Synthesis, Cytotoxicity Evaluation, and Computational Insights of Novel 1,4-Diazepane-Based Sigma Ligands

Among several potential applications, sigma receptor ligands can be used as antipsychotics, antiamnesics, and against other neurodegenerative disorders as well as neuroprotective agents. We present herein a new series of diazepane-containing derivatives as σR ligands obtained by a conformational expansion approach of our previously synthesized piperidine-based compounds. The best results were reached by benzofurane 2c, 3c and quinoline 2d, 3d-substituted diazepane derivatives, which showed the highest σR affinity. The cytotoxic activities of synthesized compounds were evaluated against two cancer cell lines, and the results indicated that none of the compounds induced significant toxicity in these cells. We also evaluated the antioxidant activity by radical scavenging capacity of our best compounds on ABTS and H₂O₂. The results obtained reveal that our new derivatives possess an excellent antioxidant profile and could be protective for the cells. Overall, the benzofurane derivative 2c due to its strong interaction with the active site of the receptor, as confirmed by molecular dynamic simulations, emerged as the optimum compound with high σ1R affinity, low cytotoxicity, and a potent antioxidant activity.

Effect of methylene blue photodynamic therapy on human neutrophil functional responses

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become an emerging novel therapeutic approach for treating localized microbial infections, particularly those sustained by multidrug-resistant strains. Given the irreplaceable role played by professional phagocytes in limiting infections, such as polymorphonuclear neutrophils, any newly designed antimicrobial therapeutic approach must not interfere with their function. The present investigation presents a detailed analysis of the effect of PDT on the viability and several functional responses of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils loaded with methylene blue (MB), one of the more commonly used photosensitizers in antimicrobial PDT. Taking advantage of the use of a specifically-designed optical LED array for illuminating MB-loaded human polymorphonuclear neutrophils, a number of cell functions have been assayed under miniaturized, strictly controlled and reproducible experimental conditions. The major findings of this study are the following: (1) MB-PDT increases human neutrophils adhesion and does not modify myeloperoxidase release; (2) MB-PDT markedly enhances reactive oxygen species generation that is independent of superoxide-forming phagocytic oxidase and very likely ascribable to LED-dependent excitation of accumulated methylene blue; (3) MB-PDT almost abolishes human neutrophils candidacidal activity by hindering the engulfing machinery. This in vitro study may represent a valuable reference point for future research on PDT applications for treating localized microbial infections.

Discovery of new potent dual sigma receptor/GluN2b ligands with antioxidant property as neuroprotective agents

Among several potential applications, sigma receptors (σRs) can be used as neuroprotective agents, antiamnesic, antipsychotics and against other neurodegenerative disorders. On the other hands, antagonists of the GluN2b-subunit-containing-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are of major interest for the same purpose, being this subunit expressed in specific areas of the central nervous system and responsible for the excitatory regulation of nerve cells. Under these premises, we have synthesized and biologically tested novel hybrid derivatives obtained from the combination of phenyloxadiazolone and dihydroquinolinone scaffolds with different amine moieties, peculiar of σ2R ligands. Most of the new ligands exhibited a pan-affinity towards both σR subtypes and high affinity against GluN2b subunit. The most promising compounds belong to the dihydroquinolinone series, with the best affinity profile for the cyclohexylpiperazine derivative 28. Investigation on their biological activity showed that the new compounds were able to protect SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment. These results proved that our dual σR/GluN2b ligands have beneficial effects in a model of neuronal oxidative stress and can represent strong candidate pharmacotherapeutic agents for minimizing oxidative stress-induced neuronal injuries.

Chitosan Acetylation Degree Influences the Physical Properties of Polysaccharide Nanoparticles: Implication for the Innate Immune Cells Response

The aim of the present contribution is twofold as it reports (i) on the role played by chitosan acetylation degree for the stability of nanoparticles (NPs) formed with hyaluronan and (ii) on the effect of the interaction of such NPs with immune cells. Chitosans with similar viscosity-average molecular weight, [Formula: see text], (i.e., 200 000) and different fractions of acetylated units ( F_A) together with low-molecular-weight hyaluronan were chosen for developing a select library of formulations via electrostatic complex coacervation. The resulting NPs were analyzed in terms of size, polydispersity, surface charge, and stability in physiological-mimicked media by dynamic light scattering. Only medium acetylated chitosan ( F_A = 0.16) guaranteed the stability of NPs. To explore the effect of NPs interaction with immune cells, the release of proinflammatory cytokines and the reactive oxygen species production by human macrophages and neutrophils, respectively, were evaluated. Strikingly, a structure-function relationship emerged, showing that NPs made of chitosans with F_A = 0.02, 0.25, 0.46, and 0.63 manifested a proinflammatory activity, linked to the instability of the system. Conversely, NPs made of chitosan with F_A = 0.16 neither modified the functional response of macrophages nor that of neutrophils. Of note, such NPs were found to possess additional properties potentially advantageous in applications such as delivery of therapeutics to target inflamed sites: (i) they are devoid of cytotoxic effects, (ii) they avoid engulfment during the early stage of interaction with macrophages, and (iii) they are muco-adhesive, thereby providing for site-specificity and long-residence effects.

