Activation of human monocytes by a formyl peptide receptor 2-derived pepducin

We synthesized and investigated the effect of formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2)-derived pepducins in human monocytes. The FPR2-based cell-penetrating lipopeptide, “pepducin” (F2pal-16), stimulated intracellular calcium increase in human monocytes via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-protein and phospholipase C (PLC) activity. From a functional aspect, we showed that F2pal-16 stimulated monocyte chemotaxis. F2pal-16 also stimulated the generation of superoxide anion in human monocytes. Moreover, F2pal-16 dramatically increased the production of several kinds of pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL8, CCL2, IL-1β and TNF-α) in human monocytes via NF-κB activation. Since FPR2 plays an important role in immune responses, F2pal-16 can serve as a useful reagent for the study of FPR2-mediated immune modulation.     

Isolation and partial characterization of the formyl peptide receptor components on human neutrophils

The receptor for formylated peptides such as FMLP has been reported to consist of glycoprotein components ranging from 24-95 kDa, and to exhibit both high and low affinity for ligand. Controversy exists on the molecular size and number of these components, and whether the different affinities represent distinct ligand binding sites. In this study, the receptor was found to be comprised of components, of 94, 68, and approximately 40 kDa molecular size. Competitive binding inhibition experiments showed that FMLP bound to the components in the following order from highest to lowest affinity: 68 kDa greater than approximately 40 kDa greater than 94 kDa. Our findings suggest that the FMLP receptor of human neutrophils contains at least three components, and that each component has a different affinity for FMLP.     

Superoxide production in human neutrophils is enhanced by treatment with transmembrane peptides derived from human formyl peptide receptor

Formyl peptide receptor (FPR) mediates a number of important host defense functions. Although studies have been performed on the ligand binding site of FPR, FPR dynamic behavior such as receptor dimerization on the cell surface remains unknown. Recently, peptides derived from the transmembrane (TM) domains of GPCRs were shown to disrupt dimer formation by receptors and to result in specific regulation of receptor function. To reveal the function of FPR TM domains, hFPRTM peptides derived from FPR were synthesized, and their biological activities were evaluated with human neutrophils. Synthetic peptides did not exhibit agonistic or antagonistic activity toward superoxide anion production. However, Neutrophils treated with hFPRTM4 produced 4-fold superoxide anion compared with untreated cells when stimulated with FPR agonist fMLP. Short peptide fragments derived from the fourth TM region of FPR did not enhance superoxide anion production, which suggests that hFPRTM4 did not behave as a ligand. CD and fluorescence spectra suggested that hFPRTM peptides were inserted into the membrane. The addition of hFPRTM4 increased the intracellular calcium concentration, which meant the peptide activated some membrane protein on the cell surface. The present study suggests that the fourth TM domain of FPR has a function related to a priming effect.     

Cloning of a cDNA encoding a receptor related to the formyl peptide receptor of human neutrophils.

We cloned a cDNA (RFP) encoding a receptor (RFP) related (70% overall nucleotide homology) to the formyl peptide receptor of human neutrophils (hFPR). RFP is a seven-transmembrane-domain receptor and its distribution is limited to myeloid cells. Domain sequence comparison with hFPR reveals highly conserved regions and provides clues to putative domains involved in ligand binding and receptor desensitization.     

