Increased survival and reduced neutrophil infiltration of the liver in Rab27a- but not Munc13-4-deficient mice in lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation

TDAG51 promotes transcription factor FoxO1 activity during LPS-induced inflammatory responses

Tight regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory responses is important for innate immunity. Here, we show that T-cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51/PHLDA1) is a novel regulator of the transcription factor FoxO1, regulating inflammatory mediator production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response. TDAG51 induction by LPS stimulation was mediated by the TLR2/4 signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). LPS-induced inflammatory mediator production was significantly decreased in TDAG51-deficient BMMs. In TDAG51-deficient mice, LPS- or pathogenic Escherichia coli infection-induced lethal shock was reduced by decreasing serum proinflammatory cytokine levels. The recruitment of 14-3-3ζ to FoxO1 was competitively inhibited by the TDAG51-FoxO1 interaction, leading to blockade of FoxO1 cytoplasmic translocation and thereby strengthening FoxO1 nuclear accumulation. TDAG51/FoxO1 double-deficient BMMs showed significantly reduced inflammatory mediator production compared with TDAG51- or FoxO1-deficient BMMs. TDAG51/FoxO1 double deficiency protected mice against LPS- or pathogenic E. coli infection-induced lethal shock by weakening the systemic inflammatory response. Thus, these results indicate that TDAG51 acts as a regulator of the transcription factor FoxO1, leading to strengthened FoxO1 activity in the LPS-induced inflammatory response.

Cargo-free particles divert neutrophil-platelet aggregates to reduce thromboinflammation

The combination of inflammation and thrombosis is a hallmark of many cardiovascular diseases. Under such conditions, platelets are recruited to an area of inflammation by forming platelet-leukocyte aggregates via interaction of PSGL-1 on leukocytes and P-selectin on activated platelets, which can bind to the endothelium. While particulate drug carriers have been utilized to passively redirect leukocytes from areas of inflammation, the downstream impact of these carriers on platelet accumulation in thromboinflammatory conditions has yet to be studied. Here, we explore the ability of polymeric particles to divert platelets away from inflamed blood vessels both in vitro and in vivo. We find that untargeted and targeted micron-sized polymeric particles can successfully reduce platelet adhesion to an inflamed endothelial monolayer in vitro in blood flow systems and in vivo in a lipopolysaccharide-induced, systemic inflammation murine model. Our data represent initial work in developing cargo-free, anti-platelet therapeutics specifically for conditions of thromboinflammation.

Nexinhib20 Inhibits Neutrophil Adhesion and β2 Integrin Activation by Antagonizing Rac-1-Guanosine 5'-Triphosphate Interaction

Neutrophils are critical for mediating inflammatory responses. Inhibiting neutrophil recruitment is an attractive approach for preventing inflammatory injuries, including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, which exacerbates cardiomyocyte death after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we found out that a neutrophil exocytosis inhibitor Nexinhib20 inhibits not only exocytosis but also neutrophil adhesion by limiting β2 integrin activation. Using a microfluidic chamber, we found that Nexinhib20 inhibited IL-8-induced β2 integrin-dependent human neutrophil adhesion under flow. Using a dynamic flow cytometry assay, we discovered that Nexinhib20 suppresses intracellular calcium flux and β2 integrin activation after IL-8 stimulation. Western blots of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac-1)-GTP pull-down assays confirmed that Nexinhib20 inhibited Rac-1 activation in leukocytes. An in vitro competition assay showed that Nexinhib20 antagonized the binding of Rac-1 and GTP. Using a mouse model of myocardial I/R injury, Nexinhib20 administration after ischemia and before reperfusion significantly decreased neutrophil recruitment and infarct size. Our results highlight the translational potential of Nexinhib20 as a dual-functional neutrophil inhibitory drug to prevent myocardial I/R injury.

Differential dysregulation of granule subsets in WASH-deficient neutrophil leukocytes resulting in inflammation

Dysregulated secretion in neutrophil leukocytes associates with human inflammatory disease. The exocytosis response to triggering stimuli is sequential; gelatinase granules modulate the initiation of the innate immune response, followed by the release of pro-inflammatory azurophilic granules, requiring stronger stimulation. Exocytosis requires actin depolymerization which is actively counteracted under non-stimulatory conditions. Here we show that the actin nucleator, WASH, is necessary to maintain azurophilic granules in their refractory state by granule actin entrapment and interference with the Rab27a-JFC1 exocytic machinery. On the contrary, gelatinase granules of WASH-deficient neutrophil leukocytes are characterized by decreased Rac1, shortened granule-associated actin comets and impaired exocytosis. Rac1 activation restores exocytosis of these granules. In vivo, WASH deficiency induces exacerbated azurophilic granule exocytosis, inflammation, and decreased survival. WASH deficiency thus differentially impacts neutrophil granule subtypes, impairing exocytosis of granules that mediate the initiation of the neutrophil innate response while exacerbating pro-inflammatory granule secretion.

Nafamostat reduces systemic inflammation in TLR7-mediated virus-like illness

BACKGROUND

The serine protease inhibitor nafamostat has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19, by inhibiting TMPRSS2-mediated viral cell entry. Nafamostat has been shown to have other, immunomodulatory effects, which may be beneficial for treatment, however animal models of ssRNA virus infection are lacking. In this study, we examined the potential of the dual TLR7/8 agonist R848 to mimic the host response to an ssRNA virus infection and the associated behavioural response. In addition, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of nafamostat in this model.

METHODS

CD-1 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of R848 (200 μg, prepared in DMSO, diluted 1:10 in saline) or diluted DMSO alone, and an intravenous injection of either nafamostat (100 μL, 3 mg/kg in 5% dextrose) or 5% dextrose alone. Sickness behaviour was determined by temperature, food intake, sucrose preference test, open field and forced swim test. Blood and fresh liver, lung and brain were collected 6 h post-challenge to measure markers of peripheral and central inflammation by blood analysis, immunohistochemistry and qPCR.

