Natural nitration of CXCL12 reduces its signaling capacity and chemotactic activity in vitro and abrogates intra-articular lymphocyte recruitment in vivo

Natural carboxyterminal truncation of human CXCL10 attenuates glycosaminoglycan binding, CXCR3A signaling and lymphocyte chemotaxis, while retaining angiostatic activity

BACKGROUND

Interferon-γ-inducible protein of 10 kDa (IP-10/CXCL10) is a dual-function CXC chemokine that coordinates chemotaxis of activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells via interaction with its G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), CXC chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3). As a consequence of natural posttranslational modifications, human CXCL10 exhibits a high degree of structural and functional heterogeneity. However, the biological effect of natural posttranslational processing of CXCL10 at the carboxy (C)-terminus has remained partially elusive. We studied CXCL10(1-73), lacking the four endmost C-terminal amino acids, which was previously identified in supernatant of cultured human fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

METHODS

Relative levels of CXCL10(1-73) and intact CXCL10(1-77) were determined in synovial fluids of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through tandem mass spectrometry. The production of CXCL10(1-73) was optimized through Fmoc-based solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and a strategy to efficiently generate human CXCL10 proteoforms was introduced. CXCL10(1-73) was compared to intact CXCL10(1-77) using surface plasmon resonance for glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding affinity, assays for cell migration, second messenger signaling downstream of CXCR3, and flow cytometry of CHO cells and primary human T lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Leukocyte recruitment in vivo upon intraperitoneal injection of CXCL10(1-73) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Natural CXCL10(1-73) was more abundantly present compared to intact CXCL10(1-77) in synovial fluids of patients with RA. CXCL10(1-73) had diminished affinity for GAG including heparin, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate A. Moreover, CXCL10(1-73) exhibited an attenuated capacity to induce CXCR3A-mediated signaling, as evidenced in calcium mobilization assays and through quantification of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B/Akt. Furthermore, CXCL10(1-73) incited significantly less primary human T lymphocyte chemotaxis in vitro and peritoneal ingress of CXCR3+ T lymphocytes in mice. In contrast, loss of the four endmost C-terminal residues did not affect the inhibitory properties of CXCL10 on migration, proliferation, wound closure, phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and sprouting of human microvascular endothelial cells.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the C-terminal residues Lys74-Pro77 of CXCL10 are important for GAG binding, signaling through CXCR3A, T lymphocyte chemotaxis, but dispensable for angiostasis.

Implantable SDF-1α-loaded silk fibroin hyaluronic acid aerogel sponges as an instructive component of the glioblastoma ecosystem: Between chemoattraction and tumor shaping into resection cavities

In view of inevitable recurrences despite resection, glioblastoma (GB) is still an unmet clinical need. Dealing with the stromal-cell derived factor 1-alpha (SDF-1α)/CXCR4 axis as a hallmark of infiltrative GB tumors and with the resection cavity situation, the present study described the effects and relevance of a new engineered micro-nanostructured SF-HA-Hep aerogel sponges, made of silk fibroin (SF), hyaluronic acid (HA) and heparin (Hep) and loaded with SDF-1α, to interfere with the GB ecosystem and residual GB cells, attracting and confining them in a controlled area before elimination. 70 µm-pore sponges were designed as an implantable scaffold to trap GB cells. They presented shape memory and fit brain cavities. Histological results after implantation in brain immunocompetent Fischer rats revealed that SF-HA-Hep sponges are well tolerated for more than 3 months while moderately and reversibly colonized by immuno-inflammatory cells. The use of human U87MG GB cells overexpressing the CXCR4 receptor (U87MG-CXCR4+) and responding to SDF-1α allowed demonstrating directional GB cell attraction and colonization of the device in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic resection cavities in Nude rats. Not modifying global survival, aerogel sponge implantation strongly shaped U87MG-CXCR4+ tumors in cavities in contrast to random infiltrative growth in controls. Overall, those results support the interest of SF-HA-Hep sponges as modifiers of the GB ecosystem dynamics acting as "cell meeting rooms" and biocompatible niches whose properties deserve to be considered toward the development of new clinical procedures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Brain tumor glioblastoma (GB) is one of the worst unmet clinical needs. To prevent the relapse in the resection cavity situation, new implantable biopolymer aerogel sponges loaded with a chemoattractant molecule were designed and preclinically tested as a prototype targeting the interaction between the initial tumor location and its attraction by the peritumoral environment. While not modifying global survival, biocompatible SDF1-loaded hyaluronic acid and silk fibroin sponges induce directional GB cell attraction and colonization in vitro and in rats in vivo. Interestingly, they strongly shaped GB tumors in contrast to random infiltrative growth in controls. These results provide original findings on application of exogenous engineered niches that shape tumors and serve as cell meeting rooms for further clinical developments.

