Italic)Key words:(/Italic) aryl hydrocarbon receptor, bioinformatics, gene networks, genomics. (Italic)Environ Health Perspect (/Italic)112:403-412 (2004). [Online 14 January 2004]

The tandem Src homology 2 domain of the Syk kinase: a molecular device that adapts to interphosphotyrosine distances

Conformational flexibility is important for protein function. However, information on the range of conformations accessible to macromolecules in the unbound state is often difficult to obtain. By using the model system of the tandem Src homology 2 domain (i.e., two adjacent Src homology 2 domains) of the Syk kinase, we report a method combining calorimetric and crystallographic measurements that reveals the preexistence of a conformational equilibrium in the unbound state, and that shows that this equilibrium is crucial for function.