Complex Coacervates between a Lactose-Modified Chitosan and Hyaluronic Acid as Radical-Scavenging Drug Carriers

Complex coacervation of two oppositely charged polysaccharides, namely a lactose-modified chitosan (CTL) and hyaluronan (HA), was investigated in this study. Coacervates of the two polysaccharides were prepared by drop-by-drop injection of HA into CTL. Transmittance and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements in combination with TEM analyses demonstrated the formation of spheroidal colloids in the nano-/microsize range showing good homogeneity. Strikingly, the presence of 150 mM supporting NaCl did not hamper the colloid formation. Stability studies on selected formulations demonstrated that HA/CTL coacervates were stable up to 3 weeks at 37 °C and behaved as pH-responsive colloids since transition from entangled to disentangled chains was attained for a proper pH range. The possibility of freeze-drying the coacervates for storage purposes and the ability of encapsulating selected payloads were investigated as well, for two values of the fraction of the lactitol side-chain substitution (F_L). Finally, biological tests using human neutrophils were undertaken at acidic pH value (pH = 6.0): under such experimental conditions, akin to those frequently occurring in the inflammatory microenvironment, coacervates scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by these cells in basal conditions. Given the well documented bioactivity of CTL with respect to chitosan toward cartilage regeneration, these findings point to a possible application of HA/CTL-based colloids as scavenging and bioactive carriers for the delivery of therapeutic molecules at confined inflamed sites such as knee joints.

Butyrate-Loaded Chitosan/Hyaluronan Nanoparticles: A Suitable Tool for Sustained Inhibition of ROS Release by Activated Neutrophils

Tissue damage caused by excessive amounts of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurs in many inflammatory diseases. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) with known anti-inflammatory properties, able to modulate several neutrophil functions. Evidence is provided here that butyrate inhibits neutrophil ROS release in a dose and time-dependent fashion. Given the short half-life of butyrate, chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles are next designed and developed as controlled release carriers able to provide cells with a long-lasting supply of this SCFA. Notably, while the inhibition of neutrophil ROS production by free butyrate declines over time, that of butyrate-loaded chitosan/hyaluronan nanoparticles (B-NPs) is sustained. Additional valuable features of these nanoparticles are inherent ROS scavenger activity, resistance to cell internalization, and mucoadhesiveness. B-NPs appear as promising tools to limit ROS-dependent tissue injury during inflammation. Particularly, by virtue of their mucoadhesiveness, B-NPs administered by enema can be effective in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Intracellular shunting of O2(-) contributes to charge compensation and preservation of neutrophil respiratory burst in the absence of voltage-gated proton channel activity

Proton efflux via voltage-gated proton channels (Hv1) is considered to mediate the charge compensation necessary to preserve NADPH oxidase activity during the respiratory burst. Using the Hv1 inhibitor Zn²⁺, we found that the PMA-induced respiratory burst of human neutrophils is inhibited when assessed as extracellular production of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂, in accordance with literature studies, but, surprisingly, unaffected when measured as oxygen consumption or total (extracellular plus intracellular) H₂O₂ production. Furthermore, we show that inhibiting Hv1 with Zn²⁺ results in an increased production of intracellular ROS. Similar results, i.e. decreased extracellular and increased intracellular ROS production, were obtained using a human granulocyte-like cell line with severely impaired Hv1 expression. Acidic extracellular pH, which dampens proton efflux, also augmented intracellular production of H₂O₂. Zinc caused an increase in the rate but not in the extent of depolarization and cytosolic acidification indicating that mechanisms other than proton efflux take part in charge compensation.

Our results suggest a hitherto unpredicted mechanism of charge compensation whereby, in the absence of proton efflux, part of O₂⁻ generated within gp91^phox in the plasma membrane is shunted intracellularly down electrochemical gradient to dampen excessive depolarization. This would preserve NADPH oxidase activity under conditions such as the inflammatory exudate in which the acidic pH hinders charge compensation by proton efflux.

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Neutrophils’ respiratory burst is not inhibited by the H⁺ channel inhibitor Zn²⁺.

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Intracellular production of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ is increased in the presence of Zn²⁺.

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Intracellular H₂O₂ production is increased in H⁺ channels knock-down cells.

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Zn²⁺ increases the rate but not the extent of depolarization and pH_i decrease.

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Intracellular shunting of O₂⁻ contributes to charge compensation in neutrophils.

Chloride movements in human neutrophils during phagocytosis: characterization and relationship to granule release

Chloride ion efflux is an early event occurring after exposure of human neutrophils to several soluble agonists. Under these circumstances, a rapid and reversible fall in the high basal intracellular chloride (Cl-i) levels is observed. This event is thought to play a crucial role in the modulation of several critical neutrophil responses including activation and up-regulation of adhesion molecules, cell attachment and spreading, cytoplasmic alkalinization, and activation of the respiratory burst. At present, however, no data are available on chloride ion movements during neutrophil phagocytosis. In this study, we provide evidence that phagocytosis of Candida albicans opsonized with either whole serum, complement-derived opsonins, or purified human IgG elicits an early and long-lasting Cl- efflux accompanied by a marked, irreversible loss of Cl-i. Simultaneous assessment of Cl- efflux and phagocytosis in cytochalasin D-treated neutrophils indicated that Cl- efflux occurs without particle ingestion. These results suggest that engagement of immune receptors is sufficient to promote chloride ion movements. Several structurally unrelated chloride channel blockers inhibited phagocytosis-induced Cl- efflux as well as the release of azurophilic-but not specific-granules. It implicates that different neutrophil secretory compartments display distinct sensitivity to Cl-i modifications. Intriguingly, inhibitors of Cl- exchange inhibited cytosolic Ca2+ elevation, whereas Cl- efflux was not impaired in Ca2+-depleted neutrophils. We also show that FcgammaR(s)- and CR3/CR1-mediated Cl- efflux appears to be dependent on protein tyrosine phosphorylation but independent of PI3K and phospholipase C activation.