Unveiling the human nitroproteome: Protein tyrosine nitration in cell signaling and cancer

Covalent amino acid modification significantly expands protein functional capability in regulating biological processes. Tyrosine residues can undergo phosphorylation, sulfation, adenylation, halogenation, and nitration. These posttranslational modifications (PTMs) result from the actions of specific enzymes: tyrosine kinases, tyrosyl-protein sulfotransferase(s), adenylate transferase(s), oxidoreductases, peroxidases, and metal-heme containing proteins. Whereas phosphorylation, sulfation, and adenylation modify the hydroxyl group of tyrosine, tyrosine halogenation and nitration target the adjacent carbon residues. Because aberrant tyrosine nitration has been associated with human disorders and with animal models of disease, we have created an updated and curated database of 908 human nitrated proteins. We have also analyzed this new resource to provide insight into the role of tyrosine nitration in cancer biology, an area that has not previously been considered in detail. Unexpectedly, we have found that 879 of the 1971 known sites of tyrosine nitration are also sites of phosphorylation suggesting an extensive role for nitration in cell signaling. Overall, the review offers several forward-looking opportunities for future research and new perspectives for understanding the role of tyrosine nitration in cancer biology.

Proteolytic inactivation of CXCL12 in the lungs and circulation of COVID-19 patients

The human chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) or CXCL12 is involved in several homeostatic processes and pathologies through interaction with its cognate G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4. Recent research has shown that CXCL12 is present in the lungs and circulation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the question whether the detected CXCL12 is bioactive was not addressed. Indeed, the activity of CXCL12 is regulated by NH2- and COOH-terminal post-translational proteolysis, which significantly impairs its biological activity. The aim of the present study was to characterize proteolytic processing of CXCL12 in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and blood plasma samples from critically ill COVID-19 patients. Therefore, we optimized immunosorbent tandem mass spectrometry proteoform analysis (ISTAMPA) for detection of CXCL12 proteoforms. In patient samples, this approach uncovered that CXCL12 is rapidly processed by site-specific NH2- and COOH-terminal proteolysis and ultimately degraded. This proteolytic inactivation occurred more rapidly in COVID-19 plasma than in COVID-19 BAL fluids, whereas BAL fluid samples from stable lung transplantation patients and the non-affected lung of lung cancer patients (control groups) hardly induced any processing of CXCL12. In COVID-19 BAL fluids with high proteolytic activity, processing occurred exclusively NH2-terminally and was predominantly mediated by neutrophil elastase. In low proteolytic activity BAL fluid and plasma samples, NH2- and COOH-terminal proteolysis by CD26 and carboxypeptidases were observed. Finally, protease inhibitors already approved for clinical use such as sitagliptin and sivelestat prevented CXCL12 processing and may therefore be of pharmacological interest to prolong CXCL12 half-life and biological activity in vivo.

Immunoexpression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in Radicular Cysts, Dentigerous Cysts, and Odontogenic Keratocysts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 in radicular cysts (RCs), dentigerous cysts (DCs), and odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), and to correlate the findings with morphologic parameters of RCs (inflammatory infiltrate and cystic epithelium). Twenty RCs, 20 DCs, and 20 OKCs were submitted to immunohistochemistry. The percentages of cytoplasmic (CXCL12 and CXCR4) and nuclear (CXCR4) staining in epithelial and fibrous capsule cells were determined. RCs and DCs exhibited higher epithelial expression of CXCL12 than OKCs ( P <0.05). The expression of CXCL12 in the fibrous capsule was higher in DCs than in RCs and OKCs ( P <0.05). Higher cytoplasmic expression of CXCR4 was observed in the epithelial lining and fibrous capsule of RCs and DCs compared with OKCs ( P <0.05). In the fibrous capsule, DCs exhibited higher nuclear expression of CXCR4 than OKCs ( P <0.05). No significant differences in the immunoexpression of CXCL12 or CXCR4 were observed according to the morphologic parameters of RCs ( P >0.05). Strong positive correlations were found between cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of CXCR4 in the epithelial lining of RCs and DCs and in the fibrous capsule of all groups ( P <0.05). The results suggest the participation of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in the pathogenesis of RCs, DCs, and OKCs. These proteins may be particularly relevant for the development of odontogenic cysts with less aggressive biological behavior, irrespective of their nature (inflammatory or developmental). In RCs, the expression of CXCL12 and CXCR4 may not be related to the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate or the status of cystic epithelium.

