Chemotactic factor-induced recruitment and activation of Tec family kinases in human neutrophils. Implication of phosphatidynositol 3-kinases

BTK inhibitor-induced defects in human neutrophil effector activity against Aspergillus fumigatus are restored by TNF-α

Inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) through covalent modifications of its active site (e.g., ibrutinib [IBT]) is a preferred treatment for multiple B cell malignancies. However, IBT-treated patients are more susceptible to invasive fungal infections, although the mechanism is poorly understood. Neutrophils are the primary line of defense against these infections; therefore, we examined the effect of IBT on primary human neutrophil effector activity against Aspergillus fumigatus. IBT significantly impaired the ability of neutrophils to kill A. fumigatus and potently inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis. Importantly, exogenous TNF-α fully compensated for defects imposed by IBT and newer-generation BTK inhibitors and restored the ability of neutrophils to contain A. fumigatus hyphal growth. Blocking TNF-α did not affect ROS production in healthy neutrophils but prevented exogenous TNF-α from rescuing the phenotype of IBT-treated neutrophils. The restorative capacity of TNF-α was independent of transcription. Moreover, the addition of TNF-α immediately rescued ROS production in IBT-treated neutrophils, indicating that TNF-α worked through a BTK-independent signaling pathway. Finally, TNF-α restored effector activity of primary neutrophils from patients on IBT therapy. Altogether, our data indicate that TNF-α rescued the antifungal immunity block imposed by inhibition of BTK in primary human neutrophils.

Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase as emerging therapeutic strategy in autoimmune diseases

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a cytoplasmic, non-receptor signal transducer, initially identified as an essential signaling molecule for B cells, with genetic mutations resulting in a disorder characterized by disturbed B cell and antibody development. Subsequent research revealed the critical role of BTK in the functionality of monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils. Various immune cells, among which B cells and neutrophils, rely on BTK activity for diverse signaling pathways downstream of multiple receptors, which makes this kinase an ideal target to treat hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. First-generation BTK inhibitors are already on the market to treat hematological disorders. It has been demonstrated that B cells and myeloid cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of different autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome. Consequently, second-generation BTK inhibitors are currently being developed to treat these disorders. Despite the acknowledged involvement of BTK in various cell types, the focus on B cells often overshadows its impact on innate immune cells. Among these cell types, neutrophils are often underestimated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this narrative review, the function of BTK in different immune cell subsets is discussed, after which an overview is provided of different upcoming BTK inhibitors tested for treatment of autoimmune diseases. Special attention is paid to BTK inhibition and its effect on neutrophil biology.

Discovery of the Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Clinical Candidate TAK-020 (S)-5-(1-((1-Acryloylpyrrolidin-3-yl)oxy)isoquinolin-3-yl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one, by Fragment-Based Drug Design

This publication details the successful use of FBDD (fragment-based drug discovery) principles in the invention of a novel covalent Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which ultimately became the Takeda Pharmaceuticals clinical candidate TAK-020. Described herein are the discovery of the fragment 5-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one, the subsequent optimization of this hit molecule to the candidate, and synthesis and performance in pharmacodynamic and efficacy models along with direct biophysical comparison of TAK-020 with other clinical-level assets and the marketed drug Ibrutinib.

Resveratrol suppresses neutrophil activation via inhibition of Src family kinases to attenuate lung injury

The natural stilbenoid, Resveratrol (RSV; 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) has been shown to have beneficial effects on inflammatory diseases as well as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. The underlying mechanism by which RSV affects neutrophil activation has yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that RSV modulates the inflammatory activities of formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-stimulated human neutrophils. We employed a well-established isolated-neutrophil model to investigate the effects of RSV on neutrophil functions and the underlying mechanism of signaling transduction. The lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI murine model was employed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of RSV. Experiment results demonstrate that RSV reduces respiratory burst, degranulation, integrin expression, and cell adhesion in activated neutrophils in dose-dependent manners. RSV inhibited phosphorylation of Src family kinases (SFKs) and reduced their enzymatic activities. Moreover, RSV and a selective inhibitor of SFKs (PP2) reduced the phosphorylation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase and Vav. There results indicated that the inhibitory effects of RSV are mediated through the inhibition of the SFKs-Btk-Vav pathway. This study also revealed that RSV attenuates endotoxin-induced lung injury. We surmise that the therapeutic effects of RSV on ALI may derive from its anti-neutrophilic inflammation function and free radical-scavenging effects.

Inhibitor of Tec kinase, LFM-A13, decreases pro-inflammatory mediators production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages via NF-κB pathway

Tec kinase, a prototypical member of the Tec tyrosine kinases family, was shown to mainly govern lymphocyte proliferation. In the present study, we investigated the role of Tec kinase in acute inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. First, we demonstrate that Tec kinase activity was observed in RAW264.7 macrophages exposed to LPS. Tec and phosphorylated Tec expression were upregulated in a dose- and time-dependent manner after LPS stimulation. LPS increased monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 secretion and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression, and increasing mRNA expression was consistently observed. LPS also induced IκBα phoshporylaytion and its degradation, increased NF-κB p65 phoshporylaytion and translocation to nuclei in RAW264.7 cells. Pretreatment with LFM-A13 decreased LPS-induced cytokines and chemokines production and mRNA levels, blocked NF-κB transactivation. These effects of LPS were also prevented by Tec-siRNA. Additionally, LFM-A13 or Tec-siRNA obviously inhibited LPS-induced TGFβ-activated kinase 1(TAK1) phosphorylation. Taken together, our results suggest that Tec kinase involves in acute inflammation process in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, at least mediated by activating TAK1/ NF-κB signal pathway.

Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition Attenuates Liver Damage in a Mouse Warm Ischemia and Reperfusion Model

BACKGROUND

Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) is a central player in multiple signaling pathways of lymphoid and myeloid cells. Myeloid cells are crucial early effectors in organ ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. BTKB66 is a selective, irreversible inhibitor of Btk. In this study, we hypothesized that Btk inhibition would reduce hepatocellular injury in a murine model of liver warm hepatic IR.

METHODS

First, BTKB66 was tested in in vitro models of lipopolysaccharide-mediated neutrophil and macrophage activation. Then, to assess its efficacy in vivo, BTKB66 was administered orally to mice for 7 days before subjecting them to 90 minutes of warm hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion for 6 or 24 hours. Clinical and pathologic features in the livers, including AST, ALT, and a panel of cytokines and chemokines, were examined.

