Thrombspondin acts via integrin-associated protein to activate the platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3

Cell autonomous functions of CD47 in regulating cellular plasticity and metabolic plasticity

CD47 is a ubiquitously expressed cell surface receptor, which is widely known for preventing macrophage-mediated phagocytosis by interacting with signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) on the surface of macrophages. In addition to its role in phagocytosis, emerging studies have reported numerous noncanonical functions of CD47 that include regulation of various cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, apoptosis, differentiation, stress responses, and metabolism. Despite lacking an extensive cytoplasmic signaling domain, CD47 binds to several cytoplasmic proteins, particularly upon engaging with its secreted matricellular ligand, thrombospondin 1. Indeed, the regulatory functions of CD47 are greatly influenced by its interacting partners. These interactions are often cell- and context-specific, adding a further level of complexity. This review addresses the downstream cell-intrinsic signaling pathways regulated by CD47 in various cell types and environments. Some of the key pathways modulated by this receptor include the PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, and nitric oxide signaling pathways, as well as those implicated in glucose, lipid, and mitochondrial metabolism. These pathways play vital roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, highlighting the importance of understanding the phagocytosis-independent functions of CD47. Given that CD47 expression is dysregulated in a variety of cancers, improving our understanding of the cell-intrinsic signals regulated by this molecule will help advance the development of CD47-targeted therapies.

Progress in cancer research on the regulator of phagocytosis CD47, which determines the fate of tumor cells (Review)

Cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) is a transmembrane protein that is widely and moderately expressed on the surface of various cells and can have an essential role in mediating cell proliferation, migration, phagocytosis, apoptosis, immune homeostasis and other related responses by binding to its ligands, integrins, thrombospondin-1 and signal regulatory protein α. The poor prognosis of cancer patients is closely associated with high expression of CD47 in glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, colon cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Upregulation of CD47 expression facilitates the growth of numerous types of tumor cells, while downregulation of its expression promotes phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages, thereby limiting tumor growth. In addition, blocking CD47 activates the cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase/cGAMP/interferon gene stimulating factor signaling pathway and initiates an adaptive immune response that kills tumor cells. The present review describes the structure, function and interactions of CD47 with its ligands, as well as its regulation of phagocytosis and tumor cell fate. It summarizes the therapeutics, mechanisms of action, research advances and challenges of targeting CD47. In addition, this paper provides an overview of the latest therapeutic options for targeting CD47, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, CAR macrophages and nanotechnology-based delivery systems, which are essential for future clinical research on targeting CD47.

The Role of CD36/GPIV in Platelet Biology

CD36 (also known as platelet glycoprotein IV) is expressed by a variety of different cell entities, where it possesses functions as a signaling receptor, but additionally acts as a transporter for long-chain fatty acids. This dual function of CD36 has been investigated for its relevance in immune and nonimmune cells. Although CD36 was first identified on platelets, the understanding of the role of CD36 in platelet biology remained scarce for decades. In the past few years, several discoveries have shed a new light on the CD36 signaling activity in platelets. Notably, CD36 has been recognized as a sensor for oxidized low-density lipoproteins in the circulation that mitigates the threshold for platelet activation under conditions of dyslipidemia. Thus, platelet CD36 transduces atherogenic lipid stress into an increased risk for thrombosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The underlying pathways that are affected by CD36 are the inhibition of cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways and simultaneously the induction of activatory signaling events. Furthermore, thrombospondin-1 secreted by activated platelets binds to CD36 and furthers paracrine platelet activation. CD36 also serves as a binding hub for different coagulation factors and, thus, contributes to the plasmatic coagulation cascade. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent findings on platelet CD36 and presents CD36 as a relevant target for the prevention of thrombotic events for dyslipidemic individuals with an elevated risk for thrombosis.

CD47: The Next Frontier in Immune Checkpoint Blockade for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The success of PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapy in lung cancer has resulted in great enthusiasm for additional immunotherapies in development to elicit similar survival benefits, particularly in patients who do not respond to or are ineligible for PD-1 blockade. CD47 is an immunosuppressive molecule that binds SIRPα on antigen-presenting cells to regulate an innate immune checkpoint that blocks phagocytosis and subsequent activation of adaptive tumor immunity. In lung cancer, CD47 expression is associated with poor survival and tumors with EGFR mutations, which do not typically respond to PD-1 blockade. Given its prognostic relevance, its role in facilitating immune escape, and the number of agents currently in clinical development, CD47 blockade represents a promising next-generation immunotherapy for lung cancer. In this review, we briefly summarize how tumors disrupt the cancer immunity cycle to facilitate immune evasion and their exploitation of immune checkpoints like the CD47-SIRPα axis. We also discuss approved immune checkpoint inhibitors and strategies for targeting CD47 that are currently being investigated. Finally, we review the literature supporting CD47 as a promising immunotherapeutic target in lung cancer and offer our perspective on key obstacles that must be overcome to establish CD47 blockade as the next standard of care for lung cancer therapy.

CD47: Beyond an immune checkpoint in cancer treatment

The transmembrane protein, CD47, is recognized as an important innate immune checkpoint, and CD47-targeted drugs have been in development with the aim of inhibiting the interaction between CD47 and the regulatory glycoprotein SIRPα, for antitumor immunotherapy. Further, CD47 mediates other essential functions such as cell proliferation, caspase-independent cell death (CICD), angiogenesis and other integrin-activation-dependent cell phenotypic responses when bound to thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) or other ligands. Mounting strategies that target CD47 have been developed in pre-clinical and clinical trials, including antibodies, small molecules, siRNAs, and peptides, and some of them have shown great promise in cancer treatment. Herein, the authors endeavor to provide a retrospective of ligand-mediated CD47 regulatory mechanisms, their roles in controlling antitumor intercellular and intracellular signal transduction, and an overview of CD47-targetd drug design.

Harnessing Macrophages through the Blockage of CD47: Implications for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

CD47 is a surface membrane protein expressed by all normal tissues. It is the so-called "don't eat me signal" because it protects the cells against phagocytosis. The CD47 interacts with the signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on the surface of macrophages, leading to downstream inhibitory signaling that dampens phagocytic capacity. Since macrophages exert immune surveillance against cancers, cancer cells overexpress CD47 to defend themselves against phagocytosis. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC), and similar to other types of cancers, leukemic blasts show enhanced levels of CD47. In patients with AML, CD47 has been associated with a higher disease burden and poor overall survival. Blockage of CD47-SIRPα signaling leads to improved phagocytosis of AML cells and better overall survival in xenograft models. However, the introduction of a pro-phagocytic signal is needed to induce greater phagocytic capacity. These pro-phagocytic signals can be either Fc receptor stimulants (such as monoclonal antibodies) or natural pro-phagocytic molecules (such as calreticulin). Based on these pre-clinical findings, various clinical trials investigating the blockade of CD47-SIRPα interaction have been designed as monotherapy and in combination with other anti-leukemic agents. In this review, we will discuss CD47 biology, highlight its implications for AML pathophysiology, and explore the potential clinical translation of disrupting CD47-SIRPα to treat patients with AML.

