Modulation of monocyte chemotactic function in inflammatory lesions. Role of inflammatory mediators

Monocyte recruitment and accumulation in the synovial tissue is pivotal in the evolution of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study we examined the chemotactic potential of monocytes obtained from synovial fluid (SF) of patients with RA. Functionally, SF monocytes exhibited greatly diminished chemotactic activity to C5a compared with monocytes from the peripheral blood. In contrast, their chemotactic responsiveness to the synthetic peptide, FMLP, was nearly normal. To define a mechanism for this differential chemotactic dysfunction, cell-surface receptors for C5a (C5aR) and FMLP (FMLP-R) were evaluated. Whereas FMLP-R expression was similar on both blood and inflammatory monocytes, C5aR expression was markedly reduced on SF cells. Because decreased C5a binding in certain RA SF samples could not be attributed to free C5a, known or suspected components of inflammatory SF were evaluated for their ability to modulate chemotactic ligand receptors. Bacterial products including LPS and streptococcal cell walls, which are potent monocyte activators, down-regulated C5aR without affecting FMLP-R. Moreover, the cytokines IFN-gamma and granulocyte-macrophage-CSF selectively decreased C5aR in parallel with decreased in vitro chemotactic activity to C5a. Thus, these data indicate that 1) synovial effusions may contain C5a and/or inflammatory mediators that modulate phenotypic and functional changes in monocytes, 2) chemotactic ligand receptors are independently regulated in inflammatory lesions, and 3) decreased C5aR expression and chemotactic potential likely provide a mechanism whereby monocyte-macrophages persist within the inflamed synovium.     

HIV-1 and its envelope glycoprotein down-regulate chemotactic ligand receptors and chemotactic function of peripheral blood monocytes

Peripheral blood monocytes from AIDS patients exhibit defective migratory responses to chemotactic stimuli in vitro and to inflammatory sites in vivo. In studies presented here, normal monocytes were infected with the HIV-1/HTLV-IIIBa-L isolate in vitro and evaluated for chemotactic responsiveness. Within 2 days after viral exposure, but before evidence of virus production in the monocytes, chemotactic activity was significantly impaired. Decreased chemotactic activity was associated with modulation of receptors for the chemotactic ligands, C5a and FMLP, on the monocyte cell surface. In addition to HIV-1, monocytes treated with purified HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 demonstrated a comparable modulation of chemotactic ligand receptors and migratory function. In addition, the HIV-1 or HIV-1 gp120-treated monocytes were induced to undergo differentiation as monitored by HLA-DR expression. Immunoprecipitation of the gp120 with a specific antibody reversed its effects on monocyte chemotaxis and HLA-DR expression. Taken together, these data indicate that the initial interaction of HIV-1 with the monocyte is not passive, but that the binding of HIV-1 and/or HIV-1 gp120 to the CD4R on monocytes transduces a signal leading to transient monocyte activation.     

Human monocyte adherence: a primary effect of chemotactic factors on the monocyte to stimulate adherence to human endothelium

