Cutting edge: induction of follicular homing precedes effector Th cell development

Transition from naive to Ag-experienced effector/memory CD4+ T cells is initiated during contact with APC in secondary lymphoid tissue. Here, we demonstrate that the CXCR5 is a marker for recently activated memory CD4+ T cells. CXCR5 is rapidly induced during contact with Ag-presenting dendritic cells, well before T cell expansion and effector cell development, and is irreversibly lost on terminally differentiated effector cells. Furthermore, immunization of human volunteers with a recall Ag results in rapid accumulation of Ag-responsive, CXCR5-expressing CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood. Early acquisition of a new migration program enables T zone CD4+ T cells to develop into follicular B helper T cells or, alternatively, into circulating memory CD4+ T cells. Together, CXCR5 unequivocally defines pre-effector memory CD4+ T cells generated during ongoing immune responses.

Functional inhibition of CCR3-dependent responses by peptides derived from phage libraries

So far chemokine antagonists have been identified by modification of the NH2-terminus of known chemokines or by screening large number of compounds in functional assays. Here we used phage display peptide libraries to identify hexapeptides that antagonize the interaction between eotaxin and its receptor CCR3. The peptide sequence CPWYFWPC was recovered by panning phage libraries on CCR3-transfected murine pre-B cells after elution with eotaxin. The synthetic, structurally constrained peptide effectively competed 125I-eotaxin binding to CCR3 (IC(50) = 20 microM). Furthermore, it had weak agonistic effects on Ca(2+) mobilization in CCR3 transfectants that underwent heterologous desensitization by subsequent exposure to eotaxin. The peptide inhibited chemotaxis of CCR3 transfectants induced by a broad panel of CCR3 ligands. Specificity was tested with the CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3 and CCR5 receptors. In experiments aimed at characterization of residues necessary for eotaxin binding, we affinity purified the linear eotaxin-binding peptide VTPRQR, and showed that the peptide displaced the binding of radiolabeled eotaxin to CCR3 (IC(50) = 300 microM) ina dose-dependent manner, inhibited eotaxin induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+), and migration of CCR3-transfected cells. Specificity was affirmed using other CCR3 ligands. This is the first de novo identification of chemokine antagonists by direct screening on target proteins.

The T cell chemokine receptor CCR7 is internalized on stimulation with ELC, but not with SLC

ELC and SLC are potent agonists for CCR7, a receptor of up-most importance for the regulation of the homing and traffic of lymphocytes into and within secondary lymphoid tissues. We have studied the effects of both chemokines on receptor re-distribution in T lymphocytes and other CCR7-bearing cells by flow cytometry and by assessing receptor mediated functions. In this paper we show that ELC and SLC differ fundamentally in the ability to induce the internalization of their receptor. ELC induced a rapid time- and concentration-dependent internalization of CCR7 and markedly decreased the ability of CCR7-bearing cells to respond to a second stimulation. No receptor internalization, by contrast, was observed on stimulation with SLC. Receptors that were internalized on stimulation with ELC were re-expressed when the cells were washed. Re-expression of receptors and consequent re-activation of the cells was prevented in the presence of ELC, but was not affected in the presence of SLC. These findings could explain how T lymphocytes that enter lymphoid tissues in response to SLC produced by high-endothelial venules can subsequently migrate in response to SLC and ELC expressed within the T cell areas.

Differential regulation of chemokine production in human peritoneal mesothelial cells: IFN-gamma controls neutrophil migration across the mesothelium in vitro and in vivo

Leukocyte recruitment into the infected peritoneal cavity consists of an early, predominant polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) influx and subsequent, prolonged mononuclear cell migration phase. Although chemokine secretion by resident peritoneal cells plays a primary role in mediating this migration, the mechanisms involved in controlling the switch in phenotype of cell infiltrate remain unclear. The present study investigates a potential role for the Th1-type cytokine IFN-gamma in the process of leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. Stimulation of cultured human peritoneal mesothelial cells with IFN-gamma (1-100 U/ml) alone or in combination with IL-1beta (100 pg/ml) or TNF-alpha (1000 pg/ml) resulted in significant up-regulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and RANTES protein secretion. In contrast, IFN-gamma inhibited basal and IL-1beta-, and TNF-alpha-induced production of IL-8. The modulating effects of IFN-gamma on chemokine production occurred at the level of gene expression, and the degree of regulation observed was dependent on the doses of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha used. Analysis of the functional effects of IFN-gamma on IL-1beta-induced transmesothelial PMN migration with an in vitro human transmigration system and an in vivo murine model of peritoneal inflammation demonstrated that IFN-gamma was able to down-regulate PMN migration induced by optimal doses of IL-1beta. These effects were mediated in vivo via down-regulation of CXC chemokine synthesis. These findings suggest that IFN-gamma may play a role in controlling the phenotype of infiltrating leukocyte during the course of an inflammatory response, in part via regulation of resident cell chemokine synthesis.

Agonistic and antagonistic activities of chemokines

Since the discovery of interleukin-8, about 50 chemokines have been identified and characterized. Originally, they were considered as inducible mediators of inflammation, but in recent years, several chemokines were identified that are expressed constitutively and function in physiological traffic and homing of leukocyte-lymphocytes in particular. All chemokines act via seven-transmembrane domain, G protein-coupled receptors. Eighteen such receptors have been identified so far. Studies on structure-activity relationships indicate that chemokines have two main sites of interaction with their receptors, the flexible NH2-terminal region and the conformationally rigid loop that follows the second cysteine. Chemokines are thought to dock onto receptors by means of the loop region, and this contact is believed to facilitate the binding of the NH2-terminal region that results in receptor activation. These studies have also highlighted the importance of the NH2-terminal region for agonistic and antagonistic activity. Recently, we have shown that some naturally occurring chemokines can function as receptor antagonists. These observations suggest a new mechanism for the regulation of leukocyte recruitment during inflammatory and immune reactions, which are based on the combination of agonistic and antagonistic effects.

Rapid inactivation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 by cathepsin G associated with lymphocytes

The CXC chemokine stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 is produced constitutively in different tissues. It is the only known ligand for CXCR4, which is widely expressed in leukocytes and in some tissue cells, and acts as coreceptor for X4 HIV strains. Because of the general interest in the mechanisms that regulate the activity of constitutively expressed chemokines, we have studied the inactivation of SDF-1 in cells that bear CXCR4. Here we show that B lymphocytes, NK cells and, to a lesser extent, T lymphocytes inactivate SDF-1 by N-terminal processing. Inactivation is due to cathepsin G which is associated with the membrane of lymphocytes and rapidly cleaves off five N-terminal residues by acting on the Leu(5)-Ser(6) bond yielding SDF-1(6-67). Processing was observed with intact cells, cell membrane preparations and soluble cathepsin G obtained by extraction of the membranes with Triton X-100. Cathepsin G is released by neutrophils and monocytes and binds on the surface of lymphocytes by an apparently saturable process. Analysis of the product obtained, the time course and the sensitivity to inhibitors shows that cathepsin G is the only protease involved. Conversion of SDF-1 to SDF-1(6-67) was complete within minutes to 1-2 h depending on the enzyme source, and was abrogated by inhibitors of serine proteases and chymostatin. Diprotin A, an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase IV, was without effect. Owing to its availability on the surface of SDF-1-responsive cells and its rapid effect, cathepsin G is likely to play a significant role in down-regulating SDF-1 activity.

