High Expression of CXCL10/CXCR3 in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury Caused by High Mechanical Power

BACKGROUND

The energy delivered by a ventilator to the respiratory system in one minute is defined as mechanical power (MP). However, the effect of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is still unknown. Our previous studies revealed that CXCL10 may be a potential biomarker of lung injury in ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the lung injury of rats and patients under different MP conditions to explore the involvement of CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 in VILI.

METHODS

Patients were divided into the high mechanical power group (HMPp group) and low mechanical power group (LMPp group), while rats were assigned to the high mechanical power group (HMPr group), medium mechanical power group (MMPr group), and low mechanical power group (LMPr group). CXCL10 and CXCR3 plasma content in ARDS patients and rats under ventilation at different MP was measured, as well as their protein and mRNA expression in rat lungs.

RESULTS

CXCL10 and CXCR3 content in the plasma of ARDS patients in the HMPp was significantly higher than that in the LMPp. The increase of MP during mechanical ventilation in the rats gradually increased lung damage, and CXCL10 and CXCR3 levels in rat plasma gradually increased with the increase of MP. CXCL10 and CXCR3 protein and mRNA expression in the HMPr group and MMPr group was significantly higher than that in the LMPr group (P < 0.05). More mast cells were present in the trachea, bronchus, blood vessels, and lymphatic system in the rat lungs of the HMPr group, and the number of mast cells in the HMPr group (13.32 ± 3.27) was significantly higher than that in the LMPr group (3.25 ± 0.29) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The higher the MP, the more severe the lung injury, and the higher the CXCL10/CXCR3 expression. Therefore, CXCL10/CXCR3 might participate in VILI by mediating mast cell chemotaxis.

CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and their receptor (CXCR3) in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration

The aim of this review is to present data from the available literature concerning CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, as well as their receptor 3 (CXCR3) in selected diseases of the central nervous system (CNS), such as tickborne encephalitis (TBE), neuroborreliosis (NB), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 lack glutamic acid-leucine-arginine (ELR), and are unique, because they are more closely related to each other than to any other chemokine. The aforementioned chemokines are especially involved in Th1-type response and in various diseases, as their expression correlates with the tissue infiltration of T cells. Their production is strongly induced by interferon gamma (IFN-υ), the most typical Th1 cytokine. They act by binding to the CXC3 receptor. Knowledge about the action mechanism of CXCR3 and its ligands may be useful in the treatment of CNS diseases. However, data in the literature concerning the evaluation of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and their receptor with the use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method is limited.

Interleukin-29 induces epithelial production of CXCR3A ligands and T-cell infiltration

Psoriasis is considered as a model for chronic immune-mediated disorders. Th17-cells are pivotal players in those diseases. Recently, we demonstrated that Th17-cells produce interleukin (IL)-29 and that IL-29 is highly present in psoriatic lesions. Whether IL-29, with its action on epithelial cells and melanocytes, contributes to psoriasis pathogenesis, was unknown so far. Analysis of IL-29-treated human keratinocytes revealed induction of the chemokines CXCL10, CXCL11, and, to a much lesser extent, CXCL9. Unlike these CXCR3A ligands, known to attract Th1-, CD8(+), NK-, and Th1/Th17 transient cells, no influence was found on chemokines attracting other immune cell populations or on molecules modulating the CXCR3A/CXCR3A ligand interaction. CXCR3A ligand expression was also induced by IL-29 in melanocytes and in epidermis models and explanted skin. Regarding other psoriasis-relevant cytokines, interferon-γ and, less potently, tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β shared and strengthened IL-29's capacity. Murine IL-29 counterpart injected into mouse skin provoked local CXCL10 and CXCL11 expression, T-cell infiltration, and, in consequence, skin swelling. The elevated IL-29 expression in psoriatic lesions was associated with upregulation of CXCR3A ligands compared to non-lesional skin of these patients and to the skin of healthy donors and atopic dermatitis patients, which lack IL-29 production. Importantly, neutralization of IL-29 reduced CXCR3A ligand levels in explant cultures of psoriatic lesions. Finally, elevated blood CXCL11 levels were found in psoriasis that might be useful for monitoring lesional activity of the IL-29 axis. In summary, the Th17-cytokine IL-29 induces specific chemokines and, in consequence, provokes skin infiltration of potentially pathogenic T-cells.

