Ligation of the FcR gamma chain-associated human osteoclast-associated receptor enhances the proinflammatory responses of human monocytes and neutrophils

We have previously described the human osteoclast associated receptor (hOSCAR), expressed in all cells of the myeloid lineage, and its immune functions. This receptor, which associates with the FcRgamma chain to transduce an activating signal, induces calcium flux in monocytes and dendritic cells, and modulates specific responses of dendritic cells. In this study, we have examined the effects of hOSCAR ligation on various proinflammatory responses of monocytes and neutrophils. Monocytes stimulated via hOSCAR ligation released IL-8/CXCL8 and other chemokines such as epithelial neutrophil-activating peptide-78/CXCL5, macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22, and MCP-1/CCL2 and up-regulated markers involved in cell adhesion and costimulatory functions. Monocytes stimulated via hOSCAR in the absence of survival factors had an increased life span. Although the life span of neutrophils was unaffected, these cells, when stimulated via hOSCAR, rapidly released reactive oxygen intermediates, degranulated lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and also secreted IL-8/CXCL8. Neutrophils also underwent changes in cell surface molecule expression with the cleavage of CD62L and increased expression of CD11b and CD66b after 2-h stimulations. Finally, we demonstrated synergy between hOSCAR and TLR ligands on both monocytes and neutrophils, with up to 8-fold increases in cytokine secretion when hOSCAR was cross-linked in the presence of LPS or R-848. Overall, our data demonstrate that hOSCAR is a functional receptor on monocytes and neutrophils, involved in the induction of the primary proinflammatory cascade and the initiation of downstream immune responses.     

NOD2 triggers an interleukin-32-dependent human dendritic cell program in leprosy

It is unclear whether the ability of the innate immune system to recognize distinct ligands from a single microbial pathogen via multiple pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) triggers common pathways or differentially triggers specific host responses. In the human mycobacterial infection leprosy, we found that activation of monocytes via nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2) by its ligand muramyl dipeptide, as compared to activation via heterodimeric Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR2/1) by triacylated lipopeptide, preferentially induced differentiation into dendritic cells (DCs), which was dependent on a previously unknown interleukin-32 (IL-32)-dependent mechanism. Notably, IL-32 was sufficient to induce monocytes to rapidly differentiate into DCs, which were more efficient than granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-derived DCs in presenting antigen to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted CD8(+) T cells. Expression of NOD2 and IL-32 and the frequency of CD1b(+) DCs at the site of leprosy infection correlated with the clinical presentation; they were greater in patients with limited as compared to progressive disease. The addition of recombinant IL-32 restored NOD2-induced DC differentiation in patients with the progressive form of leprosy. In conclusion, the NOD2 ligand-induced, IL-32-dependent DC differentiation pathway contributes a key and specific mechanism for host defense against microbial infection in humans.     

LILRA2 selectively modulates LPS-mediated cytokine production and inhibits phagocytosis by monocytes

The activating immunoglobulin-like receptor, subfamily A, member 2 (LILRA2) is primarily expressed on the surface of cells of the innate immunity including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils but not on lymphocytes and NK cells. LILRA2 cross-linking on monocytes induces pro-inflammatory cytokines while inhibiting dendritic cell differentiation and antigen presentation. A similar activating receptor, LILRA4, has been shown to modulate functions of TLR7/9 in dendritic cells. These suggest a selective immune regulatory role for LILRAs during innate immune responses. However, whether LILRA2 has functions distinct from other receptors of the innate immunity including Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and FcγRI remains unknown. Moreover, the effects of LILRA2 on TLR4 and FcγRI-mediated monocyte functions are not elucidated. Here, we show activation of monocytes via LILRA2 cross-linking selectively increased GM-CSF production but failed to induce IL-12 and MCP-1 production that were strongly up-regulated by LPS, suggesting functions distinct from TLR4. Interestingly, LILRA2 cross-linking on monocytes induced similar amounts of IL-6, IL-8, G-CSF and MIP-1α but lower levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-10 and IFNγ compared to those stimulated with LPS. Furthermore, cross-linking of LILRA2 on monocytes significantly decreased phagocytosis of IgG-coated micro-beads and serum opsonized Escherichia coli but had limited effect on phagocytosis of non-opsonized bacteria. Simultaneous co-stimulation of monocytes through LILRA2 and LPS or sequential activation of monocytes through LILRA2 followed by LPS led lower levels of TNFα, IL-1β and IL-12 production compared to LPS alone, but had additive effect on levels of IL-10 and IFNγ but not on IL-6. Interestingly, LILRA2 cross-linking on monocytes caused significant inhibition of TLR4 mRNA and protein, suggesting LILRA2-mediated suppression of LPS responses might be partly via regulation of this receptor. Taken together, we provide evidence that LILRA2-mediated activation of monocytes is significantly different to LPS and that LILRA2 selectively modulates LPS-mediated monocyte activation and FcγRI-dependent phagocytosis.     

