The LFA-1 integrin supports rolling adhesions on ICAM-1 under physiological shear flow in a permissive cellular environment

The LFA-1 integrin is crucial for the firm adhesion of circulating leukocytes to ICAM-1-expressing endothelial cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that LFA-1 can arrest unstimulated PBL subsets and lymphoblastoid Jurkat cells on immobilized ICAM-1 under subphysiological shear flow and mediate firm adhesion to ICAM-1 after short static contact. However, LFA-1 expressed in K562 cells failed to support firm adhesion to ICAM-1 but instead mediated K562 cell rolling on the endothelial ligand under physiological shear stress. LFA-1-mediated rolling required an intact LFA-1 I-domain, was enhanced by Mg2+, and was sharply dependent on ICAM-1 density. This is the first indication that LFA-1 can engage in rolling adhesions with ICAM-1 under physiological shear flow. The ability of LFA-1 to support rolling correlates with decreased avidity and impaired time-dependent adhesion strengthening. A beta2 cytoplasmic domain-deletion mutant of LFA-1, with high avidity to immobilized ICAM-1, mediated firm arrests of K562 cells interacting with ICAM-1 under shear flow. Our results suggest that restrictions in LFA-1 clustering mediated by cytoskeletal attachments may lock the integrin into low-avidity states in particular cellular environments. Although low-avidity LFA-1 states fail to undergo adhesion strengthening upon contact with ICAM-1 at stasis, these states are permissive for leukocyte rolling on ICAM-1 under physiological shear flow. Rolling mediated by low-avidity LFA-1 interactions with ICAM-1 may stabilize rolling initiated by specialized vascular rolling receptors and allow the leukocyte to arrest on vascular endothelium upon exposure to stimulatory endothelial signals.     

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) interaction with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is one of at least three mechanisms for lymphocyte adhesion to cultured endothelial cells

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the surface of cultured umbilical vein and saphenous vein endothelial cells was upregulated between 2.5- and 40-fold by rIL-1, rTNF, LPS and rIFN gamma corresponding to up to 5 X 10(6) sites/cell. Endothelial cell ICAM-1 was a single band of 90 kD in SDS-PAGE. Purified endothelial cell ICAM-1 reconstituted into liposomes and bound to plastic was an excellent substrate for both JY B lymphoblastoid cell and T lymphoblast adhesion. Adhesion to endothelial cell ICAM-1 in planar membranes was blocked completely by monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) or ICAM-1. Adhesion to artificial membranes was most sensitive to ICAM-1 density within the physiological range found on resting and stimulated endothelial cells. Adhesion of JY B lymphoblastoid cells, normal and genetically LFA-1 deficient T lymphoblasts and resting peripheral blood lymphocytes to endothelial cell monolayers was also assayed. In summary, LFA-1 dependent (60-90% of total adhesion) and LFA-1-independent basal adhesion was observed and the use of both adhesion pathways by different interacting cell pairs was increased by monokine or lipopolysaccharide stimulation of endothelial cells. The LFA-1-dependent adhesion could be further subdivided into an LFA-1/ICAM-1-dependent component which was increased by cytokines and a basal LFA-1-dependent, ICAM-1-independent component which did not appear to be affected by cytokines. We conclude that ICAM-1 is a regulated ligand for lymphocyte-endothelial cell adhesion, but at least two other major adhesion pathways exist.     

Cloning and sequencing of a cDNA encoding bovine intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM-3)

A cDNA encoding a putative bovine intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3, a ligand of the leukocyte integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), was sequenced and compared with human ICAM sequences. The 1635-bp bovine sequence codes for a protein of 544 amino acids (aa). This putative bovine ICAM-3 has five immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains similar to human ICAM-1 and ICAM-3, and belongs to the Ig gene superfamily. The overall identities of the deduced aa sequence with those of human ICAM-3 and ICAM-1 are 61% and 58%, respectively. The predicted number and positions of Cys residues are all conserved between the bovine and human ICAM 3 aa sequences.     

