Association of BAP31 with CD11b/CD18. Potential role in intracellular trafficking of CD11b/CD18 in neutrophils

The beta2 integrin CD11b/CD18 is an integral membrane protein that is present in the plasma membrane and secondary granules of neutrophils and functions as a major adhesion molecule. Upon cellular activation, there is translocation of intracellular pools of CD11b/CD18 to the plasma membrane in concert with enhanced cellular adhesion. Although much is known about the function of CD11b/CD18, how this protein is transported within the cell is less well defined. Here we report that CD11b/CD18 specifically binds to BAP31, a member of a novel class of sorting proteins regulating cellular anterograde transport. Through experiments aimed at identifying CD11b/CD18-binding proteins, we produced a monoclonal antibody termed E1B2 that recognizes a 28-kDa membrane protein that co-precipitates with CD11b/CD18. Microsequence analysis of the E1B2 antigen revealed that it is BAP31. Co-association of CD11b/CD18 and BAP31 was confirmed in co-immunoprecipitation and protein binding assays. Additional experiments revealed that the binding of BAP31 to CD11b/CD18 was not dependent on divalent cations nor mediated by the I-domain of CD11b. Using glutathione S-transferase fusion chimeras, we determined that binding of CD11b/CD18 to BAP31 is mediated through interactions with the cytoplasmic tail of BAP31. Immunolocalization studies revealed colocalization of BAP31 and CD11b/CD18 within neutrophil secondary granules. Subcellular fractionation studies in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) revealed similar patterns of redistribution of BAP31 and CD11b/CD18 from fractions enriched in secondary granules to the plasma membrane following stimulation with formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP). Given the known sorting properties of BAP31, these findings suggest that BAP31 may play a role in regulating intracellular trafficking of CD11b/CD18 in neutrophils.     

Calcium signaling capacity of the CD11b/CD18 integrin on human neutrophils.

The CD11b/CD18 integrin is a major cell adhesion molecule of myelomonocytic cells. Exposure of human neutrophils in suspension to CD11b or CD18 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)2 does not affect the resting level of cytosolic free Ca2+ in these cells; however, a subsequent cross-linking of either of these antibodies triggers a prompt and significant cytosolic-free Ca2+ transient lasting about 10 min. The rise in cytosolic-free Ca2+ (from 130 +/- 2 to 414 +/- 12 nM or 111 +/- 12 to 331 +/- 22 nM caused by cross-linking of CD11b or CD18 subunits, respectively) is due to both mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores and influx of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane. Cross-linking of the common leukocyte antigen (CD45) did not alter the basal level of cytosolic free Ca2+. In accordance with other adherence-induced phenomena and with CD11/CD18-mediated phagocytosis, these Ca2+ signals were only modestly affected by pertussis toxin. Thus, the present data clearly indicate that the CD11b/CD18 integrin on human neutrophils is capable of inducing a prompt cytosolic-free Ca2+ signal. These findings directly support the recent suggestion that the CD11b/CD18 integrin is responsible for the "spontaneous oscillations" of cytosolic-free Ca2+ observed in adherent neutrophils and, at least partially, also explain how integrin-mediated adherence can modify the functional responsiveness of neutrophils to a subsequent agonist stimulation.     

Polymorphonuclear granulocyte expression of CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18 and L-selectin in normal individuals

Abstract In this study direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry with calibration using quantitative bead standards were used to enumerate the cell surface receptors CD11a/CD18, CD11b/CD18 and L-selectin. Holding blood at room temperature and fixation of samples prior to staining induced changes in expression, while immediate staining of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN) in whole blood followed by fixation produced accurate values. The ranges of PMN adhesion molecule expression in 10 normal individuals were CD11a/CD18: 14794–28725, CD11b/CD18: 5300–11939 and L-selectin: 35662–61654 receptors per cell. Differences within individuals over 4 h were also observed. Adhesion molecule expression is used as an index of the adhesive function and state of activation of the cell. The data presented here shows that there is inherent variability in the expression of the PMN adhesion molecules between and within individuals, thus direct comparisons of PMN adhesion molecule expression between patients and “normals” must be interpreted with caution.     

