P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 is a ligand for L-selectin on neutrophils, monocytes, and CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells

Selectins play a critical role in initiating leukocyte binding to vascular endothelium. In addition, in vitro experiments have shown that neutrophils use L-selectin to roll on adherent neutrophils, suggesting that they express a nonvascular L-selectin ligand. Using a L- selectin/IgM heavy chain (mu) chimeric protein as an immunocytological probe, we show here that L-selectin can bind to neutrophils, monocytes, CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors, and HL-60 and KG-1 myeloid cells. The interaction between L-selectin and leukocytes was protease sensitive and calcium dependent, and abolished by cell treatment with neuraminidase, chlorate, or O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase. These results revealed common features between leukocyte L-selectin ligand and the mucin-like P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1), which mediates neutrophil rolling on P- and E-selectin. The possibility that PSGL-1 could be a ligand for L-selectin was further supported by the ability of P-selectin/mu chimera to inhibit L-selectin/mu binding to leukocytes and by the complete inhibition of both selectin interactions with myeloid cells treated with mocarhagin, a cobra venom metalloproteinase that cleaves the amino terminus of PSGL-1 at Tyr-51. Finally, the abrogation of L- and P-selectin binding to myeloid cells treated with a polyclonal antibody, raised against a peptide corresponding to the amino acid residues 42-56 of PSGL-1, indicated that L- and P-selectin interact with a domain located at the amino- terminal end of PSGL-1. The ability of the anti-PSGL-1 mAb PL-1 to inhibit L- and P-selectin binding to KG-1 cells further supported that possibility. Thus, apart from being involved in neutrophil rolling on P- and E-selectin, PSGL-1 also plays a critical role in mediating neutrophil attachment to adherent neutrophils. Interaction between L- selectin and PSGL-1 may be of major importance for increasing leukocyte recruitment at inflammatory sites.     

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 decameric repeats regulate selectin-dependent rolling under flow conditions

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) interacts with selectins to support leukocyte rolling along vascular wall. L- and P-selectin bind to N-terminal tyrosine sulfate residues and to core-2 O-glycans attached to Thr-57, whereas tyrosine sulfation is not required for E-selectin binding. PSGL-1 extracellular domain contains decameric repeats, which extend L- and P-selectin binding sites far above the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that decamers may play a role in regulating PSGL-1 interactions with selectins. Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing wild-type PSGL-1 or PSGL-1 molecules exhibiting deletion or substitution of decamers with the tandem repeats of platelet glycoprotein Ibalpha were compared in their ability to roll on selectins and to bind soluble L- or P-selectin. Deletion of decamers abrogated soluble L-selectin binding and cell rolling on L-selectin, whereas their substitution partially reversed these diminutions. P-selectin-dependent interactions with PSGL-1 were less affected by decamer deletion. Videomicroscopy analysis showed that decamers are required to stabilize L-selectin-dependent rolling. Importantly, adhesion assays performed on recombinant decamers demonstrated that they directly bind to E-selectin and promote slow rolling. Our results indicate that the role of decamers is to extend PSGL-1 N terminus far above the cell surface to support and stabilize leukocyte rolling on L- or P-selectin. In addition, they function as a cell adhesion receptor, which supports approximately 80% of E-selectin-dependent rolling.     

Shear-dependent capping of L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 by E-selectin signals activation of high-avidity beta2-integrin on neutrophils

Two adhesive events critical to efficient recruitment of neutrophils at vascular sites of inflammation are up-regulation of endothelial selectins that bind sialyl Lewis(x) ligands and activation of beta(2)-integrins that support neutrophil arrest by binding ICAM-1. We have previously reported that neutrophils rolling on E-selectin are sufficient for signaling cell arrest through beta(2)-integrin binding of ICAM-1 in a process dependent upon ligation of L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Unresolved are the spatial and temporal events that occur as E-selectin binds to human neutrophils and dynamically signals the transition from neutrophil rolling to arrest. Here we show that binding of E-selectin to sialyl Lewis(x) on L-selectin and PSGL-1 drives their colocalization into membrane caps at the trailing edge of neutrophils rolling on HUVECs and on an L-cell monolayer coexpressing E-selectin and ICAM-1. Likewise, binding of recombinant E-selectin to PMNs in suspension also elicited coclustering of L-selectin and PSGL-1 that was signaled via mitogen-activated protein kinase. Binding of recombinant E-selectin signaled activation of beta(2)-integrin to high-avidity clusters and elicited efficient neutrophil capture of beta(2)-integrin ligands in shear flow. Inhibition of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase blocked the cocapping of L-selectin and PSGL-1 and the subsequent clustering of high-affinity beta(2)-integrin. Taken together, the data suggest that E-selectin is unique among selectins in its capacity for clustering sialylated ligands and transducing signals leading to neutrophil arrest in shear flow.     