Potential Role of CD47-Directed Bispecific Antibodies in Cancer Immunotherapy

The prosperity of immunological therapy for cancer has aroused enormous passion for exploiting the novel targets of cancer immunotherapy. After the approval of blinatumomab, a bispecific antibody (bsAb) targeting on CD19 for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a few of CD47-targeted bsAbs for cancer immunotherapy, are currently in clinical research. In our review of CD47-targeted bsAbs, we described the fundamental of bsAbs. Then, we summarized the information of four undergoing phase I researches, reviewed the main toxicities relevant to CD47-targeted bsAb immunological therapy of on-target cytotoxicity to healthy cells and a remarkable antigen-sink. Finally, we described possible mechanisms of resistance to CD47-targeted bsAb therapy. More clinical researches are supposed to adequately confirm its security and efficacy in clinical practice.

Thrombospondin-1 promotes hemostasis through modulation of cAMP signaling in blood platelets

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is released by platelets upon activation and can increase platelet activation, but its role in hemostasis in vivo is unclear. We show that TSP-1 is a critical mediator of hemostasis that promotes platelet activation by modulating inhibitory cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. Genetic deletion of TSP-1 did not affect platelet activation in vitro, but in vivo models of hemostasis and thrombosis showed that TSP-1-deficient mice had prolonged bleeding, defective thrombosis, and increased sensitivity to the prostacyclin mimetic iloprost. Adoptive transfer of wild-type (WT) but not TSP-1-/- platelets ameliorated the thrombotic phenotype, suggesting a key role for platelet-derived TSP-1. In functional assays, TSP-1-deficient platelets showed an increased sensitivity to cAMP signaling, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and arrest under flow by prostacyclin (PGI2). Plasma swap experiments showed that plasma TSP-1 did not correct PGI2 hypersensitivity in TSP-1-/- platelets. By contrast, incubation of TSP-1-/- platelets with releasates from WT platelets or purified TSP-1, but not releasates from TSP-1-/- platelets, reduced the inhibitory effects of PGI2. Activation of WT platelets resulted in diminished cAMP accumulation and downstream signaling, which was associated with increased activity of the cAMP hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A). PDE3A activity and cAMP accumulation were unaffected in platelets from TSP-1-/- mice. Platelets deficient in CD36, a TSP-1 receptor, showed increased sensitivity to PGI2/cAMP signaling and diminished PDE3A activity, which was unaffected by platelet-derived or purified TSP-1. This scenario suggests that the release of TSP-1 regulates hemostasis in vivo through modulation of platelet cAMP signaling at sites of vascular injury.

Towards the Therapeutic Use of Thrombospondin 1/CD47 Targeting TAX2 Peptide as an Antithrombotic Agent

OBJECTIVE

TSP-1 (thrombospondin 1) is one of the most expressed proteins in platelet α-granules and plays an important role in the regulation of hemostasis and thrombosis. Interaction of released TSP-1 with CD47 membrane receptor has been shown to regulate major events leading to thrombus formation, such as, platelet adhesion to vascular endothelium, nitric oxide/cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) signaling, platelet activation as well as aggregation. Therefore, targeting TSP-1:CD47 axis may represent a promising antithrombotic strategy. Approach and Results: A CD47-derived cyclic peptide was engineered, namely TAX2, that targets TSP-1 and selectively prevents TSP-1:CD47 interaction. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that TAX2 peptide strongly decreases platelet aggregation and interaction with collagen under arterial shear conditions. TAX2 also delays time for complete thrombotic occlusion in 2 mouse models of arterial thrombosis following chemical injury, while Thbs1-/- mice recapitulate TAX2 effects. Importantly, TAX2 administration is not associated with increased bleeding risk or modification of hematologic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study sheds light on the major contribution of TSP-1:CD47 interaction in platelet activation and thrombus formation while putting forward TAX2 as an innovative antithrombotic agent with high added-value.

Aging-associated changes in CD47 arrangement and interaction with thrombospondin-1 on red blood cells visualized by super-resolution imaging

CD47 serves as a ligand for signaling regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and as a receptor for thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1). Although CD47, TSP-1, and SIRPα are thought to be involved in the clearance of aged red blood cells (RBCs), aging-associated changes in the expression and interaction of these molecules on RBCs have been elusive. Using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM)-based imaging and quantitative analysis, we can report that CD47 molecules on young RBCs reside as nanoclusters with little binding to TSP-1, suggesting a minimal role for TSP-1/CD47 signaling in normal RBCs. On aged RBCs, CD47 molecules decreased in number but formed bigger and denser clusters, with increased ability to bind TSP-1. Exposure of aged RBCs to TSP-1 resulted in a further increase in the size of CD47 clusters via a lipid raft-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, CD47 cluster formation was dramatically inhibited on thbs1-/- mouse RBCs and associated with a significantly prolonged RBC lifespan. These results indicate that the strength of CD47 binding to its ligand TSP-1 is predominantly determined by the distribution pattern and not the amount of CD47 molecules on RBCs, and offer direct evidence for the role of TSP-1 in phagocytosis of aged RBCs. This study provides clear nanoscale pictures of aging-associated changes in CD47 distribution and TSP-1/CD47 interaction on the cell surface, and insights into the molecular basis for how these molecules coordinate to remove aged RBCs.

Macrophage checkpoint blockade: results from initial clinical trials, binding analyses, and CD47-SIRPα structure-function

The macrophage checkpoint is an anti-phagocytic interaction between signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on a macrophage and CD47 on all types of cells - ranging from blood cells to cancer cells. This interaction has emerged over the last decade as a potential co-target in cancer when combined with other anti-cancer agents, with antibodies against CD47 and SIRPα currently in preclinical and clinical development for a variety of hematological and solid malignancies. Monotherapy with CD47 blockade is ineffective in human clinical trials against many tumor types tested to date, except for rare cutaneous and peripheral lymphomas. In contrast, pre-clinical results show efficacy in multiple syngeneic mouse models of cancer, suggesting that many of these tumor models are more immunogenic and likely artificial compared to human tumors. However, combination therapies in humans of anti-CD47 with agents such as the anti-tumor antibody rituximab do show efficacy against liquid tumors (lymphoma) and are promising. Here, we review such trials as well as key interaction and structural features of CD47-SIRPα.

Endothelial MT1-MMP targeting limits intussusceptive angiogenesis and colitis via TSP1/nitric oxide axis

Pathological angiogenesis contributes to cancer progression and chronic inflammatory diseases. In inflammatory bowel disease, the microvasculature expands by intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA), a poorly characterized mechanism involving increased blood flow and splitting of pre-existing capillaries. In this report, mice lacking the protease MT1-MMP in endothelial cells (MT1iΔEC ) presented limited IA in the capillary plexus of the colon mucosa assessed by 3D imaging during 1% DSS-induced colitis. This resulted in better tissue perfusion, preserved intestinal morphology, and milder disease activity index. Combined in vivo intravital microscopy and lentiviral rescue experiments with in vitro cell culture demonstrated that MT1-MMP activity in endothelial cells is required for vasodilation and IA, as well as for nitric oxide production via binding of the C-terminal fragment of MT1-MMP substrate thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) to CD47/αvβ3 integrin. Moreover, TSP1 levels were significantly higher in serum from IBD patients and in vivo administration of an anti-MT1-MMP inhibitory antibody or a nonamer peptide spanning the αvβ3 integrin binding site in TSP1 reduced IA during mouse colitis. Our results identify MT1-MMP as a new actor in inflammatory IA and a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease.