The ligands of CXC chemokine receptor 3, I-TAC, Mig, and IP10, are natural antagonists for CCR3

Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes express a different repertoire of chemokine receptors (CCRs). CXCR3, the receptor for I-TAC (interferon-inducible T cell alpha-chemoattractant), Mig (monokine induced by gamma-interferon), and IP10 (interferon-inducible protein 10), is expressed preferentially on Th1 cells, whereas CCR3, the receptor for eotaxin and several other CC chemokines, is characteristic of Th2 cells. While studying responses that are mediated by these two receptors, we found that the agonists for CXCR3 act as antagonists for CCR3. I-TAC, Mig, and IP10 compete for the binding of eotaxin to CCR3-bearing cells and inhibit migration and Ca(2+) changes induced in such cells by stimulation with eotaxin, eotaxin-2, MCP-2 (monocyte chemottractant protein-2), MCP-3, MCP-4, and RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted). A hybrid chemokine generated by substituting the first eight NH(2)-terminal residues of eotaxin with those of I-TAC bound CCR3 with higher affinity than eotaxin or I-TAC (3- and 10-fold, respectively). The hybrid was 5-fold more potent than I-TAC as an inhibitor of eotaxin activity and was effective at concentrations as low as 5 nm. None of the antagonists described induced the internalization of CCR3, indicating that they lack agonistic effects and thus qualify as pure antagonists. These results suggest that chemokines that attract Th1 cells via CXCR3 can concomitantly block the migration of Th2 cells in response to CCR3 ligands, thus enhancing the polarization of T cell recruitment.

Changing responsiveness to chemokines allows medullary plasmablasts to leave lymph nodes

During T cell-dependent antibody responses lymph node B cells differentiate either to plasmablasts that grow in the medullary cords, or to blasts that proliferate in follicles forming germinal centers. Many plasmablasts differentiate to plasma cells locally, but some leave the medullary cords and migrate to downstream lymph nodes. To assess the basis for this migration, changes in the responsiveness of B cells to a range of chemokines have been studied as they differentiate. Naive B cells express high levels of CCR6, CCR7, CXCR4 and CXCR5. When activated B cells grow in follicles the expression of these chemokine receptors and the responsiveness to the respective chemokines is retained. During the extrafollicular response, plasmablast expression of CXCR5 and responsiveness to B-lymphocyte chemoattractant (CXCR5) as well as to secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (CCR7) and stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 (CXCR4) are lost while a weak response towards the CCR6 chemokine LARC is maintained. Despite losing responsiveness to SDF-1, extrafollicular plasmablasts still express high levels of CXCR4 on the cell surface. These results suggest that the combined loss of chemokine receptor expression and of chemokine responsiveness may be a necessary prerequisite for cells to migrate to the medullary cords and subsequently enter the efferent lymph.

Lymphocyte traffic control by chemokines

In contrast to the remarkable chemokine responses of phagocytes and monocytes that were documented early on, lymphocytes have been considered for a long time to be poor targets for chemokine action. This view has changed dramatically with the discovery that peripheral blood T cells need to be activated before they can migrate in response to inflammatory chemokines. These chemokines do not act on the bulk of resting T cells that are in circulation. The identification of a new group of chemokines that selects resting, as opposed to effector, T and B cells was very exciting. These inflammation-unrelated chemokines affect transendothelial migration and localization of progenitor and mature lymphocytes in lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. Here, we summarize the current view of chemokine-mediated lymphocyte traffic and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which T cell responses to chemokines are modulated. Recent developments in this area justify the hypothesis that the distinct migration patterns of lymphocytes throughout their life cycle--that is, during lymphopoiesis, antigen-dependent priming, inflammation and immune surveillance--are finely tuned by changing sets of chemokines that are selective for developmentally regulated chemokine receptors. Thus, the chemokine system assures that cell traffic during inflammatory responses occurs in the proper spatial and temporal fashion and disturbance of this system, therefore, can lead to inflammatory disease.

CXC chemokine receptor 5 expression defines follicular homing T cells with B cell helper function

Leukocyte traffic through secondary lymphoid tissues is finely tuned by chemokines. We have studied the functional properties of a human T cell subset marked by the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5). Memory but not naive T cells from tonsils are CXCR5(+) and migrate in response to the B cell-attracting chemokine 1 (BCA-1), which is selectively expressed by reticular cells and blood vessels within B cell follicles. Tonsillar CXCR5(+) T cells do not respond to other chemokines present in secondary lymphoid tissues, including secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine (SLC), EBV-induced molecule 1 ligand chemokine (ELC), and stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). The involvement of tonsillar CXCR5(+) T cells in humoral immune responses is suggested by their localization in the mantle and light zone germinal centers of B cell follicles and by the concomitant expression of activation and costimulatory markers, including CD69, HLA-DR, and inducible costimulator (ICOS). Peripheral blood CXCR5(+) T cells also belong to the CD4(+) memory T cell subset but, in contrast to tonsillar cells, are in a resting state and migrate weakly to chemokines. CXCR5(+) T cells are very inefficient in the production of cytokines but potently induce antibody production during coculture with B cells. These properties portray CXCR5(+) T cells as a distinct memory T cell subset with B cell helper function, designated here as follicular B helper T cells (T(FH)).

Chemokines in inflammation and immunity

Since the discovery of interleukin 8 (IL-8), about 50 chemokines have been characterized. Originally, they were considered as inducible mediators of inflammation, but in recent years, several chemokines have been identified that are expressed constitutively and function in the physiological traffic and homing of leukocytes.

Leukocyte migration across human peritoneal mesothelial cells is dependent on directed chemokine secretion and ICAM-1 expression

BACKGROUND

Leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity is a diagnostic feature of peritonitis in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD). While neutrophil (PMN) influx is characteristic of the acute phase of peritoneal infection, significant mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration, occurs throughout the whole period of infection. Recent data suggests that human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) adhesion molecule expression and the synthesis of chemotactic cytokines may be important in the process.

METHODS

In the present study we have examined, the regulation and directed secretion of chemokines (IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES) and the basolateral to apical migration of unstimulated leukocytes across mesothelial cell monolayers using an in vitro model where HPMC were grown on the porous membrane of tissue culture inserts. Separate experiments have defined the importance of chemokine synthesis and ICAM-1 expression in the transmigration process.

RESULTS

Apical stimulation of HPMC with IL-1 beta or TNF alpha resulted in a time and dose dependent up-regulation of IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES mRNA expression and synthesis. This secretion was predominately into the apical compartment (> 85%) with all chemokines. Apical pre-stimulation of HPMC resulted in a dose- and time-dependent migration of both PMN and MNC across HPMC. Neutrophil migration was significantly reduced in the presence of appropriate concentrations of polyclonal IL-8 antibody (IL-1 beta (100 pg/ml) 153 +/- 12 versus anti-IL-8 (100 ng/ml) 71 +/- 7 (X 10(3)) PMN, N = 6, P < 0.02) and in the presence of anti-ICAM-1 F(ab)'2 fragments or soluble ICAM-1. Constitutive and cytokine stimulated mononuclear cell migration was significantly reduced in the simultaneous presence of polyclonal MCP-1 or RANTES antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that HPMC synthesize IL-8, MCP-1 and RANTES in response to inflammatory cytokines. HPMC-derived C-x-C and C-C chemokines might contribute to the intra-peritoneal recruitment of leukocytes during peritoneal inflammation.

Lymphocyte-specific chemokine receptor CXCR3: regulation, chemokine binding and gene localization

Expression of CXCR3, the receptor for the CXC chemokines IFN-gamma-inducible 10-kDa protein (IP10) and monokine induced by IFN-gamma (Mig), in human T lymphocytes and their responses to IP10 and Mig were analyzed. About 40 % of resting T lymphocytes (and low numbers of B cells and natural killer cells) stained positive for CXCR3 but these cells did not express CXCR3 transcripts and did not respond to these chemokines. However, treatment with IL-2 with or without addition of phytohemagglutinin for 10 or more days resulted in cultures of fully responsive, CXCR3-positive T lymphocytes. Treatment with anti-CD3 antibodies in the presence or absence of soluble anti-CD28 antibodies was inhibitory. Addition of chondroitin sulfate C to CXCR3-expressing murine pre-B cells allowed the determination of high-affinity binding for Mig and IP10 with Kd of 0.9-1.2 nM and 0.2-0.3 nM, respectively, and 1.3 x 10(4) binding sites per cell. The gene for CXCR3 was localized on human chromosome Xq13 which is in clear contrast to all other chemokine receptor genes, suggesting unique function(s) for this receptor and its ligands that may lie beyond their established role in T cell-dependent immunity.