KEY MESSAGES

IL-29 selectively induces CXCR3A-binding chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11) in skin cells. Murine IL-29 counterpart induces skin T-cell infiltration and inflammation in mice. CXCR3A ligands are IL-29-dependently increased in lesional skin of psoriasis patients. CXCR3A ligand levels in psoriatic skin correlate with epidermal T-cell numbers. Increased blood CXCL11 levels in psoriasis may be a biomarker for local IL-29 action.

CXCR3 blockade protects against Listeria monocytogenes infection-induced fetal wastage

Mammalian pregnancy requires protection against immunological rejection of the developing fetus bearing discordant paternal antigens. Immune evasion in this developmental context entails silenced expression of chemoattractant proteins (chemokines), thereby preventing harmful immune cells from penetrating the maternal-fetal interface. Here, we demonstrate that fetal wastage triggered by prenatal Listeria monocytogenes infection is driven by placental recruitment of CXCL9-producing inflammatory neutrophils and macrophages that promote infiltration of fetal-specific T cells into the decidua. Maternal CD8+ T cells with fetal specificity upregulated expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and, together with neutrophils and macrophages, were essential for L. monocytogenes-induced fetal resorption. Conversely, decidual accumulation of maternal T cells with fetal specificity and fetal wastage were extinguished by CXCR3 blockade or in CXCR3-deficient mice. Remarkably, protection against fetal wastage and in utero L. monocytogenes invasion was maintained even when CXCR3 neutralization was initiated after infection, and this protective effect extended to fetal resorption triggered by partial ablation of immune-suppressive maternal Tregs, which expand during pregnancy to sustain fetal tolerance. Together, our results indicate that functionally overriding chemokine silencing at the maternal-fetal interface promotes the pathogenesis of prenatal infection and suggest that therapeutically reinforcing this pathway represents a universal approach for mitigating immune-mediated pregnancy complications.

Cytokines and chemokines in multiple sclerosis

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 (CXCR3) and its ligands (MIG, IP-10) play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS). The CXCR3 receptor is expressed on the majority of T cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MS, suggesting that the CXCR3 receptor may mediate the trafficking of T cells into the central nervous system. IP-10, and MIG were found to be elevated in the CSF of patients with MS during relapse. These chemokines were also detected in actively demyelinating lesions, and upregulation of CXCR3 expression on peripheral blood CD4+ lymphocytes was associated with MS relapses.Treatment with Interferon (IFN)-β-1a or IFN-β-1b was associated with increased IP-10. Natalizumab that exerts impressive therapeutic effects in patients with MS induces a marked decline of Th1 chemokines (MIG, IP-10, I-TAC) in CSF.

T-bet is critical for the development of acute graft-versus-host disease through controlling T cell differentiation and function

T-bet is a master regulator for IFN-γ production and Th1 differentiation. We evaluated the roles of T-bet and IFN-γ in T cell responses in acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and found that T-bet(-/-) T cells induced significantly less GVHD compared with wild-type or IFN-γ(-/-) counterparts in both MHC-mismatched and MHC-matched but minor histocompatibility Ag-mismatched models driven by CD4 T cells. T-bet(-/-), but not IFN-γ(-/-), CD4 T cells had a markedly reduced ability to cause tissue damage in liver and gut. This distinct outcome is reflected by the differential gene expression on donor CD4 T cells deficient for T-bet or IFN-γ. At mRNA and protein levels, we defined several T-bet-dependent molecules that may account for the impaired ability of T-bet(-/-) T cells to migrate into target organs and to produce Th1-related cytokines. Moreover, these molecules were independent of either endogenous IFN-γ, such as CXCR3 and programmed death-1, or systematic IFN-γ, such as NKG2D, I-A(b), and granzyme B. Although both T-bet(-/-) and IFN-γ(-/-) CD4 T cells are prone to differentiate into Th17 cells, polarized Th17 cells deficient for T-bet but not for IFN-γ had a significantly reduced ability to cause GVHD. Finally, T-bet(-/-) T cells had a compromised graft-versus-leukemia effect, which could be essentially reversed by neutralization of IL-17 in the recipients. We conclude that T-bet is required for Th1 differentiation and migration, as well as for optimal function of Th17 cells. Thus, targeting T-bet or regulating its downstream effectors independent of IFN-γ may be a promising strategy to control GVHD in the clinic.