CD38 ligation plays a direct role in the induction of IL-1beta,IL-6, and IL-10 secretion in resting human monocytes

CD38 signaling, either induced by ligation with specific agonistic monoclonal antibody (mAb) or after interaction with CD31, its cognate counter-receptor, is involved in release of IL-1beta, IL-6, and IL-10 cytokines in resting human monocytes. CD38 ligation by the F(ab')(2) IB4 mAb did not induce signals relevant for cytokine secretion and the block of the Fcgamma receptor I (FcgammaRI) by anti-CD64 or FcgammaRII by anti-CD32 mAb did not inhibit CD38-mediated IL-1beta release. Dimerization or multimerization of the CD38 molecule by: (i) cross-linking of the receptor ligated by F(ab')(2) or by (ii) increasing CD38 expression by treating monocytes with IFNgamma were able to restore the truncated CD38-mediated signals involved in cytokine secretion. These data indicate that CD38 receptor-mediated signals operate directly suggesting a Fcgamma receptorial surface molecule independent activation pathway. The key element for the receptor mediated signaling is represented by surface density of CD38 on resting monocytes.     

Ligation of CD23 triggers cAMP generation and release of inflammatory mediators in human monocytes.

Transduction through the CD23 molecule (Fc epsilon RII) was analyzed in normal human monocytes using monoclonal antibodies to CD23 (MHM6 and 135) and IgE/anti-IgE immune complexes. Monocytes expressing an increased amount of CD23 molecules were obtained by stimulation with IL-4 (30 U/ml). Anti-CD23 mAb as well as IgE/anti-IgE immune complexes were unable to induce any significant calcium mobilization [Ca2+]i in CD23-bearing monocytes whereas they elicited [Ca2+]i increase in B lymphocytes of the same donors. Despite their failure to induce calcium mobilization, the same CD23 ligands triggered a dose-dependent increase of intracellular cAMP, with a maximum 20 to 30 min after the onset of stimulation. This effect is mediated via CD23 inasmuch as: 1) F(ab)'2 fragments are as active as intact anti-CD23 mAb and 2) it is not observed in CD23- monocytes. The increase in cAMP was only partially altered in the presence of 1 microM indomethacin suggesting that it was not due to the release of PG. The possible role of CD23 in the activation of human monocytes was next documented by showing that anti-CD23 mAb and IgE/anti-IgE immune complexes induced the generation of IL-6 and of thromboxane B2 by CD23+ but not by CD23- monocytes. In addition, the IgE/anti-IgE-induced IL-6 production was potentiated in the presence of cAMP inducer such as the beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol. These results indicate that ligation of CD23 induces cAMP generation in CD23+ human monocytes and that CD23 may regulate the IgE-dependent functions in normal human monocytes.     