Monocyte emigration into areas of inflammation is initiated by monocyte adherence to the microvascular endothelium which may be induced by the local production of chemotactic factors at the inflammatory site. However, it is not clear whether such stimuli act on the monocyte and/or the endothelial cell to promote this effect. Accordingly, the effect of the chemotactic peptides C5a des arg and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) on human monocyte adherence to human microvascular endothelial cell monolayers was investigated in vitro. Monocytes (92 to 98% pure) were isolated by discontinuous plasma-Percoll density gradients and cell elutriation, methods designed to minimize monocyte exposure to endotoxin. Mean spontaneous (unstimulated) adherence of 111Indium-tropolonate-radiolabeled monocytes to microvascular endothelial cell monolayers was 19.7% +/- 1.3. Monocyte adherence to microvascular endothelial cell monolayers was stimulated in a dose-response fashion in the presence of C5a des arg or FMLP to a maximum mean adherence of 47.2% +/- 2.9 or 43.8% +/- 2.2, respectively. C5a des arg or FMLP stimulated monocytes to adhere to monolayers of human vascular smooth muscle cells, human dermal fibroblasts, or serum-coated plastic wells in a comparable fashion as to endothelial cells. The simultaneous presence of both chemotactic peptides C5a des arg and FMLP in the assay system stimulated monocyte adherence to the same degree as either stimulus alone. This finding suggested that those monocytes stimulated to adhere by C5a des arg were the same subpopulation responding to FMLP. Spontaneous monocyte adherence (in the absence of chemotactic peptides) to both endothelial cell monolayers and serum-coated plastic wells was reduced in the presence of plasma, but chemotactic peptides induced a significant, albeit reduced, adhesion of monocytes in this circumstance. The pretreatment of monocytes with either C5a des arg or FMLP prior to the adherence assay induced stimulus-specific desensitization of monocyte adherence. Neither a desensitization nor stimulated monocyte adherence occurred when endothelial cell monolayers or serum-coated plastic wells were pretreated with either of the chemotactic peptides. The fixation of endothelial cell monolayers prior to the adherence assay did not alter the degree of spontaneous, C5a des arg-stimulated, or FMLP-stimulated monocyte adherence. These data suggest that the stimulated adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells by C5a des arg or FMLP represents primarily an effect of these chemotactic peptides on the monocyte.     

Human C5a modulates monocyte Fc and C3 receptor expression

FcIgG and C3 (CR1 and CR3) receptors are responsible for binding opsonized particles, phagocytosis, and immune adherence reactions by circulating and tissue-fixed mononuclear phagocytes. Alterations in the expression of these receptors may thus significantly influence the function of these cells. Because chemoattractants have been shown to both recruit and modulate the function of monocytes, this study specifically examines the effects of human C5a and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine (FMLP) on human peripheral blood monocyte FcIgG and C3 receptor expression in vitro. Adherent, elutriator-purified monocytes were incubated with C5a (10(-7) to 10(-10) M) or FMLP (10(-5) to 10(-10) M) for 30 min at 37 degrees C, and FcIgG receptor expression was assessed by rosetting with sheep erythrocytes sensitized with limiting dilutions of IgG. Human C5a caused dose-related increases in Fc rosettes of 28% at 10(-9) M, 63% at 10(-8) M, and 167% at 10(-7) M (p less than 0.01). In contrast, no significant increases in monocyte Fc receptor expression were induced by FMLP. Similar rosetting experiments were performed with sheep erythrocytes opsonized with limiting amounts of human C3b to assess C3b receptor expression on adherent human monocytes stimulated with C5a (10(-7) to 10(-10) M) or FMLP (10(-6) to 10(-9) M) for 30 min at 37 degrees C. Again, human C5a caused dose-related increases in monocyte C3b rosette formation; at 10(-8) M and 10(-7) M concentrations of C5a, these increases equaled 119% and 196%, respectively (p less than 0.05). In these experiments, 10(-6) M FMLP also caused a significant increase of 110% in monocyte C3b rosette formation (p less than 0.05). Modulation of monocyte cell surface receptors by human C5a or FMLP was also examined by measuring cell fluorescence and side scatter by dual channel flow cytometry after staining normal leukocytes in citrated venous blood with receptor-specific monoclonal antibodies. These flow cytometric studies demonstrated that both C5a and FMLP induce dose-related increases in CR1 (C3b receptor) and CR3 (iC3b receptor) expression in both monocytes and neutrophils.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Mapping of genes for the human C5a receptor (C5AR), human FMLP receptor (FPR), and two FMLP receptor homologue orphan receptors (FPRH1, FPRH2) to chromosome 19.

The genes encoding receptors for the chemotactic ligands C5a (C5AR) and FMLP (FPR) were mapped using a panel of somatic cell hybrids to chromosome 19. Because the hybridization pattern on Southern analysis suggested an intron structure or related genes in the case of FPR, genomic clones were characterized. Two structural homologues of the FMLP receptor, clones 81 (FPRH1) and 82 (FPRH2), were identified, which similarly map to chromosome 19. The structural homologues do not recognize the ligand FMLP, but are likely chemotactic receptors.     