CD11b/CD18-dependent interactions of neutrophils with intestinal epithelium are mediated by fucosylated proteoglycans

CD11b/CD18-mediated adhesive interactions play a key role in regulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN)) migration across intestinal epithelium. However, the identity of epithelial ligands for migrating PMN remains obscure. In this study we investigated the role of carbohydrates in mediating adhesive interactions between T84 intestinal epithelial cells and CD11b/CD18 purified from PMN. Fucoidin, heparin/heparin sulfate, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, mannose-6-phosphate, and laminarin were found to inhibit adhesion of T84 cells to CD11b/CD18. The most potent inhibitory effects were observed with fucoidin (50% inhibition at 1-5 x 10(-8) M). Binding assays demonstrated that fucoidin directly bound to CD11b/CD18 in a divalent cation- and sulfation-dependent fashion that was blocked by anti-CD11b mAbs. Experiments employing CD11b/CD18 as a probe to blot T84 cell fucosylated proteins purified via fucose-specific lectin column revealed several candidate CD11b/CD18 binding proteins with molecular masses of 95, 50, 30, 25, and 20 kDa. Fucosidase treatment of T84 cells resulted in significantly reduced cell adhesion to CD11b/CD18, while no inhibition was observed after neuraminidase treatment. Finally, significant inhibition of T84 cell adhesion to CD11b/CD18 was observed after blocking cell proteoglycan synthesis with p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-xylopyranoside. These findings implicate epithelial cell surface proteoglycans decorated with sulfated fucose moieties as ligands for CD11b/CD18 during PMN migration across mucosal surfaces.     

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) mediates adherence-dependent hydrogen peroxide production by human and canine neutrophils

Human neutrophils exposed to protein-coated polystyrene or cultured endothelial monolayers produce large quantities of H2O2 in response to soluble stimuli that elicit little or no secretion of reactive oxygen species from cells in suspension. To characterize the mechanisms involved in this adherence-dependent respiratory burst, we have investigated the possible role of one integrin known to participate in the adhesion of neutrophils to endothelial cells, CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1). H2O2 production was examined with chemotactic factor-stimulated human and canine neutrophils exposed to protein-coated surfaces and cultured human and canine endothelial cells. The two protein-coated surfaces used were type I collagen-coated glass or plastic, a surface to which neither human nor canine neutrophils adhered, and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH)-coated glass or plastic, a surface to which human and canine neutrophils adhered only after chemotactic stimulation. FMLP-stimulated human neutrophils and platelet activating factor-stimulated canine neutrophils failed to produce detectable H2O2 when in contact with type I collagen, but secreted large amounts of H2O2 when adherent to KLH or endothelial cell monolayers. FMLP-stimulated neutrophils from patients with CD18-deficiency failed to adhere to any of these surfaces and failed to produce H2O2 under these conditions. mAb reactive with CD18 and CD11b were equally effective in markedly inhibiting the adhesion of normal human neutrophils to these surfaces and markedly inhibited the production of H2O2. A mAb reactive with CD18 blocked adhesion of stimulated canine neutrophils, and mAb directed against both CD18 and CD11b blocked H2O2 production by canine neutrophils on KLH and endothelium. A nonbinding mAb and a mAb reactive with CD11a did not inhibit H2O2 production of human cells on KLH or endothelial monolayers, and nonbinding and binding control mAb did not inhibit H2O2 production by canine neutrophils. These results indicate that Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) can mediate adhesion-dependent H2O2 production by human and canine neutrophils exposed to chemotactic factors.     

CD11/CD18 cell surface adhesion glycoproteins: Discordance of monocyte function and expression in response to stimulation

The adherence of blood leukocytes to vascular endothelium precedes their diapedesis into the extravascular space. These processes require the expression of adherence glycoproteins on the cell surface of the leukocyte. The relative importance of these adherence molecules is so far poorly understood. However, there is evidence to suggest that a disparity exists between the surface receptor expression of these glycoproteins and leukocyte adherence to vascular endothelial cells in culture. We have investigated the importance of each of the adhesion glycoproteins CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c in mediating the adherence of human monocytes to endothelial cells in culture. We have also investigated the chronological relationship between changes in monocyte adherence to endothelial cells and the surface expression of CD11a, CD11b, and CD11c following stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). The increase in adherence occurred within 1 minute, but declined if monocytes were preincubated with fMLP for up to 30 minutes. The surface expression of adherence molecules demonstrated a significant increase in CD11a and CD11b in the presence of fMLP after 10 min and was maintained while monocyte adherence to endothelium declined. These changes in surface receptor expression were quantitated using an immunolabeling technique. It is suggested that fMLP stimulation of monocyte adherence is unlikely to be solely dependent on increased surface receptor expression of adhesion molecules.     