The molecular and functional characterization of clonally expanded CD8+ TCR BV T cells in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA)

In eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) clonally expanded T cells might concur in granuloma formation and vascular injury. The TCR β-variable (BV) chain repertoire and third complementarity determining region (CDR3) of peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ cells in EGPA patients and age-matched controls and the expression of cytokines and chemokine receptors were investigated. The CD8+ lymphocytes of EGPA patients showed an increased frequency of BV expansions with a skewed profile of BV CDR3 lengths, increased CCR5 and CXCR3 expression and increased INFγ and TNFα production. In two patients, the TCR CDR3 cDNA sequences of the expanded BV family were identified. The CD4+ lymphocytes of EGPA patients revealed a higher expression of CRTH2 and increased production of IL-5. In conclusion, CD4+ T cells display a Th2 profile and CD8+ T cells are clonally expanded in EGPA and have a proinflammatory phenotype, suggesting their pathogenic role in vasculitic damage.

Early differentiated CD138(high) MHCII+ IgG+ plasma cells express CXCR3 and localize into inflamed kidneys of lupus mice

Humoral responses are central to the development of chronic autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. Indeed, autoantibody deposition is responsible for tissue damage, the kidneys being one of the main target organs. As the source of pathogenic antibodies, plasma cells are therefore critical players in this harmful scenario, both at systemic and local levels. The aim of the present study was to analyze plasma cells in NZB/W lupus mice and to get a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying their involvement in the renal inflammation process. Using various techniques (i.e. flow cytometry, quantitative PCR, ELISpot), we identified and extensively characterized three plasma cell intermediates, according to their B220/CD138/MHCII expression levels. Each of these cell subsets displays specific proliferation and antibody secretion capacities. Moreover, we evidenced that the inflammation-related CXCR3 chemokine receptor is uniquely expressed by CD138^highMHCII⁺ plasma cells, which encompass both short- and long-lived cells and mostly produce IgG (auto)antibodies. Expression of CXCR3 allows efficient chemotactic responsiveness of these cells to cognate chemokines, which production is up-regulated in the kidneys of diseased NZB/W mice. Finally, using fluorescence and electron microscopy, we demonstrated the presence of CD138⁺CXCR3⁺IgG⁺ cells in inflammatory areas in the kidneys, where they are very likely involved in the injury process. Thus, early differentiated CD138^highMHCII⁺ rather than terminally differentiated CD138^highMHCII^low plasma cells may be involved in the renal inflammatory injury in lupus, due to CXCR3 expression and IgG secretion.

Mechanisms underlying antigen-specific tolerance of stable and convertible Th17 cells during suppression of autoimmune diabetes

Type 1 diabetes involves both T helper (Th)1 and Th17 cells. While the mechanisms underlying the control of Th1 cells are relatively well defined, those operating modulation of Th17 cells remain unknown. Moreover, given that Th17 cells are plastic and can drive disease as stable or convertible T cells, effective approaches to counter type 1 diabetes would have to alter Th17 function under both circumstances. Herein, we genetically incorporated the BDC2.5-reactive p79 mimotope into an Ig molecule, and the resulting Ig-p79 was used to investigate Th17 tolerance. Accordingly, diabetogenic BDC2.5 Th17 cells were transferred into NOD mice under convertible or stable conditions and their fate was evaluated upon induction of tolerance and disease suppression by Ig-p79. The findings show that convertible (Th17 to Th1) cells display downregulation of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 that was associated with diminished T-box transcription factor T-bet expression, retention in the spleen, and inhibition of trafficking to the pancreas. In contrast, stable Th17 cells downregulated orphan nuclear receptor ROR-γt but increased Fas ligand expression and died by apoptosis. Thus, the final signature transcription factor shapes the mechanism of tolerance in plastic Th17 cells. These findings suggest that effective strategies against type 1 diabetes will require regimens that could drive both mechanisms of tolerance to overcome the disease.