ICAM-1 (CD54): a counter-receptor for Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18)

While the leukocyte integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 has been demonstrated to bind intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, results with the related Mac-1 molecule have been controversial. We have used multiple cell binding assays, purified Mac- 1 and ICAM-1, and cell lines transfected with Mac-1 and ICAM-1 cDNAs to examine the interaction of ICAM-1 with Mac-1. Stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which express a high surface density of ICAM-1, bind to immunoaffinity-purified Mac-1 adsorbed to artificial substrates in a manner that is inhibited by mAbs to Mac-1 and ICAM-1. Transfected murine L cells or monkey COS cells expressing human ICAM-1 bind to purified Mac-1 in a specific and dose-dependent manner; the attachment to Mac-1 is more temperature sensitive, lower in avidity, and blocked by a different series of ICAM-1 mAbs when compared to LFA-1. In a reciprocal assay, COS cells cotransfected with the alpha and beta chain cDNAs of Mac-1 or LFA-1 attach to immunoaffinity- purified ICAM-1 substrates; this adhesion is blocked by mAbs to ICAM-1 and Mac-1 or LFA-1. Two color fluorescence cell conjugate experiments show that neutrophils stimulated with fMLP bind to HUVEC stimulated with lipopolysaccharide for 24 h in an ICAM-1-, Mac-1-, and LFA-1- dependent fashion. Because cellular and purified Mac-1 interact with cellular and purified ICAM-1, we conclude that ICAM-1 is a counter receptor for Mac-1 and that this receptor pair is responsible, in part, for the adhesion between stimulated neutrophils and stimulated endothelial cells.     

Coexpression of CD58 or CD48 with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 on target cells enhances adhesion of resting NK cells

The beta2 integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) mediates adhesion of lymphocytes to cells expressing ICAM. The strength of this adhesion is regulated by different signals delivered by cytokines and chemokines, and by the TCR in the case of T cells. To determine the receptor-ligand interactions required for adhesion of resting NK cells, Drosophila cells expressing different combinations of ligands of human NK cell receptors were generated. Expression of ICAM-1 alone was sufficient for an adhesion of resting NK cells that was sensitive to inhibitors of src family kinase and of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Binding of resting NK cells to solid-phase ICAM-1 showed similar signaling requirements. A pulse of either IL-2 or IL-15 to resting NK cells resulted in strongly enhanced, actin-dependent adhesion to insect cells expressing ICAM-1 alone. Coexpression of either LFA-3 (CD58) or CD48 with ICAM-1 resulted in strong adhesion by resting NK cells, even in the absence of cytokines. Therefore, receptors for LFA-3 and CD48 on resting NK cells strengthen the adhesion mediated by LFA-1.     

Induction of tyrosine phosphorylation during ICAM-3 and LFA-1-mediated intercellular adhesion, and its regulation by the CD45 tyrosine phosphatase

Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3, a recently described counter- receptor for the lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 integrin, appears to play an important role in the initial phase of immune response. We have previously described the involvement of ICAM-3 in the regulation of LFA-1/ICAM-1-dependent cell-cell interaction of T lymphoblasts. In this study, we further investigated the functional role of ICAM-3 in other leukocyte cell-cell interactions as well as the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes. We have found that ICAM-3 is also able to mediate LFA-1/ICAM-1-independent cell aggregation of the leukemic JM T cell line and the LFA-1/CD18-deficient HAFSA B cell line. The ICAM-3-induced cell aggregation of JM and HAFSA cells was not affected by the addition of blocking mAb specific for a number of cell adhesion molecules such as CD1 1a/CD18, ICAM-1 (CD54), CD2, LFA-3 (CD58), very late antigen alpha 4 (CD49d), and very late antigen beta 1 (CD29). Interestingly, some mAb against the leukocyte tyrosine phosphatase CD45 were able to inhibit this interaction. Moreover, they also prevented the aggregation induced on JM T cells by the proaggregatory anti-LFA-1 alpha NKI-L16 mAb. In addition, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase activity also abolished ICAM-3 and LFA-1- mediated cell aggregation. The induction of tyrosine phosphorylation through ICAM-3 and LFA-1 antigens was studied by immunofluorescence, and it was found that tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were preferentially located at intercellular boundaries upon the induction of cell aggregation by either anti-ICAM-3 or anti-LFA-1 alpha mAb. Western blot analysis revealed that the engagement of ICAM-3 or LFA-1 with activating mAb enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of polypeptides of 125, 70, and 38 kD on JM cells. This phenomenon was inhibited by preincubation of JM cells with those anti-CD45 mAb that prevented cell aggregation. Altogether these results indicate that CD45 tyrosine phosphatase plays a relevant role in the regulation of both intracellular signaling and cell adhesion induced through ICAM-3 and beta 2 integrins.     