Isolated P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 Dynamic Adhesion to P- and E-selectin

Leukocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium under flow involves an adhesion cascade consisting of multiple receptor pairs that may function in an overlapping fashion. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and L-selectin have been implicated in neutrophil adhesion to P- and E-selectin under flow conditions. To study, in isolation, the interaction of PSGL-1 with P-and E-selectin under flow, we developed an in vitro model in which various recombinant regions of extracellular PSGL-1 were coupled to 10-μm-diameter microspheres. In a parallel plate chamber with well defined flow conditions, live time video microscopy analyses revealed that microspheres coated with PSGL-1 attached and rolled on 4-h tumor necrosis factor-α–activated endothelial cell monolayers, which express high levels of E-selectin, and CHO monolayers stably expressing E-or P-selectin. Further studies using CHO-E and -P monolayers demonstrate that the first 19 amino acids of PSGL-1 are sufficient for attachment and rolling on both E- and P-selectin and suggest that a sialyl Lewis x–containing glycan at Threonine-16 is critical for this sequence of amino acids to mediate attachment to E- and P-selectin. The data also demonstrate that a sulfated, anionic polypeptide segment within the amino terminus of PSGL-1 is necessary for PSGL-1–mediated attachment to P- but not to E-selectin. In addition, the results suggest that PSGL-1 has more than one binding site for E-selectin: one site located within the first 19 amino acids of PSGL-1 and one or more sites located between amino acids 19 through 148.     

CD43 plays both antiadhesive and proadhesive roles in neutrophil rolling in a context-dependent manner

As the first step in the recruitment of neutrophils into tissues, the cells become tethered to and roll on the vessel wall. These processes are mediated by interactions between the P- and E-selectins, expressed on the endothelial cells of the vessel wall, and their ligands, expressed on the neutrophils. Recently, we reported that CD43 on activated T cells functions as an E-selectin ligand and thereby mediates T cell migration to inflamed sites, in collaboration with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a major P- and E-selectin ligand. Here, we examined whether CD43 on neutrophils also functions as an E-selectin ligand. CD43 was precipitated with an E-selectin-IgG chimera from mouse bone marrow neutrophils. A CD43 deficiency diminished the E-selectin-binding activity of neutrophils when PSGL-1 was also deficient. Intravital microscopy showed that the CD43 deficiency significantly increased leukocyte rolling velocities in TNF-alpha-stimulated venules blocked with an anti-P-selectin mAb, where the rolling was mostly E-selectin dependent, when PSGL-1 was also absent. In contrast, in venules with trauma-induced inflammation, where the rolling was largely P-selectin dependent, the CD43 deficiency reduced leukocyte rolling velocities. Collectively, these observations suggest that CD43 generally serves as an antiadhesive molecule to attenuate neutrophil-endothelial interactions, but when E-selectin is expressed on endothelial cells, it also plays a proadhesive role as an E-selectin ligand.     

Regulation of PSGL-1 interactions with L-selectin, P-selectin, and E-selectin: role of human fucosyltransferase-IV and -VII