Nitration of chemokine CXCL8 acts as a natural mechanism to limit acute inflammation

Chemokine CXCL8 is a key facilitator of the human host immune response, mediating neutrophil migration, and activation at the site of infection and injury. The oxidative burst is an important effector mechanism which leads to the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), including peroxynitrite. The current study was performed to determine the potential for nitration to alter the biological properties of CXCL8 and its detection in human disease. Here, we show peroxynitrite nitrates CXCL8 and thereby regulates neutrophil migration and activation. The nitrated chemokine was unable to induce transendothelial neutrophil migration in vitro and failed to promote leukocyte recruitment in vivo. This reduced activity is due to impairment in both G protein-coupled receptor signaling and glycosaminoglycan binding. Using a novel antibody, nitrated CXCL8 was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients with pneumonia. These findings were validated by mass spectrometry. Our results provide the first direct evidence of chemokine nitration in human pathophysiology and suggest a natural mechanism that limits acute inflammation.

The Chemokine Systems at the Crossroads of Inflammation and Energy Metabolism in the Development of Obesity

Obesity is characterized as a complex and multifactorial excess accretion of adipose tissue accompanied with alterations in the immune and metabolic responses. Although the chemokine systems have been documented to be involved in the control of tissue inflammation and metabolism, the dual role of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory milieu and dysregulated energy metabolism in obesity remains elusive. The objective of this review is to present an update on the link between chemokines and obesity-related inflammation and metabolism dysregulation under the light of recent knowledge, which may present important therapeutic targets that could control obesity-associated immune and metabolic disorders and chronic complications in the near future. In addition, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chemokines and chemokine receptors including the potential effect of post-translational modification of chemokines in the regulation of inflammation and energy metabolism will be discussed in this review.

CXCL12/SDF-1 in IgG4-Related Disease

Background: SDF-1/CXCL12 is a chemokine with pleiotropic functions in hematopoietic stem cell niche homeostasis, germinal center architecture, B cell maturation, neoangiogenesis, and fibrosis. Recently, the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis was associated with cancer metastasis and autoimmune diseases. The IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a pathological condition characterized by IgG4+ plasma cells infiltrating fibrotic lesions. The aim of this research is to investigate the relevance of SDF-1/CXCL12 in IgG4-RD. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected before therapy from a single-center cohort of 28 IgG4-RD patients, fulfilling the ACR-EULAR classification criteria. Clinical and serological data were obtained for each patient. In total, 14 healthy donors (NHS), 9 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and 9 with Sjogren syndrome (SSj) were recruited as controls and screened for circulating SDF-1/CXCL12 by ELISA. Moreover, paraffin-embedded pancreatic biopsies obtained from patients with IgG4-RD (n = 7), non-autoimmune pancreatitis (n = 3), PDAC (n = 5), and control tissues (n = 4) were analyzed to study the tissue expression and localization of SDF-1/CXCL12 and one of its receptors, CXCR4, and their potential relation with neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Results: IgG4-RD patients had higher serum levels of SDF-1/CXCL12 than normal controls (p = 0.0137). Cytokine levels did not differ between the IgG4-RD autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and retroperitoneal fibrosis nor between the single- and multiple-organ involvement. No correlation was seen with the IgG4-RD Responder Index, IgG4 levels, white blood cells, or inflammatory markers in the serum. When compared to SSj, the IgG4-RD AIP subgroup presents higher amounts of serum SDF-1/CXCL12 (p = 0.0275), while no differences are seen in comparison with PDAC. The expression of SDF-1/CXCL12 in the tissue was significantly higher in the IgG4-RD tissue than the normal pancreas, and the tissue with the high SDF-1/CXCL12 expression is characterized by the overall inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis, and high level of NETs. Conclusion: Modulating B cell development, neoangiogenesis and fibrosis, and SDF-1/CXCL12 may play a role in IgG4-RD. The higher levels observed in IgG4-RD, as compared to SSj, which closely mimics the disease, can be related to a different pattern of lesions, with prevalent fibrosis seen in IgG4-RD. Taken together, these findings suggest that drugs acting on the CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis may affect IgG4-RD.

Kinetics of peripheral blood neutrophils in severe coronavirus disease 2019

OBJECTIVES

Emerging evidence of dysregulation of the myeloid cell compartment urges investigations on neutrophil characteristics in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We isolated neutrophils from the blood of COVID-19 patients receiving general ward care and from patients hospitalised at intensive care units (ICUs) to explore the kinetics of circulating neutrophils and factors important for neutrophil migration and activation.

