CXCL4-induced plaque macrophages can be specifically identified by co-expression of MMP7+S100A8+ in vitro and in vivo

Macrophage heterogeneity in human atherosclerotic plaques has been recognized; however, markers for unequivocal identification of some subtypes are lacking. We found that the platelet chemokine CXCL4 induces a unique macrophage phenotype, which we proposed to call 'M4'. Here, we sought to identify suitable markers that identify M4 macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Using a stringent algorithm, we identified a set of potential markers from transcriptomic data derived from polarized macrophages. We specifically focused on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)7 and S100A8, the co-expression of which has not been described in any macrophage type thus far. We found dose- and time-dependent MMP7 and S100A8 expression in M4 macrophages at the gene and protein levels. CXCL4-induced up-regulation of both MMP7 and S100A8 was curbed in the presence of heparin, which binds to CXCL4 and glycosaminoglycans, most likely representing the macrophage receptor for CXCL4. Immunofluorescence of post-mortem atherosclerotic coronary arteries identified CD68(+)MMP7(+), CD68(+)MMP7(-), CD68(+)S100A8(+) and CD68(+)S100A8(-) macrophages. A small proportion of MMP7(+)S100A8(+) macrophages most likely represent M4 macrophages. In summary, we have identified co-expression of MMP7 and S100A8 to be a marker combination exclusively found in M4 macrophages. This finding may allow further dissection of the role of M4 macrophages in atherosclerosis and other pathologic conditions.

An in vitro model to study heterogeneity of human macrophage differentiation and polarization

Monocyte-derived macrophages represent an important cell type of the innate immune system. Mouse models studying macrophage biology suffer from the phenotypic and functional differences between murine and human monocyte-derived macrophages. Therefore, we here describe an in vitro model to generate and study primary human macrophages. Briefly, after density gradient centrifugation of peripheral blood drawn from a forearm vein, monocytes are isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using negative magnetic bead isolation. These monocytes are then cultured for six days under specific conditions to induce different types of macrophage differentiation or polarization. The model is easy to use and circumvents the problems caused by species-specific differences between mouse and man. Furthermore, it is closer to the in vivo conditions than the use of immortalized cell lines. In conclusion, the model described here is suitable to study macrophage biology, identify disease mechanisms and novel therapeutic targets. Even though not fully replacing experiments with animals or human tissues obtained post mortem, the model described here allows identification and validation of disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets that may be highly relevant to various human diseases.