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) interactions with selectins regulate leukocyte migration in inflammatory lesions. In mice, selectin ligand activity regulating leukocyte recruitment and lymphocyte homing into lymph nodes results from the sum of unequal contributions of fucosyltransferase (FucT)-IV and FucT-VII, with FucT-VII playing a predominant role. Here we have examined the role of human FucT-IV and -VII in conferring L-selectin, P-selectin, and E-selectin binding activities to PSGL-1. Lewis x (Le(x)) carbohydrate was generated at the CHO(dhfr)(-) cell surface by FucT-IV expression, whereas sialyl Le(x) (sLe(x)) was synthesized by FucT-VII. Both human FucT-IV and -VII had the ability to generate carbohydrate ligands that support L-selectin-, P-selectin-, and E-selectin-dependent rolling on PSGL-1, with FucT-VII playing a major role. Cooperation was observed between FucT-IV and -VII in recruiting L-, P-, or E-selectin-expressing cells on PSGL-1 and in regulating cell rolling velocity and stability. Additional rolling adhesion assays were performed to assess the role of Thr-57-linked core-2 O-glycans in supporting L-selectin-, P-selectin-, and E-selectin-dependent rolling on PSGL-1. These studies confirmed that core-2 O-glycans attached to Thr-57 play a critical role in supporting L- and P-selectin-dependent rolling and revealed that additional binding sites support >75% of E-selectin-mediated rolling. The observations presented here indicate that human FucT-IV and -VII both contribute and cooperate in regulating L-selectin-, P-selectin-, and E-selectin-dependent rolling on PSGL-1, with FucT-VII playing a predominant role in conferring selectin binding activity to PSGL-1.     

Insights into the molecular basis of leukocyte tethering and rolling revealed by structures of P- and E-selectin bound to SLe(X) and PSGL-1

P-, E- and L-selectin constitute a family of cell adhesion receptors that mediate the initial tethering and rolling of leukocytes on inflamed endothelium as a prelude to their firm attachment and extravasation into tissues. The selectins bind weakly to sialyl Lewisx (SLe(X))-like glycans, but with high-affinity to specific glycoprotein counterreceptors, including PSGL-1. Here, we report crystal structures of human P- and E-selectin constructs containing the lectin and EGF (LE) domains co-complexed with SLe(X). We also present the crystal structure of P-selectin LE co-complexed with the N-terminal domain of human PSGL-1 modified by both tyrosine sulfation and SLe(X). These structures reveal differences in how E- and P-selectin bind SLe(X) and the molecular basis of the high-affinity interaction between P-selectin and PSGL-1.     

P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 Forms Dimeric Interactions with E-Selectin but Monomeric Interactions with L-Selectin on Cell Surfaces

Interactions of selectins with cell surface glycoconjugates mediate the first step of the adhesion and signaling cascade that recruits circulating leukocytes to sites of infection or injury. P-selectin dimerizes on the surface of endothelial cells and forms dimeric bonds with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a homodimeric sialomucin on leukocytes. It is not known whether leukocyte L-selectin or endothelial cell E-selectin are monomeric or oligomeric. Here we used the micropipette technique to analyze two-dimensional binding of monomeric or dimeric L- and E-selectin with monomeric or dimeric PSGL-1. Adhesion frequency analysis demonstrated that E-selectin on human aortic endothelial cells supported dimeric interactions with dimeric PSGL-1 and monomeric interactions with monomeric PSGL-1. In contrast, L-selectin on human neutrophils supported monomeric interactions with dimeric or monomeric PSGL-1. Our work provides a new method to analyze oligomeric cross-junctional molecular binding at the interface of two interacting cells.     

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 mediates rolling of human neutrophils on P-selectin

Neutrophils roll on P-selectin expressed by activated platelets or endothelial cells under the shear stresses in the microcirculation. P- selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a high affinity ligand for P- selectin on myeloid cells. However, it has not been demonstrated that PSGL-1 contributes to the rolling of neutrophils on P-selectin. We developed two IgG mAbs, PL1 and PL2, that appear to recognize protein- dependent epitopes on human PSGL-1. The mAbs bound to PSGL-1 on all leukocytes as well as on heterologous cells transfected with PSGL-1 cDNA. PL1, but not PL2, blocked binding of 125-I-PSGL-1 to immobilized P-selectin, binding of fluid-phase P-selectin to myeloid and lymphoid leukocytes, adhesion of neutrophils to immobilized P-selectin under static conditions, and rolling of neutrophils on P-selectin-expressing CHO cells under a range of shear stresses. PSGL-1 was localized to microvilli on neutrophils, a topography that may facilitate its adhesive function. These data indicate that (a) PSGL-1 accounts for the high affinity binding sites for P-selectin on leukocytes, and (b) PSGL- 1 must interact with P-selectin in order for neutrophils to roll on P- selectin at physiological shear stresses.     