Characterization of human inducible costimulator ligand expression and function

The inducible costimulator (ICOS) is the newest member of the CD28/CD152 receptor family involved in regulating T cell activation. We constructed a soluble-Ig fusion protein of the extracellular domain of human ICOS and used it as a probe to characterize expression patterns of the ICOS ligand (ICOSL). ICOSIg did not bind to CD80- or CD86-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cell lines, demonstrating that ICOSL is distinct from those ligands identified for CD28/CD152. ICOSIg showed selective binding to monocytic and B cell lines, whereas binding was undetectable on unstimulated monocytes and peripheral blood T and B cells. Expression of ICOSL was induced on monocytes after integrin-dependent plastic adhesion. Pretreatment of monocytes with mAb to the beta2-integrin subunit CD18 decreased adhesion and abolished ICOSL up-regulation but had no effect on CD80/86 (CD152 ligand (CD152L)) expression. Both ICOSL and CD152L were up-regulated on monocytes by IFN-gamma but by distinct signaling pathways. Unlike CD152L expression, ICOSL expression did not change when monocytes were differentiated into dendritic cells (DCs) or after DCs were induced to mature by LPS, TNF-alpha, or CD40 ligation. Addition of ICOSIg to allogeneic MLRs between DCs and T cells reduced T cell proliferative responses but did so less efficiently than CTLA4Ig (CD152Ig) did. Similarly, ICOSIg also blocked Ag-specific T cell proliferation to tetanus toxoid. Thus, ICOSL, like CD80/86, is expressed on activated monocytes and dendritic cells but is regulated differently and delivers distinct signals to T cells that can be specifically inhibited by ICOSIg.     

Butyrate inhibits functional differentiation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in immune function through antigen presentation by MHC and CD1, as well as cytokine production that shapes the immune response. Here we report that butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, inhibits the functional differentiation of human monocyte-derived DCs. Mature DCs were generated from monocytes in the presence of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), followed by 2 day LPS stimulation. Butyrate treatment throughout the culture period inhibited the expression of CD1 molecules, but not on CD83, CD86, and MHC molecules. The suppression was exerted at protein and mRNA levels. Butyrate-treated immature DCs also showed decreased expression of CD1 molecules. Moreover the butyrate-treated immature DCs showed lower production of IL-12 p40 and IL-6 in response to lipopolysaccharides and induced less Th1 cells in allogenic mixed lymphocyte reactions. Our results imply that histone acetylation is involved in regulating immune responses through regulating functional differentiation of DC. Thus HDAC may be one of the targets for controlling the immune response.     

Susceptibility of human dendritic cells (DCs) to measles virus (MV) depends on their activation stages in conjunction with the level of CDw150: role of Toll stimulators in DC maturation and MV amplification

Human CD46 (membrane cofactor protein, or MCP) and CDw150 (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule, or SLAM) serve as receptors for measles virus (MV), which induces marked host immune suppression. Although monocytes express CD46, they are considerably resistant to MV. Once monocytes differentiate into immature myeloid dendritic cells (iDCs) (GM-CSF + IL-4-treated), the cells become susceptible to MV. Therefore, we have identified CD46-adapted and CDw150-adapted strains of MV, and the dynamics of CD46 and CDw150 during monocyte-iDC conversion were examined in conjunction with MV susceptibility. Strikingly, CDw150 was not detected in monocytes and moderately induced in iDCs, while CD46 was constantly expressed in monocyte-to-iDC differentiation. Thus, iDCs were found to become highly permissive to CDw150-adapted MV strains via expression of CDw150. In fact, polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that specifically blocked the MV receptor function of CD46 or CDw150 cancelled MV replication in iDCs according to the preferential usage of either CD46 or CDw150 in each strain of MV. Next, we showed that DCs that matured via stimulation of their Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and/or 4 exhibited an approximately fivefold increase in CDw150 at the protein level, and concomitantly, higher levels of MV amplification were observed in mixed culture of lymphocytes than in iDCs without TLR2/4 stimuli. Hence, amplification of CDw150-dependent MV strains was augmented in DCs parallel with the levels of CDw150 in the presence of lymphocytes possessing CDw150. TLR-mediated functional potential of DCs may affect the degree of MV amplification through distinct MV strain-specific receptor usage of CDw150 or CD46.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide polarizes human dendritic cells toward a Th2-promoting phenotype through its receptor guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptor A