Lymphatic endothelial murine chloride channel calcium-activated 1 is a ligand for leukocyte LFA-1 and Mac-1

The lymphatic circulation mediates drainage of fluid and cells from the periphery through lymph nodes, facilitating immune detection of lymph-borne foreign Ags. The 10.1.1 mAb recognizes a lymphatic endothelial Ag, in this study purified by Ab-affinity chromatography. SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry identified murine chloride channel calcium-activated 1 (mCLCA1) as the 10.1.1 Ag, a 90-kDa cell-surface protein expressed in lymphatic endothelium and stromal cells of spleen and thymus. The 10.1.1 Ab-affinity chromatography also purified LFA-1, an integrin that mediates leukocyte adhesion to endothelium. This mCLCA1-LFA-1 interaction has functional consequences, as lymphocyte adhesion to lymphatic endothelium was blocked by 10.1.1 Ab bound to endotheliumor by LFA-1 Ab bound to lymphocytes. Lymphocyte adhesion was increased by cytokine treatment of lymphatic endothelium in association with increased expression of ICAM-1, an endothelial surface protein that is also a ligand for LFA-1. By contrast, mCLCA1 expression and the relative contribution of mCLCA1 to lymphocyte adhesion were unaffected by cytokine activation, demonstrating that mCLCA1 and ICAM-1 interactions with LFA-1 are differentially regulated. mCLCA1 also bound to the LFA-1-related Mac-1 integrin that is preferentially expressed on leukocytes. mCLCA1-mediated adhesion of Mac-1- or LFA-1-expressing leukocytes to lymphatic vessels and lymph node lymphatic sinuses provides a target for investigation of lymphatic involvement in leukocyte adhesion and trafficking during the immune response.     

Oxygen tension regulates neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells via an LFA-1-dependent mechanism

Extravasation of leukocytes at the sites of ischemia-reperfusion is thought to exacerbate the tissue injury. It has been proposed that leukocyte accumulation is a secondary effect of the ischemic damage, mediated by inflammatory cytokines. We have recently demonstrated that physiologically low levels of oxygen tension alone can have a direct effect on the adhesive characteristics of mesenchymal cells for lymphocytes. We now report that decrease of oxygen tension in the environment induces the adhesion of neutrophils to human endothelial cells in culture. Adhesion of human neutrophils to human umbilical vein, bovine aortic, and mouse microvascular endothelial cell monolayers, which had been incubated at pO₂ of 50 torr for 3 hours, increased 2.5-fold, 2-, and 1.5-fold, respectively. The effects of decreased oxygen concentration on adhesion were not mediated by a soluble factor elaborated by the hypoxic cells. Low oxygen tension upregulates a saturable, endothelial cell-associated adhesion mechanism, capable of withstanding centrifugation forces greater than 160g. Hypoxia-induced adhesion was inhibited by LFA-1-specific (CD 11 a/CD18 integrin) antibodies, but not by antibodies directed against the ICAM-1 ligand for the LFA-1 receptor. These studies demonstrate that decreases in oxygen tension alone increase the adhesive properties of endothelial cells for leukocytes. In addition, they provide evidence for the existence of a new ligand for the LFA-1 molecule on edothelial cells which can be affected by hypoxic environments.     