Common methodology is inadequate for studies on the microbicidal activity of neutrophils

Microbicidal activity of neutrophils is usually measured by colony-counting techniques after cell lysis in distilled water. While studying the effect of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) on the staphylocidal activity of neutrophils, we obtained inconsistent results: various degrees of inhibition in some experiments and no effect in others. The lysis step, i.e., dilution of neutrophils in distilled water, was the source of error. Cell-associated microorganisms were not dispersed effectively by this treatment. We overcame this problem by using water at pH 11 for cell lysis. Under these conditions, killing was inhibited completely and reproducibly by DPI. Here, we show that cell lysis in distilled water is incomplete and leads to an overestimate of microbial killing. This hinders identification of partial defects and makes complete defects appear as partial. We found that DPI-treated neutrophils and chronic granulomatous disease neutrophils were completely defective in killing of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and partially defective in killing of Escherichia coli after lysis with water pH 11, whereas after lysis in distilled water, killing of S. aureus and C. albicans was approximately 60% and approximately 70% of control killing, respectively, and killing of E. coli was normal. Likewise, killing of S. aureus by myeloperoxidase-deficient neutrophils was severely impaired after lysis in water pH 11 but appeared normal after lysis in distilled water. As most studies about neutrophil microbicidal activity have been performed using distilled water, our findings indicate that previous data about killing defects and the effects of agents that modulate microbicidal activity of neutrophils should be re-evaluated.

A single-step, sensitive flow cytofluorometric assay for the simultaneous assessment of membrane-bound and ingested Candida albicans in phagocytosing neutrophils

BACKGROUND

Distinguishing ingested particles from those attached to the cell surface is an essential requirement when performing quantitative studies of phagocytosis. In the present report, we describe a simple, sensitive and reliable flow cytofluorometric method that achieves this goal in a Candida albicans-human neutrophils (PMN) system.

METHODS

The assay is based on the observation that the vital dye trypan blue (TB), while quenching the green fluorescence of fluorescein-labeled C. albicans, causes them to fluoresce red. PMN were incubated with fluorescein-labeled yeast particles for the required time. Aliquots of the incubation mixtures were then promptly diluted with an equal volume of a TB solution at pH 4.0, and subsequently analyzed by flow cytometry for green and red fluorescence.

RESULTS

Since TB does not penetrate into the cells, ingested yeasts retain their green fluorescence, while membrane-bound particles display a red fluorescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Our fluorescence flow cytometric method enables to simultaneously distinguish, within the leukocyte population, cell subsets with attached and ingested yeast particles. Its major features are: (1) accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility; (2) no further sample manipulations after completion of phagocytosis; (3) possibility of counting free, attached and internalized yeast particles; and (4) use of a nontoxic reagent (TB).

Evidence that elastase is the TNF-R75 shedding enzyme in resting human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

We previously showed that a metalloprotease and a serine protease mediate shedding of the TNF-R75 (75-kDa tumor necrosis factor receptor) in neutrophils. Here we show that elastase is the TNF-R75 solubilizing serine protease. Release of the TNF-R75 by resting cells was almost totally inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), by two synthetic, chemically unrelated, elastase-specific inhibitors and by alpha1-protease inhibitor. Release after TNF or FMLP (N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine) stimulation was blocked by DFP and a metalloprotease inhibitor used in combination. Supernatants from resting neutrophils contained a 28-kDa fragment of the receptor, compatible with that generated by elastase, whose appearance was inhibited by DFP. Upon FMLP stimulation, the release of 28-kDa and 40-kDa fragments was observed, which was inhibited by DFP and a metalloprotease inhibitor, respectively. We conclude that elastase is the TNF-R75 sheddase of resting neutrophils and that it contributes to shedding of this receptor in stimulated cells.

Evidence that TNF-induced respiratory burst of adherent PMN is mediated by integrin alpha(L)beta(2)

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) respond to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) with a respiratory burst (RB) only after adherence to surfaces coated with extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and fibrinogen (permissive substrates) but not with others such as laminin or collagen (nonpermissive substrates). As PMN adherence to both types of surfaces is dependent on beta(2) integrins, we investigated the molecular basis of the different metabolic response to TNF. In particular, we evaluated the relative role of each beta(2) integrin (alpha(L)beta(2), alpha(M)beta(2), and alpha(X)beta(2)) in adherence and O(2)(-) production of PMN residing on fibronectin- and laminin-coated surfaces, which were considered as models of permissive and nonpermissive surfaces, respectively. By using alpha chain-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb), we show that alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) mediate adherence to fibronectin and laminin; alpha(L)beta(2) is not involved in adherence to laminin and has only a minimal contribution in adherence to fibronectin. Furthermore, production of O(2)(-) in response to TNF was induced by immobilized anti-alpha(L)beta(2) but not anti-alpha(M)beta(2) or anti-alpha(X)beta(2) mAb. A strong correlation was also found between expression of alpha(L)beta(2) and TNF-induced RB on fibronectin. Lastly, PMN responded to TNF on laminin with a RB after the inclusion of alpha(L)-specific mAb in the laminin coat. Thus, we conclude that TNF-induced RB by PMN residing on fibronectin is mediated by alpha(L)beta(2) and that alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) are likely to play an ancillary role to the signaling activity of alpha(L)beta(2) by facilitating its recruitment to sites of adherence. The nonpermissiveness of laminin appears to be a consequence of its inability to act as a ligand for alpha(L)beta(2).