Regulation of C5a and formyl peptide receptor expression on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Fluorescein conjugates of C5a (FL-C5a) and formyl methionine-leucine-phenylalanine-lysine (FL-FMLPL) have been used to determine how the expression of receptors for these peptides is regulated on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Video intensification microscopy showed that receptors for FL-C5a were homogeneously distributed on the surface of the PMN, but within minutes were mobilized into patches and internalized by the PMN. Internalization of C5a receptors was confirmed in studies in which external FL-C5a fluorescence was quenched by reducing the pH. A similar rapid internalization was observed with FL-FMLPL. This process was inhibited for both fluorescent ligands by monensin. Reexpression of C5a and formyl peptide receptors after internalization occurred with both receptors. By comparison, the rate of reexpression of formyl peptide receptors was much faster than that observed with C5a receptors with the half maximal reexpression time for each being 5 to 10 min and 18 to 60 min, respectively. C5a receptor reexpression was completely blocked by monensin suggesting receptor recycling, whereas monensin had little effect on FMLPL receptor reexpression. The reexpression of both receptors occurred in the presence of cycloheximide indicating that this process occurred independent of protein synthesis. Additional studies on formyl peptide receptor showed that when PMN were treated with ionomycin to fully mobilize the intracellular pool of FMLPL receptors, receptor reexpression failed to occur. These studies show that both C5a and formyl peptide receptors are internalized after binding ligand, but that their reexpression occurs through different mechanisms. C5a receptors appear to be recycled to the cell surface whereas formyl peptide receptors are reexpressed predominantly by translocation from an intracellular pool.     

Effect of phorbol myristate acetate on processing of formyl peptide receptors by human neutrophils

We examined the effect of phorbol myristate acetate on the ability of human neutrophils to process formyl peptide receptors. The receptor was affinity-labeled and its extracellular localization assessed over time, by cleavage of extracellular labeled receptor with papain. Neutrophils were capable of internalizing (and/or recycling) affinity labeled formyl peptide receptor in the absence of extracellular calcium. This phenomenon was dependent upon stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate, suggesting a role for protein kinase C in this process.     

Human neutrophils are activated by a peptide fragment of Clostridium difficile toxin B presumably via formyl peptide receptor

Clostridium difficile may induce antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea and, in severe cases, pseudomembranous colitis characterized by tremendous neutrophil infiltration. All symptoms are caused by two exotoxins: TcdA and TcdB. We describe here the activation of isolated human blood neutrophils by TcdB and, moreover, by toxin fragments generated by limited proteolytical digestion. Kinetics and profiles of TcdB‐induced rise in intracellular‐free Ca²⁺ and reactive oxygen species production were similar to that induced by fMLF, which activates the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) recognizing formylated bacterial peptide sequences. Transfection assays with the FPR‐1 isoform hFPR26 in HEK293 cells, heterologous desensitization experiments and FPR inhibition via cyclosporine H strongly suggest activation of cells via FPR‐1. Domain analyses revealed that the N‐terminal glucosyltransferase domain of TcdB is a potent activator of FPR pointing towards an additional mechanism that might contribute to pathogenesis. This pro‐inflammatory ligand effect can be triggered even by cleaved and, thus, non‐cytotoxic toxin. In summary, we report (i) a ligand effect on neutrophils as completely new molecular mode of action, (ii) pathogenic potential of truncated or proteolytically cleaved ‘non‐cytotoxic’ fragments and (iii) an interaction of the N‐terminal glucosyltransferase domain instead of the C‐terminal receptor binding domain of TcdB with target cells.     

Differential activation of polymorphisms of the formyl peptide receptor by formyl peptides

We have investigated the role of two polymorphic sites (R190W and N192K) on the binding and activation of the formyl peptide receptor (FPR) by viral and formyl peptides. WEDWVGWI, a peptide with antiviral activity derived from the membrane proximal region of feline immunodeficiency virus, binds with high affinity to FPR. The three tryptophans in the peptide are all essential for FPR binding, just as they were essential for antiviral activity [S. Giannecchini, A. Di Fenza, A.M. D'Ursi, D. Matteucci, P. Rovero, M. Bendinelli, Antiviral activity and conformational features of an octapeptide derived from the membrane-proximal ectodomain of the feline immunodeficiency virus transmembrane glycoprotein, J. Virol. 77 (2003) 3724]. Formyl-NleWEDWVGWI behaved as a weak partial agonist with FPR W190/N192 but a stronger partial agonist with FPR R190/K192 and FPR R190/N192. Formyl-NleNleWEDWVGWI behaved as a full agonist toward all three FPRs but exhibited a much higher EC(50) with W190/N192 FPR (300+/-45 nM) than for R190/K192 FPR (40+/-3 nM) or R190/N192 (60+/-8 nM). Formyl-MYKWPWYVWL preferentially activated R190/K192 and R190/N192 FPRs by>5 fold compared to W190/N192 FPR. Formyl-MFEDAVAWF, a peptide derived from a protein in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and formyl-MFTFEPFPTN, a peptide derived from the N-terminus of chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus with an added N-terminal formyl-methionine exhibited the greatest selectivity for R190/K192 and R190/N192 FPRs with approximately 10 fold lower EC(50)s than that observed with FPR W190/N192. Thus, individuals with the W190 polymorphism may display a reduced ability to detect certain formyl peptides.     