Augmentation of monocyte chemotaxis by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Stimulation of defective migration of AIDS patients

Preincubation for 20 h with 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) markedly augmented the chemotactic responsiveness of human blood monocytes to the classical chemoattractant, FMLP. A modest enhancement of monocyte spontaneous locomotion in the absence of chemoattractants was also observed. Maximal increase of monocyte migration was observed after pretreatment with 10(-9) M 1,25(OH)2D3 and was detectable at FMLP concentrations ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-7) M. Pretreatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 augmented the number of monocyte high affinity FMLP receptors (1500 +/- 220 and 3800 +/- 300 sites per cell for untreated and 1,25(OH)2D3-pretreated cells, respectively) with no significant changes in Kd values (2 +/- 0.5 nM and 4 +/- 1 nM, for untreated and 1,25(OH)2D3-pretreated monocytes). Enhanced chemotaxis was not restricted to FMLP, because 1,25(OH)2D3-treated monocytes showed enhanced migration also in response to activated C components and chemotactic cytokines. In agreement with previous observations, monocytes from AIDS patients showed defective migration capacity. In vitro exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulated monocyte migration in all 10 patients examined with considerable quantitative differences among individuals. Regulating the responsiveness of mature monocytes to chemo-attractants, 1,25(OH)2D3, produced systemically or in situ by immunocompetent cells, could play a role in the regulation of the recruitment of monocytes at sites of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, or bone resorption. The potential of 1,25(OH)2D3 as a restorative agent under conditions of defective phagocyte recruitment deserves further exploration.     

Potentiation of the defective monocyte chemotaxis in Hodgkin's disease by in vitro tuftsin treatment

In vitro pre-incubation of monocytes derived from patients with Hodgkin's disease with tuftsin (50 micrograms/ml) significantly restored the deficient chemotactic responsiveness of these cells to the complement-derived factor C5a, as demonstrated by a monocyte migration assay based on the Boyden technique. Potentiation of the chemotactic responsiveness of monocytes was most significant after elective splenectomy. The results indicate that the specific receptors required for tuftsin activities may be available on the monocyte membranes in Hodgkin's disease. Since tuftsin is a natural, non-immunogenic tetrapeptide that can also be produced synthetically, it may provide a new therapeutic approach in Hodgkin's disease to at least partial restoration of the defective cellular immunity.     

Monocyte aggregation and superoxide anion release in response to formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP) and platelet-activating factor (PAF)

Like the PMN, human peripheral blood monocytes were capable of aggregating in response to FMLP and PAF. Monocyte aggregation was dependent on glycolysis and the presence of divalent cations. Unlike the PMN, monocyte aggregation in response to FMLP was not accompanied by degranulation, nor was it potentiated by cytochalasin B. Furthermore, cytochalasin B and its cogenitor, dihydrocytochalasin B, inhibited aggregation in response to PAF. PAF and FMLP appeared to react with the monocyte at separate receptors because sequential challenge of the monocyte with the same agents failed to elicit further aggregation, whereas rechallenge with the alternative agent induced further aggregation. Because the monocyte will aggregate to chemotactic agents in vitro, it is likely that the cell will be affected by these agents in vivo, which could lead to leukoembolization of circulating monocytes.     

CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4) down-regulates CC chemokine receptor expression on human monocytes