Role of the adipocyte-specific NF-κB activity in the regulation of IP-10 and T cell migration

Infiltration of immune cells into adipose tissue plays a central role in the pathophysiology of obesity-associated low-grade inflammation. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of adipocyte NF-κB signaling in the regulation of the chemokine/adipokine interferon-γ-induced protein 10 kDa (IP-10) and adipocyte-mediated T cell migration. Therefore, the regulation of IP-10 was investigated in adipose tissue of male C57BL/6J mice, primary human and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes/adipocytes. To specifically block the NF-κB pathway, 3T3-L1 cells stably overexpressing a transdominant mutant of IκBα were generated, and the chemical NF-κB inhibitor Bay117082 was used. Adipocyte-mediated T cell migration was assessed by a migration assay. It could be shown that IP-10 expression was higher in mature adipocytes compared with preadipocytes. Induced IP-10 expression and secretion were completely blocked by an NF-κB inhibitor in 3T3-L1 and primary human adipocytes. Stable overexpression of a transdominant mutant of IκBα in 3T3-L1 adipocytes led to an inhibition of basal and stimulated IP-10 expression and secretion. T cell migration was induced by 3T3-L1 adipocyte-conditioned medium, and both basal and induced T cell migration was strongly inhibited by stable overexpression of a transdominant IκBα mutant. In addition, with the use of an anti-IP-10 antibody, a significant decrease of adipocyte-induced T cell migration was shown. In conclusion, in this study, we could demonstrate that the NF-κB pathway is essential for the regulation of IP-10 in 3T3-L1 and primary human adipocytes. Adipocytes rather than preadipocytes contribute to NF-κB-dependent IP-10 expression and secretion. Furthermore, NF-κB-dependent factors and especially IP-10 represent novel signals from adipocytes to induce T cell migration.

Expression of chemokines, CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and CXCR3 in the inflamed islets of patients with recent-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes

The aim of this study is to present direct evidence for the involvement of CXC chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and CXCR3 in human autoimmune type 1 diabetes. We examined five patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes and five control subjects without diabetes. Islet cell antibodies or GAD antibodies or both were detected in all five patients. We used double-immunofluorescence to detect the expression of CXCL10 and CXCR3 (the receptor of CXCL10). CXCL10 was detected in the islets of all five patients. Almost all (84.2 ± 10.3 %, mean ± SD) CXCL10-positive cells were insulin-positive in the islet area. CXCL10-positive cells with glucagons, somatostatins or pancreatic polypeptides were not detected at all. CXCL10 expression was not seen in any islet without beta cells. CXCR3 was detected in the islet areas of all five patients. Almost all (80.3 ± 13.4 %, mean ± SD) CXCR3-positive cells were CD3-positive T cells. Our study showed that CXCL10 was expressed in the remaining beta cells, and the infiltrating T cells expressed CXCR3, in pancreatic islets of patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes. The interaction of CXCL10 and CXCR3 would contribute to the selective destruction of beta cells in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor significantly decreases the expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on T cells and preferentially induces T helper cells to a T helper 17 phenotype in peripheral blood harvests

The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of chemokine receptors on T cells and functional changes of T helper (Th) cells in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvests after treating healthy donors with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF). Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we analyzed the expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on T cells and the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and IL-17 by CD4(+) Th cells in PBSC grafts of healthy donors after in vivo rhG-CSF application. Alterations in the relative expression levels of T cell receptor beta variable (TCRBV) family members were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). rhG-CSF mobilization significantly decreased the expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on T cells. Treating donors with rhG-CSF resulted in decreased IFN-gamma production and dramatically increased IL-4 and IL-17 secretion by CD4(+) Th cells, leading to T cell polarization from the Th1 to the Th2 phenotype and a preferential increase in IL-17-producing CD4(+) Th cells. We did not observe any differences in the relative expression levels of TCRBV family members before and after in vivo rhG-CSF application. Our results suggest that the expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on donor T cells was dramatically downregulated and an IL-17 phenotype of CD4(+) Th cells was preferentially induced in PBSC grafts after treating healthy donors with rhG-CSF. The observed effects of rhG-CSF on T cells may be independent of the relative expression levels of TCRBV family members.