Role of intracellular chloride in the reversible activation of neutrophil beta 2 integrins: a lesson from TNF stimulation

The process of beta(2) integrin activation, which enhances the interaction of these heterodimers with ligands, plays a crucial role in the adherence-dependent neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes' (PMN) responses to TNF. Our previous observation, showing that a marked decrease of the high basal Cl(-) content (Cl(-)(i)) is an essential step in the TNF-induced activation of PMN, stimulated this study, which investigates the role of alterations of Cl(-)(i) in the activation of beta(2) integrins triggered by TNF. Here we show that TNF enhances the expression of activation-specific neoepitopes of beta(2) integrins, namely, epitope 24, a unique epitope present on all three leukocyte integrin alpha subunits, and epitope CBRM1/5, localized to the I domain on the alpha-chain of Mac-1 (CD11bCD18). Moreover, we demonstrate that the conformational changes underlying the expression of the neoepitopes are dependent on a drop in Cl(-)(i) because 1) inhibition of Cl(-)(i) decrease is invariably accompanied by inhibition of beta(2) integrin activation, 2) Cl(-)(i) decrease induced by means other than agonist stimulation, i.e., by placing PMN in Cl(-)-free buffers, activates beta(2) integrins, and 3) restoration of the original Cl(-)(i) levels is accompanied by deactivation of beta(2) integrins. We also show that Cl(-)(i) decrease is required for TNF-induced cytoplasmic alkalinization, but such a rise in pH(i) does not seem to be relevant for beta(2) integrin activation. The results of our study emphasize the role of Cl(-) as a new PMN "second messenger."

TNF-Induced shedding of TNF receptors in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes: role of the 55-kDa TNF receptor and involvement of a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase

A down-modulation of both the 55-kDa (TNF-R55) and the 75-kDa (TNF-R75) TNF receptors is observed in neutrophils exposed to a variety of stimuli. Proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular region of both receptors (shedding) and, with TNF, internalization of TNF-R55 and shedding of TNF-R75 are the proposed mechanisms. We have characterized the TNF-induced shedding of TNF receptors in neutrophils and determined the nature of the involved proteinase. Neutrophils exposed to TNF release both TNF receptors. A release of TNF receptors comparable to that observed with TNF was induced with TNF-R55-specific reagents (mAbs and a mutant of TNF) but not with the corresponding TNF-R75-specific reagents. A hydroxamic acid compound (KB8301) almost completely inhibited shedding of TNF-R55 and to a lesser degree shedding of TNF-R75. KB8301 also inhibited FMLP-induced shedding to a similar extent. Shedding was also inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline, but this effect was considered nonspecific as the compound, at variance with KB8301, almost completely inhibited TNF and FMLP-induced PMN activation. Diisopropylfluorophosphate partially inhibited shedding of TNF-R75, suggesting the contribution of a serine proteinase to the release of this receptor. Shedding activity was not affected by matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors nor was it released in the supernatants of FMLP-stimulated neutrophils. These results suggest that TNF induces release of its receptors, that such a release is mediated via TNF-R55, and that a membrane-bound and non-matrix metalloproteinase is involved in the process. The possibility that ADAM-17, which we show to be expressed in neutrophils, might be the involved proteinase is discussed.

Triggering of chloride ion efflux from human neutrophils as a novel function of leukocyte beta 2 integrins: relationship with spreading and activation of the respiratory burst

PMN residing on immobilized fibronectin have been shown to respond to TNF with an intense and long lasting Cl- efflux that leads to a marked decrease of the unusually high basal Cl- content of these phagocytes. The finding that this Cl- efflux depends, at least in part, on beta2 integrin engagement stimulated the present investigation, which addresses the question as to whether beta2 integrins per se, in the absence of PMN agonists, are able to generate signals triggering Cl- efflux. We induced beta2 integrin cross-linking by plating PMN onto surface-bound mAbs directed against either the common beta-chain (CD18) or the individual alpha-chains (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c) of LFA-1, CR3, and gp150/95. Anti-CD18 mAbs triggered a marked release of Cl- ions, which was accompanied by spreading and activation of the respiratory burst. Cross-linking of gp150/95 and LFA-1 generated the most powerful signals for the activation of Cl- efflux. The results of three independent experimental approaches, i.e., kinetic studies, use of Cl- transport inhibitors, and modulation of Cl- efflux with different amounts of anti-beta2 integrin mAbs, indicated that Cl- efflux regulates both spreading and respiratory burst triggered by beta2 integrin cross-linking. Cl- efflux appears to be independent on either alterations of [Ca2+]i or changes in the plasma membrane potential and shows sensitivity to a raise in pHi. This study uncovers a new signaling ability of beta2 integrins and contributes to highlight the role of Cl- efflux in the outside-in signal transduction pathway regulating adherence-dependent PMN responses.

Role of the 75-kDa TNF receptor in TNF-induced activation of neutrophil respiratory burst

The exclusive role of the 55-kDa TNF receptor (TNF-R55) as the signaling receptor in TNF-induced activation of respiratory burst by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes residing on biologic surfaces has been inferred from results obtained with receptor-specific monoclonal and polyclonal Abs. In this work, we confirm this assumption by a more direct approach, i.e., by using receptor-specific TNF mutants (p55TNF and p75TNF) and, as a novel contribution, we show that cooperation of the 75-kDa TNF receptor (TNF-R75) is required for a full blown response to the cytokine. This conclusion stems from three sets of data: 1) none of the TNF-R55-specific agonists used, i.e., mAbs or p55TNF, induced a respiratory burst comparable with that induced by TNF; 2) selective down-modulation of TNF-R75 resulted in a diminished response to TNF but not to TNF-R55-specific agonists or to the chemotactic peptide FMLP; and 3) mAbs that either block or stabilize binding of TNF to TNF-R75 inhibited the response to the cytokine, suggesting that cooperation requires not only TNF binding to the receptor but also an appropriate dissociability from it. The inhibitory effect of the Abs increased as the cytokine concentrations decreased, indicating that cooperation by TNF-R75 becomes more relevant at low TNF doses. Such a cooperation does not seem to rely on the activation of a TNF-R75-linked signaling pathway independent of TNF-R55, since the response to p55TNF and p75TNF given in combination was not higher than the response to p55TNF alone. The possible mechanisms of cooperation are discussed.