METHODS

Multicolour flow cytometry was exploited for the analysis of neutrophil differentiation and activation markers. Multiplex and ELISA technologies were used for the quantification of protease, protease inhibitor, chemokine and cytokine concentrations in plasma. Neutrophil polarisation responses were evaluated microscopically. Gelatinolytic and metalloproteinase activity in plasma was determined using a fluorogenic substrate. Co-culturing healthy donor neutrophils with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) allowed us to investigate viral replication in neutrophils.

RESULTS

Upon ICU admission, patients displayed high plasma concentrations of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and the chemokine CXCL8, accompanied by emergency myelopoiesis as illustrated by high levels of circulating CD10-, immature neutrophils with reduced CXCR2 and C5aR expression. Neutrophil elastase and non-metalloproteinase-derived gelatinolytic activity were increased in plasma from ICU patients. Significantly higher levels of circulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) in patients at ICU admission yielded decreased total MMP proteolytic activity in blood. COVID-19 neutrophils were hyper-responsive to CXCL8 and CXCL12 in shape change assays. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 failed to replicate inside human neutrophils.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides detailed insights into the kinetics of neutrophil phenotype and function in severe COVID-19 patients, and supports the concept of an increased neutrophil activation state in the circulation.

CXCL12 and IL7R as Novel Therapeutic Targets for Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma Are Correlated With Somatic Mutations and the Tumor Immunological Microenvironment

The mechanism of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) development in correlation with tumor microenvironments and somatic mutations is still being elucidated. This study aims to identify the potential molecular mechanisms and candidate biomarkers in response to tumor microenvironments and somatic mutations. Multiple bioinformatics analysis methods were applied to assess the tumor immunological microenvironment, differentially expressed genes, genetic function enrichment, immunocyte infiltration, regulatory network construction, and tumor mutational burden, and to identify DNA methylation sites. The immunological microenvironment features of ESTIMATE score (OS: p = 0.017, HR = 0.64; RFS: HR = 0.43, p < 0.001) have an important impact on the prognosis of LIHC patients. Cut-off by ESTIMATE score and prognostic information identified 666 DEGs (45 downregulated and 621 upregulated) that were linked with leukocyte migration and lymphocyte activation. In immunocyte infiltration analysis, NK cells (resting), M1 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are considered core immunoregulatory cells, exhibited significant differences between higher and lower ESTIMATE scores (overall survival and recurrence-free survival p-values < 0.01). Subsequently, further analysis of immunocyte-hub gene identification illustrated that the expression levels of CXCL12 and IL7R significantly correlated with core immunoregulatory cells and somatic mutations (CXCL12: p = 2.1E-06; IL7R: p = 0.001). This study provides new insight into our understanding of the mechanisms of immunocyte regulation and microenvironment involved in LIHC development as well as the effective biomarkers of CXCL12 and IL7R and core immunoregulatory cells, which may emerge as novel therapies for LIHC patients.

Citrullination as a novel posttranslational modification of matrix metalloproteinases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes with critical roles in biology and pathology. Glycosylation, nitrosylation and proteolysis are known posttranslational modifications (PTMs) regulating intrinsically the activities of MMPs. We discovered MMP citrullination by peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs) as a new PTM. Upon hypercitrullination, MMP-9 acquired a higher affinity for gelatin than control MMP-9. Furthermore, hypercitrullinated proMMP-9 was more efficiently activated by MMP-3 compared to control MMP-9. JNJ0966, a specific therapeutic inhibitor of MMP-9 activation, inhibited the activation of hypercitrullinated proMMP-9 by MMP-3 significantly less in comparison with control proMMP-9. The presence of citrullinated/homocitrullinated MMP-9 was detected in vivo in neutrophil-rich sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients. In addition to citrullination of MMP-9, we report efficient citrullination of MMP-1 and lower citrullination levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 by PAD2 in vitro. In conclusion, citrullination of MMPs is a new PTM worthy of additional biochemical and biological studies.

The Signaling Duo CXCL12 and CXCR4: Chemokine Fuel for Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis

Simple Summary

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in women. In this review, we explore the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in breast cancer. We show that the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade is involved in nearly every aspect of breast cancer tumorigenesis including proliferation, cell motility and distant metastasis. Moreover, we summarize current knowledge about the CXCL12/CXCR4-targeted therapies. Due to the critical roles of this pathway in breast cancer and other malignancies, we believe that audiences in different fields will find this overview helpful.

Abstract

The CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway has emerged in the recent years as a key player in breast cancer tumorigenesis. This pathway controls many aspects of breast cancer development including cancer cell proliferation, motility and metastasis to all target organs. Moreover, the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade affects both immune and stromal cells, creating tumor-supporting microenvironment. In this review, we examine state-of-the-art knowledge about detrimental roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, discuss its therapeutic potential and suggest further research directions beneficial both for basic research and personalized medicine in breast cancer.