Linear and cyclic LFA-1 and ICAM-1 peptides inhibit T cell adhesion and function

Short peptides derived from functional proteins have been used in several instances to inhibit activity of the parent proteins. In some cases, stability and efficacy were found to be increased by cyclization of these peptides. Inhibition of interaction of the two cell adhesion counter receptors leukocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 is being studied as a method for modulating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and for facilitating organ transplantation. Here, several 10-amino acid peptides derived from the contact domains of LFA-1 and ICAM-1 were evaluated for their ability to interfere with intercellular adhesion by T cells and to inhibit a more biologic, mixed lymphocyte reaction. Both linear and cyclic forms of the peptides were effective at inhibiting intercellular adhesion. Cyclic forms were effective at inhibiting T cell activation and proliferation in the mixed lymphocyte reaction.     

Phosphorylation of the LFA-1 integrin beta2-chain on Thr-758 leads to adhesion, Rac-1/Cdc42 activation, and stimulation of CD69 expression in human T cells

Phosphorylation of the leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) integrin beta2-chain on Thr-758 occurs after T cell receptor stimulation and leads to 14-3-3 recruitment to the integrin, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, and increased adhesion. Here, we have investigated the signaling effects of beta2 integrin Thr-758 phosphorylation. A penetratin-coupled phospho-Thr-758-beta2 peptide (mimicking the part of the integrin beta-chain surrounding Thr-758) stimulated adhesion of human T cells to the LFA-1 ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Additionally, the peptide activated the small GTPases Rac-1 and Cdc42 in T cells. Constitutively active forms of Rac-1 and Cdc42, but not Rho, could compensate for the reduction of cell adhesion to ICAM-1 caused by the T758A mutation in the beta2 integrin. Additionally, the active GTPases salvaged the cell-spreading defect of T758A integrin-transfected cells on coated ICAM-1. A dominant negative form of Cdc42, on the other hand, significantly reduced wild-type beta2 integrin-mediated cell adhesion and spreading. In a T cell stimulation system, the pThr-758 penetratin peptide acted in a similar manner to coated ICAM-1 to increase T cell receptor-induced CD69 expression. These results show that Thr-758-phosphorylated LFA-1 is upstream of Rac-1/Cdc42, cell adhesion, and costimulatory activation of human T cells, thus identifying phosphorylation of Thr-758 in beta2 as a proximal element in LFA-1 signaling.     

Monocyte migration and LFA-1-mediated attachment to brain microvascular endothelia is regulated by SDF-1 alpha through Lyn kinase

Infiltration of activated monocytes into the brain is a prerequisite for the development of various neurological disorders such as HIV-associated dementia, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory processes. In these pathologies, the chemokine SDF-1alpha (CXCL12) is over-expressed and might attract monocytes into the CNS. We demonstrate here that SDF-1alpha stimulates migration of monocytes through its receptor, CXCR4, and decreases monocyte adherence to surfaces coated with ICAM-1, a ligand for beta(2) integrins. SDF-1alpha also decreases monocyte adherence to brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) that are activated with TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, or recombinant envelope glycoprotein from HIV-1, which increase BMVEC expression of ICAM-1. The decreased adherence is linked to down-regulation on monocytes of the activation-dependent epitope of the beta(2) integrin LFA-1 by SDF-1alpha. Knockdown of Lyn in monocytes using small interfering RNA decreases SDF-1alpha-mediated migration and prevents the inhibition of monocyte attachment to ICAM-1 and activated BMVEC. Thus, in SDF-1alpha-stimulated monocytes, Lyn acts as a positive regulator of migration and a negative regulator of adhesion to BMVEC through the LFA-1 integrin. These results provide a novel Lyn-mediated signaling mechanism for the regulation of monocyte movement at the blood-brain barrier.     