Thrombospondin in Tumor Microenvironment

Thrombospondins (TSPs) are multifaceted proteins that contribute to physiologic as well as pathologic conditions. Due to their multiple receptor-binding domains, TSPs display both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive qualities and are thus essential components of the extracellular matrix. Known for their antiangiogenic capacity, TSPs are an important component of the tumor microenvironment. The N- and C-terminal domains of TSP are, respectively, involved in cell adhesion and spreading, an important feature of wound healing as well as cancer cell migration. Previously known for the activation of TGF-β to promote tumor growth and inflammation, TSP-1 has recently been found to be transcriptionally induced by TGF-β, implying the presence of a possible feedback loop. TSP-1 is an endogenous inhibitor of T cells and also mediates its immunosuppressive effects via induction of Tregs. Given the diverse roles of TSPs in the tumor microenvironment, many therapeutic strategies have utilized TSP-mimetic peptides or antibody blockade as anti-metastatic approaches. This chapter discusses the diverse structural domains, functional implications, and anti-metastatic therapies in the context of the role of TSP in the tumor microenvironment.

CD47: role in the immune system and application to cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

CD47 is a widely expressed cellular receptor well known for its immunoregulatory functions. By interacting with its ligands, including thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα), integrins, and SH2-domain bearing protein tyrosine phosphatase substrate-1 (SHPS-1), it modulates cellular phagocytosis by macrophages, transmigration of neutrophils and activation of dendritic cells, T cells and B cells. Ample studies have shown that various types of cancer express high levels of CD47 to escape from the immune system. Based on this observation, CD47 is currently considered as a prominent target in cancer therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we review the role of CD47 in the maintenance of immune system homeostasis. We also depict three emerging CD47-targeting strategies for cancer therapy, including the use of mimicry peptides, antibodies, and gene silencing strategies. Among these approaches, the most advanced one is the use of anti-CD47 antibodies, which enhances cancer cell phagocytosis via inhibition of the CD47-SIRPα axis. These antibodies can also achieve higher anti-cancer efficacies when combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy and hold promise for improving the survival of patients with cancer.

Inside-Out Control of Fc-Receptors

Receptors recognizing the Fc-part of immunoglobulins (FcR) are important in the engagement of phagocytes with opsonized micro-organisms, but they also play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Different FcRs are specifically recognizing and binding the different classes of immunoglobulins, transmitting different signals into the cell. The function of IgG (FcγR's) and IgA (FcαR) recognizing receptors is controlled by cellular signals evoked by activation of heterologous receptors in a process generally referred to as inside-out control. This concept is clearly described for the regulation of integrin receptors. Inside-out control can be achieved at different levels by modulation of: (i) receptor affinity, (ii) receptor avidity/valency, (iii) interaction with signaling chains, (iv) interaction with other receptors and (v) localization in functionally different membrane domains. The inside-out control of FcRs is an interesting target for novel therapy by therapeutical antibodies as it can potentiate or decrease the functionality of the response to the antibodies depending on the mechanisms of the diseases they are applied for.

Blocking "don't eat me" signal of CD47-SIRPα in hematological malignancies, an in-depth review

Hematological malignancies express high levels of CD47 as a mechanism of immune evasion. CD47-SIRPα triggers a cascade of events that inhibit phagocytosis. Preclinical research supports several models of antibody-mediated blockade of CD47-SIRPα resulting in cell death signaling, phagocytosis of cells bearing stress signals, and priming of tumor-specific T cell responses. Four different antibody molecules designed to target the CD47-SIRPα interaction in malignancy are currently being studied in clinical trials: Hu5F9-G4, CC-90002, TTI-621, and ALX-148. Hu5F9-G4, a humanized anti-CD47 blocking antibody is currently being studied in four different Phase I trials. These studies may lay the groundwork for therapeutic bispecific antibodies. Bispecific antibody (CD20-CD47SL) fusion of anti-CD20 (Rituximab) and anti-CD47 also demonstrated a synergistic effect against lymphoma in preclinical models. This review summarizes the large body of preclinical evidence and emerging clinical data supporting the use of antibodies designed to target the CD47-SIRPα interaction in leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.

Regulation of Cellular Redox Signaling by Matricellular Proteins in Vascular Biology, Immunology, and Cancer

SIGNIFICANCE

In contrast to structural elements of the extracellular matrix, matricellular proteins appear transiently during development and injury responses, but their sustained expression can contribute to chronic disease. Through interactions with other matrix components and specific cell surface receptors, matricellular proteins regulate multiple signaling pathways, including those mediated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and H2S. Dysregulation of matricellular proteins contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular diseases and cancer. Defining the molecular mechanisms and receptors involved is revealing new therapeutic opportunities. Recent Advances: Thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) regulates NO, H2S, and superoxide production and signaling in several cell types. The TSP1 receptor CD47 plays a central role in inhibition of NO signaling, but other TSP1 receptors also modulate redox signaling. The matricellular protein CCN1 engages some of the same receptors to regulate redox signaling, and ADAMTS1 regulates NO signaling in Marfan syndrome. In addition to mediating matricellular protein signaling, redox signaling is emerging as an important pathway that controls the expression of several matricellular proteins.

CRITICAL ISSUES

Redox signaling remains unexplored for many matricellular proteins. Their interactions with multiple cellular receptors remains an obstacle to defining signaling mechanisms, but improved transgenic models could overcome this barrier.

FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Therapeutics targeting the TSP1 receptor CD47 may have beneficial effects for treating cardiovascular disease and cancer and have recently entered clinical trials. Biomarkers are needed to assess their effects on redox signaling in patients and to evaluate how these contribute to their therapeutic efficacy and potential side effects. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 27, 874-911.

Acute CD47 Blockade During Ischemic Myocardial Reperfusion Enhances Phagocytosis-Associated Cardiac Repair

Our data suggest that, after a myocardial infarction, integrin-associated protein CD47 on cardiac myocytes is elevated. In culture, increased CD47 on the surface of dying cardiomyocytes impairs phagocytic removal by immune cell macrophages. After myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, acute CD47 inhibition with blocking antibodies enhanced dead myocyte clearance by cardiac phagocytes and also improved the resolution of cardiac inflammation, reduced infarct size, and preserved cardiac contractile function. Early targeting of CD47 in the myocardium after reperfusion may be a new strategy to enhance wound repair in the ischemic heart.