Senescence and Cancer: Role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in SASP

Cellular senescence is a cell state involved in both physiological and pathological processes such as age-related diseases and cancer. While the mechanism of senescence is now well known, its role in tumorigenesis still remains very controversial. The positive and negative effects of senescence on tumorigenesis depend largely on the diversity of the senescent phenotypes and, more precisely, on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In this review, we discuss the modulatory effect of nitric oxide (NO) in SASP and the possible benefits of the use of NO donors or iNOS inducers in combination with senotherapy in cancer treatment.

Enhancing tumor T cell infiltration to enable cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for cancer patients, especially for those with metastatic spread. While the immunotherapeutic armamentarium is constantly growing, as exemplified by approved compounds, clinical outcome remains variable both within and across entities. A sufficient infiltration into the tumor microenvironment and successful activation of effector T lymphocytes against tumor cells have been identified as predictors for responses to T cell-based immunotherapies. However, tumor cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to reduce T cell homing and access to the tumor tissue to prevent activity of anticancer immunity. As a consequence, investigations have interrogated strategies to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies by enhancing T cell infiltration into tumor tissues. In this review, we summarize mechanisms of how tumor tissue shapes immune suppressive microenvironment to prevent T cell access to the tumor site. We focus on current strategies to improve cancer immunotherapies through enhancing T cell infiltration.

Differential Effects of Posttranslational Modifications of CXCL8/Interleukin-8 on CXCR1 and CXCR2 Internalization and Signaling Properties

CXCL8 or interleukin (IL)-8 directs neutrophil migration and activation through interaction with CXCR1 and CXCR2 that belong to the family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Naturally occurring posttranslational modifications of the NH₂-terminal region of CXCL8 affect its biological activities, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are only partially understood. Here, we studied the implications of site-specific citrullination and truncation for the signaling potency of CXCL8. Native CXCL8(1-77), citrullinated [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) and the major natural isoform CXCL8(6-77) were chemically synthesized and tested in internalization assays using human neutrophils. Citrullinated and truncated isoforms showed a moderately enhanced capacity to induce internalization of CXCR1 and CXCR2. Moreover, CXCL8-mediated activation of Gαi-dependent signaling through CXCR1 and CXCR2 was increased upon modification to [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) or CXCL8(6-77). All CXCL8 variants promoted recruitment of β-arrestins 1 and 2 to CXCR1 and CXCR2. Compared to CXCL8(1-77), CXCL8(6-77) showed an enhanced potency to recruit β-arrestin 2 to both receptors, while for [Cit5]CXCL8(1-77) only the capacity to induce β-arrestin 2 recruitment to CXCR2 was increased. Both modifications had no biasing effect, i.e., did not alter the preference of CXCL8 to activate either Gαi-protein or β-arrestin-dependent signaling through its receptors. Our results support the concept that specific chemokine activities are fine-tuned by posttranslational modifications.

Pathological roles of the homeostatic chemokine CXCL12

CXCL12 is a CXC chemokine that traditionally has been classified as a homeostatic chemokine. It contributes to physiological processes such as embryogenesis, hematopoiesis and angiogenesis. In contrast to these homeostatic functions, increased expression of CXCL12 in general, or of a specific CXCL12 splicing variant has been demonstrated in various pathologies. In addition to this increased or differential transcription of CXCL12, also upregulation of its receptors CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) contributes to the onset or progression of diseases. Moreover, posttranslational modification of CXCL12 during disease progression, through interaction with locally produced molecules or enzymes, also affects CXCL12 activity, adding further complexity. As CXCL12, CXCR4 and ACKR3 are broadly expressed, the number of pathologies wherein CXCL12 is involved is growing. In this review, the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4/ACKR3 axis will be discussed for the most prevalent pathologies. Administration of CXCL12-neutralizing antibodies or small-molecule antagonists of CXCR4 or ACKR3 delays disease onset or prevents disease progression in cancer, viral infections, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, asthma and acute lung injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and WHIM syndrome. On the other hand, CXCL12 has protective properties in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, has a beneficial role in wound healing and has crucial homeostatic properties in general.