RESULTS

R848 induced a robust inflammatory response, as evidenced by increased expression of TNF, IFN-γ, CXCL1 and CXCL10 in the liver, lung and brain, as well as a sickness behaviour phenotype. Exogenous administration of nafamostat suppressed the hepatic inflammatory response, significantly reducing TNF and IFN-γ expression, but had no effect on lung or brain cytokine production. R848 administration depleted circulating leukocytes, which was restored by nafamostat treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that R848 administration provides a useful model of ssRNA virus infection, which induces inflammation in the periphery and CNS, and virus infection-like illness. In turn, we show that nafamostat has a systemic anti-inflammatory effect in the presence of the TLR7/8 agonist. Therefore, the results indicate that nafamostat has anti-inflammatory actions, beyond its ability to inhibit TMPRSS2, that might potentiate its anti-viral actions in pathologies such as COVID-19.

Roles of neutrophil granule proteins in orchestrating inflammation and immunity

Neutrophil granulocytes form the first line of host defense against invading pathogens and tissue injury. They are rapidly recruited from the blood to the affected sites, where they deploy an impressive arsenal of effectors to eliminate invading microbes and damaged cells. This capacity is endowed in part by readily mobilizable proteins acquired during granulopoiesis and stored in multiple types of cytosolic granules with each granule type containing a unique cargo. Once released, granule proteins contribute to killing bacteria within the phagosome or the extracellular milieu, but are also capable of inflicting collateral tissue damage. Neutrophil-driven inflammation underlies many common diseases. Research over the last decade has documented neutrophil heterogeneity and functional versatility far beyond their antimicrobial function. Emerging evidence indicates that neutrophils utilize granule proteins to interact with innate and adaptive immune cells and orchestrate the inflammatory response. Granule proteins have been identified as important modulators of neutrophil trafficking, reverse transendothelial migration, phagocytosis, neutrophil life span, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, efferocytosis, cytokine activity, and autoimmunity. Hence, defining their roles within the inflammatory locus is critical for minimizing damage to the neighboring tissue and return to homeostasis. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in the regulation of degranulation, granule protein functions, and signaling in modulating neutrophil-mediated immunity. We also discuss how targeting granule proteins and/or signaling could be harnessed for therapeutic benefits.

Therapeutic targeting of neutrophil exocytosis

Dysregulation of neutrophil activation causes disease in humans. Neither global inhibition of neutrophil functions nor neutrophil depletion provides safe and/or effective therapeutic approaches. The role of neutrophil granule exocytosis in multiple steps leading to recruitment and cell injury led each of our laboratories to develop molecular inhibitors that interfere with specific molecular regulators of secretion. This review summarizes neutrophil granule formation and contents, the role granule cargo plays in neutrophil functional responses and neutrophil-mediated diseases, and the mechanisms of granule release that provide the rationale for development of our exocytosis inhibitors. We present evidence for the inhibition of granule exocytosis in vitro and in vivo by those inhibitors and summarize animal data indicating that inhibition of neutrophil exocytosis is a viable therapeutic strategy.

Troxerutin Prevents 5-Fluorouracil Induced Morphological Changes in the Intestinal Mucosa: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 Pathway

Intestinal mucositis is a common complication associated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. Troxerutin (TRX), a semi-synthetic flavonoid extracted from Dimorphandra gardneriana, has been reported as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TRX on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Swiss mice were randomly divided into seven groups: Saline, 5-FU, TRX-50, TRX-100, TRX-150, Celecoxib (CLX), and CLX + TRX-100. The weight of mice was measured daily. After treatment, the animals were euthanized and segments of the small intestine were collected to evaluate histopathological alterations (morphometric analysis), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), mast and goblet cell counts, immunohistochemical analysis, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Compared to the saline treatment, the 5-FU treatment induced intense weight loss and reduction in villus height. TRX treatment (100 mg/kg) prevented the 5-FU-induced histopathological changes and decreased oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA levels and increasing GSH concentration. TRX attenuated inflammatory process by decreasing MPO activity, intestinal mastocytosis, and COX-2 expression. TRX also reversed the depletion of goblet cells. Our findings suggest that TRX at a concentration of 100 mg/kg had chemopreventive effects on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis via COX-2 pathway.

Effects of recombinant bovine interleukin-8 (rbIL-8) treatment on health, metabolism, and lactation performance in Holstein cattle I: Production and functional characterization of rbIL-8 in vitro and in vivo