RESULTS

BTKB66 potently inhibited lipopolysaccharide-mediated activation of bone marrow-derived neutrophils and macrophages in vitro. It also reduced the severity of IR injury as determined by AST and ALT levels, as well as immune cell infiltrates. BTKB66 significantly decreased hepatic markers of sterile inflammation, such as C-X-C motif chemokine 1, C-X-C motif chemokine 2, and C-X-C motif chemokine 10, in parallel with depression of serum markers of the myeloid cell activation, such as CCL5, CCL11, and C-X-C motif chemokine 5.

CONCLUSIONS

BTKB66 treatment ameliorated hepatocellular injury in a well-established model of liver partial warm ischemia and in situ reperfusion. These findings confirm that neutrophil recruitment and activation play an essential role in IR stress, and that targeting Btk activity may provide a useful approach for preventing hepatocellular damage and improving outcomes in liver transplantation.

The role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase in autoimmunity and implications for therapy

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) mediates B cell signaling and is also present in innate immune cells but not T cells. BTK propagates B cell receptor (BCR) responses to antigen-engagement as well as to stimulation via CD40, toll-like receptors (TLRs), Fc receptors (FCRs) and chemokine receptors. Importantly, BTK can modulate signaling, acting as a "rheostat" rather than an "on-off" switch; thus, overexpression leads to autoimmunity while decreased levels improve autoimmune disease outcomes. Autoreactive B cells depend upon BTK for survival to a greater degree than normal B cells, reflected as loss of autoantibodies with maintenance of total antibody levels when BTK is absent. This review describes contributions of BTK to immune tolerance, including studies testing BTK-inhibitors for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Perilla frutescens in activated human neutrophils through two independent pathways: Src family kinases and Calcium

The leaves of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. have been traditionally used as an herbal medicine in East Asian countries to treat a variety diseases. In this present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of P. frutescens extract (PFE) on N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF)-stimulated human neutrophils and the underlying mechanisms. PFE (1, 3, and 10 μg/ml) inhibited superoxide anion production, elastase release, reactive oxygen species formation, CD11b expression, and cell migration in fMLF-activated human neutrophils in dose-dependent manners. PFE inhibited fMLF-induced phosphorylation of the Src family kinases (SFKs), Src (Tyr416) and Lyn (Tyr396), and reduced their enzymatic activities. Both PFE and PP2 (a selective inhibitor of SFKs) reduced the phosphorylation of Burton’s tyrosine kinases (Tyr223) and Vav (Tyr174) in fMLF-activated human neutrophils. Additionally, PFE decreased intracellular Ca²⁺ levels ([Ca²⁺]_i), whereas PP2 prolonged the time required for [Ca²⁺]_i to return to its basal level. Our findings indicated that PFE effectively regulated the inflammatory activities of fMLF-activated human neutrophils. The anti-inflammatory effects of PFE on activated human neutrophils were mediated through two independent signaling pathways involving SFKs (Src and Lyn) and mobilization of intracellular Ca²⁺.

Targets for Ibrutinib Beyond B Cell Malignancies

Ibrutinib (Imbruvica^™) is an irreversible, potent inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Over the last few years, ibrutinib has developed from a promising drug candidate to being approved by FDA for the treatment of three B cell malignancies, a truly remarkable feat. Few, if any medicines are monospecific and ibrutinib is no exception; already during ibrutinib's initial characterization, it was found that it could bind also to other kinases. In this review, we discuss the implications of such interactions, which go beyond the selective effect on BTK in B cell malignancies. In certain cases, the outcome of ibrutinib treatment likely results from the combined inhibition of BTK and other kinases, causing additive or synergistic, effects. Conversely, there are also examples when the clinical outcome seems unrelated to inhibition of BTK. Thus, more specifically, adverse effects such as enhanced bleeding or arrhythmias could potentially be explained by different interactions. We also predict that during long‐term treatment bone homoeostasis might be affected due to the inhibition of osteoclasts. Moreover, the binding of ibrutinib to molecular targets other than BTK or effects on cells other than B cell‐derived malignancies could be beneficial and result in new indications for clinical applications.

Fragment-Based Discovery of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase

The discovery and optimization of a series of 4-aminocinnoline-3-carboxamide inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase are reported. A fragment-based screening approach incorporating X-ray co-crystallography was used to identify a cinnoline fragment and characterize its binding mode in the ATP binding site of Btk. Optimization of the fragment hit resulted in the identification of a lead compound which reduced paw swelling in a dose- and exposure-dependent fashion in a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis.

The SKI proto-oncogene enhances the in vivo repopulation of hematopoietic stem cells and causes myeloproliferative disease

The proto-oncogene SKI is highly expressed in human myeloid leukemia and also in murine hematopoietic stem cells. However, its operative relevance in these cells remains elusive. We have over-expressed SKI to define its intrinsic role in hematopoiesis and myeloid neoplasms, which resulted in a robust competitive advantage upon transplantation, a complete dominance of the stem and progenitor compartments, and a marked enhancement of myeloid differentiation at the expense of other lineages. Accordingly, enforced expression of SKI induced a gene signature associated with hematopoietic stem cells and myeloid differentiation, as well as hepatocyte growth factor signaling. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast to what has generally been assumed, the significant impact of SKI on hematopoiesis is independent of its ability to inhibit TGF-beta signaling. Instead, myeloid progenitors expressing SKI are partially dependent on functional hepatocyte growth factor signaling. Collectively our results demonstrate that SKI is an important regulator of hematopoietic stem cell activity and its overexpression leads to myeloproliferative disease.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase--an integral protein of B cell development that also has an essential role in the innate immune system

Btk is the protein affected in XLA, a disease identified as a B cell differentiation defect. Btk is crucial for B cell differentiation and activation, but its role in other cells is not fully understood. This review focuses on the function of Btk in monocytes, neutrophils, and platelets and the receptors and signaling cascades in such cells with which Btk is associated.

Early innate immunity determines outcome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pulmonary infection in rabbits

Background

Pulmonary infection of humans by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), results in active disease in 5-10% of individuals, while asymptomatic latent Mtb infection (LTBI) is established in the remainder. The host immune responses that determine this differential outcome following Mtb infection are not fully understood. Using a rabbit model of pulmonary TB, we have shown that infection with the Mtb clinical isolate HN878 (a hyper-virulent W-Beijing lineage strain) leads to progressive cavitary disease similar to what is seen in humans with active TB. In contrast, infection with Mtb CDC1551 (a hyper-immunogenic clinical isolate) is efficiently controlled in rabbit lungs, with establishment of LTBI, which can be reactivated upon treatment with immune-suppressive drugs. We hypothesize that the initial interaction of Mtb with the cells of the host response in the lungs determine later outcome of infection.