Purified intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a ligand for lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1)

Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is a leukocyte cell surface glycoprotein that promotes intercellular adhesion in immunological and inflammatory reactions. It is an alpha beta complex that is structurally related to receptors for extracellular matrix components, and thus belongs to the integrin family. ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) is a distinct cell surface glycoprotein. Its broad distribution, regulated expression in inflammation, and involvement in LFA-1-dependent cell-cell adhesion have suggested that ICAM-1 may be a ligand for LFA-1. We have purified ICAM-1 and incorporated it into artificial supported lipid membranes. LFA-1+ but not LFA-1- cells bound to ICAM-1 in the artificial membranes, and the binding could be specifically inhibited by anti-ICAM-1 treatment of the membranes or by anti-LFA-1 treatment of the cells. The cell binding to ICAM-1 required metabolic energy production, an intact cytoskeleton, and the presence of Mg2+ and was temperature dependent, characteristics of LFA-1- and ICAM-1-dependent cell-cell adhesion.     

RhoA is involved in LFA-1 extension triggered by CXCL12 but not in a novel outside-in LFA-1 activation facilitated by CXCL9

Chemokines presented on endothelial tissues instantaneously trigger LFA-1-mediated arrest on ICAM-1 via rapid inside-out and outside-in (ligand-driven) LFA-1 activation. The GTPase RhoA was previously implicated in CCL21-triggered LFA-1 affinity triggering in murine T lymphocytes and in LFA-1-dependent adhesion strengthening to ICAM-1 on Peyer's patch high endothelial venules stabilized over periods of at least 10 s. In this study, we show that a specific RhoA 23/40 effector region is vital for the initial LFA-1-dependent adhesions of lymphocytes on high endothelial venules lasting 1-3 s. Blocking the RhoA 23/40 region in human T lymphocytes in vitro also impaired the subsecond CXCL12-triggered LFA-1-mediated T cell arrest on ICAM-1 by eliminating the rapid induction of an extended LFA-1 conformational state. However, the inflammatory chemokine CXCL9 triggered robust LFA-1-mediated T lymphocyte adhesion to ICAM-1 at subsecond contacts independently of the RhoA 23/40 region. CXCL9 did not induce conformational changes in the LFA-1 ectodomain, suggesting that particular chemokines can activate LFA-1 through outside-in post ligand binding stabilization changes. Like CXCL9, the potent diacylglycerol-dependent protein kinase C agonist PMA was found to trigger LFA-1 adhesiveness to ICAM-1 also without inducing integrin extension or an a priori clustering and independently of the RhoA 23/40 region. Our results collectively suggest that the 23/40 region of RhoA regulates chemokine-induced inside-out LFA-1 extension before ligand binding, but is not required for a variety of chemokine and non-chemokine signals that rapidly strengthen LFA-1-ICAM-1 bonds without an a priori induction of high-affinity extended LFA-1 conformations.     

Binding of human rhinovirus and T cells to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human fibroblasts. Discordance between effects of IL-1 and IFN-gamma.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is found on the surface of many hemopoietic and non-hemopoietic cells and can function as an adhesive ligand for the integrin, leukocyte function associated molecule-1 (LFA-1, CD11a/CD18). ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction is thought to be of importance in many immune mediated cell-cell adhesion reactions. Recently, the major human rhinovirus (HRV) receptor has been identified as ICAM-1. HRV has been shown to bind specifically to ICAM-1 on transfected COS cells and to purified ICAM-1, which has been adsorbed to plastic microtiter wells. We have compared the ability of ICAM-1 expressed on the surface of human fibroblasts (FB) to function as a receptor for HRV as well as a receptor for LFA-1-bearing human T lymphocytes. We show that FB stimulation by the cytokines IFN-gamma or IL-1, both known inducers of ICAM-1 synthesis and expression in FB, induced an increase in HRV binding to treated cells, which could be inhibited by antibody to ICAM-1. In contrast, only IFN-gamma and not IL-1 treatment of FB resulted in an increased adhesion of T lymphocytes. Binding of HRV to IFN-gamma-treated FB inhibited the subsequent adhesion of T cells. We also show that prior stimulation of FB with IL-1 enhanced the adhesion of HRV to IFN-gamma-stimulated cells, although IL-1 pretreatment was inhibitory for T cell adhesion. As these two cytokines both up-regulate ICAM-1 on the surface of human FB, the contrasting effects of IFN-gamma and IL-1 on human FB ICAM-1 adhesion to HRV and to LFA-1 suggest that qualitative as well as quantitative alterations of the ICAM-1 molecule may contribute to its specificity of ligand recognition.     