Triggering of Chloride Ion Efflux from Human Neutrophils as a Novel Function of Leukocyte β2 Integrins: Relationship with Spreading and Activation of the Respiratory Burst

PMN residing on immobilized fibronectin have been shown to respond to TNF with an intense and long lasting Cl− efflux that leads to a marked decrease of the unusually high basal Cl− content of these phagocytes. The finding that this Cl− efflux depends, at least in part, on β2 integrin engagement stimulated the present investigation, which addresses the question as to whether β2 integrins per se, in the absence of PMN agonists, are able to generate signals triggering Cl− efflux. We induced β2 integrin cross-linking by plating PMN onto surface-bound mAbs directed against either the common β-chain (CD18) or the individual α-chains (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c) of LFA-1, CR3, and gp150/95. Anti-CD18 mAbs triggered a marked release of Cl− ions, which was accompanied by spreading and activation of the respiratory burst. Cross-linking of gp150/95 and LFA-1 generated the most powerful signals for the activation of Cl− efflux. The results of three independent experimental approaches, i.e., kinetic studies, use of Cl− transport inhibitors, and modulation of Cl− efflux with different amounts of anti-β2 integrin mAbs, indicated that Cl− efflux regulates both spreading and respiratory burst triggered by β2 integrin cross-linking. Cl− efflux appears to be independent on either alterations of [Ca2+]i or changes in the plasma membrane potential and shows sensitivity to a raise in pHi. This study uncovers a new signaling ability of β2 integrins and contributes to highlight the role of Cl− efflux in the outside-in signal transduction pathway regulating adherence-dependent PMN responses.

Role of the 75-kDa TNF Receptor in TNF-Induced Activation of Neutrophil Respiratory Burst

The exclusive role of the 55-kDa TNF receptor (TNF-R55) as the signaling receptor in TNF-induced activation of respiratory burst by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes residing on biologic surfaces has been inferred from results obtained with receptor-specific monoclonal and polyclonal Abs. In this work, we confirm this assumption by a more direct approach, i.e., by using receptor-specific TNF mutants (p55TNF and p75TNF) and, as a novel contribution, we show that cooperation of the 75-kDa TNF receptor (TNF-R75) is required for a full blown response to the cytokine. This conclusion stems from three sets of data: 1) none of the TNF-R55-specific agonists used, i.e., mAbs or p55TNF, induced a respiratory burst comparable with that induced by TNF; 2) selective down-modulation of TNF-R75 resulted in a diminished response to TNF but not to TNF-R55-specific agonists or to the chemotactic peptide FMLP; and 3) mAbs that either block or stabilize binding of TNF to TNF-R75 inhibited the response to the cytokine, suggesting that cooperation requires not only TNF binding to the receptor but also an appropriate dissociability from it. The inhibitory effect of the Abs increased as the cytokine concentrations decreased, indicating that cooperation by TNF-R75 becomes more relevant at low TNF doses. Such a cooperation does not seem to rely on the activation of a TNF-R75-linked signaling pathway independent of TNF-R55, since the response to p55TNF and p75TNF given in combination was not higher than the response to p55TNF alone. The possible mechanisms of cooperation are discussed.

Chloride ion efflux regulates adherence, spreading, and respiratory burst of neutrophils stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) on biologic surfaces

Chloride ion efflux is an early event occurring after exposure of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) in suspension to several agonists, including cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor (Shimizu, Y., R.H. Daniels, M.A. Elmore, M.J. Finnen, M.E. Hill, and J.M. Lackie. 1993. Biochem. Pharmacol. 9:1743-1751). We have studied TNF-induced Cl- movements in PMN residing on fibronectin (FN) (FN-PMN) and their relationships to adherence, spreading, and activation of the respiratory burst. Occupancy of the TNF-R55 and engagement of beta 2 integrins cosignaled for an early, marked, and prolonged Cl- efflux that was accompanied by a fall in intracellular chloride levels (Cl-i). A possible causal relationship between Cl- efflux, adherence, and respiratory burst was first suggested by kinetic studies, showing that TNF-induced Cl- efflux preceded both the adhesive and metabolic response, and was then confirmed by inhibition of all three responses by pretreating PMN with inhibitors of Cl- efflux, such as ethacrynic acid. Moreover, Cl- efflux induced by means other than TNF treatment, i.e., by using Cl(-)-free media, was followed by increased adherence, spreading, and metabolic activation, thus mimicking TNF effects. These studies provide the first evidence that a drastic decrease of Cl-i in FN-PMN may represent an essential step in the cascade of events leading to activation of proadhesive molecules, reorganization of the cytoskeleton network, and assembly of the O2(-)-forming NADPH oxidase.

Evidence that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-induced activation of neutrophil respiratory burst on biologic surfaces is mediated by the p55 TNF receptor

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) residing on biologic surfaces respond with a vigorous respiratory burst when exposed to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF). PMN possess both the p55 and the p75 TNF receptors, but their role in the elicitation of the respiratory burst is not known. We addressed this problem by studying the effect of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against the p55 TNF receptor (MoAb H398 and MoAb htr-9) and the p75 TNF receptor (MoAb utr-1) on TNF-induced production of O2- by PMN residing on fibronectin-coated surfaces. Neither the anti-p55 nor the anti-p75 MoAbs affected TNF-induced O2- production despite their known ability to competitively inhibit TNF binding to the corresponding receptor. Experiments with the antibodies alone showed that the anti-p55 MoAbs directly triggered PMN O2- production, whereas no response was elicited by the anti-p75 MoAb. PMN unresponsiveness to the anti-p75 MoAb could not be ascribed to low expression of p75 receptor, because binding of the anti-p75 MoAb utr-1 to PMN was, indeed, even higher than binding of the anti-p55 MoAb htr-9. The agonistic activity of the anti-p55 MoAbs was comparable with that of TNF and was not or only minimally modified by the simultaneous presence of TNF. Triggering of the respiratory burst by TNF was completely prevented by Fab fragments of the anti-p55 MoAb H398. Moreover, the monovalent Fab fragments, which lacked any stimulatory effect on PMN O2- production, acquired strong agonistic activity on cross-linking with anti Fab antibodies, suggesting that the ability of the anti-p55 antibodies to stimulate PMN O2- production depends on their ability to cross-link the TNF receptors. The agonistic effect of the anti-p55 MoAbs was only observed with cells residing on fibronectin-coated surfaces and not with cells in suspension, and in terms of kinetics, dependence on beta 2 integrin-mediated adherence, microfilament integrity, and sensitivity to elevations of intracellular levels of cAMP, it was virtually indistinguishable from the agonistic effect of TNF. Taken together, these results suggest that the p55 receptor is responsible for TNF-induced triggering of the respiratory burst of PMN residing on biologic surfaces.