Results

To test this hypothesis, we used our rabbit model of pulmonary TB and infected the animals with Mtb HN878 or CDC1551. At 3 hours, with similar lung bacillary loads, HN878 infection caused greater accumulation of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in the lungs, compared to animals infected with CDC1551. Using whole-genome microarray gene expression analysis, we delineated the early transcriptional changes in the lungs of HN878- or CDC1551-infected rabbits at this time and compared them to the differential response at 4 weeks of Mtb-infection. Our gene network and pathway analysis showed that the most significantly differentially expressed genes involved in the host response to HN878, compared to CDC1551, at 3 hours of infection, were components of the inflammatory response and STAT1 activation, recruitment and activation of macrophages, PMN, and fMLP (N-formyl-Methionyl-Leucyl-Phenylalanine)-stimulation. At 4 weeks, the CDC1551 bacillary load was significantly lower and the granulomatous response reduced compared to HN878 infection. Moreover, although inflammation was dampened in both Mtb infections at 4 weeks, the majority of the differentially expressed gene networks were similar to those seen at 3 hours.

Conclusions

We propose that differential regulation of the inflammation-associated innate immune response and related gene expression changes seen at 3 hours determine the long term outcome of Mtb infection in rabbit lungs.

The role of the tec kinase Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in leukocyte recruitment

Recruitment of leukocytes into inflamed tissue is a key component of the immune system. The activation of integrins on leukocytes is required for their recruitment into the inflamed tissue. Btk is a cytoplasmic nonreceptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the Tec-kinase family. It plays a key role in B-cell development and function, and recently published studies revealed important roles of Btk in myeloid cells. Btk might be activated through a variety of receptors leading to activation of integrins as the pivotal element in leukocyte recruitment. This review focuses on the role of Btk in B-lymphocyte homing and in neutrophil recruitment.

5-Hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone inhibits N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine-induced superoxide anion production by specific modulate membrane localization of Tec with a PI3K independent mechanism in human neutrophils

Respiratory burst mediates crucial bactericidal mechanism in neutrophils. However, undesirable respiratory burst leads to pathological inflammation and tissue damage. This study investigates the effect and the underlying mechanism of 5-hydroxy-7-methoxyflavone (MCL-1), a lignan extracted from the leaves of Muntingia calabura L. (Tiliaceae), on N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced respiratory burst and cathepsin G release in human neutrophils. Signaling pathways regulated by MCL-1 to oppose fMLP-induced respiratory burst were evaluated by membrane localization of Tec induced by fMLP and by immunoblotting analysis of downstream phosphorylation targets of Tec. Briefly, MCL-1 specific inhibited fMLP-induced superoxide anion production in a concentration-dependent (IC(50)=0.16±0.01 μM) and Tec kinase-dependent manner, however, MCL-1 did not affect fMLP-induced cathepsin G release. Further, MCL-1 suppressed fMLP-induced Tec translocation from the cytosol to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, and subsequently activation of phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2). Moreover, MCL-1 attenuated PLCγ2 activity and intracellular calcium concentration notably through extracellular calcium influx. Consequently, fMLP-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase C (PKC) and membrane localization of p47(phox) were decreased by MCL-1 in a Tec-dependent manner, while the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, AKT and Src tyrosine kinase family remained unaffected. In addition, MCL-1 neither inhibited NADPH oxidase activity nor increased cyclicAMP levels. MCL-1 specific opposes fMLP-mediated respiratory burst by inhibition of membrane localization of Tec and subsequently interfered with the activation of PLCγ2, protein kinase C, and p47(phox).

Importance of B cell co-stimulation in CD4(+) T cell differentiation: X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, a human model

We were interested in the question of whether the congenital lack of B cells actually had any influence on the development of the T cell compartment in patients with agammaglobulinaemia. Sixteen patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia (XLA) due to mutations in Btk, nine patients affected by common variable immune deficiency (CVID) with <2% of peripheral B cells and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The T cell phenotype was determined with FACSCalibur and CellQuest Pro software. Mann-Whitney two-tailed analysis was used for statistical analysis. The CD4 T cell memory compartment was reduced in patients with XLA of all ages. This T cell subset encompasses both CD4(+)CD45RO(+) and CD4(+)CD45RO(+)CXCR5(+) cells and both subsets were decreased significantly when compared to healthy controls: P = 0·001 and P < 0·0001, respectively. This observation was confirmed in patients with CVID who had <2% B cells, suggesting that not the lack of Bruton's tyrosine kinase but the lack of B cells is most probably the cause of the impaired CD4 T cell maturation. We postulate that this defect is a correlate of the observed paucity of germinal centres in XLA. Our results support the importance of the interplay between B and T cells in the germinal centre for the activation of CD4 T cells in humans.

Protein tyrosine kinases in neutrophil activation and recruitment

Migration of leukocytes into tissue is a key element of innate and adaptive immunity. The first contact of leukocytes with endothelial cells is mediated by engagement of selectins with their counter-receptors which results in leukocyte rolling. During rolling, leukocytes collect different inflammatory signals that activate intracellular signaling pathways. Integration of these signals induces leukocyte activation, firm arrest, post-adhesion strengthening, intravascular crawling, and transmigration. In neutrophils, like in T-cells and platelets, both G-protein-coupled receptor-dependent and -independent activation pathways exist that lead to integrin activation. Accumulating evidence suggests that different protein tyrosine kinases play key roles in signal transduction pathways regulating neutrophil activation and recruitment to inflammatory sites. This review focuses on the role of protein tyrosine kinases of the Src, Syk, and Tec families for neutrophil activation and recruitment.

TLR signaling and effector functions are intact in XLA neutrophils

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are essential components of the innate immune system, and their ligands are important activators of neutrophils. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) has been reported to mediate signaling through toll-like receptors (TLRs) in many cell types, however, the role of Btk in TLR activation of neutrophils remains unclear. Impaired TLR-induced neutrophil function was found in mice with loss of Btk and in humans with TLR-signaling defects, but the integrity of TLR pathways in X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) neutrophils has not been assessed. In this study LPS (TLR4) or an imidazoquinoline compound (TLR7/8) activated XLA neutrophil shedding of surface CD62L, and phosphorylated MAP kinases p38, JNK and ERK. TLR activation also induced normal respiratory burst and retarded apoptosis for XLA neutrophils, comparable to normal controls. These data demonstrate that the loss of Btk in XLA neutrophils does not impair functional responses to TLR signals.