Potential influences of complement factor H in autoimmune inflammatory and thrombotic disorders

Complement system homeostasis is important for host self-protection and anti-microbial immune surveillance, and recent research indicates roles in tissue development and remodelling. Complement also appears to have several points of interaction with the blood coagulation system. Deficiency and altered function due to gene mutations and polymorphisms in complement effectors and regulators, including Factor H, have been associated with familial and sporadic autoimmune inflammatory - thrombotic disorders, in which autoantibodies play a part. These include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome, anti-phospholipid syndrome and age-related macular degeneration. Such diseases are generally complex - multigenic and heterogeneous in their symptoms and predisposition/susceptibility. They usually need to be triggered by vascular trauma, drugs or infection and non-complement genetic factors also play a part. Underlying events seem to include decline in peripheral regulatory T cells, dendritic cell, and B cell tolerance, associated with alterations in lymphoid organ microenvironment. Factor H is an abundant protein, synthesised in many cell types, and its reported binding to many different ligands, even if not of high affinity, may influence a large number of molecular interactions, together with the accepted role of Factor H within the complement system. Factor H is involved in mesenchymal stem cell mediated tolerance and also contributes to self-tolerance by augmenting iC3b production and opsonisation of apoptotic cells for their silent dendritic cell engulfment via complement receptor CR3, which mediates anti-inflammatory-tolerogenic effects in the apoptotic cell context. There may be co-operation with other phagocytic receptors, such as complement C1q receptors, and the Tim glycoprotein family, which specifically bind phosphatidylserine expressed on the apoptotic cell surface. Factor H is able to discriminate between self and nonself surfaces for self-protection and anti-microbe defence. Factor H, particularly as an abundant platelet protein, may also modulate blood coagulation, having an anti-thrombotic role. Here, we review a number of interaction pathways in coagulation and in immunity, together with associated diseases, and indicate where Factor H may be expected to exert an influence, based on reports of the diversity of ligands for Factor H.

Fluorogenic 2D Peptidosheet Unravels CD47 as a Potential Biomarker for Profiling Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma Tissues

A 2D peptidosheet unravels CD47 as a potential biomarker to image hepatocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma cells and tissues. Supramolecular assembly between water-soluble 2D MoS₂ and a peptide probe produces the 2D peptidosheet suited for the profiling of hepatocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma tissues over healthy tissues on clinical specimens.

Thrombospondin-1-Derived Peptide RFYVVMWK Improves the Adhesive Phenotype of CD34+ Cells From Atherosclerotic Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

CD34+ progenitor cells are growing in use for vascular repair. However, in diabetic individuals with cardiovascular diseases, these cells have dysfunctional engraftment capabilities, which compromise their use for autologous cell therapy. The thrombospondin-1-derived peptide RFYVVMWK has previously been reported to stimulate cell adhesiveness through CD47 and integrin activation pathways. Our aim was to test whether RFYVVMWK preconditioning could modulate CD34+ cell phenotype and enhance its proadhesive properties in diabetic patients. Peripheral blood mononuclear CD34+ cells isolated from 40 atherosclerotic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 20) or without (non-T2D; n = 20) were preconditioned with 30 μM RFYVVMWK or truncated peptide RFYVVM. CD34+ cell adhesion was assessed on a vitronectin-collagen matrix and on TNF-α or IL-1β-stimulated HUVEC monolayers. Adhesion receptors, platelet/CD34+ cell conjugates, and cell viability were analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. RFYVVMWK increased the adhesion of T2D CD34+ cells by eightfold to the vitronectin-collagen matrix (p < 0.001) corresponding to a threefold increase compared to unstimulated non-T2D CD34+ cells. The peptide induced the formation of platelet/CD34+ conjugates and increased the expression of TSP-1, CD29, CD51/CD61, and CD62P in both T2D and non-T2D cells. However, RFYVVMWK treatment did not affect the viability/apoptosis of CD34+ progenitor cells. In conclusion, priming CD34+ cells with RFYVVMWK may enhance their vascular engraftment during autologous proangiogenic cell therapy.

Modelling circulating tumour cells for personalised survival prediction in metastatic breast cancer

Ductal carcinoma is one of the most common cancers among women, and the main cause of death is the formation of metastases. The development of metastases is caused by cancer cells that migrate from the primary tumour site (the mammary duct) through the blood vessels and extravasating they initiate metastasis. Here, we propose a multi-compartment model which mimics the dynamics of tumoural cells in the mammary duct, in the circulatory system and in the bone. Through a branching process model, we describe the relation between the survival times and the four markers mainly involved in metastatic breast cancer (EPCAM, CD47, CD44 and MET). In particular, the model takes into account the gene expression profile of circulating tumour cells to predict personalised survival probability. We also include the administration of drugs as bisphosphonates, which reduce the formation of circulating tumour cells and their survival in the blood vessels, in order to analyse the dynamic changes induced by the therapy. We analyse the effects of circulating tumour cells on the progression of the disease providing a quantitative measure of the cell driver mutations needed for invading the bone tissue. Our model allows to design intervention scenarios that alter the patient-specific survival probability by modifying the populations of circulating tumour cells and it could be extended to other cancer metastasis dynamics.

CD47 agonist peptides induce programmed cell death in refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells via PLCγ1 activation: evidence from mice and humans

BACKGROUND

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common adulthood leukemia, is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal CD5+ B lymphocytes, which results in a progressive failure of the immune system. Despite intense research efforts, drug resistance remains a major cause of treatment failure in CLL, particularly in patients with dysfunctional TP53. The objective of our work was to identify potential approaches that might overcome CLL drug refractoriness by examining the pro-apoptotic potential of targeting the cell surface receptor CD47 with serum-stable agonist peptides.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In peripheral blood samples collected from 80 patients with CLL with positive and adverse prognostic features, we performed in vitro genetic and molecular analyses that demonstrate that the targeting of CD47 with peptides derived from the C-terminal domain of thrombospondin-1 efficiently kills the malignant CLL B cells, including those from high-risk individuals with a dysfunctional TP53 gene, while sparing the normal T and B lymphocytes from the CLL patients. Further studies reveal that the differential response of normal B lymphocytes, collected from 20 healthy donors, and leukemic B cells to CD47 peptide targeting results from the sustained activation in CLL B cells of phospholipase C gamma-1 (PLCγ1), a protein that is significantly over-expressed in CLL. Once phosphorylated at tyrosine 783, PLCγ1 enables a Ca2+-mediated, caspase-independent programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that is not down-modulated by the lymphocyte microenvironment. Accordingly, down-regulation of PLCγ1 or pharmacological inhibition of PLCγ1 phosphorylation abolishes CD47-mediated killing. Additionally, in a CLL-xenograft model developed in NOD/scid gamma mice, we demonstrate that the injection of CD47 agonist peptides reduces tumor burden without inducing anemia or toxicity in blood, liver, or kidney. The limitations of our study are mainly linked to the affinity of the peptides targeting CD47, which might be improved to reach the standard requirements in drug development, and the lack of a CLL animal model that fully mimics the human disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work provides substantial progress in (i) the development of serum-stable CD47 agonist peptides that are highly effective at inducing PCD in CLL, (ii) the understanding of the molecular events regulating a novel PCD pathway that overcomes CLL apoptotic avoidance, (iii) the identification of PLCγ1 as an over-expressed protein in CLL B cells, and (iv) the description of a novel peptide-based strategy against CLL.