Effects of methotrexate on differentiation of monocytes and production of cytokine inhibitors by monocytes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the potential of methotrexate (MTX) to act as a differentiation-stimulating factor for monocytes, which could explain the antiinflammatory properties of this agent in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis was used to measure the changes in antigen expression (CD11b/c, CD16, CD64, CD14, CD68, and CD95) in response to MTX, 1,25-OH-cholecalciferol (1,25-OH-CCF), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the human monoblastic leukemia cell line U937, bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor a, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) p55 and p75 during the differentiation in vitro was assessed by immunoassay in the culture supernatants.

RESULTS

MTX alone and in combination with 1,25-OH-CCF markedly stimulated the differentiation of the monocytic U937 cells and simultaneously increased Fas-antigen expression. Differentiation was associated with enhanced IL-1Ra and sTNFR p75 release from U937 cells. MTX had fewer effects on phenotypic differentiation of human BMMC and PBMC, but did stimulate IL-1Ra release and inhibit IL-1beta synthesis in BMMC.

CONCLUSION

MTX acts as a strong differentiation factor for immature and undifferentiated monocytic cells. Differentiation in vitro is associated with an increase in natural cytokine inhibitor release and a simultaneous down-regulation of IL-1beta. These findings may explain the marked clinical antiinflammatory effects of MTX when used in the treatment of RA.

Activation of blood T lymphocytes down-regulates CXCR4 expression and interferes with propagation of X4 HIV strains

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 serves as a coreceptor for HIV-1 entry into CD4+ cells, in particular for strains emerging late in the infection. Cell surface expression of CXCR4 has, therefore, important implications for HIV-1 pathogenesis. Using blood lymphocytes cultured under various conditions, we studied the expression and regulation of CXCR4. Flow cytometry showed that only about 20% of freshly isolated lymphocytes expressed CXCR4 on the cell surface whereas in 80% of resting blood lymphocytes CXCR4 was located intracellularly. Within a few hours in culture, the intracellular CXCR4 was translocated to the surface and was expressed in the large majority of both naive and memory lymphocytes. A decrease in surface expression of CXCR4 was found when lymphocytes cultured overnight for maximal receptor expression were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin, anti-CD3 antibodies, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and stromal cell-derived factor-1. The superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin A, a more selective stimulus, induced a marked decrease in CXCR4 expression preferentially in cells positive for the CD25 activation marker. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated the presence of CXCR4 in the cytosol and on the surface of resting lymphocytes and also showed CXCR4 redistribution after activation. The number of cells infected by the X4 HIV strain NL4.3 paralleled the expression of CXCR4 in CD4+ T lymphocytes. Sustained reduction of CXCR4 cell surface expression upon activation with phytohemagglutinin correlated with a low number of CD4+ T lymphocytes expressing HIV p24 gag antigen. Our results indicate that activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes reduces surface expression of CXCR4 in part by receptor internalization and that cell activation-dependent CXCR4 down-regulation limits spread of infection by X4 viruses.

Rapid and coordinated switch in chemokine receptor expression during dendritic cell maturation

Dendritic cells (DC) migrate into inflamed peripheral tissues where they capture antigens and, following maturation, to lymph nodes where they stimulate T cells. To gain insight into this process we compared chemokine receptor expression in immature and mature DC. Immature DC expressed CCR1, CCR2, CCR5 and CXCR1 and responded to their respective ligands, which are chemokines produced at inflammatory sites. Following stimulation with LPS or TNF-alpha maturing DC expressed high levels of CCR7 mRNA and acquired responsiveness to the CCR7 ligand EBI1 ligand chemokine (ELC), a chemokine produced in lymphoid organs. Maturation also resulted in up-regulation of CXCR4 and down-regulation of CXCR1 mRNA, while CCR1 and CCR5 mRNA were only marginally affected for up to 40 h. However, CCR1 and CCR5 were lost from the cell surface within 3 h, due to receptor down-regulation mediated by chemokines produced by maturing DC. A complete down-regulation of CCR1 and CCR5 mRNA was observed only after stimulation with CD40 ligand of DC induced to mature by LPS treatment. These different patterns of chemokine receptors are consistent with "inflammatory" and "primary response" phases of DC function.

N-terminal peptides of stromal cell-derived factor-1 with CXC chemokine receptor 4 agonist and antagonist activities

Peptides corresponding to the N-terminal 9 residues of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) have SDF-1 activity. SDF-1, 1-8, 1-9, 1-9 dimer, and 1-17 induced intracellular calcium and chemotaxis in T lymphocytes and CEM cells and bound to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). The peptides had similar activities to SDF-1 but were less potent. Whereas native SDF-1 had half-maximal chemoattractant activity at 5 nM, the 1-9 dimer required 500 nM and was therefore 100-fold less potent. The 1-17 and a 1-9 monomer analog were 4- and 36-fold, respectively, less potent than the 1-9 dimer. Both the chemotactic and calcium response of the 1-9 dimer was inhibited by an antibody to CXCR4. The basis for the enhanced activity of the dimer form of SDF-1, 1-9 is uncertain, but it could involve an additional fortuitous binding site on the 1-9 peptide in addition to the normal SDF-1, 1-9 site. A 1-9 analog, 1-9[P2G] dimer, was found to be a CXCR4 antagonist. Overall this study shows that the N-terminal peptides are CXCR4 agonists or antagonists, and these could be leads for high affinity ligands.

HCC-2, a human chemokine: gene structure, expression pattern, and biological activity

Cloning and sequencing of the upstream region of the gene of the CC chemokine HCC-1 led to the discovery of an adjacent gene coding for a CC chemokine that was named "HCC-2." The two genes are separated by 12-kbp and reside in a head-to-tail orientation on chromosome 17. At variance with the genes for HCC-1 and other human CC chemokines, which have a three-exon-two-intron structure, the HCC-2 gene consists of four exons and three introns. Expression of HCC-2 and HCC-1 as studied by Northern analysis revealed, in addition to the regular, monocistronic mRNAs, a common, bicistronic transcript. In contrast to HCC-1, which is expressed constitutively in numerous human tissues, HCC-2 is expressed only in the gut and the liver. HCC-2 shares significant sequence homology with CKbeta8 and the murine chemokines C10, CCF18/MRP-2, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1gamma, which all contain six instead of four conserved cysteines. The two additional cysteines of HCC-2 form a third disulfide bond, which anchors the COOH-terminal domain to the core of the molecule. Highly purified recombinant HCC-2 was tested on neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes and was found to exhibit marked functional similarities to macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha. It is a potent chemoattractant and inducer of enzyme release in monocytes and a moderately active attractant for eosinophils. Desensitization studies indicate that HCC-2 acts mainly via CC chemokine receptor CCR1.

Lymphocyte responses to chemokines

Today, almost three dozen human chemokines have been identified. The main function of these soluble proteins is the recruitment of leukocytes to sites of infection and inflammation. This review emphasizes the new developments in the field of lymphocyte responses to chemokines. Notably, it was shown that lymphocytes require stimulation to become responsive to chemokines, a process that is closely linked to chemokine receptor expression. As an exception, one chemokine, SDF-1, is a highly effective chemoattractant for non-activated T lymphocytes and progenitor B cells. Of particular interest are the chemokines IP10 and Mig which bind to a receptor with selective expression in activated T lymphocytes and, therefore, may be critical mediators of T lymphocyte migration in T cell-dependent immune-responses. All other chemokines with activities in lymphocytes do also induce responses in monocytes and granulocytes. The involvement of chemokine receptors in HIV infection is briefly mentioned, while other interesting areas in chemokine research, such as hematopoiesis and angiogenesis, are not discussed.