E-selectin engages PSGL-1 and CD44 through a common signaling pathway to induce integrin alphaLbeta2-mediated slow leukocyte rolling

In inflamed venules, neutrophils rolling on E-selectin induce integrin alpha(L)beta(2)-dependent slow rolling on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by activating Src family kinases (SFKs), DAP12 and Fc receptor-gamma (FcRgamma), spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), and p38. E-selectin signaling cooperates with chemokine signaling to recruit neutrophils into tissues. Previous studies identified P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) as the essential E-selectin ligand and Fgr as the only SFK that initiate signaling to slow rolling. In contrast, we found that E-selectin engagement of PSGL-1 or CD44 triggered slow rolling through a common, lipid raft-dependent pathway that used the SFKs Hck and Lyn as well as Fgr. We identified the Tec kinase Bruton tyrosine kinase as a key signaling intermediate between Syk and p38. E-selectin engagement of PSGL-1 was dependent on its cytoplasmic domain to activate SFKs and slow rolling. Although recruiting phosphoinositide-3-kinase to the PSGL-1 cytoplasmic domain was reported to activate integrins, E-selectin-mediated slow rolling did not require phosphoinositide-3-kinase. Studies in mice confirmed the physiologic significance of these events for neutrophil slow rolling and recruitment during inflammation. Thus, E-selectin triggers common signals through distinct neutrophil glycoproteins to induce alpha(L)beta(2)-dependent slow rolling.

Tyrosine kinase Btk regulates E-selectin-mediated integrin activation and neutrophil recruitment by controlling phospholipase C (PLC) gamma2 and PI3Kgamma pathways

Selectins mediate leukocyte rolling, trigger beta(2)-integrin activation, and promote leukocyte recruitment into inflamed tissue. E-selectin binding to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1) leads to activation of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-dependent pathway, which in turn activates the spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). However, the signaling pathway linking Syk to integrin activation after E-selectin engagement is unknown. To identify the pathway, we used different gene-deficient mice in autoperfused flow chamber, intravital microscopy, peritonitis, and biochemical studies. We report here that the signaling pathway downstream of Syk divides into a phospholipase C (PLC) gamma2- and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) gamma-dependent pathway. The Tec family kinase Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk) is required for activating both pathways, generating inositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), and inducing E-selectin-mediated slow rolling. Inhibition of this signal-transduction pathway diminished Galpha(i)-independent leukocyte adhesion to and transmigration through endothelial cells in inflamed postcapillary venules of the cremaster. Galpha(i)-independent neutrophil recruitment into the inflamed peritoneal cavity was reduced in Btk(-/-) and Plcg2(-/-) mice. Our data demonstrate the functional importance of this newly identified signaling pathway mediated by E-selectin engagement.

NF-kappaB regulates the transcription of protein tyrosine kinase Tec

The tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (Tec) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) that is expressed in hematopoietic cells, such as B and T lymphocytes, myeloid lineage cells and neutrophils. Mutations in the human Btk gene cause X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), but the corresponding mutation in mice results in a much milder defect. However, the combined inactivation of Btk and Tec genes in mice cause a severe phenotype resembling XLA. Tec is involved in the regulation of both B and T lymphocytes, fine-tuning of TCR/BCR signaling, and also activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells. Previous work has shown that the transcription factors Sp1 and PU.1 can bind and regulate the Tec promoter. In this study, we demonstrate that NF-kappaB is an essential transcription factor for optimal expression of the Tec gene, and identify a unique functionally active NF-kappaB binding site in its promoter. The NF-kappaB subunit p65/RelA directly induced transcriptional activity of the Tec promoter. Moreover, we also found that proteasome inhibitors, including Bortezomib, repress Tec transcription through inactivation of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway. This study, together with our previous findings on the transcriptional regulation of Btk (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) by proteasome inhibitors, provides important insight into the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the role of NF-kappaB in Tec family kinase signaling and lymphocyte development.

Tec kinases regulate actin assembly and cytokine expression in LPS-stimulated human neutrophils via JNK activation

The acute inflammatory response involves neutrophils wherein recognition of bacterial products, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), activates intracellular signaling pathways. We have shown that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) c-Jun NH(2) terminal kinase (JNK) is activated by LPS in neutrophils and plays a critical role in monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 expression and actin assembly. As the Tec family kinases are expressed in neutrophils and regulate activation of the MAPKs in other cell systems, we hypothesized that the Tec kinases are an upstream component of the signaling pathway leading to LPS-induced MAPKs activation in neutrophils. Herein, we show that the Tec kinases are activated in LPS-stimulated human neutrophils and that inhibition of the Tec kinases, with leflunomide metabolite analog (LFM-A13), decreased LPS-induced JNK, but not p38, activity. Furthermore, LPS-induced actin polymerization as well as MCP-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1beta expression are dependent on Tec kinase activity.

Crystal-induced neutrophil activation: X. Proinflammatory role of the tyrosine kinase Tec

OBJECTIVE

Monosodium urate monohydrate (MSU) crystals are among the most potent proinflammatory stimuli, and an innate immune inflammatory response to the crystal surface is involved in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis. Release of the crystals into the joint cavity promotes an acute inflammation characterized by massive infiltration of neutrophils, which leads to tissue damage. The aim of the present study was to assess the involvement of the tyrosine kinase Tec in MSU crystal-initiated transduction events in human neutrophils.

METHODS

Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques were used for the cellular signaling studies. Chemotaxis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used for the functional studies. Silencing of Tec expression using specific small interfering RNA was also performed.

RESULTS

MSU crystals induced the phosphorylation and activation of Tec in a Src-dependent manner. This activation was necessary for the MSU crystal-induced secretion of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-8 and for the generation of chemotactic activity in supernatants of MSU crystal-stimulated neutrophils. In addition, colchicine, an effective drug for the treatment of gout, inhibited the MSU crystal-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Tec, thus modulating its kinase activity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that Tec is the principal kinase of the Tec family that plays a major role in the responses of human neutrophils to MSU crystals, which are likely to be involved in the initiation and perpetuation of gout. Our results suggest that the specific inhibition of Tec during the acute phase of MSU crystal-induced inflammation may be considered for the treatment of gouty arthritis.

Nucleobindin co-localizes and associates with cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in human neutrophils

The inducible cyclooxygenase isoform (COX-2) is associated with inflammation, tumorigenesis, as well as with physiological events. Despite efforts deployed in order to understand the biology of this multi-faceted enzyme, much remains to be understood. Nucleobindin (Nuc), a ubiquitous Ca²⁺-binding protein, possesses a putative COX-binding domain. In this study, we investigated its expression and subcellular localization in human neutrophils, its affinity for COX-2 as well as its possible impact on PGE₂ biosynthesis. Complementary subcellular localization approaches including nitrogen cavitation coupled to Percoll fractionation, immunofluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy collectively placed Nuc, COX-2, and all of the main enzymes involved in prostanoid synthesis, in the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum of human neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation experiments indicated a high affinity between Nuc and COX-2. Addition of human recombinant (hr) Nuc to purified hrCOX-2 dose-dependently caused an increase in PGE₂ biosynthesis in response to arachidonic acid. Co-incubation of Nuc with COX-2-expressing neutrophil lysates also increased their capacity to produce PGE₂. Moreover, neutrophil transfection with hrNuc specifically enhanced PGE₂ biosynthesis. Together, these results identify a COX-2-associated protein which may have an impact in prostanoid biosynthesis.