Molecular basis of leukocyte rolling on PSGL-1. Predominant role of core-2 O-glycans and of tyrosine sulfate residue 51

Interactions between the leukocyte adhesion receptor L-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 play an important role in regulating the inflammatory response by mediating leukocyte tethering and rolling on adherent leukocytes. In this study, we have examined the effect of post-translational modifications of PSGL-1 including Tyr sulfation and presentation of sialylated and fucosylated O-glycans for L-selectin binding. The functional importance of these modifications was determined by analyzing soluble L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling on CHO cells expressing various glycoforms of PSGL-1 or mutant PSGL-1 targeted at N-terminal Thr or Tyr residues. Simultaneous expression of core-2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase and fucosyltransferase VII was required for optimal L-selectin binding to PSGL-1. Substitution of Thr-57 by Ala but not of Thr-44, strongly decreased L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling on PSGL-1. Substitution of Tyr by Phe revealed that PSGL-1 Tyr-51 plays a predominant role in mediating L-selectin binding and leukocyte rolling whereas Tyr-48 has a minor role, an observation that contrasts with the pattern seen for the interactions between PSGL-1 and P-selectin where Tyr-48 plays a key role. Molecular modeling analysis of L-selectin and P-selectin interactions with PSGL-1 further supported these observations. Additional experiments showed that core-2 O-glycans attached to Thr-57 were also of critical importance in regulating the velocity and stability of leukocyte rolling. These observations pinpoint the structural characteristics of PSGL-1 that are required for optimal interactions with L-selectin and may be responsible for the specific kinetic and mechanical bond properties of the L-selectin-PSGL-1 adhesion receptor-counterreceptor pair.     

Tyrosine Replacement of PSGL-1 Reduces Association Kinetics with P- and L-Selectin on the Cell Membrane

Binding of selectins to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) mediates tethering and rolling of leukocytes on the endothelium during inflammation. Previous measurements obtained with a flow-chamber assay have shown that mutations of three tyrosines at the PSGL-1 N-terminus (Y46, Y48, and Y51) increase the reverse rates and their sensitivity to the force of bonds with P- and L-selectin. However, the effects of these mutations on the binding affinities and forward rates have not been studied. We quantified these effects by using an adhesion frequency assay to measure two-dimensional affinity and kinetic rates at zero force. Wild-type PSGL-1 has 2.2- to 8.5-fold higher binding affinities for P- and L-selectin than PSGL-1 mutants with two of three tyrosines substituted by phenylalanines, and 9.6- to 49-fold higher affinities than the PSGL-1 mutant with all three tyrosines replaced. In descending order, the affinity decreased from wild-type to Y48/51F, Y46/51F, Y46/48F, and Y46/48/51F. The affinity differences were attributed to major changes in the forward rate and minor changes in the reverse rate, suggesting that these tyrosines regulate the accessibility of PSGL-1 to P- and L-selectin via electrostatic interactions, which is supported by molecular-dynamics simulations. Our results provide insights into the structure-function relationship of receptor-ligand binding at a single-residue level.     

Tyrosine sulfation enhances but is not required for PSGL-1 rolling adhesion on P-selectin

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a large (240 kDa) glycoprotein found on the surface of nearly all leukocytes. The mature molecule is decorated with multiple N- and O-linked glycans and displays copies of the tetrasaccharide sialyl-Lewis(x) (sLe(X)), as well as a cluster of three tyrosine sulfate (tyr-SO(3)) groups near the N-terminus of the processed protein. Previous studies have suggested that PSGL-1 needs to be tyrosine-sulfated, in addition to glycosylated with sLe(X), to successfully interact with P-selectin. To better understand how biochemical features of the PSGL-1 ligand are related to its adhesion phenotype, we have measured the dynamics of adhesion under flow of a series of well-defined PSGL-1 variants that differ in their biochemical modification, to both P- and E-selectin-coated substrates. These variants are distinct PSGL-1 peptides: one that possesses sLe(X) in conjunction with three N-terminal tyr-SO(3) groups (SGP3), one that possesses sLe(X) without tyrosine sulfation (GP1), and one that lacks sLe(X) but has three N-terminal tyr-SO(3) groups (SP3). Although all peptides expressing sLe(X), tyr-SO(3), or both supported some form of rolling adhesion on P-selectin, only peptides expressing sLe(X) groups showed rolling adhesion on E-selectin. On P-selectin, the PSGL-1 peptides demonstrated a decreasing strength of adhesion in the following order: SGP3 > GP1 > SP3. Robust, rolling adhesion on P-selectin was mediated by the GP1 peptide, despite its lack of tyrosine sulfation. However, the addition of tyrosine sulfation to glycosylated peptides (SGP3) creates a super ligand for P-selectin that supports slower rolling adhesion at all shear rates and supports rolling adhesion at much higher shear rates. Tyrosine sulfation has no similar effect on PSGL-1 rolling on E-selectin. Such functional distinctions in rolling dynamics are uniquely realized with a cell-free system, which permits precise, unambiguous identification of the functional activity of adhesive ligands. These findings are consistent with structural and functional characterizations of the interactions between these peptides and E- and P-selectin published recently.     