Solution structure and basis for functional activity of stromal cell-derived factor-1; dissociation of CXCR4 activation from binding and inhibition of HIV-1

The three-dimensional structure of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was determined by NMR spectroscopy. SDF-1 is a monomer with a disordered N-terminal region (residues 1-8), and differs from other chemokines in the packing of the hydrophobic core and surface charge distribution. Results with analogs showed that the N-terminal eight residues formed an important receptor binding site; however, only Lys-1 and Pro-2 were directly involved in receptor activation. Modification to Lys-1 and/or Pro-2 resulted in loss of activity, but generated potent SDF-1 antagonists. Residues 12-17 of the loop region, which we term the RFFESH motif, unlike the N-terminal region, were well defined in the SDF-1 structure. The RFFESH formed a receptor binding site, which we propose to be an important initial docking site of SDF-1 with its receptor. The ability of the SDF-1 analogs to block HIV-1 entry via CXCR4, which is a HIV-1 coreceptor for the virus in addition to being the receptor for SDF-1, correlated with their affinity for CXCR4. Activation of the receptor is not required for HIV-1 inhibition.

TYMSTR, a putative chemokine receptor selectively expressed in activated T cells, exhibits HIV-1 coreceptor function

BACKGROUND

Chemokines bind to specific receptors and mediate leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. Recently, some chemokine receptors, notably CXCR4 and CCR5, have been shown to be essential fusion factors on target cells for infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); the chemokines bound by these receptors have also been shown to act as potent inhibitors of HIV infection. Here, we describe the isolation of a novel, putative chemokine receptor.

RESULTS

We have isolated the cDNA for a putative human chemokine receptor, which we have termed TYMSTR (T-lymphocyte-expressed seven-transmembrane domain receptor). The TYMSTR gene is localized to human chromosome 3 and encodes a protein that has a high level of identity with chemokine receptors. TYMSTR mRNA was selectively expressed in interleukin-2-stimulated T lymphocytes but not in freshly isolated lymphocytes and leukocytes or related cell lines. The natural ligand for TYMSTR was not identified among 32 human chemokines and other potential ligands. Cells co-expressing TYMSTR and human CD4 fused with cells expressing envelope glycoproteins of macrophage (M)-tropic HIV-1 as well as T-cell line (T)-tropic HIV-1 isolates. Addition of infectious, T-tropic HIV-1 particles to TYMSTR/CD4-expressing cells resulted in viral entry and proviral DNA formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that TYMSTR, in combination with CD4, mediates HIV-1 fusion and entry. The high-level expression of TYMSTR in CD4(+) T lymphocytes and the selectivity of this receptor for T-tropic and M-tropic HIV-1 strains indicates that TYMSTR might function as HIV coreceptor at both early and late stages of infection.

High expression of the chemokine receptor CCR3 in human blood basophils. Role in activation by eotaxin, MCP-4, and other chemokines

Eosinophil leukocytes express high numbers of the chemokine receptor CCR3 which binds eotaxin, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-4, and some other CC chemokines. In this paper we show that CCR3 is also highly expressed on human blood basophils, as indicated by Northern blotting and flow cytometry, and mediates mainly chemotaxis. Eotaxin and MCP-4 elicited basophil migration in vitro with similar efficacy as regulated upon activation normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES) and MCP-3. They also induced the release of histamine and leukotrienes in IL-3-primed basophils, but their efficacy was lower than that of MCP-1 and MCP-3, which were the most potent stimuli of exocytosis. Pretreatment of the basophils with a CCR3-blocking antibody abrogated the migration induced by eotaxin, RANTES, and by low to optimal concentrations of MCP-4, but decreased only minimally the response to MCP-3. The CCR3-blocking antibody also affected exocytosis: it abrogated histamine and leukotriene release induced by eotaxin, and partially inhibited the response to RANTES and MCP-4. In contrast, the antibody did not affect the responses induced by MCP-1, MCP-3, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, which may depend on CCR1 and CCR2, two additional receptors detected by Northern blotting with basophil RNA. This study demonstrates that CCR3 is the major receptor for eotaxin, RANTES, and MCP-4 in human basophils, and suggests that basophils and eosinophils, which are the characteristic effector cells of allergic inflammation, depend largely on CCR3 for migration towards different chemokines into inflamed tissues.

In vitro modulation of cytokine, cytokine inhibitor, and prostaglandin E release from blood mononuclear cells and synovial fibroblasts by antirheumatic drugs

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of various antirheumatic drugs on cytokine, cytokine inhibitor, and prostaglandin E (PGE) production by normal blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts in vitro.

METHODS

MNC from healthy donors and RA synovial fibroblasts were preincubated with or without prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indomethacin, dexamethasone, gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM), methotrexate (MTX), and cyclosporin A (CyA), and then cultured in the absence or presence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) for 48 h. We characterized cytokines such as IL-1 beta, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and cytokine inhibitors such as IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR p55 + p75) as well as PGE in the cell-free culture supernatants.

RESULTS

In MNC and synovial fibroblast cultures dexamethasone, GSTM, and PGE2 most markedly downregulated spontaneous and/or cytokine stimulated production of IL-1 beta, IL-14a, IL-8, and MCP-1, whereas sTNFR shedding was not affected. In contrast, MTX and CyA had only marginal or no effects on mediator release, whereas indomethacin inhibited only PGE production.

CONCLUSION

Among several antirheumatic drugs examined, dexamethasone and GSTM exhibited the most potent inhibitory effects on inflammatory cytokine and cytokine inhibitor production by blood mononuclear cells and synovial fibroblasts. These drugs may exert their antiinflammatory actions by unspecific suppression of monocyte and fibroblast secretory function.

HIV coreceptor downregulation as antiviral principle: SDF-1alpha-dependent internalization of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 contributes to inhibition of HIV replication

Ligation of CCR5 by the CC chemokines RANTES, MIP-1alpha or MIP-1beta, and of CXCR4 by the CXC chemokine SDF-1alpha, profoundly inhibits the replication of HIV strains that use these coreceptors for entry into CD4(+) T lymphocytes. The mechanism of entry inhibition is not known. We found a rapid and extensive downregulation of CXCR4 by SDF-1alpha and of CCR5 by RANTES or the antagonist RANTES(9-68). Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that CCR5 and CXCR4, after binding to their ligands, are internalized into vesicles that qualify as early endosomes as indicated by colocalization with transferrin receptors. Internalization was not affected by treatment with Bordetella pertussis toxin, showing that it is independent of signaling via Gi-proteins. Removal of SDF-1alpha led to rapid, but incomplete surface reexpression of CXCR4, a process that was not inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting that the coreceptor is recycling from the internalization pool. Deletion of the COOH-terminal, cytoplasmic domain of CXCR4 did not affect HIV entry, but prevented SDF-1alpha-induced receptor downregulation and decreased the potency of SDF-1alpha as inhibitor of HIV replication. Our results indicate that the ability of the coreceptor to internalize is not required for HIV entry, but contributes to the HIV suppressive effect of CXC and CC chemokines.