Lysophosphatidylglycerol stimulates chemotactic migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

In this study, we observed that lysophosphatidylglycerol (LPG) stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). LPG-stimulated ERK activity was not inhibited by pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating PTX-sensitive G-proteins-independent manner. In terms of functional aspect, LPG induced chemotactic migration of HUVECs in a PTX-insensitive manner. Preincubation of HUVECs with an ERK inhibitor (PD98059) completely inhibited LPG-induced chemotactic migration, suggesting the crucial role of ERK in the process. LPG-induced ERK activation and chemotactic migration in HUVECs were not affected by an lysophosphatidic acid receptor-selective antagonist (Ki16425), indicating lysophosphatidic acid receptors-independency. We also found that LPG stimulated tube formation in HUVECs. Taken together we suggest that LPG stimulates HUVECs and result in chemotactic migration and tube formation, suggesting a new aspect of LPG as a modulator of endothelial cell functioning.

Tec kinases, actin, and cell adhesion

The Tec family non-receptor tyrosine kinases have been recognized for their roles in the regulation of phospholipase C-gamma and Ca(2+) mobilization downstream from antigen receptors on lymphocytes. Recent data, however, show that the Tec family kinase interleukin-2-inducible T-cell kinase (Itk) also participates in pathways regulating the actin cytoskeleton and 'inside-out' signaling to integrins downstream from the T-cell antigen receptor. Data suggest that Itk may function in a kinase-independent fashion to regulate proper recruitment of the Vav1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor. By enhancing actin cytoskeleton reorganization, recruitment of signaling molecules to the immune synapse, and integrin clustering in response to both antigen and chemokine receptors, the Tec kinases serve as modulators or amplifiers that can increase the duration of T-cell signaling and regulate T-cell functional responses.

The PGE2-induced inhibition of the PLD activation pathway stimulated by fMLP in human neutrophils is mediated by PKA at the PI3-Kgamma level

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an eicosanoid that modulates inflammation, inhibits several chemoattractant-elicited functions in neutrophils such as chemotaxis, production of superoxide anions, adhesion, secretion of cytotoxic enzymes and synthesis of leukotriene B4. We previously reported that PGE2 inhibits the fMLP signaling pathway that leads to PLD activation through suppression of PI3-Kgamma activity and the decreased recruitment to membranes of PLD activation factors, PKC, Rho and Arf-GTPases. This effect is mediated via the EP2 receptors known to raise cAMP in cells. The inhibition of most fMLP-induced functional responses by PGE2 via EP2 receptors is mediated by PKA, except the chemotactic response. We have investigated the role of PKA in the EP2-mediated inhibition of the PLD activation pathway. H-89, a selective PKA pharmacological inhibitor suppressed the inhibitory effects of PGE2 at all stages of the PLD pathway activated by fMLP, i.e. PLD activity, translocation to membranes of PKCalpha, Rho and Arf-GTPases, calcium influx, tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins and finally translocation of p110gamma catalytic subunit of PI3-K to membranes. However, neither PLD nor PI3-Kgamma was substrate of PKA. These data provide evidence that PGE2-stimulated PKA activity regulates the PLD pathway stimulated by fMLP at the level of PI3-Kgamma and that the inhibition of PI3-Kgamma activation by PKA is a complex mechanism that remains to be completely elucidated.

Expression and functional role of formyl peptide receptor in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

We investigated the expression of formyl peptide receptor (FPR) and its functional role in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We analyzed the expression of FPR by using ligand-binding assay with radio-labeled N-formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLF), and found that MSCs express FPR. FMLF stimulated intracellular calcium increase, mitogen-activated protein kinases activation, and Akt activation, which were mediated by G(i) proteins. MSCs were chemotactically migrated to fMLF. FMLF-induced MSC chemotaxis was also completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, LY294002, and PD98059, indicating the role of G(i) proteins, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and extracellular signal regulated protein kinase. N-terminal fragment of annexin-1, Anx-1(2-26), an endogenous agonist for FPR, also induced chemotactic migration of MSCs. Thus MSCs express functional FPR, suggesting a new (patho)physiological role of FPR and its ligands in regulating MSC trafficking during induction of injured tissue repair.

The Src family kinases Hck and Fgr regulate neutrophil responses to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine

The chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenilalanine (fMLP) triggers intracellular protein tyrosine phosphorylation leading to neutrophil activation. Deficiency of the Src family kinases Hck and Fgr have previously been found to regulate fMLP-induced degranulation. In this study, we further investigate fMLP signaling in hck-/-fgr-/- neutrophils and find that they fail to activate a respiratory burst and display reduced F-actin polymerization in response to fMLP. Additionally, albeit migration of both hck-/-fgr-/-mouse neutrophils and human neutrophils incubated with the Src family kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) through 3-microm pore size Transwells was normal, deficiency, or inhibition, of Src kinases resulted in a failure of neutrophils to migrate through 1-microm pore size Transwells. Among MAPKs, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was not different, phosphorylation of p38 was only partially affected, and phosphorylation of JNK was markedly decreased in fMLP-stimulated hck-/-fgr-/- neutrophils and in human neutrophils incubated with PP2. An increase in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and phosphorylation of Akt/PKB occurred normally in fMLP-stimulated hck-/-fgr-/- neutrophils, indicating that activation of both phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C and PI3K is independent of Hck and Fgr. In contrast, phosphorylation of the Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 and the Rac target p21-activated kinases were markedly reduced in both hck-/-fgr-/- neutrophils and human neutrophils incubated with a PP2. Consistent with these findings, PP2 inhibited Rac2 activation in human neutrophils. We suggest that Hck and Fgr act within a signaling pathway triggered by fMLP receptors that involves Vav1 and p21-activated kinases, leading to respiratory burst and F-actin polymerization.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase and phospholipase Cgamma2 mediate chemokine-controlled B cell migration and homing

Control of integrin-mediated adhesion and migration by chemokines plays a critical role in B cell development, differentiation, and function; however, the underlying signaling mechanisms are poorly defined. Here we show that the chemokine SDF-1 induced activation of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) and that integrin-mediated adhesion and migration in response to SDF-1 or CXCL13, as well as in vivo homing to lymphoid organs, was impaired in Btk-deficient (pre-)B cells. Furthermore, SDF-1 induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2), which, unlike activation of the migration regulatory GTPases Rac or Rap1, was mediated by Btk. PLCgamma2-deficient B cells also exhibited impaired SDF-1-controlled migration. These results reveal that Btk and PLCgamma2 mediate chemokine-controlled migration, thereby providing insights into the control of B cell homeostasis, trafficking, and function, as well as into the pathogenesis of the immunodeficiency disease X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA).