During acute inflammation, monocytes are essential in abolishing invading micro-organisms and encouraging wound healing. Recruitment by CC chemokines is an important step in targeting monocytes to the inflamed tissue. However, cell surface expression of the corresponding chemokine receptors is subject to regulation by various endogenous stimuli which so far have not been comprehensively identified. We report that the platelet-derived CXC chemokine ligand 4 (CXCL4), a known activator of human monocytes, induces down-regulation of CC chemokine receptors (CCR) 1, -2, and -5, resulting in drastic impairment of monocyte chemotactic migration towards cognate CC chemokine ligands (CCL) for these receptors. Interestingly, CXCL4-mediated down-regulation of CCR1, CCR2 and CCR5 was strongly dependent on the chemokine's ability to stimulate autocrine/paracrine release of TNF-α. In turn, TNF-α induced the secretion CCL3 and CCL4, two chemokines selective for CCR1 and CCR5, while the secretion of CCR2-ligand CCL2 was TNF-α-independent. Culture supernatants of CXCL4-stimulated monocytes as well as chemokine-enriched preparations thereof reproduced CXCL4-induced CCR down-regulation. In conclusion, CXCL4 may act as a selective regulator of monocyte migration by stimulating the release of autocrine, receptor-desensitizing chemokine ligands. Our results stress a co-ordinating role for CXCL4 in the cross-talk between platelets and monocytes during early inflammation.     

Thioredoxin specifically cross-desensitizes monocytes to MCP-1

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a protein disulfide oxidoreductase which can be secreted and acts as a cytokine. As we recently reported that Trx is chemotactic, we investigated whether it desensitizes monocytes or PMN to other chemokines. Preincubation for 15 min with Trx inhibited the chemotactic response of monocytes to MCP-1, but not to fMLP. This effect was independent of whether Trx was present during the chemotaxis assay or only during the preincubation. Preincubation (5 min) with Trx also inhibited the increase in intracellular Ca(2+) induced by MCP-1 in monocytes, but not that induced by fMLP. Preincubation with Trx did not affect the chemotactic response induced in PMN by IL-8. The inhibition of chemotactic and Ca(2+) responses to MCP-1 in monocytes was not due to a down-regulation of the MCP-1 receptor, as shown by receptor binding studies. The Ca(2+) response to MCP-1 was also inhibited by Trx in a CCR2-transfected cell line. It is suggested that Trx inhibits monocyte responses to chemokines by acting downstream of the chemokine receptors. Since there are high concentrations of circulating Trx in infection and inflammatory diseases, this might act as an inhibitor of monocyte migration in vivo.     

Myeloid cells migrate in response to IL-24

IL-24 (melanoma differentiation associated gene 7 product) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family that has been reported to possess anti-tumor activity. IL-24 is produced by immune tissues and its expression can be induced in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells by pathogen-associated molecules. While immune cells are known to produce IL-24, the response of immune cells to IL-24 is unclear. Using recombinant human IL-24, we demonstrated that IL-24 induces human monocyte and neutrophil migration, in vitro. An in vivo chemotaxis model showed that IL-24 attracted CD11b positive myeloid cells. To further characterize the chemotactic IL-24 response and type(s) of receptor(s) utilized by IL-24, we treated monocytes with signaling pathway inhibitors. IL-24-induced migration was reduced by pertussis toxin treatment, thus implicating G-protein coupled receptors in this process. Additionally, MEK and JAK inhibitors markedly decreased monocyte migration toward IL-24. These results suggest that IL-24 activates several signaling cascades in immune cells eliciting migration of myeloid cells, which may contribute to the known anti-cancer effects of IL-24.     

Towards in situ tissue repair: human mesenchymal stem cells express chemokine receptors CXCR1, CXCR2 and CCR2, and migrate upon stimulation with CXCL8 but not CCL2

The recruitment of bone marrow CD34- mesenchymal stem- and progenitor cells (MSC) and their subsequent differentiation into distinct tissues is the precondition for in situ tissue engineering. The objective of this study was to determine the entire chemokine receptor expression profile of human MSC and to investigate their chemotactic response to the selected chemokines CCL2, CXCL8 and CXCL12. Human MSC were isolated from iliac crest bone marrow aspirates and showed a homogeneous population presenting a typical MSC-related cell surface antigen profile (CD14-, CD34-, CD44+, CD45-, CD166+, SH-2+). The expression profile of all 18 chemokine receptors was determined by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Both methods consistently demonstrated that MSC express CC, CXC, C and CX(3)C receptors. Gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis documented that MSC express chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR8, CXCR1, CXCR2 and CXCR3. A dose-dependent chemotactic activity of CXCR4 and CXCR1/CXCR2 ligands CXCL12 and CXCL8 (interleukin-8) was demonstrated using a 96-well chemotaxis assay. In contrast, the CCR2 ligand CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1) did not recruited human MSC. In conclusion, we report that the chemokine receptor expression profile of human MSC is much broader than known before. Furthermore, for the first time, we demonstrate that human MSC migrate upon stimulation with CXCL8 but not CCL2. In combination with already known data on MSC recruitment and differentiation these are promising results towards in situ regenerative medicine approaches based on guiding of MSC to sites of degenerated tissues.     