CD47 signaling pathways controlling cellular differentiation and responses to stress

CD47 is a widely expressed integral membrane protein that serves as the counter-receptor for the inhibitory phagocyte receptor signal-regulatory protein-α (SIRPα) and as a signaling receptor for the secreted matricellular protein thrombospondin-1. Recent studies employing mice and somatic cells lacking CD47 have revealed important pathophysiological functions of CD47 in cardiovascular homeostasis, immune regulation, resistance of cells and tissues to stress and chronic diseases of aging including cancer. With the emergence of experimental therapeutics targeting CD47, a more thorough understanding of CD47 signal transduction is essential. CD47 lacks a substantial cytoplasmic signaling domain, but several cytoplasmic binding partners have been identified, and lateral interactions of CD47 with other membrane receptors play important roles in mediating signaling resulting from the binding of thrombospondin-1. This review addresses recent advances in identifying the lateral binding partners, signal transduction pathways and downstream transcription networks regulated through CD47 in specific cell lineages. Major pathways regulated by CD47 signaling include calcium homeostasis, cyclic nucleotide signaling, nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis and signaling and stem cell transcription factors. These pathways and other undefined proximal mediators of CD47 signaling regulate cell death and protective autophagy responses, mitochondrial biogenesis, cell adhesion and motility and stem cell self-renewal. Although thrombospondin-1 is the best characterized agonist of CD47, the potential roles of other members of the thrombospondin family, SIRPα and SIRPγ binding and homotypic CD47 interactions as agonists or antagonists of signaling through CD47 should also be considered.

Deficits in cerebellar granule cell development and social interactions in CD47 knockout mice

CD47 is involved in neurite differentiation in cultured neurons, but the function of CD47 in brain development is largely unknown. We determined that CD47 mRNA was robustly expressed in the developing cerebellum, especially in granule cells. CD47 protein was mainly expressed in the inner layer of the external granule layer (EGL), molecular layer, and internal granule layer (IGL), where granule cells individually become postmitotic and migrate, leading to neurite fasciculation. At postnatal day 8 (P8), CD47 knockout mice exhibited an increased number of proliferating granule cells in the EGL, whereas the CD47 agonist peptide 4N1K increased the number of postmitotic cells in primary granule cells. Knocking out the CD47 gene and anti-CD47 antibody impaired the radial migration of granule cells from the EGL to the IGL individually in mice and slice cultures. In primary granule cells, knocking out CD47 reduced the number of axonal collaterals and dendritic branches; by contrast, overexpressing CD47 or 4N1K treatment increased the axonal length and numbers of axonal collaterals and dendritic branches. Furthermore, the length of the fissure between Lobules VI and VII was decreased in CD47 knockout mice at P21 and at 14 wk after birth. Lastly, CD47 knockout mice exhibited increased social interaction at P21 and depressive-like behaviors at 10 wk after birth. Our study revealed that the cell adhesion molecule CD47 participates in multiple phases of granule cell development, including proliferation, migration, and neurite differentiation implying that aberrations of CD47 are risk factors that cause abnormalities in cerebellar development and atypical behaviors.

CD47-independent effects mediated by the TSP-derived 4N1K peptide

4N1K is a peptide fragment derived from the C-terminal, globular domain of thrombospondin which has been shown to mediate integrin-dependent cell adhesion and promote integrin activation acting via the cell-surface receptor, CD47. However, some studies found that 4N1K could act independently of CD47, putting in question the specificity of 4N1K for CD47. This led us to characterize the cellular and non-cellular effects of 4N1K. We found that 4N1K stimulated a potent increase in binding of a variety of non-specific IgG antibodies to cells in suspension. We also found that these same antibodies, as well as CD47-deficient cells, could bind substrate-immobilized 4N1K significantly better than a control peptide, 4NGG. Furthermore, we found that cells treated with 4N1K at higher concentrations inhibited, while lower concentrations promoted cell adhesion to immobilized fibronectin as an integrin substrate. Importantly, both the stimulatory and the inhibitory activity of 4N1K occurred as efficiently in the CD47-deficient JinB8 cells, as it did in the CD47-expressing parental or in JinB8 cells reconstituted with CD47 expression. Given these results, we suggest that 4N1K interacts non-specifically with epitopes commonly found on the cell surface, and conclude that it is not a suitable peptide for use to study the consequences of CD47 receptor ligation.

Toll-like receptors' pathway disturbances are associated with increased susceptibility to infections in humans

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense microbial products and play an important role in innate immunity. Currently, 11 members of TLRs have been identified in humans, with important function in host defense in early steps of the inflammatory response. TLRs are present in the plasma membrane (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6) and endosome (TLR3, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9) of leukocytes. TLRs and IL-1R are a family of receptors related to the innate immune response that contain an intracellular domain known as the Toll-IL-1R (TIR) domain that recruits the TIR-containing cytosolic adapters MyD88, TRIF, TIRAP and TRAM. The classical pathway results in the activation of both nuclear factor κB and MAPKs via the IRAK complex, with two active kinases (IRAK-1 and IRAK-4) and two non-catalytic subunits (IRAK-2 and IRAK-3/M). The classical pro-inflammatory TLR signaling pathway leads to the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12 and TNF-α. In humans, genetic defects have been identified that impair signaling of the TLR pathway and this may result in recurrent pyogenic infections, as well as virus and fungi infections. In this review, we discuss the main mechanisms of microbial recognition and the defects involving TLRs.

CD47: A Cell Surface Glycoprotein Which Regulates Multiple Functions of Hematopoietic Cells in Health and Disease

Interactions between cells and their surroundings are important for proper function and homeostasis in a multicellular organism. These interactions can either be established between the cells and molecules in their extracellular milieu, but also involve interactions between cells. In all these situations, proteins in the plasma membranes are critically involved to relay information obtained from the exterior of the cell. The cell surface glycoprotein CD47 (integrin-associated protein (IAP)) was first identified as an important regulator of integrin function, but later also was shown to function in ways that do not necessarily involve integrins. Ligation of CD47 can induce intracellular signaling resulting in cell activation or cell death depending on the exact context. By binding to another cell surface glycoprotein, signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα), CD47 can regulate the function of cells in the monocyte/macrophage lineage. In this spotlight paper, several functions of CD47 will be reviewed, although some functions may be more briefly mentioned. Focus will be on the ways CD47 regulates hematopoietic cells and functions such as CD47 signaling, induction of apoptosis, and regulation of phagocytosis or cell-cell fusion.

Therapeutic opportunities for targeting the ubiquitous cell surface receptor CD47

INTRODUCTION

CD47 is a ubiquitously expressed cell surface receptor that serves as a counter-receptor for SIRPα in recognition of self by the innate immune system. Independently, CD47 also functions as an important signaling receptor for regulating cell responses to stress.

AREAS COVERED

We review the expression, molecular interactions, and pathophysiological functions of CD47 in the cardiovascular and immune systems. CD47 was first identified as a potential tumor marker, and we examine recent evidence that its dysregulation contributes to cancer progression and evasion of anti-tumor immunity. We further discuss therapeutic strategies for enhancing or inhibiting CD47 signaling and applications of such agents in preclinical models of ischemia and ischemia/reperfusion injuries, organ transplantation, pulmonary hypertension, radioprotection, and cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

Ongoing studies are revealing a central role of CD47 for conveying signals from the extracellular microenvironment that limit cell and tissue survival upon exposure to various types of stress. Based on this key function, therapeutics targeting CD47 or its ligands thrombospondin-1 and SIRPα could have broad applications spanning reconstructive surgery, engineering of tissues and biocompatible surfaces, vascular diseases, diabetes, organ transplantation, radiation injuries, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

Disruption of SIRPα signaling in macrophages eliminates human acute myeloid leukemia stem cells in xenografts

Inhibition of macrophage SIRPα–CD47 interactions mediates phagocytosis and clearance of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells.