Class IA phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases, rather than p110 gamma, regulate formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-stimulated chemotaxis and superoxide production in differentiated neutrophil-like PLB-985 cells

Class I PI3Ks, through the formation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P(3)), are thought of as essential elements of the neutrophil response to chemotactic factors. Moreover, the recent development of PI3K-deficient mice and isoform-specific inhibitors enabled examinations of the contribution of the distinct PI3K isoforms in neutrophil activation. However, the results of these various studies are conflicting, and the exact role of the different PI3K isoforms is not yet clearly established, particularly in human cells. In the present study, we used a different approach to assess the role of the distinct PI3K isoforms in response to the chemotactic agent fMLP. We inhibited PI3K activities by the transient expression following nucleofection of dominant negative mutants of either p85alpha or p110gamma in the human myeloid cell line PLB-985, which can be induced to express a neutrophil-like phenotype. The data obtained with this approach showed that the production of PI(3,4,5)P(3) triggered by fMLP is biphasic, with a peak of production observed in a short time period that entirely depends on p110gamma activity, and a delayed phase that is mediated by class I(A) PI3K. We also provide evidence that the PI3K-dependent functional responses (i.e., superoxide production and chemotaxis) induced by the chemotactic factor mainly involve PI3K I(A) and, by implication, the delayed phase of PI(3,4,5)P(3) production, whereas p110gamma and the early peak of PI(3,4,5)P(3) do not play major roles in the initiation or the control of these responses.

Lysophosphatidylserine Stimulates L2071 Mouse Fibroblast Chemotactic Migration via a Process Involving Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive Trimeric G-Proteins

Lysophosphatidylserine (LPS) may be generated after phosphatidylserine-specific phospholipase A2 activation. However, the effects of LPS on cellular activities and the identities of its target molecules have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we observed that LPS stimulates an intracellular calcium increase in L2071 mouse fibroblast cells, and that this increase was inhibited by 1-[6-((17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino)hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122) but not by pertussis toxin, suggesting that LPS stimulates calcium signaling via G-protein coupled receptor-mediated phospholipase C activation. Moreover, LPS-induced calcium mobilization was not inhibited by the lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonist, (S)-phosphoric acid mono-{2-octadec-9-enoylamino-3-[4-(pyridine-2-ylmethoxy)-phenyl]-propyl} ester (VPC 32183), thus indicating that LPS binds to a receptor other than lysophosphatidic acid receptors. It was also found that LPS stimulates two types of mitogen-activated protein kinase [i.e., extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase] in L2071 cells. Furthermore, these LPS-induced ERK and p38 kinase activations were inhibited by pertussis toxin, which suggests the role of pertussis toxin-sensitive G-proteins in the process. In terms of functional issues, LPS stimulated L2071 cell chemotactic migration, which was completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, indicating the involvement of pertussis toxin-sensitive G(i) protein(s). This chemotaxis of L2071 cells induced by LPS was also dramatically inhibited by 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (LY294002) and by 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059). This study demonstrates that LPS stimulates at least two different signaling cascades, one of which involves a pertussis toxin-insensitive but phospholipase C-dependent intracellular calcium increase, and the other involves a pertussis toxin-sensitive chemotactic migration mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase and ERK.

Inhibition of phospholipase D activation by CYL-26z in formyl peptide-stimulated neutrophils involves the blockade of RhoA activation

5-[4-Acridin-9-ylamino]phenyl]-5-methyl-3-methylenedihydrofuran-2-one (CYL-26z) inhibited the formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP)-stimulated phospholipase D (PLD) activity, which was assessed by the production of phosphatidylethanol (PEt) in the presence of ethanol, in rat neutrophils (IC50 1.2+/-0.2 microM). CYL-26z caused a slight but significant attenuation of the global protein tyrosine phosphorylation stimulated by fMLP only at concentrations of CYL-26z up to 30 microM. CYL-26z blocked the membrane recruitment of protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha) at concentrations of CYL-26z > or =3 microM, but failed to affect the membrane association of PKC-betaI and -betaII. The translocation of RhoA to the membrane was attenuated by CYL-26z (IC50 3.8+/-0.8 microM) in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils, whereas CYL-26z caused no significant inhibition of the membrane recruitment of ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf). CYL-26z inhibited the activation of RhoA and dissociation of the RhoA-Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) complex in fMLP-stimulated neutrophils (IC50 1.8+/-1.0 microM and 1.8+/-0.9 microM, respectively). In a cell-free system, CYL-26z effectively attenuated the membrane association of RhoA in response to GTPgammaS (IC50 1.3+/-0.5 microM). In contrast, the GTPgammaS-stimulated translocation of Arf to membrane was suppressed only at concentrations of CYL-26z up to 30 microM. CYL-26z inhibited the fMLP-stimulated membrane expression of CD11b, CD45 and CD63, and the release of lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase. These results indicate that CYL-26z inhibited the fMLP-stimulated PLD activity, mainly through the blockade of RhoA activation, and degranulation in rat neutrophils.

Signaling through CD16b in human neutrophils involves the Tec family of tyrosine kinases

Tec kinases belong to the second largest family of nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. Although these kinases are expressed in myeloid cells, little is known about their implication in neutrophil function. We recently reported the participation of Tec kinases in the responses of human neutrophils to the bacterial peptide N-formyl-l-methionyl-l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine via G-coupled protein receptors. In this study, we extended our investigations of Tec kinases to the signaling of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked receptor CD16b, which is highly and specifically expressed in neutrophils. The results obtained indicate that Tec is translocated to the plasma membrane, phosphorylated, and activated upon CD16b cross-linking and that the activation of Tec is inhibited by Src-specific inhibitors as well as by the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. As no specific inhibitor of Tec exists, the role of Tec kinases was further investigated using a-Cyano-b-hydroxy-b-methyl-N-(2,5-dibromophenyl)propenamide (LFM-A13), a compound known to inhibit Bruton's tyrosine kinase. We show that this compound also inhibits the kinase activity of Tec and provide evidence that the mobilization of intracellular calcium and the tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2) induced upon CD16b engagement are inhibited by LFM-A13. We also show that Tec kinases are important for CD16b-dependent degranulation of neutrophils. In summary, we provide direct evidence for the implication of Tec in CD16b signaling and suggest that Tec kinases are involved in the phosphorylation and activation of PLCgamma2 and subsequently, in the mobilization of calcium in human neutrophils.