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a cardiovascular hormone secreted mainly by the cardiac atria and regulates the volume-pressure homeostasis. The action of ANP is mediated by its receptor, guanylyl cyclase-coupled receptor A (GC-A). In this study, we explored the possibility that ANP and GC-A may play a role in the dendritic cell (DC)-mediated immune regulation. We first examined the expression of GC-A in human monocyte-derived DCs in comparison with monocytes and found that DCs but not monocytes express GC-A at both the mRNA and protein levels. DCs responded to ANP with an increase in intracellular cGMP in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that GC-A expressed on DCs is functional. Furthermore, treatment of DCs with ANP decreased production of IL-12 and TNF-alpha and conversely increased that of IL-10 upon stimulation with LPS. In accordance with this change of cytokine production, DCs treated with ANP plus LPS promoted differentiation of naive CD4(+) T cells into a Th2 phenotype. Finally, we presented evidence that ANP affected cytokine production of fresh whole blood stimulated with LPS in line with the above-mentioned results. These results indicate that ANP polarizes human DCs toward a Th2-promoting phenotype through GC-A and thus can regulate immune responses.     

Costimulation via CD55 on human CD4+ T cells mediated by CD97

Decay-accelerating factor (CD55) is a complement regulatory protein, which is expressed by most cells to protect them from complement-mediated attack. CD55 also binds CD97, an EGF-TM7 receptor constitutively expressed on granulocytes and monocytes and rapidly up-regulated on T and B cells upon activation. Early results suggested that CD55 could further enhance T cell proliferation induced by phorbol ester treatment. The present study demonstrates that coengagement of CD55, using either cross-linking mAbs or its natural ligand CD97, and CD3 results in enhanced proliferation of human peripheral blood CD4(+) T cells, expression of the activation markers CD69 and CD25, and secretion of IL-10 and GM-CSF. Recently, an increase in T cell responsiveness in CD55(-/-) mice was shown to be mediated by a lack of complement regulation. In this study, we show that direct stimulation of CD55 on CD4(+) T cells with CD97 can modulate T cell activation but does not interfere with CD55-mediated complement regulation. Our results support a multifaceted role for CD55 in human T cell activation, constituting a further link between innate and adaptive immunity.     

Activation of human T cell clones and Jurkat cells by cross-linking class I MHC molecules

Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on human T cell clones by reacting them with various mAb directed at either monomorphic or polymorphic determinants on class I MHC molecules followed by cross-linking with GaMIg stimulated a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), and induced proliferation and IL-2 production. T cell clones varied in the mean density of class I MHC molecules and the capacity to respond to mAb to class I MHC molecules. However, the functional responses of the clones did not correlate with class I MHC density or the CD4/CD8 phenotype. mAb to polymorphic class I MHC determinants were less able to induce an increase in [Ca2+]i and a functional response in the T cell clones. Additive stimulatory effects were noted when mAb against both HLA-A and HLA-B determinants were employed. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on Jurkat cells induced a rise by [Ca2+]i and induced IL-2 production upon co-stimulation with PMA. Cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that expressed diminished levels of CD3 and were unable to produce IL-2 in response to anti-CD3 stimulation triggered both a rise in [Ca2+]i and IL-2 production with PMA co-stimulation. In contrast, cross-linking class I MHC molecules on mutant Jurkat cells that were CD3- stimulated neither a rise in [Ca2+]i nor IL-2 production. The combination of mAb to CD28 or ionomycin and PMA, however, was able to induce IL-2 production by CD3- Jurkat cells. The data demonstrate that cross-linking class I MHC molecules delivers a functionally important signal to T cell clones and Jurkat cells and indicate that class I MHC molecules may function to transduce activation signals to T cells. In addition, the data demonstrate that transmission of an activation signal via class I MHC molecules requires CD3 expression. The data, therefore, support a central role for CD3 in the transduction of activation signals to T cells via class I MHC molecules.     