Sulfonated human immunoglobulin enhances CD16-linked CD11b expression on human neutrophils

Intravenous human immunoglobulin therapy infrequently results in excessive inflammatory responses in vivo; these effects are not fully understood. We assessed whether sulfonated human immunoglobulin (SHIG) or polyethylene glycol-treated human immunoglobulin (PHIG) enhanced expression of inflammatory receptors on peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro, such as alphaMbeta2 (CD11b/CD18) and Fc gamma receptor type III (FcgammaRIII). CD11b and CD16 expression on neutrophils was measured by fluorescence flow cytometry. Various cytokines were assessed using a highly sensitive fluorescence microsphere system. SHIG enhanced/induced CD11b expression and partial aggregations on neutrophils, but PHIG did not. No detection of aggregation IgG was observed in SHIG and PHIG. SHIG-induced CD11b expression was inhibited by treatment of corticosteroid (dexamethasone) and by anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody. Concentrations of various cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, RANTES, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and interferon (INF)-gamma in culture supernatant were not significantly changed by SHIG or PHIG. SHIG and PHIG did not enhance CD16 on neutrophils. SHIG enhanced CD16-linked CD11b expression on neutrophils in vitro. CD11b induction was inhibited by dexamethasone and by anti-CD16 antibody. These in vitro results suggest that aggregations and enhancement of CD11b on neutrophils by SHIG may induce excessive inflammatory responses in vivo.     

PACAP enhances the expression of CD11b,CD66b and CD63 in human neutrophils

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with strong bronchodilator capacity, present in the human airways. There is recent evidence that PACAP decreases the release of proinflammatory cytokines. We have previously shown that PACAP inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis, but altogether little is known about the effects of PACAP on granulocytes. The present study was designed to investigate if PACAP and the closely related peptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could affect the cell surface expression of CD11b, CD63 and CD66b in human neutrophils. Neutrophils isolated from 12 healthy blood donors were incubated with either PACAP or VIP, and the expression of neutrophil cell surface markers was assessed using flowcytometry. Neutrophils incubated with PACAP38 exhibited a marked, concentration-dependent increase in their expression of CD11b, CD63 and CD66b. In contrast, neutrophils incubated with VIP showed no increase of the investigated surface markers. This indicates a role for PACAP in granulocyte activation, mediated via a pathway not shared with VIP. Together with the previously presented data on leukocyte migration it suggests that PACAP acts as a regulator of neutrophil inflammation.     

Lipopolysaccharide-coated erythrocytes activate human neutrophils via CD14 while subsequent binding is through CD11b/CD18

Interaction of LPS with monocytes and neutrophils is known to occur via CD14 and is strongly enhanced by LPS-binding protein (LBP). Integrins as well as CD14 play a role in the interaction of erythrocytes (E) coated with LPS or whole Gram-negative bacteria with phagocytes. We reasoned that the density of LPS on a particle is an important determinant in these interactions. Therefore, E were coated with different concentrations of LPS (ELPS). The binding of these ELPS to neutrophils was evaluated by flow cytometry. Simultaneously, we measured fMLP receptor expression to evaluate neutrophil activation. ELPS only bound to neutrophils in the presence of LBP. Blocking CD14 inhibited both activation and binding, whereas blocking complement (C) receptor 3 (CR3) inhibited binding but not activation. TNF activation restored ELPS binding in CD14-blocked cells but not in cells in which CR3 was blocked. Salmonella minnesota did bind to neutrophils independent of CR3 or CD14. The addition of LBP enhanced binding twofold, and this surplus was dependent upon CD14 but not on CR3. We conclude that ELPS interact with neutrophils via CD14, initially giving rise to cell activation; subsequently, binding is solely mediated by activated CR3.     

High-throughput screening based identification of small molecule antagonists of integrin CD11b/CD18 ligand binding

Binding of leukocyte specific integrin CD11b/CD18 to its physiologic ligands is important for the development of normal immune response in vivo. Integrin CD11b/CD18 is also a key cellular effector of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, small molecules selectively inhibiting the function of integrin CD11b/CD18 are currently lacking. We used a newly described cell-based high-throughput screening assay to identify a number of highly potent antagonists of integrin CD11b/CD18 from chemical libraries containing >100,000 unique compounds. Computational analyses suggest that the identified compounds cluster into several different chemical classes. A number of the newly identified compounds blocked adhesion of wild-type mouse neutrophils to CD11b/CD18 ligand fibrinogen. Mapping the most active compounds against chemical fingerprints of known antagonists of related integrin CD11a/CD18 shows little structural similarity, suggesting that the newly identified compounds are novel and unique.     