Although tumor surveillance by T and B lymphocytes is well studied, the role of innate immune cells, in particular macrophages, is less clear. Moreover, the existence of subclonal genetic and functional diversity in some human cancers such as leukemia underscores the importance of defining tumor surveillance mechanisms that effectively target the disease-sustaining cancer stem cells in addition to bulk cells. In this study, we report that leukemia stem cell function in xenotransplant models of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on SIRPα-mediated inhibition of macrophages through engagement with its ligand CD47. We generated mice expressing SIRPα variants with differential ability to bind human CD47 and demonstrated that macrophage-mediated phagocytosis and clearance of AML stem cells depend on absent SIRPα signaling. We obtained independent confirmation of the genetic restriction observed in our mouse models by using SIRPα-Fc fusion protein to disrupt SIRPα–CD47 engagement. Treatment with SIRPα-Fc enhanced phagocytosis of AML cells by both mouse and human macrophages and impaired leukemic engraftment in mice. Importantly, SIRPα-Fc treatment did not significantly enhance phagocytosis of normal hematopoietic targets. These findings support the development of therapeutics that antagonize SIRPα signaling to enhance macrophage-mediated elimination of AML.

The neuroprotective effects of milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 against oligomeric amyloid β toxicity

Background

Phosphatidylserine receptor is a key molecule that mediates the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a phosphatidylserine receptor that is expressed on various macrophage lineage cells, including microglia in the central nervous system (CNS). Targeted clearance of degenerated neurons by microglia is essential to maintain healthy neural networks. We previously showed that the CX3C chemokine fractalkine is secreted from degenerated neurons and accelerates microglial clearance of neuronal debris via inducing the release of MFG-E8. However, the mechanisms by which microglia produce MFG-E8 and the precise functions of MFG-E8 are unknown.

Methods

The release of MFG-E8 from microglia treated with conditioned medium from neurons exposed to neurotoxic substances, glutamate or oligomeric amyloid β (oAβ) was measured by ELISA. The neuroprotective effects of MFG-E8 and MFG-E8 − induced microglial phagocytosis of oAβ were assessed by immunocytochemistry. The effects of MFG-E8 on the production of the anti-oxidative enzyme hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) were determined by ELISA and immunocytochemisty.

Results

MFG-E8 was induced in microglia treated with conditioned medium from neurons that had been exposed to neurotoxicants, glutamate or oAβ. MFG-E8 significantly attenuated oAβ-induced neuronal cell death in a primary neuron − microglia coculture system. Microglial phagocytosis of oAβ was accelerated by MFG-E8 treatment due to increased CD47 expression in the absence of neurotoxic molecule production, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, and glutamate. MFG-E8 − treated microglia induced nuclear factor E(2) − related factor 2 (Nrf2) − mediated HO-1 production, which also contributed to neuroprotection.

Conclusions

These results suggest that microglia release MFG-E8 in response to signals from degenerated neurons and that MFG-E8 protects oAβ-induced neuronal cell death by promoting microglial phagocytic activity and activating the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway. Thus, MFG-E8 may have novel roles as a neuroprotectant in neurodegenerative conditions.

Diminished adhesion and activation of platelets and neutrophils with CD47 functionalized blood contacting surfaces

CD47 is a ubiquitously expressed transmembrane protein that, through signaling mechanisms mediated by signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα1), functions as a biological marker of 'self-recognition'. We showed previously that inflammatory cell attachment to polymeric surfaces is inhibited by the attachment of biotinylated recombinant CD47 (CD47B). We test herein the hypothesis that CD47 modified blood conduits can reduce platelet and neutrophil activation under clinically relevant conditions. We appended a poly-lysine tag to the C-terminus of recombinant CD47 (CD47L) allowing for covalent linkage to the polymer. SIRPα1 expression was confirmed in isolated platelets. We then compared biocompatibility between CD47B and CD47L functionalized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surfaces and unmodified control PVC surfaces. Quantitative and Qualitative analysis of blood cell attachment to CD47B and CD47L surfaces, via scanning electron microscopy, showed strikingly fewer platelets attached to CD47 modified surfaces compared to control. Flow cytometry analysis showed that activation markers for neutrophils (CD62L) and platelets (CD62P) exposed to CD47 modified PVC were equivalent to freshly acquired control blood, while significantly elevated in the unmodified PVC tubing. In addition, ethylene oxide gas sterilization did not inhibit the efficacy of the CD47 modification. In conclusion, CD47 modified PVC inhibits both the adhesion and activation of platelets and neutrophils.

Microglia demonstrate age-dependent interaction with amyloid-β fibrils

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated disease characterized by increased accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques within the brain. Histological examination has also revealed profound microglial activation in diseased brains often in association with these fibrillar peptide aggregates. The paradoxical presence of increased, reactive microglia yet accumulating extracellular debris suggests that these cells may be phagocytically compromised during disease. Prior work has demonstrated that primary microglia from adult mice are unable to phagocytose fibrillar Aβ1-42 in vitro when compared to microglia cultured from early postnatal animals. These data suggest that microglia undergo an age-associated decrease in microglial ability to interact with Aβ fibrils. In order to better define a temporal profile of microglia-Aβ interaction, acutely isolated, rather than cultured, microglia from 2 month, 6 month, and postnatal day 0 C57BL/6 mice were compared. Postnatal day 0 microglia demonstrated a CD47 dependent ability to phagocytose Aβ fibrils that was lost by 6 months. This corresponded with the ability of postnatal day 0 but not adult microglia to decrease Aβ immunoreactive plaque load from AD sections in vitro. In spite of limited Aβ uptake ability, adult microglia had functional phagocytic uptake of bacterial bioparticles and demonstrated the ability to adhere to both Aβ plaques and in vitro fibrillized Aβ. These data demonstrate a temporal profile of specifically Aβ-microglia interaction with a critical developmental period at 6 months in which cells remain able to interact with Aβ fibrils but lose their ability to phagocytose it.

CD47 regulates the TGF-β signaling pathway in osteoblasts and is distributed in Meckel's cartilage

Previously, CD47 gene expression has been shown to increase during mandible development using a micro array technique. To determine the function of CD47 in osteoblasts, CD47 was silenced using siRNA in vitro. The TGF-β1 and phosphorylated-Smad2 levels and transcription factor genes related to bone metabolism increased dose-dependently with CD47 silencing. Furthermore, we determined the distribution of CD47 in mouse embryonic E13 and E15 in vivo. The CD47-positive cells were localized in Meckel's cartilage and antenatal mandibular bone. These results suggest that TGF-β1 signaling and mandible development might be regulated by CD47.