Two molecular forms of the human interferon-gamma receptor. Ligand binding, internalization, and down-regulation

The receptors for human interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on peripheral blood monocytes and various cells of nonhematopoietic origin were thoroughly characterized and compared. The receptors of all cell types exhibited a similar affinity for IFN-gamma (Kd approximately 1 x 10(-10) M), and in all cases receptor-mediated endocytosis and ligand degradation were demonstrated. However, the receptors differed in their molecular weights (95,000 in HeLa cells and 140,000 in monocytes, assuming a 1:1 ligand to receptor ratio) as concluded from experiments of cross-linking to 125I-IFN-gamma. Lower molecular weight species were obtained as well, particularly in monocytes. Such species could represent either degradation products or subunit structures. The monocyte and HeLa receptor responded differently to an excess of ligand. A significant receptor down-regulation was observed when monocytes were incubated with an excess of 125I-IFN-gamma, whereas no such down-regulation was observed in HeLa cells or in normal fibroblasts. This differential response was observed both in the presence or in the absence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. The receptor on monocytes was found to be acid-labile whereas that on HeLa cells was resistant to acid treatment. These and additional experiments indicate that the monocyte receptor is inactivated following internalization, whereas the HeLa receptor retains its structure and recycles back to the cell surface. The difference in the properties and fate of these two receptor subtypes is probably related to the differential functions of IFN-gamma in various cell types.     

Monocyte chemotaxis and activating factor production by keratinocytes in response to IFN-gamma

Monocytes accumulate in the epidermis and along the dermo-epidermal junction in several different inflammatory skin diseases. To determine whether human epidermal keratinocytes elaborate a specific chemotaxin responsible for the accumulation of monocytes at these anatomic sites, monocyte chemotactic activity in conditioned 16-h cultured keratinocyte supernatants were assayed using human peripheral blood monocytes as the target cell. Dilutional analysis revealed directed monocyte migration in IFN-gamma-treated (100 U/ml) keratinocyte supernatants (80% maximal FMLP response) which was 10-fold more than IFN-gamma itself or untreated keratinocyte activity alone. Gel filtration chromatography revealed that this activity eluted just ahead of a 12.5-kDa molecular mass marker. Blocking studies demonstrated that a rabbit polyclonal antibody to monocyte chemotaxis and activating factor (MCAF) inhibited all monocyte chemotaxis by greater than 80%. Keratinocytes were metabolically labeled with 35S-cysteine/methionine, and after 16 h incubation the supernatants immunoprecipitated with the same anti-MCAF antibody. MCAF was detected as a protein doublet of 12 and 9 kDa only in IFN-gamma-treated (100 U/ml) keratinocyte supernatants. Incubation with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha (250 U/ml) in combination resulted in increased production of MCAF protein. By Northern blot analysis, MCAF mRNA was constitutively expressed in keratinocytes and upregulated only in the presence of IFN-gamma. TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, transforming growth factor-beta and phorbol esters had no positive or negative influence on MCAF mRNA. These studies demonstrate that biologically active MCAF is elaborated by human epidermal keratinocytes upon activation by IFN-gamma, a cytokine also required for the induction of adherence between monocytes and keratinocytes. Keratinocyte-derived MCAF is likely to be important in the regulation of cutaneous monocyte trafficking and may also be responsible for the recruitment of Langerhans cells and dermal dendrocytes, which share many phenotypic features with monocytes/macrophages, to their anatomic locations in skin.     