Mac-1, but not LFA-1, uses intercellular adhesion molecule-1 to mediate slow leukocyte rolling in TNF-alpha-induced inflammation

We have previously shown that Mac-1 and LFA-1 play a cooperative role in slow leukocyte rolling in inflamed vessels, and that, although both have a role in leukocyte adhesion, the contribution from LFA-1 exceeds that of Mac-1. In this study, we used mice deficient in ICAM-1 (ICAM-1(null)) to study the function of ICAM-1 as an endothelial ligand for Mac-1 and LFA-1. The cremaster muscles of these mice were treated with TNF-alpha and prepared for intravital microscopy. We found that the average rolling velocity in venules was not different in ICAM-1(null) mice (4.7 micro m/s) compared with wild-type mice (5.1 micro m/s). Similarly, leukocyte adhesion efficiency in ICAM-1(null) mice (0.11 +/- 0.01 mm) was similar to that in Mac-1(-/-) (0.12 +/- 0.03 mm) mice but significantly increased compared with that in LFA-1(-/-) (0.08 +/- 0.01 mm) mice and significantly reduced from that in wild type (0.26 +/- 0.04 mm). When both LFA-1 and ICAM-1 were blocked, rolling velocity increased, and adhesion efficiency and arrest decreased. However, blocking both Mac-1 and ICAM-1 had no greater effect than either blockade alone. We conclude that endothelial ICAM-1 is the main ligand responsible for slow leukocyte rolling mediated by Mac-1, but not LFA-1.     

Rolling of Th1 cells via P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 stimulates LFA-1-mediated cell binding to ICAM-1

Activated T cells migrate from the blood into nonlymphoid tissues through a multistep process that involves cell rolling, arrest, and transmigration. P-Selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a major ligand for P-selectin expressed on subsets of activated T cells such as Th1 cells and mediates cell rolling on vascular endothelium. Rolling cells are arrested through a firm adhesion step mediated by integrins. Although chemokines presented on the endothelium trigger integrin activation, a second mechanism has been proposed where signaling via rolling receptors directly activates integrins. In this study, we show that Ab-mediated cross-linking of the PSGL-1 on Th1 cells enhances LFA-1-dependent cell binding to ICAM-1. PSGL-1 cross-linking did not enhance soluble ICAM-1 binding but induced clustering of LFA-1 on the cell surface, suggesting that an increase in LFA-1 avidity may account for the enhanced binding to ICAM-1. Combined stimulation by PSGL-1 cross-linking and the Th1-stimulating chemokine CXCL10 or CCL5 showed a more than additive effect on LFA-1-mediated Th1 cell adhesion as well as on LFA-1 redistribution on the cell surface. Moreover, PSGL-1-mediated rolling on P-selectin enhanced the Th1 cell accumulation on ICAM-1 under flow conditions. PSGL-1 cross-linking induced activation of protein kinase C isoforms, and the increased Th1 cell adhesion observed under flow and also static conditions was strongly inhibited by calphostin C, implicating protein kinase C in the intracellular signaling in PSGL-1-mediated LFA-1 activation. These results support the idea that PSGL-1-mediated rolling interactions induce intracellular signals leading to integrin activation, facilitating Th1 cell arrest and subsequent migration into target tissues.     

Rolling adhesion of alphaL I domain mutants decorrelated from binding affinity

Activated lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1, alphaLbeta2 integrin) found on leukocytes facilitates firm adhesion to endothelial cell layers by binding to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), which is up-regulated on endothelial cells at sites of inflammation. Recent work has shown that LFA-1 in a pre-activation, low-affinity state may also be involved in the initial tethering and rolling phase of the adhesion cascade. The inserted (I) domain of LFA-1 contains the ligand-binding epitope of the molecule, and a conformational change in this region during activation increases ligand affinity. We have displayed wild-type I domain on the surface of yeast and validated expression using I domain specific antibodies and flow cytometry. Surface display of I domain supports yeast rolling on ICAM-1-coated surfaces under shear flow. Expression of a locked open, high-affinity I domain mutant supports firm adhesion of yeast, while yeast displaying intermediate-affinity I domain mutants exhibit a range of rolling phenotypes. We find that rolling behavior for these mutants fails to correlate with ligand binding affinity. These results indicate that unstressed binding affinity is not the only molecular property that determines adhesive behavior under shear flow.     