Eosinophil peroxidase deficiency: morphological and immunocytochemical studies of the eosinophil-specific granules

Five eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)-deficient subjects were identified from 131,000 peripheral blood samples examined for routine automated analysis. The EPO-deficient eosinophils of these subjects met the main criteria established for EPO deficiency: absent or strongly decreased reaction for peroxidase, absent or strongly decreased staining with Sudan Black, and an increased ratio of the granule core volume to the total granule volume. In this report we show that this granule alteration is caused mainly by a decrease of its volume, particularly of the matrix, and that two other matrix proteins, eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil derived neurotoxin, appear to be present in normal amounts in the EPO-deficient granules.

A new, one-step assay on whole cell suspensions for peroxidase secretion by human neutrophils and eosinophils

The degranulation of neutrophils and eosinophils is frequently monitored by assaying myeloperoxidase (MPO) and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity in the cell-free supernatant of degranulating cells, after removal of the cells by centrifugation. This procedure leads to underestimation of the extent of degranulation, since both peroxidases tend to stick to cell surfaces, to test tube walls, and to particulate stimuli used to elicit degranulation, because of their highly cationic nature. In this paper we describe a method for assaying MPO and EPO secretion in whole cell suspensions that avoids separation of the cells from the incubation medium. The least toxic and thus safest among the sensitive peroxidase substrates, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), was employed for peroxidase assay. The method we describe here is applied to the detection of peroxidase release by neutrophil and eosinophil cell suspensions incubated in either polypropylene test tubes or flat-bottomed microtiter plate wells. Because of the omission of the centrifugation step, the TMB method offers two major advantages over the currently used techniques: (1) higher estimates of degranulation, which permits the use of a smaller number of cells (in the microassay version, 150,000 neutrophils and 50,000 eosinophils) and smaller amounts of the secretagogues, and (2) rapidity, since the degranulation assay can be performed immediately on completion of the cell incubation with the secretagogue.

Identification of elastase in human eosinophils: immunolocalization, isolation, and partial characterization

Although an elastolytic activity in eosinophil-rich cell fractions from mice has been reported, this enzyme has not been purified and characterized as yet in any mammalian species. Eosinophilic elastase was isolated from human eosinophil fragments (cytosomes) obtained from normal and eosinophilic subjects. The enzyme was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity by fast protein liquid chromatography. The enzyme shows the same physical properties of the major elastase isoenzyme of human neutrophils. In addition, like monocyte elastase, it reacts with a monoclonal antibody against human neutrophil elastase. The biochemical similarities observed between the above-mentioned enzymes and the immunolocalization findings strongly support the idea that human eosinophils and neutrophils contain the same enzyme activity. Eosinophils show immunoreactive material in both types of dense cytoplasmic granules. This observation supports the current hypothesis that the different types of eosinophilic granules represent successive morphological stages of maturation.

Mechanisms of eosinophil adherence to cultured vascular endothelial cells. Eosinophils bind to the cytokine-induced ligand vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 via the very late activation antigen-4 integrin receptor

We have examined the mechanisms involved in the adherence of normal peripheral blood eosinophils to cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HEC) under three conditions: (a) adherence in the absence of treatment of HEC or eosinophils with activating agents (basal adherence); (b) adherence induced by stimulation of eosinophils with phorbol ester (eosinophil-dependent adherence); and (c) adherence induced by pretreatment of HEC with LPS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or IL-1 (endothelial-dependent adherence). A mechanism was identified that was equally active in basal, eosinophil-dependent, and endothelial-dependent adherence. This mechanism was optimally active in the presence of both Ca++ and Mg++, and reduced in the presence of Ca++ only or Mg++ only. Furthermore, like the other mechanisms of eosinophil adherence, it was active at 37 degrees C but not at 4 degrees C. A second mechanism of adherence was involved in eosinophil- and in endothelial-dependent adherence. This mechanism was dependent on the CD11/CD18 adhesion complex of eosinophils (i.e., inhibited by anti-CD18 MAb) and it was active in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++ or Mg++ only, but not Ca++ only. The third mechanism of adherence was specific for endothelial-dependent adherence. It involved the endothelial ligand vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and the eosinophil receptor very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4, CD49d/CD29, i.e., inhibited by anti-VCAM-1 MAb or anti-VLA-4 MAb). This mechanism was active in the presence of Ca++ and Mg++ but not of Ca++ only or Mg++ only, and was not up- or downregulated when eosinophils were stimulated with phorbol ester. In contrast, the endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1), that binds neutrophils and monocytes, was not involved in eosinophil adherence to LPS-, TNF-, or IL-1-stimulated HEC (i.e., not inhibited by anti-ELAM-1 MAb). We conclude that eosinophils, like monocytes and lymphocytes, bind to the cytokine-induced endothelial ligand VCAM-1 via the integrin receptor VLA-4.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the bone in Hand-Schüller-Christian disease: extensive in vivo eosinophil degranulation and subsequent binding of released eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) to other inflammatory cells