Eotaxin-2, a novel CC chemokine that is selective for the chemokine receptor CCR3, and acts like eotaxin on human eosinophil and basophil leukocytes

A novel human CC chemokine consisting of 78 amino acids and having a molecular mass of 8,778.3 daltons (VVIPSPCCMF FVSKRIPENR VVSYQLSSRS TCLKAGVIFT TKKGQQ SCGD PKQEWVQRYM KNLDAKQKKA SPRARAVA) was isolated together with three minor COOH-terminally truncated variants with 73, 75, and 76 residues. The new chemokine was termed eotaxin-2 because it is functionally very similar to eotaxin. In terms of structure, however, eotaxin and eotaxin-2 are rather distant, they share only 39% identical amino acids and differ almost completely in the NH2-terminal region. Eotaxin-2 induced chemotaxis of eosinophils as well as basophils, with a typically bimodal concentration dependence, and the release of histamine and leukotriene C4 from basophils that had been primed with IL-3. In all assays, eotaxin-2 had the same efficacy as eotaxin, but was somewhat less potent. The migration and the release responses were abrogated in the presence of a monoclonal antibody that selectively blocks the eotaxin receptor, CCR3, indicating that eotaxin-2, like eotaxin, acts exclusively via CCR3. Receptor usage was also studied in desensitization experiments by measuring [Ca2+]i changes in eosinophils. Complete cross-desensitization was observed between eotaxin-2, eotaxin and MCP-4 confirming activation via CCR3. No Ca2+ mobilization was obtained in neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes, in agreement with the lack of chemotactic responsiveness. Intradermal injection of eotaxin-2 in a rhesus monkey (100 or 1,000 pmol per site) induced a marked local infiltration of eosinophils, which was most pronounced in the vicinity of postcapillary venules and was comparable to the effect of eotaxin.

CKbeta8, a novel CC chemokine that predominantly acts on monocytes

We have studied the biological properties of a new human CC chemokine, CKbeta8, consisting of 99 amino acids including six cysteines. CKbeta8 mRNA transcripts were induced in monocytes by IL-1beta and, to a lesser extent, by IFNgamma, and were detected in RNA extracted from normal human liver and gastrointestinal tract. CKbeta8 is chemotactic for monocytes, but is inactive on IL-2 conditioned T lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils. Desensitization experiments indicate that CKbeta8 and MIP-1beta completely share receptors on monocytes and that the CKbeta8 receptor, which appears to differ from the known ones, is also recognized by MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MIP-1alpha and RANTES.

Inverse MCP-1/IL-8 ratio in effluents of CAPD patients with peritonitis and in isolated cultured human peritoneal macrophages

An important event in intraperitoneal inflammation is the influx of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity. Chemokines such as interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) play a major role in the recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation. We determined the concentrations of two members of the chemokine family, IL-8 and MCP-1, in the dialysate effluents of 18 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with peritonitis and of 18 non-infected CAPD patients by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Isolated peritoneal macrophages (PMs) from CAPD peritonitis patients were cultured and IL-8 and MCP-1 production was determined on protein (ELISA) and mRNA level (Northern blot) at designated timepoints over a 72-h culture period. PMs from non-infected patients served as controls. Much higher concentrations of IL-8 and MCP-1 were found in dialysate effluents of peritonitis patients than in effluents of non-infected patients: IL-8 2.39 +/- 1.15 vs 0.05 +/- 0.01 ng/ml and MCP-1 22.5 +/- 6.27 vs 0.42 +/- 0.07 ng/ml. IL-8 and MCP-1 release by cultured PMs from peritonitis patients and non-infected patients revealed significant differences: IL-8 40.3 +/- 2.2 ng/ml after 3 h and 194.2 +/- 34.9 ng/ml after 12 h compared to 21.02 +/- 6.15 ng/ml after 3 h and 89.64 +/- 30.28 ng/ml after 12 h, respectively; MCP-1 3.3 +/- 0.9 ng/ml after 3 h and 25.7 +/- 7.4 ng/ml after 12 h compared to 1.1 +/- 0.2 ng/ml and 1.8 +/- 0.2 ng/ml, respectively. Interestingly, the ratio of IL-8 to MCP-1 concentrations in the dialysate effluents (1:9.4) is reversed in the supernatants of cultured PMs. In the effluents and in the culture supernatants of PMs from CAPD peritonitis patients high amounts of IL-8 and MCP-1 are detectable, suggesting that PMs are an important source for these chemokines during peritonitis. Because of the inverse ratio of IL-8 and MCP-1 in the effluents and culture supernatants it can be assumed that PMs are responsible for the MCP-1 concentration to a lesser extent than for the IL-8 concentration in the effluents.

Expression and regulation of G1 cell-cycle inhibitors (p16INK4A, p15INK4B, p18INK4C, p19INK4D) in human acute myeloid leukemia and normal myeloid cells

In hematological malignancies, structural alterations of genes for G1-specific cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors (CKIs) have been extensively investigated. G1-CKIs might play an important role not only as tumor suppressor genes but also in cellular differentiation. We examined constitutive and differentiation-induced expression and regulation of the four members of the G1-CKI family p16INK4A, p15INK4B, p18INK4C and p19INK4D in acute myeloid leukemia as well as their expression in normal granulocytes and monocytes. p18INK4C and p19INK4D mRNA were expressed constitutively at high levels in seven myeloid cell lines and 16 AML patient samples, whereas expression of p15INK4B mRNA was very low and only detectable by nested RT-PCR analysis. During phorbol ester-induced monocytic differentiation of leukemic HL-60 cells expression of particular G1-CKIs was disparately regulated. This process was associated with growth arrest of the majority of the cells (> or = 80%) in G1/G0, and in parallel p15INK4B were upregulated whereas p18INK4C and p19INK4D expression was downregulated. In contrast, granulocytic differentiation induced by DMSO was accompanied by an increase of p18INK4C and p19INK4D expression only. PMA treatment of blast cells from two AML patients confirmed these cell line results. Disparate regulation of p15INK4B and p18INK4C mRNA was dependent on intermediary protein synthesis and occurred at the post-transcriptional level as shown by nuclear run-on analysis and mRNA half-life studies. In normal granulocytes and monocytes low constitutive p15INK4B and p18INK4C mRNA expression was detectable by RT-PCR only, but p19INK4D transcripts were noted by Northern blotting in both cell types. Disparate expression of G1-specific cell cycle inhibitors indicates complex and divergent roles of particular CKIs during normal and leukemic myeloid hematopoiesis.

Opposite effects of interleukin-13 and interleukin-12 on the release of inflammatory cytokines, cytokine inhibitors and prostaglandin E from synovial fibroblasts and blood mononuclear cells

We examined the effects of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) on cytokine, cytokine inhibitor and prostaglandin E (PGE) release from synovial fibroblasts and blood mononuclear cells (MNC). In resting synovial fibroblasts, we found that IL-13 is an inhibitor of IL-8 and PGE release. A significant decrease of PGE synthesis caused by IL-13 was also observed in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-stimulated synovial fibroblasts, whereas IL-12 had no regulatory effects on these cells. In resting and cytokine-stimulated MNC, IL-13 markedly inhibited IL-1 beta, IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release and potently stimulated interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) synthesis. In contrast, IL-12 stimulated the production of IL-1 beta and MCP-1 in TNF-alpha-stimulated MNC and inhibited IL-1ra synthesis in cytokine-stimulated cells. These findings identify novel biological actions of IL-12 and IL-13 on connective tissue and on blood mononuclear cells which indicate their regulatory functions as enhancer and suppressor of inflammatory processes, respectively.