In the present study, we standardized processes of cloning and purification of recombinant bovine interleukin-8 (rbIL-8) from bacterial culture and assessed its biological activity in Holstein cattle. Plasmid containing a subclone of bovine IL-8 was expressed using Escherichia coli BL21 and cell lysate was purified by chromatography. The presence of rbIL-8 was assessed by Western blot analyses and function was confirmed in vitro using a chemotaxis chamber. Based on optical density values, chemoattractant properties of rbIL-8 were 10-fold greater compared with control wells. Two in vivo studies were conducted to assess the biological activity of rbIL8. For study 1, one-year-old Holstein heifers (n = 20) were randomly allocated to receive a single intravaginal administration containing 1,125 µg of rbIL-8 diluted in 20 mL of saline solution (rbIL-8, n = 10) or a single intravaginal administration of 20 mL of saline solution (control, n = 10). For study 2, nonpregnant lactating Holstein cows (n = 31) were randomly allocated to receive an intrauterine administration with 1,125 µg of rbIL-8 diluted in 20 mL of saline solution (rbIL-8, n = 11), a positive control consisting of resin-purified lysate of E. coli BL21 not transfected with the plasmid coding for rbIL-8 diluted in 20 mL of saline solution (E. coli, n = 10), and a negative control administered with 20 mL of saline solution (control, n = 10). An increase in vaginal neutrophils was observed in heifers treated with rbIL-8 within 3 h of treatment, but not in control heifers. Additionally, intrauterine administration of rbIL-8 increased the proportion of PMN cells in uterine cytological samples from 3.5% before treatment to 75.8% 24 h later-an increase that was not observed in the negative control group and cows treated with resin-purified lysate of E. coli. To further evaluate the effect of local and systemic rbIL-8 stimulation on the dynamics of circulating white blood cells, a third study was conducted. In study 3, nonpregnant 8-mo-old Holstein heifers (n = 30) were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 treatment groups: intravenous rbIL-8 (1,125 µg of rbIL-8 diluted in 5 mL of saline solution, n = 10); intravaginal rbIL-8 (1,125 µg of rbIL-8 diluted in 20 mL of saline solution; n = 10); or intravaginal saline (20 mL of saline solution, n = 10). Intravenous injection of rbIL-8 resulted in a transient increase in rectal temperature, which was greater at 2 h after treatment compared with cows treated intravaginally with rbIL-8 or heifers treated with saline solution. Heifers treated with rbIL-8 intravenously displayed a marked reduction in neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes within the first 4 h posttreatment compared with heifers treated intravaginally. However, at 6 h after treatment, heifers treated with rbIL-8 intravenously displayed a rebound in white blood cell counts caused by an increase in neutrophil counts. These results show that the presented purification method is effective and results in biologically active rbIL-8 that can be used safely to modulate immune responses in cattle.

Neutrophils: New insights and open questions

Neutrophils are the first line of defense against bacteria and fungi and help combat parasites and viruses. They are necessary for mammalian life, and their failure to recover after myeloablation is fatal. Neutrophils are short-lived, effective killing machines. Their life span is significantly extended under infectious and inflammatory conditions. Neutrophils take their cues directly from the infectious organism, from tissue macrophages and other elements of the immune system. Here, we review how neutrophils traffic to sites of infection or tissue injury, how they trap and kill bacteria, how they shape innate and adaptive immune responses, and the pathophysiology of monogenic neutrophil disorders.

Protective Effects of a Lipid Extract from Hard-Shelled Mussel (Mytilus coruscus) on Intestinal Integrity after Lipopolysaccharide Challenge in Mice

This study investigated the protective effects of a lipid extract from hard-shelled mussel (HMLE) on intestinal integrity and the underlying mechanisms after a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in mice by using a 3 × 2 factorial design. Mice received olive oil, fish oil, and HMLE (n = 12 per group) by using gastric gavage for six weeks, respectively. Then half the mice in each group was injected intraperitoneally with LPS and the other half with phosphate buffered saline. Four hours after injection, mice were sacrificed and samples were collected. n-3 PUFAs were significantly enriched in erythrocytes following fish oil and HMLE supplementation. Both fish oil and HMLE improved intestinal morphology by restoring the ileac villus height and barrier function, which is indicated by decreased colonic myeloperoxidase activity and increased diamine oxidase activity as well as enhanced mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction proteins known as occludin and claudin-1 when compared with olive oil. In addition, both fish oil and HMLE increased colon production and the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, while they inhibited the abnormal production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 relative to the olive oil. Lastly, in comparison with olive oil, both fish oil and HMLE downregulated the TLR-4 signaling pathway by reducing the expression of two key molecules in this pathway, which are called TLR-4 and MyD88. These results suggest that HMLE had a protective effect on intestinal integrity after the LPS challenge, which was equivalent to that of fish oil. This effect might be associated with the regulation of inflammatory mediators and the inhibition of the TLR-4 signaling pathway.

Small GTPase-dependent regulation of leukocyte-endothelial interactions in inflammation

Inflammation is a complex biological response that serves to protect the body's tissues following harmful stimuli such as infection, irritation or injury and initiates tissue repair. At the start of an inflammatory response, pro-inflammatory mediators induce changes in the endothelial lining of the blood vessels and in leukocytes. This results in increased vascular permeability and increased expression of adhesion proteins, and promotes adhesion of leukocytes, especially neutrophils to the endothelium. Adhesion is a prerequisite for neutrophil extravasation and chemoattractant-stimulated recruitment to inflammatory sites, where neutrophils phagocytose and kill microbes, release inflammatory mediators and cross-talk with other immune cells to co-ordinate the immune response in preparation for tissue repair. Many signalling proteins are critically involved in the complex signalling processes that underpin the inflammatory response and cross-talk between endothelium and leukocytes. As key regulators of cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion, small GTPases (guanosine triphosphatases) act as important controls of neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions as well as neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation. Here, we summarise key processes that are dependent upon small GTPases in leukocytes during these early inflammatory events. We place a particular focus on the regulation of integrin-dependent events and their control by Rho and Rap family GTPases as well as their regulators during neutrophil adhesion, chemotaxis and recruitment.

Increased Neutrophil Secretion Induced by NLRP3 Mutation Links the Inflammasome to Azurophilic Granule Exocytosis

Heterozygous mutations in the NLRP3 gene in patients with cryopyrin associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) lead to hyper-responsive inflammasome function. CAPS is a systemic auto-inflammatory syndrome characterized by the activation of the innate immune system induced by elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, but the involvement of selective innate immune cells in this process is not fully understood. Neutrophil secretion and the toxic components of their granules are mediators of inflammation associated with several human diseases and inflammatory conditions. Here, using the Nlrp3^A350V inducible mouse model (MWS CreT) that recapitulates human patients with the A352V mutation in NLRP3 observed in the Muckle-Wells sub-phenotype of CAPS, we studied the relationship between hyper-activation of the inflammasome and neutrophil exocytosis. Using a flow cytometry approach, we show that Nlrp3^A350V (MWS) neutrophils express normal basal levels of CD11b at the plasma membrane and that the upregulation of CD11b from secretory vesicles in response to several plasma membrane or endocytic agonist including the bacterial-derived mimetic peptide formyl-Leu-Met-Phe (fMLF) and the unmethylated oligonucleotide CpG is normal in MWS neutrophils. Significant but modest CD11b upregulation in MWS neutrophils compared to wild type was only observed in response to GM-CSF and CpG. The same pattern was observed for the secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from gelatinase granules in that MMP-9 secretion in MWS neutrophils was not different from that observed in wild-type neutrophils except when stimulated with GM-CSF and CpG. In contrast, azurophilic granule secretion, whose cargoes constitute the most toxic secretory and pro-inflammatory factors of the neutrophil, was markedly dysregulated in MWS neutrophils under both basal and stimulated conditions. This could not be attributed to paracrine effects of secretory cytokines because IL-1β secretion by neutrophils was undetectable under these experimental conditions. The increased azurophilic granule exocytosis in MWS neutrophils was attenuated by treatment with the neutrophil exocytosis inhibitor Nexinhib20. In agreement with a possible neutrophil contribution to systemic inflammation in CAPS, the levels of neutrophil secretory proteins were significantly elevated in the plasma from Nlrp3^A350V mice. Altogether, our data indicates an azurophilic granule-selective dysregulation of neutrophil exocytosis in CAPS.

Neutrophil programming dynamics and its disease relevance

Neutrophils are traditionally considered as first responders to infection and provide antimicrobial host defense. However, recent advances indicate that neutrophils are also critically involved in the modulation of host immune environments by dynamically adopting distinct functional states. Functionally diverse neutrophil subsets are increasingly recognized as critical components mediating host pathophysiology. Despite its emerging significance, molecular mechanisms as well as functional relevance of dynamically programmed neutrophils remain to be better defined. The increasing complexity of neutrophil functions may require integrative studies that address programming dynamics of neutrophils and their pathophysiological relevance. This review aims to provide an update on the emerging topics of neutrophil programming dynamics as well as their functional relevance in diseases.

Rab27-Dependent Exosome Production Inhibits Chronic Inflammation and Enables Acute Responses to Inflammatory Stimuli

Extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, have recently been implicated as novel mediators of immune cell communication in mammals. However, roles for endogenously produced exosomes in regulating immune cell functions in vivo are just beginning to be identified. In this article, we demonstrate that Rab27a and Rab27b double-knockout (Rab27DKO) mice that are deficient in exosome secretion have a chronic, low-grade inflammatory phenotype characterized by elevated inflammatory cytokines and myeloproliferation. Upon further investigation, we found that some of these phenotypes could be complemented by wild-type (WT) hematopoietic cells or administration of exosomes produced by GM-CSF-expanded bone marrow cells. In addition, chronically inflamed Rab27DKO mice had a blunted response to bacterial LPS, resembling endotoxin tolerance. This defect was rescued by bone marrow exosomes from WT, but not miR-155^-/-, cells, suggesting that uptake of miR-155-containing exosomes is important for a proper LPS response. Further, we found that SHIP1 and IRAK-M, direct targets of miR-155 that are known negative regulators of the LPS response, were elevated in Rab27DKO mice and decreased after treatment with WT, but not miR-155^-/-, exosomes. Together, our study finds that Rab27-dependent exosome production contributes to homeostasis within the hematopoietic system and appropriate responsiveness to inflammatory stimuli.

Rab GTPases in Immunity and Inflammation

Strict spatiotemporal control of trafficking events between organelles is critical for maintaining homeostasis and directing cellular responses. This regulation is particularly important in immune cells for mounting specialized immune defenses. By controlling the formation, transport and fusion of intracellular organelles, Rab GTPases serve as master regulators of membrane trafficking. In this review, we discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Rab GTPases regulate immunity and inflammation.

Molecular mechanisms regulating secretory organelles and endosomes in neutrophils and their implications for inflammation

Neutrophils constitute the first line of cellular defense against invading microorganisms and modulate the subsequent innate and adaptive immune responses. In order to execute a rapid and precise response to infections, neutrophils rely on preformed effector molecules stored in a variety of intracellular granules. Neutrophil granules contain microbicidal factors, the membrane-bound components of the respiratory burst oxidase, membrane-bound adhesion molecules, and receptors that facilitate the execution of all neutrophil functions including adhesion, transmigration, phagocytosis, degranulation, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. The rapid mobilization of intracellular organelles is regulated by vesicular trafficking mechanisms controlled by effector molecules that include small GTPases and their interacting proteins. In this review, we focus on recent discoveries of mechanistic processes that are at center stage of the regulation of neutrophil function, highlighting the discrete and selective pathways controlled by trafficking modulators. In particular, we describe novel pathways controlled by the Rab27a effectors JFC1 and Munc13-4 in the regulation of degranulation, reactive oxygen species and neutrophil extracellular trap production, and endolysosomal signaling. Finally, we discuss the importance of understanding these molecular mechanisms in order to design novel approaches to modulate neutrophil-mediated inflammatory processes in a targeted fashion.

Identification of potential biomarkers of sepsis using bioinformatics analysis

Sepsis is defined as the systemic inflammatory response to infection and is one of the leading causes of mortality in critically ill patients. The goal of the present study is to elucidate the molecular mechanism of sepsis. Transcription profile data (GSE12624) were downloaded that had a total of 70 samples (36 sepsis samples and 34 non-sepsis samples) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Protein-protein interaction network analysis was conducted in order to comprehensively understand the interactions of genes in all samples. Hierarchical clustering and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) global test were performed to identify the differentially expressed clusters in the networks, followed by function and pathway enrichment analyses. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) was performed to classify the clusters, and 10-fold cross-validation method was performed to evaluate the classification results. A total of 7,672 genes were obtained after preprocessing of the mRNA expression profile data. The PPI network of genes under sepsis and non-sepsis status collected 1,996/2,147 genes and 2,645/2,783 interactions. Moreover, following the ANCOVA global test (P<0.05), 24 differentially expressed clusters with 12 clusters in septic and 12 clusters in non-septic samples were identified. Finally, 207 biomarker genes, including CDC42, CSF3R, GCA, HMGB2, RHOG, SERPINB1, TYROBP SERPINA1, FCER1 G and S100P in the top six clusters, were collected using the SVM method. The SERPINA1, FCER1 G and S100P genes are thought to be potential biomarkers. Furthermore, Gene oncology terms, including the intracellular signaling cascade, regulation of programmed cell death, regulation of cell death, regulation of apoptosis and leukocyte activation may participate in sepsis.

Identification of Neutrophil Exocytosis Inhibitors (Nexinhibs), Small Molecule Inhibitors of Neutrophil Exocytosis and Inflammation: DRUGGABILITY OF THE SMALL GTPase Rab27a

Neutrophils constitute the first line of cellular defense in response to bacterial and fungal infections and rely on granular proteins to kill microorganisms, but uncontrolled secretion of neutrophil cargos is injurious to the host and should be closely regulated. Thus, increased plasma levels of neutrophil secretory proteins, including myeloperoxidase and elastase, are associated with tissue damage and are hallmarks of systemic inflammation. Here, we describe a novel high-throughput screening approach to identify small molecule inhibitors of the interaction between the small GTPase Rab27a and its effector JFC1, two central regulators of neutrophil exocytosis. Using this assay, we have identified small molecule inhibitors of Rab27a-JFC1 binding that were also active in cell-based neutrophil-specific exocytosis assays, demonstrating the druggability of Rab GTPases and their effectors. These compounds, named Nexinhibs (neutrophil exocytosis inhibitors), inhibit exocytosis of azurophilic granules in human neutrophils without affecting other important innate immune responses, including phagocytosis and neutrophil extracellular trap production. Furthermore, the compounds are reversible and potent inhibitors of the extracellular production of superoxide anion by preventing the up-regulation of the granule membrane-associated subunit of the NADPH oxidase at the plasma membrane. Nexinhibs also inhibit the up-regulation of activation signature molecules, including the adhesion molecules CD11b and CD66b. Importantly, by using a mouse model of endotoxin-induced systemic inflammation, we show that these inhibitors have significant activity in vivo manifested by decreased plasma levels of neutrophil secretory proteins and significantly decreased tissue infiltration by inflammatory neutrophils. Altogether, our data present the first neutrophil exocytosis-specific inhibitor with in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its potential use as an inhibitor of systemic inflammation.

Escherichia coli Braun Lipoprotein (BLP) exhibits endotoxemia - like pathology in Swiss albino mice

The endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes sepsis, but bacterial peptides also promote inflammation leading to sepsis. We found, intraperitoneal administration of live or heat inactivated E. coli JE5505 lacking the abundant outer membrane protein, Braun lipoprotein (BLP), was less toxic than E. coli DH5α possessing BLP in Swiss albino mice. Injection of BLP free of LPS purified from E. coli DH5α induced massive infiltration of leukocytes in lungs and liver. BLP activated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) ex vivo to adhere to denatured collagen in serum and polymyxin B independent fashion, a property distinct from LPS. Both LPS and BLP stimulated the synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator, in human PMNs. In mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, while both BLP and LPS similarly upregulated TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA; BLP was more potent in inducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression. Peritoneal macrophages from TLR2^−/− mice significantly reduced the production of TNF-α in response to BLP in contrast to macrophages from wild type mice. We conclude, BLP acting through TLR2, is a potent inducer of inflammation with a response profile both common and distinct from LPS. Hence, BLP mediated pathway may also be considered as an effective target against sepsis.

Nitric oxide-mediated apoptosis of neutrophils through caspase-8 and caspase-3-dependent mechanism

Neutrophils play an indispensable role in killing of invading pathogens by enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO generation, and subsequently undergoing apoptosis. Unlike ROS/NOX2, role of NO/NOS still remains undefined in the apoptosis of neutrophils (PMNs) and the present study attempts to decipher the importance of NO/NOS in the neutrophil apoptosis. Prolonged treatment of human PMNs or mice bone marrow derived neutrophils (BMDN) with NO led to enhanced ROS generation, caspase-8/caspase-3 cleavage, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and finally cellular apoptosis. NO-induced ROS generation led to caspase-8 deglutathionylation and activation, which subsequently activated mitochondrial death pathway via BID (Bcl-2 family protein) cleavage. NO-mediated augmentation of caspase-8 and BID cleavage was significantly prevented in BMDN from neutrophil cytosolic factor-1 (NCF-1) knockout (KO) mice, implying the involvement of NOX2 in NO-induced apoptosis of PMNs. Furthermore, ROS, NO generation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were enhanced in a time-dependent manner in human PMNs and mice BMDN undergoing spontaneous apoptosis. Pharmacological and genetic ablation of iNOS in human PMNs and mice BMDN significantly reduced the levels of apoptosis. Impaired apoptosis of BMDN from iNOS KO mice was due to reduced caspase-8 activity which subsequently prevented caspase-3 and -9 activation. Altogether, our results suggest a crucial role of NO/iNOS in neutrophil apoptosis via enhanced ROS generation and caspase-8 mediated activation of mitochondrial death pathway.

Single Amino Acid Substitutions at Specific Positions of the Heptad Repeat Sequence of Piscidin-1 Yielded Novel Analogs That Show Low Cytotoxicity and In Vitro and In Vivo Antiendotoxin Activity

Piscidin-1 possesses significant antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. To recognize the primary amino acid sequence(s) in piscidin-1 that could be important for its biological activity, a long heptad repeat sequence located in the region from amino acids 2 to 19 was identified. To comprehend the possible role of this motif, six analogs of piscidin-1 were designed by selectively replacing a single isoleucine residue at a d (5th) position or at an a (9th or 16th) position with either an alanine or a valine residue. Two more analogs, namely, I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 and V12I-piscidin-1, were designed for investigating the effect of interchanging an alanine residue at a d position with an adjacent phenylalanine residue and replacing a valine residue with an isoleucine residue at another d position of the heptad repeat of piscidin-1, respectively. Single alanine-substituted analogs exhibited significantly reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells compared with that of piscidin-1 but appreciably retained the antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities of piscidin-1. All the single valine-substituted piscidin-1 analogs and I5F,F6A-piscidin-1 showed cytotoxicity greater than that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, antibacterial activity marginally greater than or similar to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs, and also antiendotoxin activity superior to that of the corresponding alanine-substituted analogs. Interestingly, among these peptides, V12I-piscidin-1 showed the highest cytotoxicity and antibacterial and antiendotoxin activities. Lipopolysaccharide (12 mg/kg of body weight)-treated mice, further treated with I16A-piscidin-1, the piscidin-1 analog with the highest therapeutic index, at a single dose of 1 or 2 mg/kg of body weight, showed 80 and 100% survival, respectively. Structural and functional characterization of these peptides revealed the basis of their biological activity and demonstrated that nontoxic piscidin-1 analogs with significant antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities can be designed by incorporating single alanine substitutions in the piscidin-1 heptad repeat.

The Impact of Myeloperoxidase and Activated Macrophages on Metaphase II Mouse Oocyte Quality

Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an abundant heme-containing enzyme present in neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages, is produced in high levels during inflammation, and associated with poor reproductive outcomes. MPO is known to generate hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) utilizing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and chloride (Cl^-). Here we investigate the effect of activated immune cells and MPO on oocyte quality. Mouse metaphase II oocytes were divided into the following groups: 1) Incubation with a catalytic amount of MPO (40 nM) for different incubation periods in the presence of 100 mM Cl^- with and without H₂O₂ and with and without melatonin (100 μM), at 37°C (n = 648/648 total number of oocytes in each group for oocytes with and without cumulus cells); 2) Co-cultured with activated mouse peritoneal macrophage and neutrophils cells (1.0 x 10⁶ cells/ml) in the absence and presence of melatonin (200 μM), an MPO inhibitor/ROS scavenger, for different incubation periods in HTF media, at 37°C (n = 200/200); 3) Untreated oocytes incubated for 4 hrs as controls (n = 73/64). Oocytes were then fixed, stained and scored based on the microtubule morphology and chromosomal alignment. All treatments were found to negatively affect oocyte quality in a time dependent fashion as compared to controls. In all cases the presence of cumulus cells offered no protection; however significant protection was offered by melatonin. Similar results were obtained with oocytes treated with neutrophils. This work provides a direct link between MPO and decreased oocyte quality. Therefore, strategies to decrease MPO mediated inflammation may influence reproductive outcomes.

Munc13-4 interacts with syntaxin 7 and regulates late endosomal maturation, endosomal signaling, and TLR9-initiated cellular responses

The molecular mechanisms that regulate late endosomal maturation and function are not completely elucidated, and direct evidence of a calcium sensor is lacking. Here we identify a novel mechanism of late endosomal maturation that involves a new molecular interaction between the tethering factor Munc13-4, syntaxin 7, and VAMP8. Munc13-4 binding to syntaxin 7 was significantly increased by calcium. Colocalization of Munc13-4 and syntaxin 7 at late endosomes was demonstrated by high-resolution and live-cell microscopy. Munc13-4-deficient cells show increased numbers of significantly enlarged late endosomes, a phenotype that was mimicked by the fusion inhibitor chloroquine in wild-type cells and rescued by expression of Munc13-4 but not by a syntaxin 7-binding-deficient mutant. Late endosomes from Munc13-4-KO neutrophils show decreased degradative capacity. Munc13-4-knockout neutrophils show impaired endosomal-initiated, TLR9-dependent signaling and deficient TLR9-specific CD11b up-regulation. Thus we present a novel mechanism of late endosomal maturation and propose that Munc13-4 regulates the late endocytic machinery and late endosomal-associated innate immune cellular functions.

Nicotine mediates hypochlorous acid-induced nuclear protein damage in mammalian cells

Activated neutrophils secrete hypochlorous acid (HOCl) into the extracellular space of inflamed tissues. Because of short diffusion distance in biological fluids, HOCl-damaging effect is restricted to the extracellular compartment. The current study aimed at investigating the ability of nicotine, a component of tobacco and electronic cigarettes, to mediate HOCl-induced intracellular damage. We report, for the first time, that HOCl reacts with nicotine to produce nicotine chloramine (Nic-Cl). Nic-Cl caused dose-dependent damage to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a nuclear protein, in cultured mammalian lung and kidney cells. Vitamin C, vitamin E analogue (Trolox), glutathione, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine inhibited the Nic-Cl-induced PCNA damage, implicating oxidation in PCNA damage. These findings point out the ability of nicotine to mediate HOCl-induced intracellular damage and suggest antioxidants as protective measures. The results also raise the possibility that Nic-Cl can be created in the inflamed tissues of tobacco and electronic cigarette smokers and may contribute to smoking-related diseases.

Liver inflammation and metabolic signaling in ApcMin/+ mice: the role of cachexia progression

The Apc^Min/+ mouse exhibits an intestinal tumor associated loss of muscle and fat that is accompanied by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Since the liver governs systemic energy demands through regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, it is likely that the liver is a pathological target of cachexia progression in the Apc^Min/+ mouse. The purpose of this study was to determine if cancer and the progression of cachexia affected liver endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, inflammation, metabolism, and protein synthesis signaling. The effect of cancer (without cachexia) was examined in wild-type and weight-stable Apc^Min/+ mice. Cachexia progression was examined in weight-stable, pre-cachectic, and severely-cachectic Apc^Min/+ mice. Livers were analyzed for morphology, glycogen content, ER-stress, inflammation, and metabolic changes. Cancer induced hepatic expression of ER-stress markers BiP (binding immunoglobulin protein), IRE-1α (endoplasmic reticulum to nucleus signaling 1), and inflammatory intermediate STAT-3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3). While gluconeogenic enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) mRNA expression was suppressed by cancer, glycogen content or protein synthesis signaling remained unaffected. Cachexia progression depleted liver glycogen content and increased mRNA expression of glycolytic enzyme PFK (phosphofrucktokinase) and gluconeogenic enzyme PEPCK. Cachexia progression further increased pSTAT-3 but suppressed p-65 and JNK (c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase) activation. Interestingly, progression of cachexia suppressed upstream ER-stress markers BiP and IRE-1α, while inducing its downstream target CHOP (DNA-damage inducible transcript 3). Cachectic mice exhibited a dysregulation of protein synthesis signaling, with an induction of p-mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin), despite a suppression of Akt (thymoma viral proto-oncogene 1) and S6 (ribosomal protein S6) phosphorylation. Thus, cancer induced ER-stress markers in the liver, however cachexia progression further deteriorated liver ER-stress, disrupted protein synthesis regulation and caused a differential inflammatory response related to STAT-3 and NF-κB (Nuclear factor—κB) signaling.

Gene silencing of non-obese diabetic receptor family (NLRP3) protects against the sepsis-induced hyper-bile acidaemia in a rat model

The role of NOD-like receptor family (NLRP3) has been confirmed in various inflammatory diseases. The association between NLRP3 and hyper-bileacidaemia during the sepsis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate whether NLRP3 silencing protects against the sepsis-induced hyper-bileacidaemia. Sepsis was induced by caecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Gene silencing of NLRP3 was performed by injecting rats with NLRP3 short hairpin RNA plasmids (NLRP3 shRNA) 48 h before surgery. Rats were divided into four groups: group 1: sham; group 2: sepsis; group 3: NLRP3 shRNA + sepsis (called the 'NLRP3 shRNA' group); and group 4: scrambled shRNA + sepsis (called the 'scrambled shRNA' group). The serum levels of bile acids, hepatic expression of hepatocyte membrane transporters, hepatic cytokine levels and behaviours of immune cells were compared among the groups. Hepatic NLRP3 expression was increased dramatically during the sepsis, but was suppressed by pretreatment with NLRP3 shRNA. Compared with rats in the sepsis and the scrambled shRNA groups, rats in the NLRP3 shRNA group exhibited significantly decreased serum levels of glycine and taurine conjugated-bile acids, with rehabilitated expression of hepatocyte transporters, suppressed hepatic cytokine levels, decreased hepatic neutrophils infiltration and attenuated macrophages pyroptosis. Gene silencing of NLRP3 ameliorates sepsis-induced hyper-bileacidaemia by rehabilitating hepatocyte transporter expression, reducing hepatic cytokine levels, neutrophil infiltration and macrophages pyroptosis. NLRP3 may be a pivotal target for sepsis management.

Interactions between CD44 and Hyaluronan in Leukocyte Trafficking

Recruitment of leukocytes from the bloodstream to inflamed tissues requires a carefully regulated cascade of binding interactions between adhesion molecules on leukocytes and endothelial cells. Adhesive interactions between CD44 and hyaluronan (HA) have been implicated in the regulation of immune cell trafficking within various tissues. In this review, the biology of CD44–HA interactions in cell trafficking is summarized, with special attention to neutrophil recruitment within the liver microcirculation. We describe the molecular mechanisms that regulate adhesion between neutrophil CD44 and endothelial HA, including recent evidence implicating serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein as an important co-factor in the binding of HA to CD44 under flow conditions. CD44–HA-mediated neutrophil recruitment has been shown to contribute to innate immune responses to invading microbes, as well as to the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases, including various liver pathologies. As a result, blockade of neutrophil recruitment by targeting CD44–HA interactions has proven beneficial as an anti-inflammatory treatment strategy in a number of animal models of inflammatory diseases.

Indian freshwater edible snail Bellamya bengalensis lipid extract prevents T cell mediated hypersensitivity and inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Soup prepared from the foot of fresh water edible snail, Bellamya bengalensis, is traditionally consumed by the tribes of Jharkhand against rheumatism like bone and joint inflammation. As rheumatism has underlying involvement of cell mediated hypersensitivity, in vivo delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) model and in vitro LPS-induced macrophage signaling were studied to delineate the mechanism by which Bellamya bengalensis exerts its ethnomedicinal function. Since the whole meat is consumed, the lipid of Bellamya bengalensis (BBL) was hypothesized to be the active part.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

BBL isolated from the foot part of this species, was characterized and given by gavage daily (10mg BBL/kg; 20mg BBL/kg) to mice for 3 weeks prior to initiating development of DTH. Effects of DTH induced changes in paw diameter, serum nitric oxide (NO), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level, CINC1 level, splenic CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell ratios, and level of splenic Treg cells were then compared with values in untreated control mice. In vitro effect of BBL on LPS-stimulated macrophage, the immune cell that is active in DTH, was assessed by NF-kB p65 nuclear translocation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), TNFα, and NO production.

RESULTS

BBL was characterized, and its supplementation in situ led to significant decrease in paw edema, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, NO level, serum TNFα level and CINC 1 level as well as decrease in splenic CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratios and increase in level of Treg cells. BBL was shown to inhibit ROS, NO, and TNFα production along with NF-kB p65 nuclear translocation in LPS stimulated macrophage.

CONCLUSION

Bellamya bengalensis, traditionally used against diseases with underlying etiology of cell mediated immunity as in rheumatism, which acts through inhibition of overexpressed cell mediated immunity. The factor exerting this activity probably is the oleic acid and cyclopropane fatty acid rich lipid, isolated after the ethnomedicinal clue, from the foot of this species.

A role for Rab27 in neutrophil chemotaxis and lung recruitment

Background

Neutrophils are a critical part of the innate immune system. Their ability to migrate into infected or injured tissues precedes their role in microbial killing and clearance. We have previously shown that Rab27a can promote neutrophil migration by facilitating uropod release through protease secretion from primary granule exocytosis at the cell rear. Rab27b has been implicated in primary granule exocytosis but its role in neutrophil migration has not been investigated.

Results

Here we found Rab27b to be expressed in bone marrow derived neutrophils and Rab27b knockout (Rab27b KO) along with Rab27a/b double knockout (Rab27DKO) neutrophils exhibited impaired transwell migration in vitro in response to chemokines MIP-2 and LTB₄. Interestingly, no additional defect in migration was observed in Rab27DKO neutrophils compared with Rab27b KO neutrophils. In vivo, Rab27DKO mice displayed severe impairment in neutrophil recruitment to the lungs in a MIP-2 dependent model but not in an LPS dependent model.

Conclusions

These data taken together implicate Rab27b in the regulation of neutrophil chemotaxis, likely through the regulation of primary granule exocytosis.

The role of Rab27a in the regulation of neutrophil function

Neutrophils are central regulators of the innate immune response and help shape the adaptive immune response. Malfunction and unregulated neutrophil activation leads to disease and inflammation. During the host response to infection, neutrophils display several mechanisms of defense mediated by their arsenal of granular proteins. Regulation of granular trafficking, docking and fusion is at the core of the neutrophil defense response to pathogens. The small GTPase Rab27a has emerged as a central regulator of the neutrophil response through its tight control of vesicular trafficking and degranulation. This review focuses on the latest research that has led to the characterization of Rab27a as an essential regulator of neutrophil function.

Small GTPase and regulation of inflammation response in atherogenesis

Small GTPases are key signal transducers from extracellular stimuli to the nucleus that regulate a variety of cellular responses, including changes in gene expression and cell adhesion and migration. Accumulating data have demonstrated that abnormal activation of these small GTPases plays a critical role in the atherosclerosis characterized by vascular abnormalities, especially endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Here, we discuss the linkage between small GTPases, inflammation, and atherogenesis. First, small GTPases affect gene expression of inflammatory cytokines through proinflammatory signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interlukin-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Then, these molecules regulate the vascular inflammation through cell adhesion and migration. In turn, small GTPases are also regulated by extracellular stimuli, such as L-selectin, thrombin, oxidized phospholipids, and interleukins. Thus, these inflammatory cytokines generate a vicious cycle for small GTPases and inflammatory responses in the atherogenesis.

Inflammatory bowel disease therapies and gut function in a colitis mouse model

Background. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) is a well-established approach to the management of Crohn's disease. Aim. To determine effects of EEN upon inflammation and gut barrier function in a colitis mouse model. Methods. Interleukin-10-deficient mice (IL-10^−/−) were inoculated with Helicobacter trogontum and then treated with EEN, metronidazole, hydrocortisone, or EEN and metronidazole combination. Blood and tissue were collected at 2 and 4 weeks with histology, mucosal integrity, tight junction integrity, inflammation, and H. trogontum load evaluated. Results. H. trogontum induced colitis in IL-10^−/− mice with histological changes in the cecum and colon. Elevated mucosal IL-8 mRNA in infected mice was associated with intestinal barrier dysfunction indicated by decreased transepithelial electrical resistance and mRNA of tight junction proteins and increased short-circuit current, myosin light chain kinase mRNA, paracellular permeability, and tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase plasma levels (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). EEN and metronidazole, but not hydrocortisone, treatments restored barrier function, maintained gut barrier integrity, and reversed inflammatory changes along with reduction of H. trogontum load (versus infected controls P < 0.05). Conclusion. H. trogontum infection in IL-10^−/− mice induced typhlocolitis with intestinal barrier dysfunction. EEN and metronidazole, but not hydrocortisone, modulate barrier dysfunction and reversal of inflammatory changes.

Regulation of vesicular trafficking and leukocyte function by Rab27 GTPases and their effectors

The Rab27 family of GTPases regulates the efficiency and specificity of exocytosis in hematopoietic cells, including neutrophils, CTLs, NK cells, and mast cells. However, the mechanisms regulated by Rab27 GTPases are cell-specific, as they depend on the differential expression and function of particular effector molecules that are recruited by the GTPases. In addition, Rab27 GTPases participate in multiple steps of the regulation of the secretory process, including priming, tethering, docking, and fusion through sequential interaction with multiple effector molecules. Finally, recent reports suggest that Rab27 GTPases and their effectors regulate vesicular trafficking mechanisms other than exocytosis, including endocytosis and phagocytosis. This review focuses on the latest discoveries on the function of Rab27 GTPases and their effectors Munc13-4 and Slp1 in neutrophil function comparatively to their functions in other leukocytes.