Peroxynitrite Exposure of CXCL12 Impairs Monocyte, Lymphocyte and Endothelial Cell Chemotaxis, Lymphocyte Extravasation in vivo and Anti-HIV-1 Activity

CXCL12 is a chemotactic cytokine that attracts many different cell types for homeostasis and during inflammation. Under stress conditions, macrophages and granulocytes produce factors such as peroxynitrite as a consequence of their oxidative response. After short incubations of CXCL12 with peroxynitrite, the gradual nitration of Tyr7, Tyr61, or both Tyr7 and Tyr61 was demonstrated with the use of mass spectrometry, whereas longer incubations caused CXCL12 degradation. Native CXCL12 and the nitrated forms, [3-NT⁶¹]CXCL12 and [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12, were chemically synthesized to evaluate the effects of Tyr nitration on the biological activity of CXCL12. All CXCL12 forms had a similar binding affinity for heparin, the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the atypical chemokine receptor ACKR3. However, nitration significantly enhanced the affinity of CXCL12 for chondroitin sulfate. Internalization of CXCR4 and β-arrestin 2 recruitment to CXCR4 was significantly reduced for [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 compared to CXCL12, whereas β-arrestin 2 recruitment to ACKR3 was similar for all CXCL12 variants. [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 was weaker in calcium signaling assays and in in vitro chemotaxis assays with monocytes, lymphocytes and endothelial cells. Surprisingly, nitration of Tyr61, but not Tyr7, partially protected CXCL12 against cleavage by the specific serine protease CD26. In vivo, the effects were more pronounced compared to native CXCL12. Nitration of any Tyr residue drastically lowered lymphocyte extravasation to joints compared to native CXCL12. Finally, the anti-HIV-1 activity of [3-NT⁷]CXCL12 and [3-NT^7/61]CXCL12 was reduced, whereas CXCL12 and [3-NT⁶¹]CXCL12 were equally potent. In conclusion, nitration of CXCL12 occurs readily upon contact with peroxynitrite and specifically nitration of Tyr7 fully reduces its in vitro and in vivo biological activities.

A guide to chemokines and their receptors

The chemokines (or chemotactic cytokines) are a large family of small, secreted proteins that signal through cell surface G protein-coupled heptahelical chemokine receptors. They are best known for their ability to stimulate the migration of cells, most notably white blood cells (leukocytes). Consequently, chemokines play a central role in the development and homeostasis of the immune system, and are involved in all protective or destructive immune and inflammatory responses. Classically viewed as inducers of directed chemotactic migration, it is now clear that chemokines can stimulate a variety of other types of directed and undirected migratory behavior, such as haptotaxis, chemokinesis, and haptokinesis, in addition to inducing cell arrest or adhesion. However, chemokine receptors on leukocytes can do more than just direct migration, and these molecules can also be expressed on, and regulate the biology of, many nonleukocytic cell types. Chemokines are profoundly affected by post-translational modification, by interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and by binding to heptahelical 'atypical' chemokine receptors that regulate chemokine localization and abundance. This guide gives a broad overview of the chemokine and chemokine receptor families; summarizes the complex physical interactions that occur in the chemokine network; and, using specific examples, discusses general principles of chemokine function, focusing particularly on their ability to direct leukocyte migration.

Methods and approaches to disease mechanisms using systems kinomics

All cellular functions, ranging from regular cell maintenance and homeostasis, specialized functions specific to cellular types, or generating responses due to external stimulus, are mediated by proteins within the cell. Regulation of these proteins allows the cell to alter its behavior under different circumstances. A major mechanism of protein regulation is utilizing protein kinases and phosphatases; enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphates between substrates [1]. Proteins involved in phosphate signaling are well studied and include kinases and phosphatases that catalyze opposing reactions regulating both structure and function of the cell. Kinomics is the study of kinases, phosphatases and their targets, and has been used to study the functional changes in numerous diseases and infectious diseases with aims to delineate the cellular functions affected. Identifying the phosphate signaling pathways changed by certain diseases or infections can lead to novel therapeutic targets. However, a daunting 518 putative protein kinase genes have been identified [2], indicating that this protein family is very large and complex. Identifying which enzymes are specific to a particular disease can be a laborious task. In this review, we will provide information on large-scale systems biology methodologies that allow global screening of the kinome to more efficiently identify which kinase pathways are pertinent for further study.

Neutrophils: Beneficial and Harmful Cells in Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that is induced by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Infection of the joint triggers an acute inflammatory response directed by inflammatory mediators including microbial danger signals and cytokines and is accompanied by an influx of leukocytes. The recruitment of these inflammatory cells depends on gradients of chemoattractants including formylated peptides from the infectious agent or dying cells, host-derived leukotrienes, complement proteins and chemokines. Neutrophils are of major importance and play a dual role in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. On the one hand, these leukocytes are indispensable in the first-line defense to kill invading pathogens in the early stage of disease. However, on the other hand, neutrophils act as mediators of tissue destruction. Since the elimination of inflammatory neutrophils from the site of inflammation is a prerequisite for resolution of the acute inflammatory response, the prolonged stay of these leukocytes at the inflammatory site can lead to irreversible damage to the infected joint, which is known as an important complication in septic arthritis patients. Thus, timely reduction of the recruitment of inflammatory neutrophils to infected joints may be an efficient therapy to reduce tissue damage in septic arthritis.