Functional expression of IL-9 receptor by human neutrophils from asthmatic donors: role in IL-8 release

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) express surface receptors for various inflammatory mediators, including IgE and IL-4. Recently, the IL-9R locus has been genetically linked to asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in humans. In this study, we evaluated expression of the IL-9R and the effect of IL-9 on human PMNs. RT-PCR analysis showed the presence of IL-9Ralpha-chain mRNA in PMN RNA preparations from asthmatic patients. Using FACS analysis, surface expression of IL-9Ralpha was detected on PMNs freshly isolated from asthmatics, and to a lesser extent on normal controls. In addition, protein expression of IL-9Ralpha was also detected in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage PMNs. Furthermore, functional studies showed that IL-9 stimulation of PMNs results in the release of IL-8 in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-IL-9 neutralizing Ab suppressed this effect, but had no effect on GM-CSF-induced IL-8 release from PMNs. Taken together, these findings suggest a novel role for PMNs in allergic disease through the expression and activation of the IL-9R.     

Lipopolysaccharide induces rapid production of IL-10 by monocytes in the presence of apoptotic neutrophils

There is growing evidence that apoptotic neutrophils have an active role to play in the regulation and resolution of inflammation following phagocytosis by macrophages and dendritic cells. However, their influence on activated blood monocytes, freshly recruited to sites of inflammation, has not been defined. In this work, we examined the effect of apoptotic neutrophils on cytokine production by LPS-activated monocytes. Monocytes stimulated with LPS in the presence of apoptotic neutrophils for 18 h elicited an immunosuppressive cytokine response, with enhanced IL-10 and TGF-beta production and only minimal TNF-alpha and IL-1beta cytokine production. Time-kinetic studies demonstrated that IL-10 production was markedly accelerated in the presence of apoptotic neutrophils, whereas there was a sustained reduction in the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. This suppression of proinflammatory production was not reversible by depletion of IL-10 or TGF-beta or by addition of exogenous IFN-gamma. It was demonstrated, using Transwell experiments, that monocyte-apoptotic cell contact was required for induction of the immunosuppressive monocyte response. The response of monocytes contrasted with that of human monocyte-derived macrophages in which there was a reduction in IL-10 production. We conclude from these data that interaction between activated monocytes and apoptotic neutrophils creates a unique response, which changes an activated monocyte from being a promoter of the inflammatory cascade into a cell primed to deactivate itself and other cells.     

The uncoupled state of the human formyl peptide receptor

The formyl peptide receptor (FPR) has been widely used to study the kinetics of the interaction between ligand, receptor and G protein with real-time fluorescence methods. Because the wild type receptor rapidly signals, and is then desensitized and internalized once occupied by ligand, it has been difficult to study the uncoupled receptor form. We have examined a mutant form of the FPR expressed in U937 cells that does not bind G protein and is thus ideal to study the uncoupled form of the FPR in the intact cell. Using kinetic flow cytometry, we have measured the dissociation kinetics of a fluorescent ligand from this mutant in intact, permeabilized and fixed cells. We observed a novel uncoupled receptor form in the intact cell with a dramatically reduced off-rate (approximately 0.02 s-1) from LR in a broken cell preparation (approximately 0.2 s-1). Both receptor forms are retained in the presence of formaldehyde. We also observed this novel receptor form coexisting with the LRG complex when the wild type receptor is fixed in neutrophils or transfectants. These results complex when the wild type receptor is fixed in neutrophils o transfectants. These results lead us to suggest that there are distinct receptor structures in cells and membranes and that only a fraction of receptors in intact cells exist in the uncoupled form.     