Participation of beta2-integrins CD11b/CD18 and CD11c/CD18 in adhesion and migration of cells on fibrinogen

The role of beta2-integrins CD11b/CD18 and CD 11c/CD 18 in adhesion and migration of leukocytes on fibrinogen was studied. The monoclonal antibodies against CD11b inhibited the spontaneous adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells on fibrinogen, whereas antibodies to CD11c more effectively inhibited the adhesion stimulated by chemokine MCP-1. By the RNA-interference method the clones of THP-1 with reduced expression of CD11b and general beta2-subunit CD18 were obtained. MCP-I stimulated the adhesion to fibrinogen of THP-1 cells of wild-type and mutant cells with reduced expression of CD11b (THP-1-CD11b-low), but not of cells with low expression of CD18 (THP-1-CD18-low). THP-1-CD18-low cells were also characterized by the impaired chemotaxis in presence of MCP-1. The data obtained suggest that spontaneous cell adhesion to fibrinogen is mediated to a greater extent by CD11b/CD18 integrins, while chemokine-stimulated adhesion and migration is mostly dependent on CD11c/CD18 molecules.     

Characterization of ICAM-4 binding to the I domains of the CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 leukocyte integrins.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-4 (ICAM-4, LW blood group antigen), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily expressed on red cells, has been reported to bind to CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 leukocyte integrins. The location of the ICAM-4 binding sites on CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 are not known. CD11/CD18 integrin I domains have been found to act as major binding sites for physiological ligands and a negatively charged glutamic acid in ICAMs is considered important for binding. ICAM-4 lacks such a residue, which is replaced by an arginine. However, we demonstrate here that ICAM-4 in red cells and transfected fibroblasts interacts specifically with the I domains of CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 integrins. The binding was inhibited by anti-I domain and anti-ICAM-4 antibodies and it was dependent on divalent cations. Interestingly, ICAM-4 negative red cells were still able to bind to the CD11b/CD18 I domain but the binding of these cells to the CD11a/CD18 I domain was clearly reduced. Using a solid phase assay, we were able to show that isolated I domains directly and specifically bind to purified recombinant ICAM-4 in a cation dependent manner. Competition experiments indicated that the binding sites in ICAM-4 for the CD11a and CD11b I domains are different. However, the ICAM-4 binding region in both I domains seems to overlap with the regions recognized by the ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. Thus we have established that the I domains contain an ICAM-4 binding region in CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 leukocyte integrins.     

Two leukocyte receptors (CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18) mediate transient adhesion to endothelium by binding to different ligands

Upon stimulation with C5a, TNF, or phorbol dibutyrate (PDB), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) exhibit first an increase then a decrease in adhesion to unstimulated endothelial cells (EC). Essentially all of this adhesion is mediated by the CD18 family of leukocyte integrins on PMN. To determine the individual roles of CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), CD11b/CD18 (CR3, Mac-1) and CD11c/CD18 (p150,95) in adhesion of PDB-stimulated PMN to unstimulated EC, mAb against the CD11 chains were used. mAb against CD11a or CD11b each blocked adhesion of PMN to EC by approximately 50%, but mAb against CD11c had no effect. Inasmuch as a combination of anti-CD11a and CD11b mAb completely blocked adhesion, it appears that CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 make approximately equal contributions to binding, and CD11c does not participate. Anti-CD11a or CD11b each blocked adhesion by about 50% throughout the transient time course of PDB-stimulated adhesion, indicating that the capacity of each of these receptors to bind EC is transiently activated by PDB. We next examined the role of ICAM-1 on EC as a ligand for CD18. Two anti-ICAM-1 mAb (LB-2 and 84H10) each inhibited PMN adhesion in a dose-dependent fashion, reaching a maximal inhibition of approximately 50%. Anti-ICAM-1 mAb blocked the CD11a/CD18-dependent portion of adhesion because concomitant use of anti-CD11a and anti-ICAM-1 did not cause additive inhibition. In contrast, anti-CD11b plus anti-ICAM-1 resulted in complete blockade of adhesion. This result suggests that CD11a/CD18 recognizes ICAM-1 on EC, but CD11b/CD18 recognizes a different ligand(s). To determine if CD11b CD18 has the ability to recognize ICAM-1, human macrophages were plated on culture surfaces coated with purified ICAM-1. Interaction of CD11a/CD18 with the surface-bound ICAM-1 resulted in selective down-modulation of CD11a/CD18 from the apical portion of the macrophages. In contrast, ICAM-1-coated surfaces did not down-modulate CD11b/CD18. The data suggest that CD11b/CD18 does not recognize ICAM-1, and that this receptor functions in adhesion of PMN to EC by recognizing novel ligand(s) on EC.     