Threshold Levels of Fluid Shear Promote Leukocyte Adhesion through Selectins (CD62L,P,E)

Leukocyte adhesion through L-selectin to peripheral node addressin (PNAd, also known as MECA-79 antigen), an L-selectin ligand expressed on high endothelial venules, has been shown to require a minimum level of fluid shear stress to sustain rolling interactions (Finger, E.B., K.D. Puri, R. Alon, M.B. Lawrence, V.H. von Andrian, and T.A. Springer. 1996. Nature (Lond.). 379:266–269). Here, we show that fluid shear above a threshold of 0.5 dyn/cm² wall shear stress significantly enhances HL-60 myelocyte rolling on P- and E-selectin at site densities of 200/μm² and below. In addition, gravitational force is sufficient to detach HL60 cells from P- and E-selectin substrates in the absence, but not in the presence, of flow. It appears that fluid shear–induced torque is critical for the maintenance of leukocyte rolling. K562 cells transfected with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, a ligand for P-selectin, showed a similar reduction in rolling on P-selectin as the wall shear stress was lowered below 0.5 dyn/cm². Similarly, 300.19 cells transfected with L-selectin failed to roll on PNAd below this level of wall shear stress, indicating that the requirement for minimum levels of shear force is not cell type specific. Rolling of leukocytes mediated by the selectins could be reinitiated within seconds by increasing the level of wall shear stress, suggesting that fluid shear did not modulate receptor avidity. Intravital microscopy of cremaster muscle venules indicated that the leukocyte rolling flux fraction was reduced at blood centerline velocities less than 1 mm/s in a model in which rolling is mediated by L- and P-selectin. Similar observations were made in L-selectin–deficient mice in which leukocyte rolling is entirely P-selectin dependent. Leukocyte adhesion through all three selectins appears to be significantly enhanced by a threshold level of fluid shear stress.     

Selectin ligand expression regulates the initial vascular interactions of colon carcinoma cells: the roles of CD44v and alternative sialofucosylated selectin ligands

Selectin-mediated binding of tumor cells to platelets, leukocytes, and vascular endothelium may regulate their hematogenous spread in the microvasculature. We recently reported that CD44 variant isoforms (CD44v) on LS174T colon carcinoma cells possess selectin binding activity. Here we extended those findings by showing that T84 and Colo205 colon carcinoma cells bind selectins via sialidase-sensitive O-linked glycans presented on CD44v, independent of heparan and chondroitin sulfate. To assess the functional role of CD44v in selectin-mediated binding, we quantified the adhesion to selectins of T84 cell subpopulations sorted based on their CD44 expression levels and stable LS174T cell lines generated using CD44 short hairpin RNA. High versus low CD44-expressing T84 cells tethered more efficiently to P- and L-selectin, but not E-selectin, and rolled more slowly on P- and E-selectin. Knocking down CD44 expression on LS174T cells inhibited binding to P-selectin and increased rolling velocities over P- and L-selectin relative to control-transfected cells, without affecting tethering and rolling on E-selectin, however. Blot rolling analysis revealed the presence of alternative sialylated glycoproteins with molecular masses of approximately 170 and approximately 130 kDa, which can mediate selectin binding in CD44-knockdown cells. Heparin diminishes the avidity of colon carcinoma cells for P- and L-selectin, which may compromise integrin-mediated firm adhesion to host cells and mitigate metastasis. Our finding that CD44v is a functional P-selectin ligand on colon carcinoma provides a novel perspective on the enhanced metastatic potential associated with tumor CD44v overexpression and the role of selectins in metastasis.     