甲酰肽受体研究进展

趋化剂N-甲酰肽,如fMLF(N-甲酰甲硫氨酰-亮氨酰-苯丙氨酸)与受体结合后,能在炎症和免疫应急反应时募集嗜中性粒细胞游走和聚集在病灶处,对抗并清除病原微生物。近年来发现的许多结构各异的非N-甲酰肽配体(包括炎症早期出现的内源性多肽)均具有趋化和激活噬菌性白细胞的作用。这些研究进展拓展了我们对甲酰肽受体功能的认识,同时也提出一系列新问题,值得深入探讨。     

NADPH-oxidase activation in murine neutrophils via formyl peptide receptors

Neutrophils play a key role at inflammatory sites where, in addition to destroying infecting microorganisms, they may also have deleterious effects on host tissues. Both activities involve activation of the NADPH-oxidase that produces bactericidal and tissue-destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS). We activated the murine NADPH-oxidase using different types of neutrophil activators and characterized the oxidative responses with respect to magnitude, localization, and kinetics. We show that agonist-induced activation of murine neutrophils results exclusively in extracellular release of ROS and no intracellular production could be detected. We also show that the formylated peptide, formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF), is a much less potent activator of the murine NADPH-oxidase than of the human analogue. Nevertheless, fMLF responses can be primed by pretreating the murine neutrophils with either cytochalasin B or bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Finally, we show that a synthetic hexapeptide, WKYMVM, is a more potent stimulus than fMLF for murine neutrophils and that these two agonists probably act via nonidentical high-affinity receptors.     

Up-regulation of IL-10R1 expression is required to render human neutrophils fully responsive to IL-10

We have recently shown that IL-10 fails to trigger Stat3 and Stat1 tyrosine phosphorylation in freshly isolated human neutrophils. In this study, we report that IL-10 can nonetheless induce Stat3 tyrosine phosphorylation and the binding of Stat1 and Stat3 to the IFN-gamma response region or the high-affinity synthetic derivative of the c-sis-inducible element in neutrophils that have been cultured for at least 3 h with LPS. Similarly, the ability of IL-10 to up-regulate suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 mRNA was dramatically enhanced in cultured neutrophils and, as a result, translated into the SOCS-3 protein. Since neutrophils' acquisition of responsiveness to IL-10 required de novo protein synthesis, we assessed whether expression of IL-10R1 or IL-10R2 was modulated in cultured neutrophils. We detected constitutive IL-10R1 mRNA and protein expression in circulating neutrophils, at levels which were much lower than those observed in autologous monocytes or lymphocytes. In contrast, IL-10R2 expression was comparable in both cell types. However, IL-10R1 (but not IL-10R2) mRNA and protein expression was substantially increased in neutrophils stimulated by LPS. The ability of IL-10 to activate Stat3 tyrosine phosphorylation and SOCS-3 synthesis and to regulate IL-1 receptor antagonist and macrophage-inflammatory protein 1beta release in LPS-treated neutrophils correlated with this increased IL-10R1 expression, and was abolished by neutralizing anti-IL-10R1 and anti-IL-10R2 Abs. Our results demonstrate that the capacity of neutrophils to respond to IL-10, as assessed by Stat3 tyrosine phosphorylation, SOCS-3 expression, and modulation of cytokine production, is very dependent on the level of expression of IL-10R1.