A FRET-Based Biosensor for Imaging SYK Activities in Living Cells

Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is crucial to cellular functions mediated by immunoreceptors and integrins. We have developed and characterized a new genetically-encoded Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor for studying the dynamics of SYK activities in living cells at a subcellular level. It contains an N-terminal ECFP, SH2 domain, a peptide derived from a SYK substrate VAV2, and a C-terminal YPet. Upon the specific phosphorylation by SYK in vitro, the biosensor substrate peptide bound to the intramolecular SH2 domain to reduce the FRET efficiency. Transfection of the biosensor did not affect activation of the endogenous SYK in host cells. Phosphorylation of the biosensor followed the same kinetics as the endogenous VAV2. Using FRET imaging and ratiometric analysis with this SYK biosensor, we visualized and quantified the realtime activation of SYK in K562 cells upon IgG Fc engagement of Fcc receptor IIA and in mouse embryonic fibroblasts upon stimulation by the platelet derived growth factor. These results demonstrate our biosensor as a powerful tool for studying cellular signaling that involves SYK.

Activation of CD47 receptors causes proliferation of human astrocytoma but not normal astrocytes via an Akt-dependent pathway

CD47 is a membrane receptor that plays pivotal roles in many pathophysiological processes, including infection, inflammation, cell spreading, proliferation, and apoptosis. We show that activation of CD47 increases proliferation of human U87 and U373 astrocytoma cells but not normal astrocytes. CD47 function-blocking antibodies inhibit proliferation of untreated U87 and U373 cells but not normal astrocytes, suggesting that CD47 may be constitutively activated in astrocytoma. CD47 expression levels were similar in our three cell types. CD47 couples to G-proteins in astrocytes and astrocytoma and especially to the Gβγ dimer. Downstream signaling following CD47 activation involves Gβγ dimer-dependent activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in astrocytoma cells but not in normal astrocytes. This pathway is known to be deregulated in astrocytoma, leading to cell proliferation and enhanced survival signals. Putative PLIC-1 interaction with CD47 in astrocytoma cells but not astrocytes may contribute to the proliferative effect observed upon activation of CD47. Our data indicate that CD47 receptors have a stimulatory role in cell proliferation and demonstrate for the first time that CD47 signals via the PI3K/Akt pathway in cancerous cells but not normal cells.

Thrombospondin-1 induces platelet activation through CD36-dependent inhibition of the cAMP/protein kinase A signaling cascade

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent signaling modulates platelet function at sites of vascular injury. Here we show that thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) prevents cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling through a CD36-dependent mechanism. Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) induced a robust inhibition of both platelet aggregation and platelet arrest under physiologic conditions of flow. Exogenous TSP-1 reduced significantly PGE₁-mediated inhibition of both platelet aggregation and platelet arrest. TSP-1 prevented PGE₁-stimulated cAMP accrual and phosphorylation of PKA substrates, through a mechanism requiring phosphodiesterase3A. TSP-1 also inhibited VASP phosphorylation stimulated by the nonhydrolyzable cAMP analog, 8-bromo-cAMP, indicating that it may regulate cAMP-mediated activation of PKA. The inhibitory effect of TSP-1 on cAMP signaling could be reproduced with a peptide possessing a CD36 binding sequence of TSP-1, while the effects of TSP-1 were prevented by a CD36 blocking antibody. TSP-1 and the CD36 binding peptide induced phosphorylation of Src kinases, p38 and JNK. Moreover, inhibition of Src kinases blocked TSP-1-mediated regulation of cAMP concentrations and the phosphorylation of VASP, indicating that TSP-1 modulated the cAMP/PKA signaling events through a tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway downstream of CD36. These data reveal a new role for TSP-1 in promoting platelet aggregation through modulation of the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.

Optimization of formaldehyde cross-linking for protein interaction analysis of non-tagged integrin beta1

Formaldehyde cross-linking of protein complexes combined with immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis is a promising technique for analysing protein-protein interactions, including those of transient nature. Here we used integrin β1 as a model to describe the application of formaldehyde cross-linking in detail, particularly focusing on the optimal parameters for cross-linking, the detection of formaldehyde cross-linked complexes, the utility of antibodies, and the identification of binding partners. Integrin β1 was found in a high molecular weight complex after formaldehyde cross-linking. Eight different anti-integrin β1 antibodies were used for pull-down experiments and no loss in precipitation efficiency after cross-linking was observed. However, two of the antibodies could not precipitate the complex, probably due to hidden epitopes. Formaldehyde cross-linked complexes, precipitated from Jurkat cells or human platelets and analyzed by mass spectrometry, were found to be composed of integrin β1, α4 and α6 or β1, α6, α2, and α5, respectively.

Glucose regulation of thrombospondin and its role in the modulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation

Smooth muscle cells (SMC) maintained in high glucose are more responsive to IGF-I than those in normal glucose. There is significantly more thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in extracellular matrix surrounding SMC grown in 25 mM glucose. In this study we investigated 1) the mechanism by which glucose regulates TSP-1 levels and 2) the mechanism by which TS-1 enhances IGF-I signaling. The addition of TSP-1 to primary SMC was sufficient to enhance IGF-I responsiveness in normal glucose. Reducing TSP-1 protein levels inhibited IGF-I signaling in SMC maintained in high glucose. We determined that TSP-1 protected IAP/CD47 from cleavage and thereby facilitated its association with SHP substrate-1 (SHPS-1). We have shown previously that the hyperglycemia induced protection of IAP from cleavage is an important component of the ability of hyperglycemia to enhance IGF-I signaling. Furthermore we determined that TSP-1 also enhanced phosphorylation of the beta3 subunit of the alphaVbeta3 integrin, another molecular event that we have shown are critical for SMC response to IGF-I in high glucose. Our studies also revealed that the difference in the amount of TSP-1 in the two different glucose conditions was due, at least in part, to a difference in the cellular uptake and degradation of TSP-1.

Biological activities and molecular interactions of the C-terminal residue of thrombospondin-4, an epitome of acidic amphipathic peptides

C21, the C-terminal residue of thrombospondin-4 (TSP-4), was identified as a peptide growth factor during an investigation concerning erythropoietin-dependent, erythroid stimulating factors of endothelial origin. It is active in cultures of several human hematopoietic stem cells, skin fibroblasts and kidney epithelial cells and stimulates red cell formation in anemic mice. A method of affinity chromatography in the presence of high concentrations of Triton X-100, previously developed for identifying proteins associated with the TSP-1 receptor CD47, was utilized for the detection of C21 binding molecules and their detergent-resistant, associated partners. These experiments helped to delineate two different mechanisms of C21 action, which are compatible with its cell proliferating activity. As a cell matrix peptide, C21 binds to the osteopontin receptor CD44 and could act as an osteopontin antagonist, preventing the inhibition of primitive hematopoietic stem cell proliferation. TSP-1, another matrix protein, binds to C21 and could indirectly act as an antagonist, by shunting C21-CD44 interactions. The second mechanism is a direct effect of C21 on cell proliferation. The extremely rapid internalization and nuclear localization of the peptide could be explained by CD44-mediated internalization, followed by a microtubule-mediated transport towards the nucleus, or, eventually, direct membrane insertion. These alternative hypotheses are supported by previously observed membrane insertion of similar synthetic and viral acidic amphipathic peptides, the presence of microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B) and dynactin in the triton-soluble complexes associated with C21 and the presence in such complexes of dual compartment proteins for nuclei and plasma membranes, such as MAP1B, AHNAK and CD44.