Chemokine receptor specific for IP10 and mig: structure, function, and expression in activated T-lymphocytes

A human receptor that is selective for the CXC chemokines IP10 and Mig was cloned and characterized. The receptor cDNA has an open reading frame of 1104-bp encoding a protein of 368 amino acids with a molecular mass of 40,659 dalton. The sequence includes seven putative transmembrane segments characteristic of G-protein coupled receptors. It shares 40.9 and 40.3% identical amino acids with the two IL-8 receptors, and 34.2-36.9% identity with the five known CC chemokine receptors. The IP10/Mig receptor is highly expressed in IL-2-activated T lymphocytes, but is not detectable in resting T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. It mediates Ca2+ mobilization and chemotaxis in response to IP10 and Mig, but does not recognize the CXC-chemokines IL-8, GRO alpha, NAP-2, GCP-2. ENA78, PF4, the CC-chemokines MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MCP-4, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta. RANTES, 1309, eotaxin, nor lymphotactin. The exclusive expression in activated T-lymphocytes is of high interest since the receptors for chemokines which have been shown so far to attract lymphocytes, e.g., MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, and RANTES, are also found in monocytes and granulocytes. The present observations suggest that the IP10/Mig receptor is involved in the selective recruitment of effector T cells.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors, IL-1 beta, and IL-8--markers of remission in rheumatoid arthritis during treatment with methotrexate

OBJECTIVE

To examine circulating levels of cytokines and cytokine inhibitors and their production by blood mononuclear cells (MNC) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before treatment with methotrexate (MTX) and inactive disease upon treatment as well as healthy control individuals.

METHODS

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors p55 and p75 (sTNFr; p55 and p75), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) were assessed by immunoassays in sera and MNC culture supernatants of 27 patients with RA with active disease before and 14 patients with inactive disease during MTX treatment, and 10 healthy controls.

RESULTS

Levels of circulating IL-1ra, sTNFr p55 and p75 were higher in patients with active RA compared to those with inactive disease or controls. At the cellular level, resting MNC of patients with active RA released more IL-1 beta and IL-8, but less IL-1ra, and showed a lower ratio of IL-1ra:IL-1 beta than MNC of patients without inflammatory symptoms or healthy controls. In addition, unstimulated and in vitro lipopolysaccharide stimulated MNC cultures of patients with inactive RA released higher amounts of sTNFr p75 than MNC of patients with active RA.

CONCLUSION

Circulating levels of IL-1ra and sTNFr as well as IL-1 beta, IL-8, and sTNFr p75 release from MNC and the ratio of IL-1ra:IL-1 beta production by these cells serve as markers to assess complete disease remission in patients with RA during MTX treatment.

The interleukin-8 receptor B and CXC chemokines can mediate transendothelial migration of human skin homing T cells

We studied the involvement of chemokines that bind to G protein-coupled receptors in the migration of skin homing T cells across a bilayer vascular construct (BVC) consisting of a fibroblast matrix underneath an activated endothelial (EC) monolayer. Based on the expression of the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA), a skin homing receptor, CD45R0+ T cells freshly isolated from blood or HUT-78 cutaneous T lymphoma cells were separated into CLA+ and CLA- subpopulations. These T cells were incubated on interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-activated EC, and the number of transmigrated cells was determined. The chemokine IL-8 was selectively involved in the enhanced migration of CLA+ T cells across activated EC as demonstrated by blocking antibody to IL-8 but not to GRO-alpha, MCP-1 and RANTES. Identical results were obtained with both human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) and microvascular skin EC (HDMEC). Pertussis toxin selectively inhibited the enhanced transendothelial migration (TEM) of CLA+ T cells, suggesting that CLA-dependent TEM depends on Gi protein-transmitted signals. Moreover, the IL-8 receptor B (IL-8RB) appeared to be functionally involved in TEM, as demonstrated by receptor desensitization with the CXC chemokines IL-8 and GRO-alpha and by blocking the IL-8RB with specific monoclonal antibodies. Although only the IL-8RB was involved in CLA-dependent TEM, mRNA encoding IL-8RA and IL-8RB was expressed by both CLA+ and CLA- T cells. This correlated with IL-8RA and IL-8RB surface expression on these cells. Thus, the IL-8RB is selectively functional in TEM of T cells expressing the skin homing receptor CLA. Our results demonstrate a critical role for IL-8 and possibly other IL-8RB ligands in addition to the IL-8RB in TEM and suggest the involvement of these molecules in the homing of specific T cells to inflamed skin.

Interleukin-2 regulates CC chemokine receptor expression and chemotactic responsiveness in T lymphocytes

Several studies have shown that CC chemokines attract T lymphocytes, and that CD45RO+, memory phenotype cells are considered to be the main responders. The results, however, have often been contradictory and the role of lymphocyte activation and proliferation has remained unclear. Using CD45RO+ blood lymphocytes cultured under different stimulatory conditions, we have now studied chemotaxis as well as chemokine receptor expression. Expression of the RANTES/MIP-1 alpha receptor (CC-CKR1) and the MCP-1 receptor (CC-CKR2) was highly correlated with migration toward RANTES, MCP-1, and other CC chemokines, and was strictly dependent on the presence of IL-2 in the culture medium. Migration and receptor expression were rapidly downregulated when IL-2 was withdrawn, but were fully restored when IL-2 was added again. The effect of IL-2 could be partially mimicked by IL-4, IL-10, or IL-12, but not by IL-13, IFN gamma, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, or by exposure to anti-CD3, anti-CD28 or phytohemagglutinin. Activation of fully responsive lymphocytes through the TCR/CD3 complex and CD28 antigen actually had the opposite effect. It rapidly downregulated receptor expression and consequent migration even in the presence of IL-2. In contrast to the effects on CC chemokine receptors, stimulation of CD45RO+ T lymphocytes with IL-2 neither induced the expression of the CXC chemokine receptors, IL8-R1 and IL8-R2, nor chemotaxis to IL-8. The prominent role of IL-2 in CC chemokine responsiveness of lymphocytes suggests that IL-2-mediated expansion is a prerequisite for the recruitment of antigen-activated T cells into sites of immune and inflammatory reactions.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 gene expression in prostatic hyperplasia and prostate adenocarcinoma

Human monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) has been shown to act as a chemokine in the recruitment of monocyte/macrophages during inflammation states. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that MCP-1 is involved in the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages. In vivo, one of the major cellular sources of MCP-1 are the smooth muscle cells. As MCP-1 gene expression and/or protein production in these cells is not necessarily correlated with the accumulation of inflammatory cells, there might possibly be additional functions of this cytokine. In the present study, we investigated by use of 35S-labeled antisense RNA probes whether the MCP-1 gene is expressed in tissue specimens of benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 13) and specimens of prostate carcinoma (n = 8), both of which are characterized by a prominent fibromuscular stroma and inconspicuous inflammatory infiltrates. MCP-1 transcripts were located in stromal smooth muscle cells and, additionally, in basal cells of benign prostatic glands. In prostate carcinoma, the number of MCP-1 mRNA-expressing cells was significantly less than in benign prostatic hyperplasia. MCP-1 transcripts were located in preserved fibromuscular stroma and in basal cells of entrapped non-neoplastic glands but not in carcinomatous cells. Immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal antibodies raised against MCP-1 revealed strong reactivity in the fibromuscular stroma surrounding both benign and malignant glands. MCP-1 gene expression or immunoreactivity for anti-MCP-1 antibodies was not related to the rare, lymphocytic interstitial infiltrates. The results show that 1) in the absence of significant leukocyte accumulation, it is unlikely that MCP-1 exerts chemotactic functions in the prostate and 2) that MCP-1, in contrast to previous findings in a wide variety of other human neoplasms, is not expressed in carcinomatous cells of the prostate.

Monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4), a novel structural and functional analogue of MCP-3 and eotaxin

A novel human CC chemokine complementary DNA was identified in a library constructed from human fetal RNA, cloned into a baculovirus vector, and expressed in Sf9 insect cells. The mature recombinant protein that was released had the NH2-terminal sequence pyro-QPDALNVPSTC...and consisted of 75 amino acids. Minor amounts of two variants of 77 and 82 residues (NH2 termini: LAQPDA...and FNPQGLAQPDA...) were released as well. The novel chemokine was designated monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4) and the variants were designated (LA)MCP-4 and (FNPQGLA)MCP-4. MCP-4 shares the pyroglutamic acidproline NH2-terminal motif and 56-61% sequence identity with the three known monocyte chemotactic proteins and is 60% identical to eotaxin. It has marked functional similarities to MCP-3 and eotaxin. Like MCP-3, MCP-4 is a chemoattractant of high efficacy for monocytes and T lymphocytes. On these cells, it binds to receptors that recognize MCP-1, MCP-3, and RANTES. On eosinophils, MCP-4 has similar efficacy and potency as MCP-3, RANTES, and cotaxin. It shares receptors with eotaxin and shows full cross-desensitization with this cosinophil-selective chemokine. Of the two variants, only (LA)MCP-4 could be purified in sufficient quantities for testing and was found to be at least 30-fold less potent than MCP-4 itself. This suggests that the 75-residue form with the characteristic NH2 terminus of an MCP is the biologically relevant species.

Activation of NK cells by CC chemokines. Chemotaxis, Ca2+ mobilization, and enzyme release

The responses of cloned human NK cells (ERNK57) to seven CC chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-2, MCP-3, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), MIP-1 beta, and 1309) and two CXC chemokines (IL-8 and IP-10) were studied. Except for 1309, all CC chemokines induced chemotaxis of the NK cells in vitro, whereas the CXC chemokines were inactive. Maximal activity was obtained at 1 nM for MCP-1 and 10 to 100 nM for the other CC chemokines. The response showed a typically bimodal concentration dependence in all cases, except for RANTES, which induced a linear increase of migration over the concentration range of 0.1 to 1000 nM. A transient rise of the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is characteristic for chemokine-stimulated leukocytes, was observed in NK cells after stimulation with all six active chemokines. Since granule exocytosis is required for NK cell-dependent target killing, the effect of CC chemokines on exocytosis was tested. All CC chemokines that induced chemotaxis and [Ca2+]i changes also induced the release of granzyme A and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase from cloned and blood NK cells, as well as CD8+ T cells after pretreatment with cytochalasin B. Maximum release was obtained from NK cells, and amounted to 35% and 13% of the total content of granzyme A and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, respectively. The capacity of cloned NK cells and CD8+ T cells to respond to chemokines depended on the time in culture after stimulation with PHA in the presence of irradiated feeder cells, and maximum responses were observed after 10 to 16 days. Our results demonstrate that CC chemokines activate NK cells, and are, therefore, not only attractants for monocytes, T lymphocytes, and eosinophil and basophil granulocytes.

Activation of NK cells by CC chemokines. Chemotaxis, Ca2+ mobilization, and enzyme release

The responses of cloned human NK cells (ERNK57) to seven CC chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), MCP-2, MCP-3, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), MIP-1 beta, and 1309) and two CXC chemokines (IL-8 and IP-10) were studied. Except for 1309, all CC chemokines induced chemotaxis of the NK cells in vitro, whereas the CXC chemokines were inactive. Maximal activity was obtained at 1 nM for MCP-1 and 10 to 100 nM for the other CC chemokines. The response showed a typically bimodal concentration dependence in all cases, except for RANTES, which induced a linear increase of migration over the concentration range of 0.1 to 1000 nM. A transient rise of the cytosolic-free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), which is characteristic for chemokine-stimulated leukocytes, was observed in NK cells after stimulation with all six active chemokines. Since granule exocytosis is required for NK cell-dependent target killing, the effect of CC chemokines on exocytosis was tested. All CC chemokines that induced chemotaxis and [Ca2+]i changes also induced the release of granzyme A and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase from cloned and blood NK cells, as well as CD8+ T cells after pretreatment with cytochalasin B. Maximum release was obtained from NK cells, and amounted to 35% and 13% of the total content of granzyme A and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, respectively. The capacity of cloned NK cells and CD8+ T cells to respond to chemokines depended on the time in culture after stimulation with PHA in the presence of irradiated feeder cells, and maximum responses were observed after 10 to 16 days. Our results demonstrate that CC chemokines activate NK cells, and are, therefore, not only attractants for monocytes, T lymphocytes, and eosinophil and basophil granulocytes.

Methotrexate action in rheumatoid arthritis: stimulation of cytokine inhibitor and inhibition of chemokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

This open label study examines whether methotrexate (MTX) treatment modulates ex vivo synthesis of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), soluble tumour necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR p55 and p75), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and whether changes reflect clinical response. Significant stimulation of IL-1ra and sTNFR p75 as well as inhibition of IL-8 production of PBMC were associated with clinical improvement observed in patients treated with MTX. When defining the characteristics of patients at study entry retrospectively in responders and non-responders, a significantly lower ratio of IL-1ra:IL-1 beta production before and its increase upon treatment was associated with clinical response in 13 patients compared to five patients not responding to MTX. In addition, clinical improvement was associated with decreased synthesis of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and IL-8 induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharide, IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in PBMC in vitro. These findings suggest that MTX therapy reverses the inflammatory type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) blood mononuclear cells by stimulating cytokine inhibitor production while inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release at the same time. This may explain the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of low-dose MTX as observed in most RA patients. Pretreatment determination of the IL-1ra:IL-1 beta ratio in PBMC may be predictive with regard to a favourable therapeutic response and therefore may be useful for the selection of RA patients to be treated with MTX.

Interleukin-10 differentially regulates cytokine inhibitor and chemokine release from blood mononuclear cells and fibroblasts

In this study we have examined the effects of interleukin-10 (IL-10) on blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and on skin as well as on synovial fibroblasts. In unstimulated MNC, we found that IL-10 is a potent stimulator of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production and an inhibitor of IL-8 release. In cells exposed to IL-1 beta, it also moderately stimulated IL-1ra production and release of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor p75 (sTNF-R p75) and inhibited IL-8 and MCP-1 production. In addition, we have evidence that the biological effects of IL-10 are not restricted to hematopoietic cells. IL-10 stimulated sTNF-R p55 dose-dependently and inhibited MCP-1 release from IL-1 beta-activated fibroblasts, whereas IL-8 production was not affected. Taken together, these findings identify novel biological actions of IL-10 on blood mononuclear and connective tissue cells which support its regulatory functions as a suppressor of inflammatory processes.

Posttranscriptional stabilization underlies p53-independent induction of p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 in differentiating human leukemic cells

p21WAF/CIP1/SDI1 is a recently identified gene expressed in cells harboring wild-type but not mutant p53 gene. It encodes a nuclear protein of 21 kD which inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase activity. Constitutive p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 mRNA expression was detected in neoplastic cells from patients with various hematological malignancies as well as in normal bone marrow mononuclear cells and in myeloid and lymphoid cell lines independent of their p53 status. Induced differentiation of the p53-deficient promyelocytic HL-60 cells along the monocytic lineage by phorbol ester or 1a,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 resulted in a marked increase of both p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 mRNA and protein expression due to enhanced mRNA stability. Differentiation towards the granulocytic lineage by all-trans retinoic acid or dimethylsulfoxide failed to produce this effect. p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 is an immediate early gene since its upregulation occurred independently of de novo protein synthesis. The induction of p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 expression and its regulation in p53-deficient differentiating leukemic cells support the idea of an additional, p53-independent role of p21WAF1/CIP1/SDI1 in human hematopoiesis.

Interleukin-8 and the chemokine family

Two subfamilies of chemokines are distinguished depending on the arrangement of the first two of four conserved cysteines, which are either separated by one amino acid (CXC chemokines) or adjacent (CC chemokines). IL-8 and the other CXC chemokines act preferentially on neutrophils, while the CC chemokines (MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, RANTES, MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta) act on monocytes, but not neutrophils, and have additional activities toward basophil and eosinophil granulocytes, and T-lymphocytes. Several chemokine receptors have been identified, all of which belong to the seven-transmembrane-domain type and are coupled to G-proteins. The discovery of chemokines has provided the basis for the understanding of leukocyte recruitment and activation in inflammation and other disturbances of tissue homeostasis.