Serial changes in the expression of CXCR3 and CCR5 on peripheral blood lymphocytes following human renal transplantation

OBJECTIVES

In animal models of transplantation, chemokine receptors have been shown to direct the infiltration of T cells in immune responses and inflammation and to be critical in cellular recruitment. Although the chemokine receptors CXCR3 and CCR5 and their ligands have been found during acute rejection in transplanted human kidneys, the kinetics of expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using a whole-blood red-cell lysis fluorescence-activated cell sorter, serial expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 on T-cell subsets were analyzed in 19 human renal transplant recipients following transplant.

RESULTS

In patients developing allograft rejection (n=6), increased expression of CXCR3 occurred on the surface of CD4+ T cells by the third day after transplant. In patients remaining rejection free (n=13), decreased expression was seen. In patients experiencing allograft rejection and in those remaining rejection free, levels of CXCR3 on CD8+ T cells and CCR5 on CD4+ and CD8+ cells remained stable throughout the study.

CONCLUSIONS

During allograft rejection, expression of CXCR3, but not CCR5, increases on peripheral CD4+ T cells prior to clinical evidence of allograft rejection and remains elevated for more than 2 weeks following transplantation. This may represent a specific molecular target for identifying and preventing allograft rejection.

Up-regulation of CXC chemokines and their receptors: implications for proinflammatory microenvironments of ovarian carcinomas and endometriosis

Molecular abnormalities in the epithelial cells of endometriosis and their relevance to carcinogenesis of the ovary have been well studied. On the other hand, the differences of proinflammatory microenvironments between endometriosis and ovarian carcinomas have not been well documented yet. In this study, the expression patterns of CXC chemokines (IL-8, ENA-78, GRO-alpha, I-TAC, Mig, and SDF-1) and their receptors (CXCR2, CXCR3, and CXCR4) were compared among 12 ovarian carcinomas, 8 endometriosis, and 6 normal ovaries using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The CXCR3-mediated signaling in ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro was also investigated. In quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, ENA-78 was up-regulated both in endometriosis and carcinomas, whereas I-TAC was detected exclusively in carcinomas. CXCR3 was up-regulated both in carcinomas and endometriosis. However, immunohistochemical studies revealed that the localization of CXCR3 in carcinomas was distinctively different from that in endometriosis. In carcinoma-endometriosis coexisting cases, CXCR3-positive lymphocytes in benign lesions decreased in proportion as CXCR3-positive tumor cells replaced the tissues. CXCR3 was also detected in ovarian carcinoma cell lines in vitro. Administration of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-inducible chemokines induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in these carcinoma cells. The results indicated that CXC chemokines might contribute to the progression of ovarian carcinomas and endometriosis in different manners. Aberrant expression of IFN-gamma-inducible chemokines and CXCR3 in carcinoma cells in association with reduced CXCR3-positive immune cells raised the possibility that IFN-gamma-inducible chemokines might not exert effective antitumor immune responses but that they might work in favor of tumor progression.

Expression of interferon-gamma- inducible protein-10 and its receptor CXCR3 in chronic pancreatitis

AIM

The role of CXC chemokine, interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 and its receptor CXCR3 in pathophysiology of chronic pancreatitis (CP) is not very clear. Hence, this study was carried out to analyze the expression of CXCL10 and CXCR3 in CP tissues.

METHODS

Pancreatic tissues from 25 histopathologically graded CP cases (11 alcohol associated CP, 5 confirmed idiopathic and 9 of undefined nature) and 10 normal cases were studied. Tissues were subjected to real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis for CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression.

RESULTS

Real-time (RT)-PCR revealed increased expression of CXCL10 (13-fold) and CXCR3 (7-fold) in CP tissue. The immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis of the same showed significant increased protein expression and correlated well with the histopathological grades. The CXCL10 was localized mainly in the cytoplasm of pancreatic acinar cells and expression increased from grade I to grade II and declined in grade III while no expression was recorded in normal. The CXCR3 was expressed strongly at the acinar cell membrane in CP as compared to normal. Further, comparative analysis by semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis was performed for other CXC/CC chemokines (CXCL9, CXCL11, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5) and receptor (CCR5) which revealed their upregulation in the diseased state.