The eosinophils from bone granuloma, bone marrow, and peripheral blood of a patient with Hand-Schüller-Christian disease (HSCD) were studied by electron microscopy and cytochemistry. Impressive eosinophil degranulation was observed. Extracellular release of eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and EPO binding to surrounding cells were seen in the granuloma and bone marrow. Cells with peroxidase-positive plasma membrane were also observed in peripheral blood. The pattern of eosinophil degranulation showed quite different features from those described so far. In the granuloma, the process begins with intracytoplasmic release of the granule matrix content, as revealed by both extensive extragranular accumulation of EPO and progressive decrease of the matrix electron density. Core dissolution follows thereafter, leading to complete disappearance of the granules. At the end of the process, the cells show rupture of the plasma membrane and release of their content into the surrounding environment. This pattern of secretion was also observed in blood and marrow eosinophils of the patient. In view of the previously reported findings that EPO binding to inflammatory cells influences their functions, EPO release and binding to surrounding cells in HSCD may play a role in the evolution of the inflammatory lesion in the disease.

Oxidation of homovanillic acid as a selective assay for eosinophil peroxidase in eosinophil peroxidase-myeloperoxidase mixtures and its use in the detection of human eosinophil peroxidase deficiency

Biochemical assays for peroxidase activity do not usually distinguish between different peroxidases. The guaiacol assay, for example, which is one of the most commonly used assays for peroxidase activity, is sensitive to both eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and the peroxidase of neutrophils, i.e., myeloperoxidase (MPO), thus preventing distinction of the two peroxidases in mixed neutrophil-eosinophil populations. In this paper we describe a simple and sensitive method for selective assays of EPO in EPO-MPO mixtures or mixed populations of neutrophils and eosinophils. The method is based on the peroxidase-mediated oxidation of homovanillic acid (HVA) under appropriate assay conditions in which EPO is still very active in catalyzing the reaction whilst MPO-mediated HVA oxidation is almost undetectable. Optimal assay conditions were as follows: pH 10.5, 10 microM hydrogen peroxide, 0.8 mM HVA and an incubation time of 120 min at 37 degrees C. Under these conditions the assay permits EPO activities as low as 0.025 guaiacol U/ml to be measured even in the presence of 0.175 guaiacol U/ml of MPO. In mixed neutrophil-eosinophil cell suspensions the test permits the detection of as few as 5 X 10(3) eosinophils even in the presence of about 700 X 10(3) neutrophils (eosinophils: neutrophils ratio 1:140) with no appreciable interference by the latter cells. The method described here has been applied to studies of human EPO deficiency and proved to be successful in the identification of individuals with partial EPO deficiency, which is not feasible with non quantitative methods (for example, cytochemistry) or unselective biochemical assay of peroxidase activity.

Protective and inactivating effects of neutrophil myeloperoxidase on C1q activity

This study investigated the interaction between neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the C1q component of the complement system. Using a dot-spot assay, MPO was found to bind to C1q in a dose-dependent manner. The specificity of this reaction was proved by the inhibitory effect of F(ab')2 antibodies to C1q and by the inability of MPO to bind to C1r, C1s and IgG. The interaction between MPO and C1q did not influence the enzymatic activity of the peroxidase but resulted in a more stable C1q as assessed by hemolytic assay for C1q. The protective effect of MPO on C1q did not require the presence of H2O2 in the reaction mixture nor was it inhibited by sodium azide, whereas it was abolished by heating the peroxidase. Lactoferrin and lysozyme, unlike MPO, were ineffective in protecting C1q from functional decay. Addition of H2O2 and chloride to MPO and C1q led to a complete inactivation of C1q, which could not be induced by H2O2 alone. The hypochlorite, which is known to be generated during the reaction of MPO with H2O2 and chloride, exhibited a similar inactivating effect on C1q, which was prevented by an external source of methionine.

Uptake of human eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase by cells involved in the inflammatory process

We have recently shown that human neutrophils bind and internalize human eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) but not myeloperoxidase (MPO). In the present work, we studied the interactions of human EPO and MPO with other cells that may be involved in the inflammatory process, i.e., lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. The results indicate that EPO is bound by all the cell types considered, but is efficiently internalized only by lymphocytes, monocytes, and endothelial cells. Conversely, MPO binds appreciably only to fibroblasts and endothelial cells, although with a lower affinity than EPO, but its internalization by any of the cell types studied is hardly detectable. Furthermore, both peroxidases bind strongly to collagen fibers, whereas only EPO binds to elastin. The results suggest that EPO, owing to its high cytophilia, exerts its biological activity close to the site at which it is released from the eosinophil.

Bactericidal-activities of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte proteins against Escherichia coli O111:B4 coated with C5 or C8

The postnuclear supernatant of disrupted polymorphonuclear leukocytes exhibited bactericidal activity on Escherichia coli O111:B4 coated with immunoglobulin M antibodies and C5 or C8 but not on C3- or C7-coated bacteria. To characterize this antimicrobial activity further, granules obtained from the postnuclear supernatant were extracted with sodium acetate (pH 4) and the soluble extract was subsequently fractionated through carboxymethyl cellulose and Sephacryl S-200. Over 90% of the activity present in the starting material was recovered in the soluble granule extract. Kinetic and dose-response analyses of the bacterial activity of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte extract on BAC1-5 and BAC1-8 revealed different susceptibilities to killing of these two bacterial intermediates; they also differed for their susceptibilities to killing at 37 degrees C and at room temperature. The suggestion raised by these data, that BAC1-5 and BAC1-8 could be killed by different bactericidal factors, was confirmed by the findings that separate fractions of the soluble granule extract obtained by carboxymethyl cellulose and Sephacryl S-200 chromatography exhibited specific activity on either BAC1-5 or BAC1-8, whereas other fractions were active on both intermediates.