Monocyte chemotactic proteins MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3 are major attractants for human CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes

The responses of lymphocytes to six CC chemokines--MCP-1, MCP-2, MCP-3, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, and RANTES--were studied using cloned human CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. All CC chemokines tested induced migration of both types of lymphocytes, whereas two CXC chemokines used as controls, IL-8 and IP-10, were inactive. The monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3) showed a typically bimodal concentration dependence, and were considerably more effective than MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, or RANTES. All CC chemokines also induced a rapid and transient rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ in either type of T cell. The rise was prevented by Bordetella pertussis toxin treatment, indicating that G-protein-coupled receptors are involved in signaling. It was most pronounced with MCP-1 and MCP-3, which is in agreement with the efficacy of these chemokines as chemoattractants. The responses to MCP-2, MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, and RANTES were weaker, and no changes were obtained on stimulation with IL-8 or IP-10. Freshly isolated human blood lymphocytes were also tested, but neither migration nor Ca2+ changes were observed. Low numbers of high-affinity receptors for MCP-1 were found on CD4+ and CD8+ cells ( < 900 per cell, Kd < 1 nM), and desensitization experiments showed that MCP-1, MCP-2, and MCP-3 share receptors. Owing to their superior effectiveness on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the monocyte chemotactic proteins could play a major role in the recruitment of activated T lymphocytes.

Constitutive mRNA and protein production of macrophage colony-stimulating factor but not of other cytokines by synovial fibroblasts from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients

This study analyses the mRNA and protein production and their regulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-8 and IL-6 by synovial fibroblasts obtained from patients with RA and OA. M-CSF was found to be produced constitutively as opposed to other cytokines. Stimulation of the cells with IL-1 beta caused a marked increase of GM-CSF, IL-8, IL-6 and as well as of M-CSF mRNA levels. In parallel, a time-dependent increase of M-CSF, GM-CSF, IL-8 and IL-6 protein production was observed. Among the cytokine mRNAs examined only that of M-CSF exhibited a pronounced stability in unstimulated synovial fibroblasts, whereas the other cytokines displayed short mRNA half-lives of 1-2 h. Induction by IL-1 beta markedly prolonged IL-8, IL-6 and GM-CSF mRNA half-lives to > 8 h which indicates increased mRNA stability. These findings suggest that among the cytokines that are produced in the inflamed synovium M-CSF may be particularly important for sustaining long-term influx, activation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes. GM-CSF, IL-8 and IL-6, by contrast, may be more involved in more acute cellular responses.

Both interleukin-8 receptors independently mediate chemotaxis. Jurkat cells transfected with IL-8R1 or IL-8R2 migrate in response to IL-8, GRO alpha and NAP-2

Neutrophil leukocytes, the target cells for interleukin-8 and related CXC chemokines, bear high numbers of two types of IL-8 receptors (IL-8R1 and IL-8R2). By cDNA transfection Jurkat cell lines were generated that stably express either IL-8R1 or IL-8R2 (J-IL8R1 and J-IL8R2). J-IL8R1 expressed 4,000 +/- 1,000 copies of IL-8R1, and bound IL-8 with high affinity (Kd 1-4 nM) and GRO alpha and NAP-2 with low affinity (Kd 200-500 nM). J-IL8R2 expressed 17,000 +/- 3,000 copies of IL-8R2, and bound all three chemokines with high affinity. Both transfectants showed a similar degree of chemotactic migration after stimulation with IL-8, GRO alpha and NAP-2. All three chemokines were equally potent as attractants of J-IL8R2, whereas IL-8 was 300 to 1,000-fold more potent than GRO alpha or NAP-2 as attractant of J-IL8R1. The potencies, therefore, agree with the affinities of the ligands to IL-8R1 and IL-8R2. Our results demonstrate that both IL-8 receptors function independently, and mediate chemotaxis in response to IL-8 and other CXC chemokines.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin 8 production by rheumatoid synoviocytes. Effects of anti-rheumatic drugs

Activated synoviocytes are major effector cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of their capacity to secrete a variety of inflammatory mediators. Among these mediators, the chemotactic proteins monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) are likely to contribute to the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the arthritic joint. We examined the effects of anti-rheumatic drugs on the MCP-1 and IL-8 production by cultured RA synoviocytes exposed to pro-inflammatory agonists. Both chemotactic cytokines were quantified by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and found to accumulate in the culture supernatants. Although the time course of formation was similar, the yield of IL-8 was three to 10-fold higher than that of MCP-1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibited the synthesis of prostaglandins, but did not influence the production and release of both chemotactic cytokines. Of three disease-modifying drugs tested, dexamethasone and gold sodium thiomalate (GST) inhibited the production of IL-8 and MCP-1, while methotrexate (MTX) was inactive. Dexamethasone reduced the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 by 20-65% and 60-80%, respectively, whilst GST inhibited MCP-1 and IL-8 synthesis in suboptimally, but not in optimally stimulated synoviocytes. Taken together, these results show that the production of MCP-1 and IL-8 is similarly affected by anti-rheumatic drugs and that dexamethasone is the most potent inhibitor suggesting that part of the anti-rheumatic action of glucocorticoids is due to prevention of accumulation of chemotactic cytokines acting on neutrophils and monocytes.

Production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, inflammatory chemotactic proteins, and prostaglandin E by rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synoviocytes--regulation by IFN-gamma and IL-4

This study analyzes the effects of the T cell cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma on the spontaneous and stimulated production of IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and PGE by synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Cells from both sources constitutively released IL-8 and MCP-1, but no IL-1ra or PGE. Stimulation with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha massively increased chemokine production and induced the generation of PGE and low amounts of IL-1ra. The constitutive or cytokine-stimulated release of IL-8 was inhibited by IFN-gamma, but not by IL-4. The constitutive or IL-1 beta-stimulated release of MCP-1, by contrast, was markedly enhanced by IL-4 and IFN-gamma. Both cytokines, however, had only borderline effects on the release stimulated by TNF-alpha. The yield of IL-1ra was strongly enhanced by IFN-gamma in all cases, whereas the effect of IL-4 was pronounced only in IL-1 beta-stimulated OA synoviocytes. IL-4, on the other hand, markedly decreased the release of PGE, which was less susceptible to IFN-gamma. The observed effects on chemokines, IL-1ra expression, and PGE release by synoviocytes suggest that IFN-gamma and IL-4 are important regulatory elements in the inflamed synovium and may exert anti-inflammatory effects.

Production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, inflammatory chemotactic proteins, and prostaglandin E by rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synoviocytes--regulation by IFN-gamma and IL-4

This study analyzes the effects of the T cell cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma on the spontaneous and stimulated production of IL-8, MCP-1, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), and PGE by synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Cells from both sources constitutively released IL-8 and MCP-1, but no IL-1ra or PGE. Stimulation with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha massively increased chemokine production and induced the generation of PGE and low amounts of IL-1ra. The constitutive or cytokine-stimulated release of IL-8 was inhibited by IFN-gamma, but not by IL-4. The constitutive or IL-1 beta-stimulated release of MCP-1, by contrast, was markedly enhanced by IL-4 and IFN-gamma. Both cytokines, however, had only borderline effects on the release stimulated by TNF-alpha. The yield of IL-1ra was strongly enhanced by IFN-gamma in all cases, whereas the effect of IL-4 was pronounced only in IL-1 beta-stimulated OA synoviocytes. IL-4, on the other hand, markedly decreased the release of PGE, which was less susceptible to IFN-gamma. The observed effects on chemokines, IL-1ra expression, and PGE release by synoviocytes suggest that IFN-gamma and IL-4 are important regulatory elements in the inflamed synovium and may exert anti-inflammatory effects.