CONCLUSION

The existence of CXCL10 and CXCR3 with other CXC/CC chemokine signature in CP is suggestive of their vital role in the progression of chronic inflammation.

CXCL10-CXCR3 interactions play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host disease in the skin following allogeneic stem-cell transplantation

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) remains a serious complication following allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT), and is mediated by infiltration of alloreactive donor T cells into recipient tissue. Chemokines and their receptors play a central role in controlling the recruitment of T cells into discrete tissue sites, and determine the clinical features of GVHD in murine models. In this study, we have analyzed the serum concentration of molecules that control leukocyte migration in serial samples from 34 patients following allogeneic SCT. The chemokine CXCL10 (IP-10) was significantly elevated (> 2-fold) in serum at the time of aGVHD. Because the ligand for CXCL10 is CXCR3, the number of CXCR3(+) T cells was determined in peripheral blood, but was not increased during episodes of GVHD. To investigate the role of chemokines in the recruitment of T cells to the anatomic site of GVHD, skin biopsies were stained for CXCL10 and CXCR3 expression. CXCL10 expression was observed in the basal keratinocytes of the epidermis in patients with GVHD together with positive staining for CXCR3 on cells in dermal infiltrates. These findings indicate that CXCL10 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of skin aGVHD by the recruitment of CXCR3(+) T cells to the sites of inflammation.

[Expression of CXCR3 in hepatocellular carcinoma]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Recent researches have revealed that chemokine-chemokine receptor network plays an important role in tumor metastasis. This study was to investigate the expression of CXCR3, a chemokine receptor, and its correlation to clinicopathologic features of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

CXCR3 mRNA expression in 7 human HCC cell lines, 18 normal liver tissues and 64 pairs of HCC tissues and adjacent liver tissues was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR; CXCR3 protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. The correlation of CXCR3 expression to the metastasis of HCC was analyzed.

RESULTS

CXCR3 mRNA was expressed in 2 HCC cell lines (MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L) with metastatic potential, but not in 5 HCC cell lines without metastatic potential. The CXCR3/beta2M expression ratio in MHCC97-H cells (high metastatic potential) was 33.0x10(-4), and that in MHCC97-L cells (low metastatic potential) was 8.7x10(-4). Strong staining of CXCR3 protein in MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L cells was observed. However, the staining of CXCR3 protein was not detected in 4 HCC cell lines without metastatic potential; only weak staining was detected in HepG-2 cells. The expression of CXCR3 protein in HCC is significantly correlated to the invasiveness of tumors (P=0.003). The 1-and 2-year tumor-free survival rates of the HCC patients with strong positive CXCR3 expression were significantly lower than those of the patients with weak positive CXCR3 expression (66.7% vs. 75.0%, 31.3% vs. 59.5%, P=0.044).

CONCLUSION

The expression of CXCR3 might play a role in the invasion and metastasis of HCC.

Increased levels of chemokine receptor CXCR3 and chemokines IP-10 and MIG in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and their first degree relatives

Infiltrating memory T cells play an important role in the destruction of the biliary tract in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and inflammatory chemokines control lymphocyte traffic through their interactions with T cell chemokine receptors. In the present study, we measured plasma levels of chemokines interferon-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10) and monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), and also studied the expression of CXCR3 chemokine receptors in 105 subjects, including 53 patients with PBC, 26 first degree relatives and 26 healthy controls. Interestingly, plasma IP-10 and MIG levels in PBC were increased significantly compared to controls and appeared to increase with disease progression. By immunohistochemistry, IP-10 and MIG expressions were evident in the portal areas in PBC. Further, the frequency of CXCR3-expressing cells in peripheral blood was also significantly higher in PBC, and CXCR3-positive cells were also found in the portal areas of diseased livers, primarily on CD4+ cells. Finally, the daughters and sisters of PBC patients also demonstrated increased plasma levels of IP-10 and MIG, but, in contrast, displayed normal frequency of CXCR3+ expressing peripheral blood lymphocytes. Our data imply a role for specific chemokine-chemokine receptor interactions in the pathogenesis of PBC and also highlight the familial risk factor.