Uptake of human eosinophil peroxidase by human neutrophils

A cytochemical analysis was carried out for study of the interaction between human eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) and human neutrophils. To this end, neutrophils with a genetic deficiency of myeloperoxidase (MPO) were used to avoid the otherwise inevitable interference of the high endogenous MPO activity of normal neutrophils. The data show that human neutrophils incubated with EPO (1 GU/ml) rapidly bind the enzyme all over the cell surface and internalize it in small vesicles. Part of bound EPO concentrates in a limited area on the cell surface and is then internalized by means of coarse tubular channels. Fusion of the small vesicles to each other or possibly with the tubular channels gives rise ultimately to EPO-containing multivesicular bodies, which, after 30 minutes of incubation, are the only peroxidase-positive structures in the cytoplasm. Under identical experimental conditions, no binding of human MPO to the neutrophils was detected. At concentrations 10 times as high as those used for EPO, a minority of neutrophils bound MPO, but the binding pattern remained diffuse on the plasma membrane and the internalization was negligible. It seems, therefore, that the EPO trapping system of human neutrophils exhibits specificity at least among leukocyte peroxidases. Furthermore, it operates at much lower concentrations of EPO than those reported for EPO uptake by mast cells and basophils. The uptake of EPO by neutrophils may serve to sequester a potentially toxic agent, thus limiting damage to the tissue in eosinophil-rich inflammatory lesions.

A simple procedure for the purification of eosinophil peroxidase from normal human blood

A simple procedure to purify human eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) is described. The method uses pure anucleated granule-rich eosinophil fragments (cytosomes) as a suitable starting material from which EPO can be quickly isolated. The enzyme obtained by this procedure has both the biochemical and the spectral properties of EPO and shows a reasonable degree of purity, as judged by its rz value. This procedure, besides its simplicity and reproducibility, offers at least two other advantages over the methods currently used for EPO purification, the possibility of isolating EPO from small amounts of normal human blood and a very high recovery of the enzyme activity.

A simple method to obtain pure granule-rich eosinophil fragments (cytosomes) from normal human blood

This paper describes a simple, rapid and reproducible method to obtain pure granule-rich eosinophil fragments (cytosomes) with a high yield from normal human blood. The method is based on the treatment of whole blood with saponin and subsequent purification of the cytosomes on Percoll gradient. The enzymatic analysis of the cytosomes shows that the content of 3 granular enzymes is of the same order of magnitude already reported by others for intact eosinophils. This finding suggests that the cytosomes can be employed as starting material for studying the content of the granules or for the isolation of the granular components. The advantages offered by this method over those currently used to obtain eosinophil granules are discussed.

Increased degranulation of human myeloperoxidase-deficient polymorphonuclear leucocytes

Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-deficient neutrophils (PMN) released considerably more beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme and vitamin B12-binding activities, when exposed to opsonized zymosan (STZ), than the normal counterpart. Release of the soluble enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was not appreciably changed over the incubation time with particles in either cell type. MPO-deficient PMN and normal PMN ingested STZ particles at a similar rate at early times, but thereafter phagocytosis by MPO-deficient PMN was significantly higher than that by normal PMN. The difference in degranulation between the two cell types greatly exceeded the difference in ingestion and was evident already at early phagocytosis times when no difference in phagocytosis was observed; this suggested that the higher degranulation in MPO-deficient PMN was at least in part independent of the increased ingestion. This was confirmed by experiments with the soluble stimulant N-formyl-L-norleucyl-L-leucyl-phenylalanine (FNLLP). MPO-deficient PMN and normal PMN exhibited a comparable respiratory burst when exposed to FNLLP plus cytochalasin B, but the defective cells released more azurophilic and specific granule markers than normal PMN. These results indicate that MPO-deficient PMN degranulate more than normal PMN and suggest a role for MPO in the regulation of degranulation.

Effect of gentamicin and sisomicin on the generation of superoxide by human monocytes

The effect of gentamicin and sisomicin on the generation of superoxide anions by human monocytes exposed to a phagocytosing stimulus, i.e. serum treated zymosan, or a soluble stimulus, i.e. 4-beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, has been studied. Neither sisomicin nor gentamicin affected the superoxide production by stimulated monocytes. The data suggest that the reported variability in the response to aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy in certain clinical situations cannot be attributed to interference with monocyte oxidative burst.

A simple reliable assay for myeloperoxidase activity in mixed neutrophil-eosinophil cell suspensions: application to detection of myeloperoxidase deficiency

Quantitation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity by guaiacol peroxidation (GP) assay is profoundly affected by the peroxidase present in eosinophils (EPO) that contaminate the granulocyte suspensions. Inclusion of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) in the GP assay permits quantitation of MPO activity in mixed neutrophil-eosinophil suspension because of the differential inhibition of EPO and MPO by AMT. Results show that: (1) the peroxidase activity of eosinophil-free granulocyte suspensions is not appreciably affected by AMT; (2) in the presence of AMT the peroxidase activities of granulocyte preparations containing different numbers of eosinophils are similar on a neutrophil basis, regardless of the number of eosinophils and correspond with the activity of eosinophil-free granulocyte suspensions; (3) AMT almost completely inhibits the activity of partially purified EPO, only slightly affecting the catalytic activity of partially purified MPO; (4) AMT completely inhibits the residual peroxidase activity of granulocyte suspensions from MPO-deficient subjects contributed by contaminating eosinophils. The GP assay in the presence of AMT was used to study the pattern of hereditary transmission of MPO deficiency. The genealogy derived on the basis of this assay was compatible with an autosomal recessive inheritance, in agreement with previously reported results, while no definite pattern of inheritance could be established by use of the GP assay without AMT. We suggest that the GP assay supplemented with AMT is the method of choice for detection of MPO deficiency, particularly partial deficiency.