Bromelain Decreases Neutrophil Interactions with P-Selectin,but Not E-Selectin,In Vitro by Proteolytic Cleavage of P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1

Stem bromelain, a cysteine protease isolated from pineapples, is a natural anti-inflammatory treatment, yet its mechanism of action remains unclear. Curious as to whether bromelain might affect selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling, we studied the ability of bromelain-treated human neutrophils to tether to substrates presenting immobilized P-selectin or E-selectin under shear stress. Bromelain treatment attenuated P-selectin-mediated tethering but had no effect on neutrophil recruitment on E-selectin substrates. Flow cytometric analysis of human neutrophils, using two antibodies against distinct epitopes within the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) active site, revealed that bromelain cleaves PSGL-1 to remove one of two sites required for P-selectin binding, while leaving the region required for E-selectin binding intact. These findings suggest one molecular mechanism by which bromelain may exert its anti-inflammatory effects is via selective cleavage of PSGL-1 to reduce P-selectin-mediated neutrophil recruitment.     

L-selectin ligands expressed by human leukocytes are HECA-452 antibody-defined carbohydrate epitopes preferentially displayed by P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1.

Leukocytes express L-selectin ligands critical for leukocyte-leukocyte interactions at sites of inflammation. The predominant leukocyte L-selectin ligand is P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), which displays appropriate sialyl Lewis x (sLex)-like carbohydrate determinants for L-selectin recognition. Among the sLex-like determinants expressed by human leukocytes is a unique carbohydrate epitope defined by the HECA-452 mAb. The HECA-452 Ag is a critical component of L-selectin ligands expressed by vascular endothelial cells. However, HECA-452 Ag expression on human leukocyte L-selectin ligands has not been assessed. In this study, the HECA-452 mAb blocked 88-99% of neutrophil rolling on, or attachment to, adherent cells expressing L-selectin in multiple experimental systems. A function-blocking anti-PSGL-1 mAb also inhibited L-selectin binding to neutrophils by 89-98%. In addition, the HECA-452 and anti-PSGL-1 mAbs blocked the majority of P-selectin binding to neutrophils. Western blot analysis revealed that PSGL-1 immunoprecipitated from neutrophils displayed HECA-452 mAb-reactive determinants and that PSGL-1 was the predominant scaffold for HECA-452 Ag display. Leukocyte L-selectin ligands also contained sulfated determinants since culturing ligand-bearing cells with NaClO3 abrogated L-selectin binding. Consistent with this, human neutrophils expressed mRNA encoding five different sulfotransferases associated with the generation of selectin ligands: CHST1, CHST2, CHST3, TPST1, and HEC-GlcNAc6ST. Therefore, the HECA-452-defined carbohydrate determinant displayed on PSGL-1 represented the predominant L-selectin and P-selectin ligand expressed by neutrophils.     

Exogenous eosinophil activation converts PSGL-1-dependent binding to CD18-dependent stable adhesion to platelets in shear flow

Thisstudy examined the binding kinetics and molecular requirements ofeosinophil adhesion to surface-anchored platelets in shear flow.P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) binding to plateletP-selectin initiates tethering and rolling of eosinophils to plateletsunder flow. These primary interacting cells assist in the capture offree-flowing eosinophils through homotypic tethering (secondaryinteractions) mediated via L-selectin-PSGL-1 interactions. Differencesbetween eosinophils and neutrophils in PSGL-1 and L-selectin expressionlevels predict the pattern and relative extent of their adhesiveinteractions with immobilized platelets under shear, as well as therelative magnitude of their average rolling velocities. The majority oftethered eosinophils become rapidly stationary on the platelet layer, aprocess that is predominantly mediated via eosinophil PSGL-1 binding toplatelet P-selectin and has an absolute requirement for intactcytoskeleton. Only a small fraction of these stationary eosinophilsdevelop shear-resistant attachments mediated by CD18 integrins.However, stimulation of eosinophils with eotaxin-2 convertsPSGL-1-P-selectin-dependent stationary adhesion to CD18-mediatedshear-resistant stable attachment. These studies provide insights fordesigning strategies based on blocking of eosinophil-plateletinteractions to combat thrombotic disorders in hypereosinophilic patients.