Down-regulation of Toll-like receptor expression in monocyte-derived Langerhans cell-like cells: implications of low-responsiveness to bacterial components in the epidermal Langerhans cells

In the skin, there are unique dendritic cells called Langerhans cells, however, it remains unclear why this particular type of dendritic cell resides in the epidermis. Langerhans cell-like dendritic cells (LCs) can be generated from CD14(+) monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4, and TGF-beta1. We compared LCs with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) generated from CD14(+) monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 and examined the effect of exposure to two distinct bacterial stimuli via Toll-like receptors (TLRs), such as peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on LCs and DCs. Although stimulation with both ligands induced a marked up-regulation of CD83 expression on DCs, PGN but not LPS elicited up-regulation of expression CD83 on LCs. Consistent with these results, TLR2 and TLR4 were expressed on DCs, whereas only TLR2 was weakly detected on LCs. These findings suggest the actual feature of epidermal Langerhans cells with low-responsiveness to skin commensals.     

Mature dendritic cells derived from human monocytes within 48 hours: a novel strategy for dendritic cell differentiation from blood precursors

It is widely believed that generation of mature dendritic cells (DCs) with full T cell stimulatory capacity from human monocytes in vitro requires 5-7 days of differentiation with GM-CSF and IL-4, followed by 2-3 days of activation. Here, we report a new strategy for differentiation and maturation of monocyte-derived DCs within only 48 h of in vitro culture. Monocytes acquire immature DC characteristics by day 2 of culture with GM-CSF and IL-4; they down-regulate CD14, increase dextran uptake, and respond to the inflammatory chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha. To accelerate DC development and maturation, monocytes were incubated for 24 h with GM-CSF and IL-4, followed by activation with proinflammatory mediators for another 24 h (FastDC). FastDC expressed mature DC surface markers as well as chemokine receptor 7 and secreted IL-12 (p70) upon CD40 ligation in the presence of IFN-gamma. The increase in intracellular calcium in response to 6Ckine showed that chemokine receptor 7 expression was functional. When FastDC were compared with mature monocyte-derived DCs generated by a standard 7-day protocol, they were equally potent in inducing Ag-specific T cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production as well as in priming autologous naive T cells using tetanus toxoid as a model Ag. These findings indicate that FastDC are as effective as monocyte-derived DCs in stimulating primary, Ag-specific, Th 1-type immune responses. Generation of FastDC not only reduces labor, cost, and time required for in vitro DC development, but may also represent a model more closely resembling DC differentiation from monocytes in vivo.     

Morphine reciprocally regulates IL-10 and IL-12 production by monocyte-derived human dendritic cells and enhances T cell activation

We evaluated the effect of morphine on human dendritic cells (DCs). Interestingly, immature DCs were found to express all 3 (mu, kappa, delta) opioid receptors on the cell surface. Chronic morphine treatment (10(-8) to 10(-12) M) during the development of DCs from monocytes augmented LPS-induced upregulation of HLA-DR, CD86, CD80, and CD83 and increased the T cell stimulatory capacity of DCs, which could be inhibited by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist. The change in surface phenotype was paralleled by a p38 MAPK-dependent decrease in IL-10 and increase in IL-12 secretion. Our data indicate that morphine exerts an immunostimulatory effect by modulating LPS-induced DC maturation.     