Visualization of cholecystokinin receptors on a subset of human monocytes and in rat spleen

Direct radioreceptor binding experiments and Scatchard analysis reveal CCK receptors on elutriator purified human peripheral blood monocytes, but not on purified human T cells. The monocyte receptors have a single class of high (0.1 nM) affinity binding sites. A structure-function analysis of monocyte binding by different CCK analogs correlates well with previously demonstrated chemotactic responses in monocytes and receptors in brain tissue. Biochemical cross-linking indicates that the monocyte CCK recognition molecule is comparable in molecular size to that in brain membranes. Utilizing a novel fluoresceinated Texas Red-CCK conjugate we have visualized that up to 20% of human peripheral monocytes bear receptors for CCK. A discrete and anatomically significant distribution of CCK receptors in rat spleen is shown by film autoradiography of tissue sections. A more detailed microscopic analysis identifies a dendritic population of monocyte-derived cells within the periarteriolar lymphocyte sheath (PALS) of the white pulp as the CCK receptor-bearing cell in spleen. The anatomical localization of receptor-bearing cells within the PALS region suggests a role for CCK in the antigen processing and sensitization phases of the immune response via regulatory effects of this peptide on a specific, local macrophage-related cell population.     

LPA modulates monocyte migration directly and via LPA-stimulated endothelial cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lysophospholipid ligand present in oxidized low-density lipoprotein. The effects of LPA were investigated, first separately on endothelial cells (EC) and monocytes. Using Ki16425 (an LPA₁ and LPA₃ receptor antagonist), GW9662 [a peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor (PPAR) antagonist], and pertussis toxin (that inhibits G_i/o), we demonstrate that LPA enhances IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression through a LPA₁-, LPA₃-, G_i/o- and PPAR-dependent manner in the EAhy926 cells. The effect of LPA on chemokine overexpression was confirmed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. LPA was able to enhance monocyte migration at concentrations <1 µM and to inhibit their migration at LPA concentrations >1 µM, as demonstrated by using a chemotaxis assay. We then investigated the effects of LPA on the cross-talk between EC and monocytes by evaluating the chemotactic activity in the supernatants of LPA-treated EC. At 1 µM LPA, both cell types respond cooperatively, favoring monocyte migration. At higher LPA concentration (25 µM), the chemotactic response varies as a function of time. After 4 h, the chemotactic effect of the cytokines secreted by the EC is counteracted by the direct inhibitory effect of LPA on monocytes. For longer periods of time (24 h), we observe a monocyte migration, probably due to lowered concentrations of bioactive LPA, given the induction of lipid phosphate phosphatase-2 in monocytes that may inactivate LPA. These results suggest that LPA activates EC to secrete chemokines that in combination with LPA itself might favor or not favor interactions between endothelium and circulating monocytes. lysophosphatidic acid; endothelial cells; monocytes; chemotaxis     

Recombinant interferon-gamma induces interleukin 2 receptors on human peripheral blood monocytes

The present report describes the inducibility of IL 2 receptors on human peripheral blood monocytes. Although freshly isolated monocytes are IL 2 receptor negative, approximately one-third of the cells react with the anti-Tac antibody within 18 hr of culture. IFN-gamma is found to double both the number of positive cells and the number of binding sites, whereas IL 2 has no influence on the IL 2 receptor expression on monocytes. Anti-Tac precipitates from monocyte lysates several protein bands of similar m.w. to those previously found with activated T and B cells. Finally, IFN-gamma-induced, but not resting, monocytes are found to bind recombinant IL 2. We conclude that IFN-gamma induces peripheral blood monocytes to express IL 2 receptors similar in structure to those found on activated T and B lymphocytes.     