     

P- and E-selectins recognize sialyl 6-sulfo Lewis X, the recently identified L-selectin ligand

Recently we identified sialyl 6-sulfo Le(x) as a major L-selectin ligand on high endothelial venules of human peripheral lymph nodes. In this study we investigated the ligand activity of sialyl 6-sulfo Le(x) to E- and P-selectins and compared it with the binding activity of conventional sialyl Le(x), by using cultured human lymphoid cells expressing both carbohydrate determinants. The results of the recombinant selectin binding studies and the nonstatic monolayer cell adhesion assays indicated that both sialyl 6-sulfo Le(x) and conventional sialyl Le(x) served as ligand for E- and P-selectins, while L-selectin was quite specific to sialyl 6-sulfo Le(x). Anti-PSGL-1 antibodies as well as O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase treatment almost completely abrogated the binding of P-selectin but barely affected the binding of E-selectin, indicating that these carbohydrate determinants carried by O-glycans of PSGL-1 selectively serves as a ligand for P-selectin, while the ligand for E-selectin is not restricted to PSGL-1 nor to O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase-sensitive glycans. The binding of L-selectin was markedly reduced by O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase treatment but only minimally affected by anti-PSGL-1 antibodies, indicating that O-glycans carrying sialyl 6-sulfo Le(x) were the major L-selectin ligands, while PSGL-1 was only a minor core protein for L-selectin in these cells. These results indicated that each member of the selectin family has a distinct ligand binding specificity.     

Enhancement of L-selectin, but not P-selectin, bond formation frequency by convective flow

L-selectin-mediated leukocyte rolling has been proposed to require a high rate of bond formation compared to that of P-selectin to compensate for its much higher off-rate. To test this hypothesis, a microbead system was utilized to measure relative L-selectin and P-selectin bond formation rates on their common ligand P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) under shear flow. Using video microscopy, we tracked selectin-coated microbeads to detect the formation frequency of adhesive tether bonds. From velocity distributions of noninteracting and interacting microbeads, we observed that tether bond formation rates for P-selectin on PSGL-1 decreased with increasing wall shear stress, from 0.14 ± 0.04 bonds/μm at 0.2 dyn/cm² to 0.014 ± 0.003 bonds/μm at 1.0 dyn/cm². In contrast, L-selectin tether bond formation increased from 0.017 ± 0.005 bonds/μm at 0.2 dyn/cm² to 0.031 ± 0.005 bonds/μm at 1.0 dyn/cm². L-selectin tether bond formation rates appeared to be enhanced by convective transport, whereas P-selectin rates were inhibited. The transition force for the L-selectin catch-slip transition of 44 pN/bond agreed well with theoretical models (Pereverzev et al. 2005. Biophys. J. 89:1446-1454). Despite catch bond behavior, hydrodymanic shear thresholding was not detected with L-selectin beads rolling on PSGL-1. We speculate that shear flow generated compressive forces may enhance L-selectin bond formation relative to that of P-selectin and that L-selectin bonds with PSGL-1 may be tuned for the compressive forces characteristic of leukocyte-leukocyte collisions during secondary capture on the blood vessel wall. This is the first report, to our knowledge, comparing L-selectin and P-selectin bond formation frequencies in shear flow.     

Replacing a lectin domain residue in L-selectin enhances binding to P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 but not to 6-sulfo-sialyl Lewis x

Selectin-ligand interactions (bonds) mediate leukocyte rolling on vascular surfaces. The molecular basis for differential ligand recognition by selectins is poorly understood. Here, we show that substituting one residue (A108H) in the lectin domain of L-selectin increased its force-free affinity for a glycosulfopeptide binding site (2-GSP-6) on P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) but not for a sulfated-glycan binding site (6-sulfo-sialyl Lewis x) on peripheral node addressin. The increased affinity of L-selectinA108H for 2-GSP-6 was due to a faster on-rate and to a slower off-rate that increased bond lifetimes in the absence of force. Rather than first prolonging (catching) and then shortening (slipping) bond lifetimes, increasing force monotonically shortened lifetimes of L-selectinA108H bonds with 2-GSP-6. When compared with microspheres bearing L-selectin, L-selectinA108H microspheres rolled more slowly and regularly on 2-GSP-6 at low flow rates. A reciprocal substitution in P-selectin (H108A) caused faster microsphere rolling on 2-GSP-6. These results distinguish molecular mechanisms for L-selectin to bind to PSGL-1 and peripheral node addressin and explain in part the shorter lifetimes of PSGL-1 bonds with L-selectin than P-selectin.