Hck is a key regulator of gene expression in alternatively activated human monocytes

IL-13 is a Th2 cytokine that promotes alternative activation (M2 polarization) in primary human monocytes. Our studies have characterized the functional IL-13 receptor complex and the downstream signaling events in response to IL-13 stimulation in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages. In this report, we present evidence that IL-13 induces the activation of a Src family tyrosine kinase, which is required for IL-13 induction of M2 gene expression, including 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO). Our data show that Src kinase activity regulates IL-13-induced p38 MAPK tyrosine phosphorylation via the upstream kinases MKK3 or MKK6. Our findings also reveal that the IL-13 receptor-associated tyrosine kinase Jak2 is required for the activation of both Src kinase as well as p38 MAPK. Further, we found that Src tyrosine kinase-mediated activation of p38 MAPK is required for Stat1 and Stat3 serine 727 phosphorylation in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages. Additional studies identify Hck as the specific Src family member, stimulated by IL-13 and involved in regulating both p38 MAPK activation and p38 MAPK-mediated 15-LO expression. Finally we show that the Hck regulates the expression of other alternative state (M2)-specific genes (Mannose receptor, MAO-A, and CD36) and therefore conclude that Hck acts as a key regulator controlling gene expression in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages.     

Coordinated expression of Ig-like inhibitory MHC class I receptors and acquisition of cytotoxic function in human CD8+ T cells

MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors are expressed by a subset of memory-phenotype CD8(+) T cells. Similar to NK cells, MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors might subserve on T cells an important negative control that participates to the prevention of autologous damage. We analyzed here human CD8(+) T cells that express the Ig-like MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors: killer cell Ig-like receptor (KIR) and CD85j. The cell surface expression of Ig-like inhibitory MHC class I receptors was found to correlate with an advanced stage of CD8(+) T cell maturation as evidenced by the reduced proliferative potential of KIR(+) and CD85j(+) T cells associated with their high intracytoplasmic perforin content. This concomitant regulation might represent a safety mechanism to control potentially harmful cytolytic CD8(+) T cells, by raising their activation threshold. Yet, KIR(+) and CD85j(+) T cells present distinct features. KIR(+)CD8(+) T cells are poor IFN-gamma producers upon TCR engagement. In addition, KIR are barely detectable at the surface of virus-specific T cells during the course of CMV or HIV-1 infection. By contrast, CD85j(+)CD8(+) T cells produce IFN-gamma upon TCR triggering, and represent a large fraction of virus-specific T cells. Thus, the cell surface expression of Ig-like inhibitory MHC class I receptors is associated with T cell engagement into various stages of the cytolytic differentiation pathway, and the cell surface expression of CD85j or KIR witnesses to the history of qualitatively and/or quantitatively distinct T cell activation events.     

Neuropeptide signaling activates dendritic cell-mediated type 1 immune responses through neurokinin-2 receptor

Neurokinin A (NKA), a neurotransmitter distributed in the central and peripheral nervous system, strictly controls vital responses, such as airway contraction, by intracellular signaling through neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R). However, the function of NKA-NK2R signaling on involvement in immune responses is less-well defined. We demonstrate that NK2R-mediated neuropeptide signaling activates dendritic cell (DC)-mediated type 1 immune responses. IFN-γ stimulation significantly induced NK2R mRNA and remarkably enhanced surface protein expression levels of bone marrow-derived DCs. In addition, the DC-mediated NKA production level was significantly elevated after IFN-γ stimulation in vivo and in vitro. We found that NKA treatment induced type 1 IFN mRNA expressions in DCs. Transduction of NK2R into DCs augmented the expression level of surface MHC class II and promoted Ag-specific IL-2 production by CD4(+) T cells after NKA stimulation. Furthermore, blockade of NK2R by an antagonist significantly suppressed IFN-γ production by both CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cells stimulated with the Ag-loaded DCs. Finally, we confirmed that stimulation with IFN-γ or TLR3 ligand (polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid) significantly induced both NK2R mRNA and surface protein expression of human PBMC-derived DCs, as well as enhanced human TAC1 mRNA, which encodes NKA and Substance P. Thus, these findings indicate that NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulates Ag-specific T cell responses via activation of DC function, suggesting that the NKA-NK2R cascade would be a promising target in chronic inflammation caused by excessive type 1-dominant immunity.