A peptide derived from LFA-1 protein that modulates T-cell adhesion binds to soluble ICAM-1 protein

Leukocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) have been shown to be critical for adhesion process and immune response. Modulation or inhibition of the interaction between LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions can result in therapeutic effects. Our group and others have shown that peptides derived from ICAM-1 or LFA-1 inhibit adhesion in a homotypic T-cell adhesion assay. It is likely that the peptides derived from ICAM-1 bind to LFA-1 and peptides derived from LFA-1 bind to ICAM-1 and inhibit the adhesion interaction. However, there are no concrete experimental evidence to show that peptides bind to either LFA-1 or ICAM-1 and inhibit the adhesion. Using NMR, CD and docking studies we have shown that an LFA-1 derived peptide binds to soluble ICAM-1. Docking studies using "autodock" resulted in LFA-1 peptide interacting with the ICAM-1 protein near Glu34. The proposed model based on our experimental data indicated that the LFA-1 peptide interacts with the protein via three intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Hydrophobic interactions also play a role in stabilizing the complex.     

Regulation of integrin affinity on cell surfaces

Lymphocyte activation triggers adhesiveness of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; integrin α(L)β(2)) for intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) on endothelia or antigen-presenting cells. Whether the activation signal, after transmission through multiple domains to the ligand-binding αI domain, results in affinity changes for ligand has been hotly debated. Here, we present the first comprehensive measurements of LFA-1 affinities on T lymphocytes for ICAM-1 under a broad array of activating conditions. Only a modest increase in affinity for soluble ligand was detected after activation by chemokine or T-cell receptor ligation, conditions that primed LFA-1 and robustly induced lymphocyte adhesion to ICAM-1 substrates. By stabilizing well-defined LFA-1 conformations by Fab, we demonstrate the absolute requirement of the open LFA-1 headpiece for adhesiveness and high affinity. Interaction of primed LFA-1 with immobilized but not soluble ICAM-1 triggers energy-dependent affinity maturation of LFA-1 to an adhesive, high affinity state. Our results lend support to the traction or translational motion dependence of integrin activation.     

Integrin Cross Talk: Activation of Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen-1 on Human T Cells Alters α4β1- and α5β1-mediated Function

A regulated order of adhesion events directs leukocytes from the vascular compartment into injured tissues in response to inflammatory stimuli. We show that on human T cells, the interaction of the β2 integrin leucocyte function–associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) with its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) will decrease adhesion mediated by α4β1 and, to a lesser extent, α5β1. Similar inhibition is also seen when T cells are exposed to mAb 24, which stabilizes LFA-1 in an active state after triggering integrin function through divalent cation Mg²⁺, PdBu, or T cell receptor/ CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) cross-linking. Such cross talk decreases α4β1 integrin–mediated binding of T cells to fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In contrast, ligand occupancy or prolonged activation of β1 integrin has no effect on LFA-1 adhesion to ICAM-1. We also show that T cell migration across fibronectin, unlike adhesion, is mediated solely by α5β1, and is increased when the α4β1-mediated component of fibronectin adhesion is decreased either by cross talk or the use of α4-blocking mAb. The ability of mAb 24 Fab′ fragments to induce cross talk without cross-linking LFA-1 suggests signal transduction through the active integrin. These data provide the first direct evidence for cross talk between LFA-1 and β1 integrins on T cells. Together, these findings imply that activation of LFA-1 on the extravasating T cell will decrease the binding to VCAM-1 while enhancing the subsequent migration on fibronectin. This sequence of events provides a further level of complexity to the coordination of T cell integrins, whose sequential but overlapping roles are essential for transmigration.