Expression and polarization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human intestinal epithelia: consequences for CD11b/CD18-mediated interactions with neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial dysfunction and patient symptoms in inflammatory intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease correlate with migration of neutrophils (PMN) across the intestinal epithelium. In vitro modeling of PMN transepithelial migration has revealed distinct differences from transendothelial migration. By using polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), PMN transepithelial migration has been shown to be dependent on the leukocyte integrin CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), but not on CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1). Since intercellular adhesion molecule-I (ICAM-1) is an important endothelial counterreceptor for these integrins, its expression in intestinal epithelia and role in PMN-intestinal epithelial interactions was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A panel of antibodies against different domains of ICAM-1, polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), and natural human colonic epithelia were used to examine the polarity of epithelial ICAM-1 surface expression and the functional role of ICAM-1 in neutrophil-intestinal epithelial adhesive interactions. RESULTS: While no surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected on unstimulated T84 cells, interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) elicited a marked expression of ICAM-1 that selectively polarized to the apical epithelial membrane. Similarly, apically restricted surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected in natural human colonic epithelium only in association with active inflammation. With or without IFN gamma pre-exposure, physiologically directed (basolateral-to-apical) transepithelial migration of PMN was unaffected by blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ICAM-1. In contrast, PMN migration across IFN gamma-stimulated monolayers in the reverse (apical-to-basolateral) direction was inhibited by anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Adhesion studies revealed that T84 cells adhered selectively to purified CD11b/CD18 and such adherence, with or without IFN gamma pre-exposure, was unaffected by ICAM-1 mAb. Similarly, freshly isolated epithelial cells from inflamed human intestine bound to CD11b/CD18 in an ICAM-1-independent fashion. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that ICAM-1 is strictly polarized in intestinal epithelia and does not represent a counterreceptor for neutrophil CD11b/CD18 during physiologically directed transmigration, but may facilitate apical membrane-PMN interactions after the arrival of PMN in the intestinal lumen.     

The soluble endothelial protein C receptor binds to activated neutrophils: involvement of proteinase-3 and CD11b/CD18

The protein C pathway is a primary regulator of blood coagulation and a critical component of the host response to inflammatory stimuli. The most recent member of this pathway is the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR), a type I transmembrane protein with homology to CD1d/MHC class I proteins. EPCR accelerates formation of activated protein C, a potent anticoagulant and antiinflammatory agent. The current study demonstrates that soluble EPCR binds to PMA-activated neutrophils. Using affinity chromatography, binding studies with purified components, and/or blockade with specific Abs, it was found that soluble EPCR binds to proteinase-3 (PR3), a neutrophil granule proteinase. Furthermore, soluble EPCR binding to neutrophils was partially dependent on Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18), a beta(2) integrin involved in neutrophil signaling, and cell-cell adhesion events. PR3 is involved in multiple diverse processes, including hemopoietic proliferation, antibacterial activity, and autoimmune-mediated vasculitis. The observation that soluble EPCR binds to activated neutrophils via PR3 and a beta(2) integrin suggests that there may be a link between the protein C anticoagulant pathway and neutrophil functions.     

Identification of novel agonists of the integrin CD11b/CD18

We report the identification of novel small molecule agonists of integrin CD11b/CD18, which increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the adhesion of the integrin CD11b/CD18 expressing cells to two physiologically relevant ligands: Fibrinogen and iC3b. Compound 6 showed an ex vivo EC₅₀ of 10.5 μM and in vitro selectivity for binding to the recombinant αA-domain of CD11b/CD18. In silico docking experiments suggest that the compounds recognized a hydrophobic cleft in the ligand-binding αA-domain, implying an allosteric mechanism of modulation of integrin affinity by this novel compound.     

ICAM-1 and CD11b/CD18 expression during acute pancreatitis induced by bile-pancreatic duct obstruction: effect of N-acetylcysteine

Different molecules are involved in the recruitment of leukocytes during inflammation. The aim was to investigate (i) the contribution of acinar cells to the overall production of ICAM-1 and (ii) the kinetics of leukocyte CD11b/CD18 expression during acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by bile-pancreatic duct obstruction (BPDO) to evaluate the contribution of both molecules to leukocyte homing. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as mediators in the expression of ICAM-1 and CD11b/CD18 was examined by using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant treatment. By mechanisms resistant to NAC treatment, acinar cells were able to produce ICAM-1 at first onset of AP; other cell sources contribute to maintaining increased ICAM-1 plasma levels during AP. By contrast, CD11b/CD18 was overexpressed in leukocytes in the course of AP by oxidant-dependent mechanisms. Since NAC treatment reduced neutrophil infiltration in the pancreas, we conclude that CD11b/CD18 over-expression is required for leukocyte recruitment; however, other adhesion molecules in addition to ICAM-1 seem to contribute to leukocyte homing during BPDO-induced AP.