Human circulating monocytes can express receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand and differentiate into functional osteoclasts without exogenous stimulation

Osteoclast formation from mononuclear precursors is believed to require accessory cells expressing receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL). We recently identified a human cell population originated from circulating CD14(+) monocytes, called monocyte-derived multipotential cells (MOMCs), which can differentiate into several distinct mesenchymal cells, neuron and endothelial cells. This study was undertaken to examine whether MOMCs can differentiate into functional osteoclasts. MOMCs prepared from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers cultured on fibronectin for 7 days at high density (8 x 10(5) cells cm(-2)), but not at regular density (2 x 10(4) cells cm(-2)), resulted in the appearance of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive giant multi-nucleated cells forming actin ring without exogenous osteoclastogenic factors. A subset of these cells showed bone resorption capacity on dentine slices and expression of genes for cathepsin K and calcitonin receptor, characteristic of functional osteoclasts. Such osteoclast differentiation was not observed in high-density culture of circulating monocytes, macrophages or dendritic cells, or the high-density culture of MOMCs on type I collagen. Among cells of the monocyte lineage, untreated MOMCs exclusively showed gene and protein expression of RANKL. When osteoprotegerin/IgG1 Fc chimera was added to high-density MOMC cultures, osteoclast formation was completely inhibited by neutralizing the endogenous RANKL. These results indicate that human MOMCs derived from circulating monocytes can express RANKL and differentiate into functional osteoclasts without RANKL-expressing accessory cells.     

Identification of a chemotactic epitope in human transforming growth factor-β1 spanning amino acid residues 368–374

TGF-b?1 plays a critical role in inflammatory and repair processes due in part to its ability to provide a potent chemotactic stimulus for inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and monocytes and for fibroblasts which initiate the fibrogenic response. In the present study, we have used synthetic oligopeptides representing the amino acid sequence of the 12.1 kDa monomer of human TGF-b?1 in an effort to identify a chemotactic epitope on the molecule. A seven residue peptide containing residues 368-374, Val Tyr Tyr Val Gly Arg Lys, was demonstrated to be capable of inducing chemotactic migration of human peripheral blood neutrophils, monocytes, monocyte leukemia cell line THP-1, and infant foreskin fibroblasts. Furthermore, larger peptides from the carboxy-terminal portion of TGF-b?1 that contained residues 368–374 also induced migration of these cell types. None of the peptides representing the complete amino acid of TGF-b?1 monomer were able to compete with [¹²⁵I]hrTGF-b?1 for binding to TGF-b? cell surface receptors or fibroblasts or THP-1 cells. Implications of these observations are discussed. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Characterization of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptors on human neutrophils. Effects of isolation and temperature on receptor expression and functional activity

The study of polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) surface receptor expression provides a means for the assessment of PMN function and state of cellular activation. In this study, we characterized binding of the chemotactic peptide FMLP to whole PMN, with particular attention to those variables that may account for the wide variation reported in the literature. These included avoidance of oxidized FMLP as a radioligand contaminant, determination of the optimal cold ligand concentration necessary for achieving minimal nonspecific binding throughout the range of radioligand concentrations used in saturation experiments (greater than or equal to 5 x 10(-5) M), avoidance of radioligand concentrations that equal or exceed receptor saturation and are not suitable for Scatchard analysis (greater than or equal to 60 to 80 nM), and avoidance of inadvertent receptor mobilization due to room temperature PMN isolation techniques and cell warming. PMN isolated and maintained at 4 degrees C expressed a single, high affinity population of FMLP receptors (approximately 6000 receptors per cell) with a KD of 15.5 nM. These characteristics, and in particular the single-affinity nature of the expressed FMLP receptor site, were derived from saturation experiments and confirmed with agonist competition studies. PMN subjected to room temperature isolation or 37 degrees C warming exhibited a 2.5-fold increase in FMLP receptor expression (approximately 15,000 receptors per cell) without changes in receptor affinity. These latter PMN, in correlation with increased receptor expression, had increased initial, maximal rates of FMLP-induced superoxide generation (10.2 vs 6.3 nmol/min/10(6) PMN for cells isolated and maintained at 4 degrees C) as a manifestation of their functional activation. The avoidance of inadvertent cellular activation during PMN isolation is essential to studies of PMN function, activation and the role of FMLP receptor expression/mobilization in these processes.