Leukocytes on the move with phosphoinositide 3-kinase and its downstream effectors

Cell signalling mediators derived from membrane phospholipids are frequent participants in biological processes. The family of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) phosphorylate the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol, generating second messengers that direct diverse responses. These PI3K products are fundamental for leukocyte migration or chemotaxis, a pivotal event during the immune response. This system is therefore of significant biomedical interest. This review focuses on the biochemistry and signalling pathways of PI3K, with particular emphasis on chemokine (chemotactic cytokine)-directed responses. The key objectives of chemotaxis are motility and direction. The latter--direction--requires distinct events at the front and back of a cell. In light of this, the coordinated localisation of signalling factors, an event choreographed by a sharp intracellular gradient of PI3K-derived products, is a common theme.

TEC-family kinases: regulators of T-helper-cell differentiation

The TEC-family protein tyrosine kinases ITK, RLK and TEC have been identified as key components of T-cell-receptor signalling that contribute to the regulation of phospholipase C-gamma, the mobilization of Ca(2+) and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. Recent data also show that TEC kinases contribute to T-cell-receptor-driven actin reorganization and cell polarization, which are required for productive T-cell activation. Functional studies have implicated TEC kinases as important mediators of pathways that control the differentiation of CD4(+) T helper cells. Here, we review studies of signalling pathways that involve TEC kinases and how these pathways might contribute to the regulation of T-helper-cell differentiation and function.

TEC FAMILY KINASES IN T LYMPHOCYTE DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION

The Tec family tyrosine kinases are now recognized as important mediators of antigen receptor signaling in lymphocytes. Three members of this family, Itk, Rlk, and Tec, are expressed in T cells and activated in response to T cell receptor (TCR) engagement. Although initial studies demonstrated a role for these proteins in TCR-mediated activation of phospholipase C-gamma, recent data indicate that Tec family kinases also regulate actin cytoskeletal reorganization and cellular adhesion following TCR stimulation. In addition, Tec family kinases are activated downstream of G protein-coupled chemokine receptors, where they play parallel roles in the regulation of Rho GTPases, cell polarization, adhesion, and migration. In all these systems, however, Tec family kinases are not essential signaling components, but instead function to modulate or amplify signaling pathways. Although they quantitatively reduce proximal signaling, mutations that eliminate Tec family kinases in T cells nonetheless qualitatively alter T cell development and differentiation.

Tec kinases: shaping T-cell activation through actin

Following stimulation, T cells undergo marked actin-dependent changes in shape that are required for productive cellular interactions and movement during immune responses. Reorganization of the actin cytoskeletal is also necessary for the formation of an immunological synapse - the convergence of several signaling molecules at the plasma membrane that occurs after effective T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Much emerging evidence indicates that the Tec family of tyrosine kinases has a role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization. Specifically, T cells that lack or express mutant versions of the Tec kinase Itk show impaired TCR-induced actin polymerization, cell polarization and regulation of the signaling events involved in cytoskeletal reorganization. These data, as well as other findings, support roles for Tec kinases in actin cytoskeleton regulation.

Prostaglandin E2 inhibits the phospholipase D pathway stimulated by formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine in human neutrophils. Involvement of EP2 receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), originally discovered as a pro-inflammatory mediator, also inhibits several chemoattractant-elicited neutrophil functions, including adhesion, secretion of cytotoxic enzymes, production of superoxide anions, and chemotaxis. In this study, we have examined the effects of PGE(2) and prostaglandin E (EP) receptor-selective agonists/antagonists on several steps of the formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced phospholipase D (PLD) activation pathway in human neutrophils to elucidate the PGE(2) inhibitory mechanism. PGE(2) and EP(2) receptor agonists inhibited the stimulation of the activity of PLD induced by fMLP in a concentration-dependent manner. The fMLP-stimulated translocation to membranes of protein kinase C alpha, Rho, and Arf GTPases was diminished in the presence of PGE(2) or EP(2) agonists. Moreover, PGE(2) and EP(2) agonists decreased the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kgamma) and Tec kinases as well as the tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins stimulated by fMLP. These data provide strong evidence that 1) the inhibitory effects of PGE(2) on the fMLP-induced PLD activation pathway were mediated via EP(2) receptors and that 2) the suppression of PI3Kgamma activity was the crucial step in the EP(2)-mediated inhibition of the fMLP-induced signaling cascade.

Requirement for Tec kinases in chemokine-induced migration and activation of Cdc42 and Rac

Cell polarization and migration in response to chemokines is essential for proper development of the immune system and activation of immune responses. Recent studies of chemokine signaling have revealed a critical role for PI3-Kinase, which is required for polarized membrane association of pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-containing proteins and activation of Rho family GTPases that are essential for cell polarization and actin reorganization. Additional data argue that tyrosine kinases are also important for chemokine-induced Rac activation. However, how and which kinases participate in these pathways remain unclear. We demonstrate here that the Tec kinases Itk and Rlk play an important role in chemokine signaling in T lymphocytes. Chemokine stimulation induced transient membrane association of Itk and phosphorylation of both Itk and Rlk, and purified T cells from Rlk(-/-)Itk(-/-) mice exhibited defective migration to multiple chemokines in vitro and decreased homing to lymph nodes upon transfer to wt mice. Expression of a dominant-negative Itk impaired SDF-1alpha-induced migration, cell polarization, and activation of Rac and Cdc42. Thus, Tec kinases are critical components of signaling pathways required for actin polarization downstream from both antigen and chemokine receptors in T cells.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulates the phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase component p47(phox) by controlling cPKC/PKCdelta but not Akt

Superoxide production by NADPH oxidase is essential for the bactericidal properties of phagocytes. Phosphorylation of p47(phox), one of the cytosolic components of NADPH oxidase, is a crucial step of the oxidase activation. Some evidences suggest that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is involved in p47(phox) phosphorylation, but it has not been fully understood how PI3K regulates it. The aim of this study was to examine the mechanism underlying the PI3K regulation of p47(phox) phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K attenuated both fMLP-stimulated p47(phox) phosphorylation and NADPH oxidase activity in HL-60 cells differentiated to a neutrophil-like phenotype. Although fMLP elicited Akt activation in a PI3K-dependent manner, an Akt inhibitor had no effect on the oxidase activity triggered by fMLP. In vitro kinase assay revealed that Akt was unable to catalyze p47(phox) phosphorylation. Interestingly, the activation of cPKC and PKCdelta after fMLP stimulation was dependent on PI3K. Furthermore, PI3K inhibitors reduced the activation of phospholipase Cgamma2 without affecting tyrosine phosphorylation on it. These results suggest that PI3K regulates the phosphorylation of NADPH oxidase component p47(phox) by controlling diacylglycerol-dependent PKCs but not Akt.