CD47 and TLR-2 cross-talk regulates neutrophil transmigration

Neutrophil (PMN) infiltration into tissues is a hallmark of acute inflammation and is crucial for the rapid removal of microbial pathogens. Previous studies have shown that PMN transmigration is regulated by the cell surface protein CD47. However this phenomenon in the context of microbial invasion and subsequent TLR signaling is poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the role of TLR2 and CD47 costimulation in regulating PMN transmigration. Human PMN transmigration across acellular collagen-coated filters toward the bacterial chemoattractant fMLP was more significantly inhibited by MALP-2 (TLR2/6 agonist) than Pam(3)CSK(4) (TLR2/1 agonist). Subsequent experiments demonstrated that treatment with MALP-2 or anti-human CD47 mAbs delayed human PMN transfilter migration, while combined treatment led to further delayed inhibition. Interestingly, stimulation of PMNs with MALP-2 resulted in an increase in surface expression of CD11b, but not CD47. In experiments addressing the role of TLR agonists in regulating CD47-mediated PMN transmigration, incubation with MALP-2 or with anti-mouse CD47 mAbs did not inhibit transfilter migration of TLR2(-/-) or MyD88(-/-)-deficient murine bone marrow-derived PMNs. Similarly, inhibition of MyD88 homodimerization reversed the attenuation of human PMN transmigration induced by MALP-2 or anti-human CD47 mAbs. Separate experiments demonstrated that CD47(-/-) murine bone marrow-derived PMNs exhibited 4-fold decreased sensitivity toward MALP-2. Collectively, these findings suggest that activation of CD47 signaling enhances PMN sensitivity toward TLR2 activation which, in turn, signals their arrival at a site of invasion and may facilitate antimicrobial function.

Regulation of cross-linked actin network (CLAN) formation in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells by convergence of distinct beta1 and beta3 integrin pathways

PURPOSE

To determine the beta1/beta3 integrin-mediated pathways that regulate cross-linked actin network (CLAN) formation in human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. CLANs form in glaucomatous and steroid-treated TM cells, which may contribute to reducing outflow facility through the TM.

METHODS

Expression of CD47 (an alphavbeta3 integrin coreceptor/thrombospondin-1 receptor) and integrins alphavbeta3 and beta1 was assessed by FACS. CLANs were induced by plating cells on fibronectin (a beta1 integrin ligand) in the absence or presence of the beta3 integrin-activating mAb AP-5 and were identified by phalloidin labeling. The role of Src kinases, PI-3 kinase (PI-3K), Rac1, and CD47 was determined by incubating cells with the inhibitors PP2 and EPA (Src kinases), LY294002 (PI-3K), or NSC23766 (Rac1). Tiam1 and Trio siRNAs and dominant-negative Tiam1 were used to determine which Rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor was involved. The role of CD47 was determined using the thrombospondin-1-derived agonist peptide 4N1K and the CD47 function blocking antibody B6H12.2.

RESULTS

HTM cells expressed CD47 and integrins alphavbeta3 and beta1. beta3 Integrin or CD47 activation significantly increased CLAN formation over beta1 integrin-induced levels, whereas anti-CD47 mAb B6H12.2 inhibited this increase. PP2, NSC23766, and Trio siRNA decreased beta3-induced CLAN formation by 72%, 45%, and 67%, respectively, whereas LY294002 and dominant negative Tiam1 had no effect. LY294002 decreased beta1 integrin-mediated CLAN formation by 42%, and PP2 completely blocked it.

CONCLUSIONS

Distinct beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrin signaling pathways converge to enhance CLAN formation. beta1-Mediated CLAN formation was PI-3K dependent, whereas beta3-mediated CLAN formation was CD47 and Rac1/Trio dependent and might have been regulated by thrombospondin-1. Both integrin pathways were Src dependent.

Microglia mediate the clearance of soluble Abeta through fluid phase macropinocytosis

Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the progressive deposition of beta-amyloid (Abeta) within the brain parenchyma and its subsequent accumulation into senile plaques. Pathogenesis of the disease is associated with perturbations in Abeta homeostasis and the inefficient clearance of these soluble and insoluble peptides from the brain. Microglia have been reported to mediate the clearance of fibrillar Abeta (fAbeta) through receptor-mediated phagocytosis; however, their participation in clearance of soluble Abeta peptides (sAbeta) is largely unknown. We report that microglia internalize sAbeta from the extracellular milieu through a nonsaturable, fluid phase macropinocytic mechanism that is distinct from phagocytosis and receptor-mediated endocytosis both in vitro and in vivo. The uptake of sAbeta is dependent on both actin and tubulin dynamics and does not involve clathrin assembly, coated vesicles or membrane cholesterol. Upon internalization, fluorescently labeled sAbeta colocalizes to pinocytic vesicles. Microglia rapidly traffic these soluble peptides into late endolysosomal compartments where they are subject to degradation. Additionally, we demonstrate that the uptake of sAbeta and fAbeta occurs largely through distinct mechanisms and upon internalization are segregated into separate subcellular vesicular compartments. Significantly, we found that upon proteolytic degradation of fluorescently labeled sAbeta, the fluorescent chromophore is retained by the microglial cell. These studies identify an important mechanism through which microglial cells participate in the maintenance of Abeta homeostasis, through their capacity to constitutively clear sAbeta peptides from the brain.

CD47 regulates bone mass and tumor metastasis to bone

CD47, also called integrin-associated protein, plays a critical role in the innate immune response and is an atypical member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that interacts with and activates beta3 integrins. beta3 integrin(-/-) mice have defective platelet and osteoclast function and are protected from bone metastasis. The role of CD47 in skeletal homeostasis and bone metastasis has not been described. CD47(-/-) mice had increased bone mass and defective osteoclast function in vivo. Although the number of functional osteoclasts formed by differentiating CD47(-/-) bone marrow macrophages was decreased, high doses of RANKL rescued differentiation and function of CD47(-/-) osteoclasts ex vivo and rescued the osteoclast defect in CD47(-/-) mice. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, which is expressed at higher levels in CD47(-/-) osteoclasts, also rescued the osteoclast defect in CD47(-/-) cells. We then examined the consequences of this osteoclast defect in bone metastasis. In a model of tumor metastasis to bone, bone tumor burden was decreased in the CD47(-/-) mice compared with wild-type (WT) controls, with no decrease in s.c. tumor growth in CD47(-/-) mice. There was decreased tumor-associated bone destruction in the CD47(-/-) mice compared with WT controls, consistent with a defect in osteoclast function that was not rescued by the presence of tumor. Our data show that CD47 regulates osteoclastogenesis, in part, via regulation of NO production, and its disruption leads to a decrease in tumor bone metastasis. CD47 is a novel therapeutic target to strengthen bone mass and diminish metastatic tumor growth in bone.