The unique structural and functional features of CXCL12

The CXC chemokine CXCL12 is an important factor in physiological and pathological processes, including embryogenesis, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and inflammation, because it activates and/or induces migration of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells, endothelial cells and most leukocytes. Therefore, CXCL12 activity is tightly regulated at multiple levels. CXCL12 has the unique property of existing in six splice variants in humans, each having a specific tissue distribution and in vivo activity. Controlled splice variant transcription and mRNA stability determine the CXCL12 expression profile. CXCL12 fulfills its functions in homeostatic and pathological conditions by interacting with its receptors CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) and by binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in tissues and on the endothelium to allow a proper presentation to passing leukocytes. Homodimerizaton and heterodimerization of CXCL12 and its receptors can alter their signaling activity, as exemplified by the synergy between CXCL12 and other chemokines in leukocyte migration assays. Receptor binding may also initiate CXCL12 internalization and its subsequent removal from the environment. Furthermore, CXCL12 activity is regulated by posttranslational modifications. Proteolytic removal of NH₂- or COOH-terminal amino acids, citrullination of arginine residues by peptidyl arginine deiminases or nitration of tyrosine residues reduce CXCL12 activity. This review summarizes the interactions of CXCL12 with the cellular environment and discusses the different levels of CXCL12 activity regulation.

Regulation of Chemokine Function: The Roles of GAG-Binding and Post-Translational Nitration

The primary function of chemokines is to direct the migration of leukocytes to the site of injury during inflammation. The effects of chemokines are modulated by several means, including binding to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), binding to glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and through post-translational modifications (PTMs). GAGs, present on cell surfaces, bind chemokines released in response to injury. Chemokines bind leukocytes via their GPCRs, which directs migration and contributes to local inflammation. Studies have shown that GAGs or GAG-binding peptides can be used to interfere with chemokine binding and reduce leukocyte recruitment. Post-translational modifications of chemokines, such as nitration, which occurs due to the production of reactive species during oxidative stress, can also alter their biological activity. This review describes the regulation of chemokine function by GAG-binding ability and by post-translational nitration. These are both aspects of chemokine biology that could be targeted if the therapeutic potential of chemokines, like CXCL8, to modulate inflammation is to be realised.

Glycosaminoglycans Regulate CXCR3 Ligands at Distinct Levels: Protection against Processing by Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV/CD26 and Interference with Receptor Signaling

CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 direct chemotaxis of mainly T cells and NK cells through activation of their common CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)3. They are inactivated upon NH₂-terminal cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26. In the present study, we found that different glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) protect the CXCR3 ligands against proteolytic processing by CD26 without directly affecting the enzymatic activity of CD26. In addition, GAGs were shown to interfere with chemokine-induced CXCR3 signaling. The observation that heparan sulfate did not, and heparin only moderately, altered CXCL10-induced T cell chemotaxis in vitro may be explained by a combination of protection against proteolytic inactivation and altered receptor interaction as observed in calcium assays. No effect of CD26 inhibition was found on CXCL10-induced chemotaxis in vitro. However, treatment of mice with the CD26 inhibitor sitagliptin resulted in an enhanced CXCL10-induced lymphocyte influx into the joint. This study reveals a dual role for GAGs in modulating the biological activity of CXCR3 ligands. GAGs protect the chemokines from proteolytic cleavage but also directly interfere with chemokine–CXCR3 signaling. These data support the hypothesis that both GAGs and CD26 affect the in vivo chemokine function.

Chemokine isoforms and processing in inflammation and immunity

The first dimension of chemokine heterogeneity is reflected by their discovery and purification as natural proteins. Each of those chemokines attracted a specific inflammatory leukocyte type. With the introduction of genomic technologies, a second wave of chemokine heterogeneity was established by the discovery of putative chemokine-like sequences and by demonstrating chemotactic activity of the gene products in physiological leukocyte homing. In the postgenomic era, the third dimension of chemokine heterogeneity is the description of posttranslational modifications on most chemokines. Proteolysis of chemokines, for instance by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV/CD26) and by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is already well established as a biological control mechanism to activate, potentiate, dampen or abrogate chemokine activities. Other posttranslational modifications are less known. Theoretical N-linked and O-linked attachment sites for chemokine glycosylation were searched with bio-informatic tools and it was found that most chemokines are not glycosylated. These findings are corroborated with a low number of experimental studies demonstrating N- or O-glycosylation of natural chemokine ligands. Because attached oligosaccharides protect proteins against proteolytic degradation, their absence may explain the fast turnover of chemokines in the protease-rich environments of infection and inflammation. All chemokines interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Whether lectin-like GAG-binding induces cellular signaling is not clear, but these interactions are important for leukocyte migration and have already been exploited to reduce inflammation. In addition to selective proteolysis, citrullination and nitration/nitrosylation are being added as biologically relevant modifications contributing to functional chemokine heterogeneity. Resulting chemokine isoforms with reduced affinity for GPCRs reduce leukocyte migration in various models of inflammation. Here, these third dimension modifications are compared, with reflections on the biological and pathological contexts in which these posttranslational modifications take place and contribute to the repertoire of chemokine functions and with an emphasis on autoimmune diseases.

Truncation of CXCL12 by CD26 reduces its CXC chemokine receptor 4- and atypical chemokine receptor 3-dependent activity on endothelial cells and lymphocytes

The chemokine CXCL12 or stromal cell-derived factor 1/SDF-1 attracts hematopoietic progenitor cells and mature leukocytes through the G protein-coupled CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). In addition, it interacts with atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3 or CXCR7) and glycosaminoglycans. CXCL12 activity is regulated through posttranslational cleavage by CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase 4 that removes two NH₂-terminal amino acids. CD26-truncated CXCL12 does not induce calcium signaling or chemotaxis of mononuclear cells. CXCL12(3-68) was chemically synthesized de novo for detailed biological characterization. Compared to unmodified CXCL12, CXCL12(3-68) was no longer able to signal through CXCR4 via inositol trisphosphate (IP₃), Akt or extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Interestingly, the recruitment of β-arrestin 2 to the cell membrane via CXCR4 by CXCL12(3-68) was abolished, whereas a weakened but significant β-arrestin recruitment remained via ACKR3. CXCL12-induced endothelial cell migration and signal transduction was completely abrogated by CD26. Intact CXCL12 hardly induced lymphocyte migration upon intra-articular injection in mice. In contrast, oral treatment of mice with the CD26 inhibitor sitagliptin reduced CD26 activity and CXCL12 cleavage in blood plasma. The potential of CXCL12 to induce intra-articular lymphocyte infiltration was significantly increased in sitagliptin-treated mice and CXCL12(3-68) failed to induce migration under both CD26-inhibiting and non-inhibiting conditions. In conclusion, CD26-cleavage skews CXCL12 towards β-arrestin dependent recruitment through ACKR3 and destroys the CXCR4-mediated lymphocyte chemoattractant properties of CXCL12 in vivo. Hence, pharmacological CD26-blockade in tissues may enhance CXCL12-induced inflammation.

Regulation of Chemokine Activity - A Focus on the Role of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV/CD26

Chemokines are small, chemotactic proteins that play a crucial role in leukocyte migration and are, therefore, essential for proper functioning of the immune system. Chemokines exert their chemotactic effect by activation of chemokine receptors, which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and interaction with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Furthermore, the exact chemokine function is modulated at the level of posttranslational modifications. Among the different types of posttranslational modifications that were found to occur in vitro and in vivo, i.e., proteolysis, citrullination, glycosylation, and nitration, NH₂-terminal proteolysis of chemokines has been described most intensively. Since the NH₂-terminal chemokine domain mediates receptor interaction, NH₂-terminal modification by limited proteolysis or amino acid side chain modification can drastically affect their biological activity. An enzyme that has been shown to provoke NH₂-terminal proteolysis of various chemokines is dipeptidyl peptidase IV or CD26. This multifunctional protein is a serine protease that preferably cleaves dipeptides from the NH₂-terminal region of peptides and proteins with a proline or alanine residue in the penultimate position. Various chemokines possess such a proline or alanine residue, and CD26-truncated forms of these chemokines have been identified in cell culture supernatant as well as in body fluids. The effects of CD26-mediated proteolysis in the context of chemokines turned out to be highly complex. Depending on the chemokine ligand, loss of these two NH₂-terminal amino acids can result in either an increased or a decreased biological activity, enhanced receptor specificity, inactivation of the chemokine ligand, or generation of receptor antagonists. Since chemokines direct leukocyte migration in homeostatic as well as pathophysiologic conditions, CD26-mediated proteolytic processing of these chemotactic proteins may have significant consequences for appropriate functioning of the immune system. After introducing the chemokine family together with the GPCRs and GAGs, as main interaction partners of chemokines, and discussing the different forms of posttranslational modifications, this review will focus on the intriguing relationship of chemokines with the serine protease CD26.