The role of Tec family kinases in myeloid cells

Members of the Tec kinase family (Bmx, Btk, Itk, Rlk and Tec) are primarily expressed in the hematopoietic system and form, after the Src kinase family, the second largest class of non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases. During lymphocyte development and activation Tec kinases have important functions in signaling pathways downstream of the antigen receptors. Tec family kinases are also expressed in cells of the myeloid lineage. However, with the exception of mast cells and platelets, their biological role in the myeloid system is only poorly understood. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the function of Tec family kinases in hematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage.

Pleiotropic consequences of Bruton tyrosine kinase deficiency in myeloid lineages lead to poor inflammatory responses

Bruton tyrosine kinase (Btk), a non-receptor-associated tyrosine kinase of the Tec family, appears to participate in many myeloid cell functions. We show that macrophages from X-linked immunodeficient (XID) mice lacking functional Btk cannot generate efficient bursts of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs). The induction of apoptotic cell death by inflammatory stimuli is also enhanced in XID macrophages. Phagocytosis of bacterial particles is only marginally affected in them. In vivo, XID mice show reduced severity of inflammatory diseases in models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, and carrageenan-induced acute edema. Also, polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes (PMNs) in XID mice show poor ROI and nitric oxide (NO) induction, along with a reduction in PMN recruitment to peritoneal inflammation. XID mice show reduction in PMN numbers in peripheral blood, and their bone marrow shows a reduction in the numbers of both monocytic and granulocytic lineages, extending to the earliest progenitor populations. Thus, Btk is likely to play a significant role at multiple points during the development and functioning of the myeloid lineages, affecting the outcome of many infectious as well as noninfectious inflammatory events in vivo.

Chemokine receptor–8 (CCR8) mediates human vascular smooth muscle cell chemotaxis and metalloproteinase-2 secretion

The response of the arterial vascular wall to injury is characterized by vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, a process requiring metalloproteinase production. This migration is induced by cytokines, however the agonists involved are not fully defined. The CC chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) is expressed on monocytes and T lymphocytes and is the sole receptor for the human CC chemokine 1 (CCL1, I-309) and for the viral chemokine, vCCL1 (viral macrophage inflammatory protein 1 [vMIP-1]). We have reported that CCR8 is expressed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and mediates chemotaxis induced by CCL1. The conditioned medium from incubation mixtures of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and HUVECs (LCM) contained CCL1 and stimulated both monocyte and HUVEC chemotaxis, providing novel mechanisms for the atherogenicity of Lp(a). We now report that CCL1, vCCL1, and LCM stimulate chemotaxis of human VSMCs that is blocked by murine monoclonal antibody against CCR8 and by the G-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin. The effect of anti-CCR8 was specific, as this antibody failed to effect the chemotaxis of VSMCs in response to CCL3 or by platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB). VSMCs contained CCR8 mRNA and CCR8 antigen coprecipitated with VSMC membranes. Antibodies against metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) inhibited the CCL1-induced chemotaxis of VSMCs, whereas anti–MMP-9 was less effective. CCL1 induced VSMC pro–MMP-2 mRNA and protein secretion. Poxvirus MC148 inhibited the increase in MMP-2 induced by CCL1, documenting that CCR8 was the receptor responsible. In mouse femoral arteries, CCR8 and TCA3 antigen colocalized with VSMCs and were up-regulated after injury. The induction of CCR8 and CCL1/TCA3 under conditions associated with VSMC proliferation and migration raises the possibility that CCR8 may play an important role in vessel wall pathology.

Signaling to migration in neutrophils: importance of localized pathways

Neutrophils, a major type of blood leukocytes, are indispensable for host defense of bacterial infections. Directed migration in a gradient of chemotactic stimuli enables these cells to rapidly find the site of infection and destroy the invading pathogens. Chemotactic factors bind to seven-transmembrane-domain receptors and activate heterotrimeric G-proteins. Downstream of these proteins a complex interrelated signaling network is activated in human neutrophils. Stimulation of phospholipase C beta results in activation of protein kinase C isoforms and increases in cytosolic calcium. Activation of the enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase results in increased production of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and phosphatidyl 3,4-bisphosphate. In addition, small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family, the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, tyrosine kinases and protein phosphatases are activated. The enzyme phosphoinositide 3-kinase and the small cytosolic GTP-binding proteins Rho and Rac emerge as key regulators of neutrophil migration. A steep internal gradient of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, with a high concentration in the leading lamellae, is thought to regulate polarized actin polymerization and formation of protrusions, together with Rac which may be more directly involved in initiating actin reorganization. Rho may regulate localized myosin activation, tail retraction, cell body traction and dynamics of adhesion. The impact of these different signaling pathways on reversible actin polymerization, development of polarity, reversible adhesion and migration, and the putative targets of these pathways in neutrophils, are reviewed in this article. Insight into mechanisms regulating migration of neutrophils could potentially lead to novel therapeutic strategies for counteracting chronic activation of neutrophils which leads to tissue damage.

Chemotactic factor-induced recruitment and activation of Tec family kinases in human neutrophils. II. Effects of LFM-A13, a specific Btk inhibitor

Tyrosine phosphorylation events play major roles in the initiation and regulation of several functional responses of human neutrophils stimulated by chemotactic factors such as the bacterially derived tripeptide formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMet-Leu-Phe). However, the links between the G protein-coupled receptors, the activation of the tyrosine kinases, and the initiation of neutrophil functional responses remain unclear. In the present study we assessed the effects of a Btk inhibitor, leflunomide metabolite analog (LFM-A13), on neutrophils. LFM-A13 decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation induced by fMet-Leu-Phe and inhibited the production of superoxide anions and the stimulation of adhesion, chemotaxis, and phospholipase D activity. We observed a decreased accumulation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate in response to fMet-Leu-Phe in LFM-A13-pretreated cells even though the inhibitor had no direct effect on the lipid kinase activity of the p110 gamma or p85/p110 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases or on the activation of p110 gamma by fMet-Leu-Phe. The phosphorylation of Akt and of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and p38 were similarly inhibited by LFM-A13. LFM-A13 also negatively affected the translocation of Rac-2, RhoA, ADP ribosylation factor-1, Tec, Bmx, and Btk induced by fMet-Leu-Phe. The results of this study provide evidence for an involvement of Btk and possibly other Tec kinase family members in the regulation of the functional responsiveness of human neutrophils and link these events, in part at least, to the modulation of levels of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate.