A novel glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored protein on human leukocytes: a possible role for regulation of neutrophil adherence and migration

We report here a novel glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored glycoprotein on human leukocytes. Treatment of neutrophils with a mAb (3H9) to this molecule sequentially up-regulates and down-regulates beta2 integrin-dependent adhesion of these cells as well as their transendothelial migration in vitro. In addition, this mAb simultaneously modulates the avidity of beta2 integrin for its ligand, iC3b, with kinetics similar to those observed in 3H9 modulation of neutrophil adherence. This mAb also induces beta2 integrin-dependent cytoskeletal remodeling. This novel GPI-anchored protein (GPI-80) is highly homologous with Vanin-1, a recently reported GPI-anchored protein that is expressed on perivascular thymic stromal cells and is involved in thymus homing in mice. The finding that both GPI-80 and Vanin-1 are 40% homologous with human biotinidase suggests the existence of a biotinidase superfamily of molecules that may be involved in the regulation of leukocyte trafficking.     

Structural divergence of GPI-80 in activated human neutrophils

GPI-80 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that is mainly expressed in human neutrophils. Previous studies using 3H9, a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against GPI-80, suggested that GPI-80 regulates leukocyte adherence and migration through Mac-1. GPI-80, which is anchored at the plasma membrane in resting neutrophils, moves into the pseudopodia and is released from activated human neutrophils. Here, we demonstrate that neutrophil activation affects GPI-80 dynamics using a new anti-GPI-80 mAb, designated 4D4, which is directed against the form of GPI-80 found on resting human neutrophils. Similar to 3H9, 4D4 influences Mac-1-dependent neutrophil adhesion. Treatment of purified GPI-80 with periodic acid and trypsin indicated that 3H9 and 4D4 recognize peptide and carbohydrate moieties, respectively. Stimulation with fMLP decreased the binding of 4D4 to GPI-80 on the neutrophil surface but increased the overall expression of GPI-80, as visualized by the 3H9 signal. Confocal laser microscopy revealed the 4D4 signal mainly on cell bodies and at a low level on pseudopodia during migration toward increasing concentrations of fMLP, whereas the 3H9 signal was observed in both areas. In addition, soluble GPI-80 released from activated neutrophils did not bind 4D4. These results suggest that there are two populations of GPI-80 that differ in the ability to bind 4D4. The 4D4-recognized form may regulate Mac-1-dependent neutrophil adhesion, and may subsequently be converted to a 4D4-unrecognized form during neutrophil activation.     

Expression of GPI-80, a beta2-integrin-associated glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein,requires neutrophil differentiation with dimethyl sulfoxide in HL-60 cells

GPI-80 is a member of the amidohydrolase family that has been proposed as a potential regulator of beta2-integrin-dependent leukocyte adhesion. GPI-80 is expressed mainly in human neutrophils. Our previous studies suggested that GPI-80 expression might be associated with myeloid differentiation. To verify this, we examined whether GPI-80 is expressed on the human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 following treatment with differentiation inducers. GPI-80 expression was induced in cells treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to stimulate differentiation down the neutrophil pathway. On the other hand, all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), another neutrophil-inducing reagent, induced no clear GPI-80 expression. Potent monocyte-inducing reagents such as 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate also had no significant effect on the protein expression. GPI-80-positive cells were found in the well-differentiated CD11b-positive and transferrin-receptor-negative cell population. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, which augments neutrophil differentiation of HL-60 cells, up-regulated GPI-80 expression in the presence of DMSO. Granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor, which is known to suppress the neutrophil maturation of cells, inhibited expression. Adhesion of DMSO-induced cells was regulated by anti-GPI-80 monoclonal antibody, similar to the regulation observed in neutrophils. These results suggest that use of DMSO to induce neutrophil differentiation provides suitable conditions for GPI-80 expression, and that this culture system may be a helpful model for further study of the regulation of GPI-80 expression during myeloid differentiation.     

Divergent effects of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 and beta 3 integrin blockade on leukocyte transmigration in vivo

The final stage in the migration of leukocytes to sites of inflammation involves movement of leukocytes through the endothelial cell layer and the perivascular basement membrane. Both platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) and the integrin alphavbeta3 have been implicated in this process, and in vitro studies have identified alphavbeta3 as a heterotypic ligand for PECAM-1. In the present study we have addressed the roles of these molecules by investigating and comparing the effects of PECAM-1 and alphavbeta3 blockade on leukocyte migration in vivo. For this purpose we have examined the effects of neutralizing Abs directed against PECAM-1 (domain 1-specific, mAb 37) and beta3 integrins (mAbs 7E3 and F11) on leukocyte responses in the mesenteric microcirculation of anesthetized rats using intravital microscopy. The anti-PECAM-1 mAb suppressed leukocyte extravasation, but not leukocyte rolling or firm adhesion, elicited by IL-1beta in a dose-dependent manner (e.g., 67% inhibition at 10 mg/kg 37 Fab), but had no effect on FMLP-induced leukocyte responses. Analysis by electron microscopy suggested that this suppression was due to an inhibition of neutrophil migration through the endothelial cell barrier. By contrast, both anti-beta3 integrin mAbs, 7E3 F(ab')2 (5 mg/kg) and F11 F(ab')2 (5 mg/kg), selectively reduced leukocyte extravasation induced by FMLP (38 and 46%, respectively), but neither mAb had an effect on IL-1beta-induced leukocyte responses. These findings indicate roles for both PECAM-1 and beta3 integrins in leukocyte extravasation, but do not support the concept that these molecules act as counter-receptors in mediating leukocyte transmigration.     

A monoclonal antibody to beta 1 integrin (CD29) stimulates VLA- dependent adherence of leukocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and matrix components

The leukocyte beta 1 integrin receptor very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) (alpha 4 beta 1, CD49d/CD29) binds to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expressed on cytokine-activated endothelium. A mAb designated 8A2 was identified that stimulated the binding of U937 cells to CHO cells transfected with VCAM-1 cDNA but not endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule or CD4 cDNA. mAb 8A2 also rapidly stimulated the adherence of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) to VCAM-1-transfected CHO cells or recombinant human tumor necrosis factor-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells. mAb 8A2-stimulated binding of PBL was inhibited by mAbs to VLA-4 or VCAM-1. Surface expression of VLA-4 was not altered by mAb 8A2 treatment and monovalent Fab fragments of mAb 8A2 were active. Immunoprecipitation studies reveal that mAb 8A2 recognizes beta 1-subunit (CD29) of integrin receptors. In contrast to mAbs directed to VLA-4 alpha-subunit (alpha 4, CD49d), mAb 8A2 did not induce homotypic aggregation of PBL. Additionally, mAb 8A2 stimulated adherence of PBL and hematopoietic cell lines to purified matrix components laminin and fibronectin. This binding was blocked by mAbs to the VLA alpha-subunits alpha 6 (CD49f), or alpha 5 (CD49e) and alpha 4 (CD49d), respectively. We conclude that mAb 8A2 modulates the affinity of VLA-4 and other leukocyte beta 1 integrins, and should prove useful in studying the regulation of beta 1 integrin function.     

A sandwich ELISA for detection of soluble GPI-80, a glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored protein on human leukocytes involved in regulation of neutrophil adherence and migration--its release from activated neutrophils and presence in synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis patients

GPI-80, mainly distributed on human neutrophils and monocytes, is a novel glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein regulating neutrophil adherence and migration. We prepared a polyclonal antibody specific to GPI-80 by immunizing rabbits with the purified GPI-80 and established a sandwich ELISA for detecting soluble GPI-80. We found that soluble GPI-80 was released from fMLP activated neutrophils and was present at high concentrations in synovial fluids but not sera of rheumatoid arthritis patients, suggesting that GPI-80 may play a role in inflammatory diseases. The detection of soluble GPI-80 may help us to understand its physiological and pathological functions.     

S100A9 mediates neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin through activation of beta2 integrins

Neutrophil migration from the blood to inflammatory sites follows a cascade of events, in which adhesion to endothelial cells and extracellular matrix proteins is essential. S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 are small abundant proteins found in human neutrophil cytosol and presumed to be involved in leukocyte migration. Here we investigated the S100 proteins' activities in neutrophil tissue migration by evaluating their effects on neutrophil adhesion to certain extracellular matrix proteins. S100A9 induced adhesion only to fibronectin and was the only S100 protein that stimulated neutrophil adhesion to this extracellular matrix protein. Experiments with blocking antibodies revealed that neither beta1 nor beta3 integrins were strongly involved in neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin, contrary to what the literature predicted. In contrast, neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin was completely inhibited by anti-beta2 integrins, suggesting that S100A9-induced specific activation of beta2 integrin is essential to neutrophil adhesion.     

Role of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and platelet-activating factor in neutrophil adherence to IL-1-prestimulated endothelial cells. Endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1-mediated CD18 activation.

Adherence of neutrophils to endothelium is a key event in the sequence of inflammatory leukocyte responses. Double-color FACS analysis was used to determine the extent and kinetics of neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated endothelial cells (EC). Neutrophils bound very avidly when the EC were prestimulated for 4 to 6 h with rIL-1 beta. Anti-ELAM-1 F(ab)2 fragments inhibited this adherence for more than 80%. On the other hand, anti-CD18 F(ab)2 fragments also inhibited the neutrophil adherence (40 to 50%). Combined use of anti-ELAM-1 and anti-CD18 F(ab)2 fragments completely prevented adherence. Neutrophils became activated as soon as they made contact with the rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC. First, neutrophils depleted of intracellular ATP showed a clearly decreased adherence completely dependent on ELAM-1-mediated binding, i.e., without additional effects of CD18 adhesion proteins. Thus, CD18 is activated during neutrophil adherence and then participates in the binding process. Secondly, the neutrophils responded with a transient rise in [Ca2+]i upon binding to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC, which was demonstrated to be caused by endothelial cell-associated platelet-activating factor (PAF). However, the extent of neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC was not affected by the use of the PAF-receptor antagonist WEB 2086, or removal of the EC-bound PAF. The only effect was a complete dependency of the neutrophil adherence on ELAM-1-mediated binding, although anti-CD18 mAb still induced 40 to 50% inhibition under these conditions. We therefore conclude that ELAM-1-mediated binding is the major mechanism for CD18 activation during neutrophil adherence to rIL-1 beta-pretreated EC.     

Staphylococcus aureus extracellular adherence protein serves as anti-inflammatory factor by inhibiting the recruitment of host leukocytes

Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen that secretes proteins that contribute to bacterial colonization. Here we describe the extracellular adherence protein (Eap) as a novel anti-inflammatory factor that inhibits host leukocyte recruitment. Due to its direct interactions with the host adhesive proteins intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), fibrinogen or vitronectin, Eap disrupted beta(2)-integrin and urokinase receptor mediated leukocyte adhesion in vitro. Whereas Eap-expressing S. aureus induced a 2 3-fold lower neutrophil recruitment in bacterial peritonitis in mice as compared with an Eap-negative strain, isolated Eap prevented beta(2)-integrin-dependent neutrophil recruitment in a mouse model of acute thioglycollate-induced peritonitis. Thus, the specific interactions with ICAM-1 and extracellular matrix proteins render Eap a potent anti-inflammatory factor, which may serve as a new therapeutic substance to block leukocyte extravasation in patients with hyperinflammatory pathologies.     

Immunohistochemical localization in human tissues of GPI-80, a novel glycosylphosphatidyl inositol-anchored protein that may regulate neutrophil extravasation

We molecular-cloned a novel 80-kDa human glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-anchored protein, designated GPI-80, that may regulate neutrophil extravasation. To identify the possible role of GPI-80 in vivo, we examined the immunohistochemical localization of GPI-80 in various human tissues. Our data show that GPI-80 is mainly located in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), endothelial cells of the vessels, parietal cells and mucous neck cells of the stomach, goblet cells of the jejunum, and alveolar macrophages of the lung. The pathomechanisms of these positive findings in the gastric glands and the intestinal glands are not well elucidated and further studies will be needed.     

Involvement of the CD11b/CD18 integrin, but not of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules ELAM-1 and ICAM-1 in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil toxicity.

TNF-alpha can incite neutrophil-mediated endothelial cell damage and neutrophil H2O2 release. Both effects require adherent neutrophils. Using specific mAb, we showed in this in vitro study that the CD18 beta 2-chain and the CD11b alpha M-chain of the CD11/CD18 integrin heterodimer have a major role in both TNF-alpha-induced neutrophil-mediated detachment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and H2O2 release by TNF-alpha-activated human neutrophils. In contrast to anti-CD18 mAb, which consistently prevented neutrophil activation, anti-CD11a mAb and two of three anti-CD11b mAb did not reduce endothelial cell detachment and neutrophil H2O2 release, although they decreased neutrophil adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells. mAb 904, directed against the bacterial LPS binding region of CD11b, reduced endothelial cell detachment for about 40% and neutrophil H2O2 release for more than 50%, demonstrating that CD11b/CD18 is engaged in TNF-induced neutrophil activation. Dependence on CD11b/CD18 could not be overcome by CD18-independent anchoring of neutrophils via PHA. Additionally, neither induction of increased expression of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1 and ELAM-1, nor subsequent addition of specific mAb, influenced endothelial cell injury or H2O2 release by TNF-activated neutrophils. Interaction with ICAM-1 and ELAM-1 therefore appears not to induce additional activation of TNF-stimulated neutrophils. These studies suggest that a specific, CD11b/CD18-mediated signal, instead of adherence only, triggers toxicity of TNF-activated neutrophils.     

Interaction of leukocyte integrins with ligand is necessary but not sufficient for function

The leukocyte integrins (CD11/CD18 or beta 2-type integrins) are expressed exclusively on leukocytes and participate in many adhesion- dependent functions (Arnaout, M.A. 1990. Blood. 75:1037-1050; Springer, T. A. 1990. Nature. (Lond.) 346:425-434; Dustin, M. L., and T. S. Springer. 1991. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:27-66). The avidity of leukocyte integrin binding to their ligands or counter-receptors is dependent upon response to intracellular signals (Wright, S. D., and B. C. Meyer. 1986. J. Immunol. 136:1759-1764; Dustin, M. A., and T. S. Springer. 1989. Nature (Lond.). 341:619-624). We have investigated the effects of a novel mAb (mAb 24) which defines a leukocyte integrin alpha subunit epitope that is Mg(2+)-dependent and may be used as a "reporter" of the activation state of these receptors (Dransfield, I., and N. Hogg. 1989. EMBO (Eur. Mol. Biol. Organ) J. 8:3759-3765; Dransfield, I., A.-M. Buckle, and N. Hogg. 1990. Immunol. Rev. 114:29-44; Dransfield, I., C. Cabanas, A. Craig, and N. Hogg. 1992. J. Cell Biol.) Data is presented to show that this mAb inhibits monocyte-dependent, antigen-specific T cell proliferation and IL-2-activated natural killer cell assays which are both dependent on lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), and complement receptor type 3 (CR3)-mediated neutrophil chemotaxis to f-Met-Leu-Phe. This inhibitory effect is not caused by the prevention of receptor/ligand binding because LFA-1/ICAM-1, LFA-1/ICAM-2,3 and CR3/iC3b interactions are, under activating conditions, promoted rather than blocked by mAb 24. As it does not interfere with mitogen- stimulated T cell proliferation, it is unlikely that mAb 24 transduces a "negative" or antiproliferative signal to the T cells to which it is bound. Using a model system of transient activation of LFA-1, we have found that mAb 24 prevents "deadhesion" of receptor/ligand pairs, possibly locking leukocyte integrins in an "active" conformation. It is speculated that inhibition of leukocyte integrin function by this mAb reflects the necessity for dynamic leukocyte integrin/ligand interactions.     

DMSO及RA对GPI-80分子表达的不同影响

以往的研究表明GPI-80的表达可能与髓系细胞的分化相关。DMSO及RA是两种不同的中性粒细胞的诱导分化剂,均可刺激HL-60白血病细胞向中性粒细胞分化。GPI-80是人糖基化磷脂酰肌醇锚糖蛋白,被认为是潜在的β2-黏合素分子依赖的白细胞黏附的调节剂,主要在人中性粒细胞上表达。本研究通过RT—PCR、流式细胞仪及Western—blot分析,检测分化细胞的GPI-80表达,并分析GPI-80的表达与CD11b及CD71表达之间的关系。结果表明GPI-80在RA诱导的类中性粒细胞上只有mRNA水平上的微弱表达,用流式细胞仪和Western—blot分析均检测不到,且RA可抑制GPI-80的表达;相反GPI-80在DMSO诱导的类中性粒细胞上有明显的表达,且随DMSO的浓度增加及诱导时间的延长而增强。GPI-80的表达出现在CD11b上调表达及CD71下调表达之后,提示GPI-80表达与DMSO诱导分化的类中性粒细胞的成熟密切相关。RA不能明确诱导GPI-80的表达,反而抑制GPI-80的表达,提示可能两者诱导HL-60细胞分化时所激活的信号传递通路不同。     

Shear stress affects migration behavior of polymorphonuclear cells arrested on endothelium

Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) transmigration across the TNF-alpha-stimulated endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer in the presence of shear flow was monitored with time-lapse videotapes. More than half of the PMN that arrested on HUVEC transmigrated through endothelial cell junctions within the following 15 min. The kinetics of transmigration was significantly faster than that of PMN placed under static conditions. Once PMN crept into the subendothelial space, they showed random migration beneath the HUVEC monolayer. PMN that did not transmigrate moved on the apical surface of HUVEC in the direction of flow downstream. Anti-beta1 integrin mAb (4B4) and RGD peptide inhibited the transmigration more effectively than anti-beta2 integrin mAb (TS1/18) and almost totally abrogated transmigration. When HUVEC were cultured on fibronectin or laminin, the transmigration was significantly inhibited by anti-alpha5 or alpha6 integrin mAbs, respectively. Our data clearly indicate that shear stress affects the migration behavior of PMN arrested on endothelium and suggest that binding to subendothelial extracellular matrix via beta1 integrins is another essential step in leukocyte extravasation.     

ICAM-3 regulates lymphocyte morphology and integrin-mediated T cell interaction with endothelial cell and extracellular matrix ligands

Leukocyte activation is a complex process that involves multiple cross- regulated cell adhesion events. In this report, we investigated the role of intercellular adhesion molecule-3 (ICAM-3), the third identified ligand for the beta 2 integrin leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), in the regulation of leukocyte adhesion to ICAM-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and the 38- and 80-kD fragments of fibronectin (FN40 and FN80). The activating anti-ICAM-3 HP2/19, but not other anti-ICAM-3 mAb, was able to enhance T lymphoblast adhesion to these proteins when combined with very low doses of anti-CD3 mAb, which were unable by themselves to induce this phenomenon. In contrast, anti-ICAM-1 mAb did not enhance T cell attachment to these substrata. T cell adhesion to ICAM-1, VCAM-1, FN40, and FN80 was specifically blocked by anti-LFA-1, anti-VLA alpha 4, and anti-VLA alpha 5 mAb, respectively. The activating anti-ICAM-3 HP2/19 was also able to specifically enhance the VLA-4- and VLA-5-mediated binding of leukemic T Jurkat cells to VCAM-1, FN40, and FN80, even in the absence of cooccupancy of the CD3-TcR complex. We also studied the localization of ICAM-3, LFA-1, and the VLA beta 1 integrin, by immunofluorescence microscopy, on cells interacting with ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and FN80. We found that the anti-ICAM-3 HP2/19 mAb specifically promoted a dramatic change on the morphology of T lymphoblasts when these cells were allowed to interact with those adhesion ligands. Under these conditions, it was observed that a large cell contact area from which an uropod-like structure (heading uropod) was projected toward the outer milieu. However, when T blasts were stimulated with other adhesion promoting agents as the activating anti-VLA beta 1 TS2/16 mAb or phorbol esters, this structure was not detected. The anti-ICAM-3 TP1/24 mAb was also unable to induce this phenomenon. Notably, a striking cell redistribution of ICAM-3 was induced specifically by the HP2/19 mAb, but not by the other anti-ICAM-3 mAb or the other adhesion promoting agents. Thus, ICAM-3 was almost exclusively concentrated in the most distal portion of the heading uropod whereas either LFA-1 or the VLA beta 1 integrin were uniformly distributed all over the large contact area. Moreover, this phenomenon was also observed when T cells were specifically stimulated with the HP2/19 mAb to interact with TNF alpha-activated endothelial cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Involvement of platelet glycoprotein Ib in platelet microparticle mediated neutrophil activation

Summary Platelet microparticles (MPs) are membrane vesicles shed by platelets after activation, and carry antigens characteristic of intact platelets, such as glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa, GPIb and P-selectin. Elevated platelet MPs have been observed in many disorders in which platelet activation is documented. Recently, platelet GPIb has been implicated in the mediation of platelet–leukocyte interaction via binding to its ligand Mac-1 on leukocyte. The role of GPIb for mediating adhesion-activation interactions between platelet MPs and leukocytes has not been clarified. In this study we investigate the role of GPIb in the interplay between platelet MPs and neutrophils. Platelet MPs were obtained from collagen-stimulated platelet-rich plasma (PRP). In a study model of neutrophil aggregation, platelet MPs can serve a bridge to support neutrophil aggregation under venous level shear stress, suggesting that platelet MPs may enhance leukocyte aggregation, which would bear clinical relevance in diseases where the platelet MPs are elevated. The level of aggregation can be reduced by GPIb blocking antibodies, AP1 and SZ2, but not by anti-CD18 mAb. The GPIb blocking antibodies also decreased platelet MP-mediated neutrophil activation, including β2 integrin expression, adherence-dependent superoxide release and platelet MP-mediated neutrophil adherence to immobilized fibrinogen. Our data provide the evidence for the involvement of GPIb–Mac-1 interaction in the cross-talk between platelet MPs and neutrophils.     

Human neutrophil adherence to thrombospondin occurs through a CD11/CD18-independent mechanism.

Thrombospondin (TSP), a 450-kDa trimeric glycoprotein secreted by platelets and endothelial cells at sites of tissue injury or inflammation, may play an important role in polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) adherence to blood vessel walls before diapedesis. We have examined the adherence of PMN to TSP and compared it to adherence to other extracellular matrix proteins. PMN adherence to TSP-coated plastic was complete by 60 min with spreading completed by 2 h. The kinetics of adhesion and spreading on TSP were similar to that of vitronectin (VN), laminin (LN), and fibronectin (FN). Activation of PMN with the calcium ionophore A23187 or the chemotactic peptide FMLP increased PMN adherence to LN and FN, but not to TSP or VN, suggesting that PMN activation may differentially regulate expression of TSP and VN receptors as compared to LN and FN receptors. The specificity of PMN adherence to TSP was confirmed by competition with saturating amounts of TSP and inhibition with anti-TSP antibodies. mAb A6.1, which binds to the protease-resistant core of TSP, was the most effective in blocking PMN adherence to TSP. Using TSP proteolytic fragments, we demonstrated that the primary interaction of PMN with TSP was mediated through the 140-kDa COOH-terminal domain. Inasmuch as the 140-kDa fragment of TSP contains an Arg-Gly-Asp sequence similar to the cell recognition site of FN and VN, we determined whether RGDS peptides would inhibit PMN adhesion. RGDS did not significantly inhibit PMN adhesion to TSP, VN, or LN, but reduced PMN adhesion to FN by 50%. To determine if PMN adhesion to TSP was mediated by a beta 2 integrin receptor such as LFA-1, MO-1, or p150,95, we performed adhesion assays using PMN isolated from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency that lack beta 2 receptors. Leukocyte adhesion deficiency PMN exhibited normal adherence to TSP. In contrast, adherence to VN, LN, and FN was reduced by 95%. Therefore, adherence to TSP is probably not mediated by a beta 2 integrin receptor. These data contribute to the accumulating evidence that PMN can interact with extracellular matrix proteins through a CD11/CD18-independent process.     

Alpha 4 integrin increases anoikis of human osteosarcoma cells

Cell motility, growth, and proliferation are regulated by adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Detachment of adherent cells from extracellular matrix results in induction of apoptosis ("anoikis"). Transformed cells often show an anchorage-independent growth that enables them to acquire a motile, invasive phenotype. This phenotype has been associated with the altered expression and function of the integrin family of transmembrane proteins that mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Although alpha4 integrin is normally expressed on leukocyte subpopulations, a number of metastatic melanomas and sarcomas express it as well. In this study, we demonstrated the expression of alpha4 integrins on the human osteosarcoma cell line SAOS and on metastatic osteosarcoma lesions from the lung and pericardium. We further demonstrated that alpha4 integrin is coupled to the beta1 subunit by biochemical analysis and by using a mAb directed against a combinatorial epitope unique to the alpha4beta1 molecule. SAOS cells undergo anoikis when adherence is denied. Anoikis involved the activation of caspase 3 and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. Treatment of non-adherent SAOS with an anti-alpha4 mAb increased anoikis while anti-beta1 integrin mAbs did not alter anoikis, thus indicating a novel function for the alpha4 subunit in the control of cell death. Since integrins can control cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis these results demonstrate a potential role for alpha4 integrin during multiple aspects of osteosarcoma metastasis.     

Role of galectin-3 as an adhesion molecule for neutrophil extravasation during streptococcal pneumonia

Recruitment of neutrophils from blood vessels to sites of infection represents one of the most important elements of innate immunity. Movement of neutrophils across blood vessel walls to the site of infection first requires that the migrating cells firmly attach to the endothelial wall. Generally, neutrophil extravasation is mediated at least in part by two classes of adhesion molecules, beta(2) integrins and selectins. However, in the case of streptococcal pneumonia, recent studies have revealed that a significant proportion of neutrophil diapedesis is not mediated by the beta(2) integrin/selectin paradigm. Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside-binding lectin implicated in inflammatory responses as well as in cell adhesion. Using an in vivo streptococcal pneumonia mouse model, we found that accumulation of galectin-3 in the alveolar space of streptococcus-infected lungs correlates closely with the onset of neutrophil extravasation. Furthermore, immunohistological analysis of infected lung tissue revealed the presence of galectin-3 in the lung tissue areas composed of epithelial and endothelial cell layers as well as of interstitial spaces. In vitro, galectin-3 was able to promote neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. Promotion of neutrophil adhesion by galectin-3 appeared to result from direct cross-linking of neutrophils to the endothelium and was dependent on galectin-3 oligomerization. Together, these results suggest that galectin-3 acts as an adhesion molecule that can mediate neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. However, accumulation of galectin-3 in lung was not observed during neutrophil emigration into alveoli induced by Escherichia coli infection, where the majority of neutrophil emigration is known to be beta(2) integrin dependent. Thus, based on our results, we propose that galectin-3 plays a role in beta(2) integrin-independent neutrophil extravasation, which occurs during alveolar infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae.     

Alpha 4 beta 1 integrin/VCAM-1 interaction activates alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1 in human T cells

Modulation of integrin affinity and/or avidity provides a regulatory mechanism by which leukocyte adhesion to endothelium is strengthened or weakened at different stages of emigration. In this study, we demonstrate that binding of high-affinity alpha 4 beta 1 integrins to VCAM-1 strengthens alpha L beta 2 integrin-mediated adhesion. The strength of adhesion of Jurkat cells, a human leukemia T cell line, or MnCl2-treated peripheral blood T cells to immobilized chimeric human VCAM-1/Fc, ICAM-1/Fc, or both was quantified using parallel plate flow chamber leukocyte detachment assays in which shear stress was increased incrementally (0.5-30 dynes/cm2). The strength of adhesion to VCAM-1 plus ICAM-1, or to a 40-kDa fragment of fibronectin containing the CS-1 exon plus ICAM-1, was greater than the sum of adhesion to each molecule alone. Treatment of Jurkat or blood T cells with soluble cross-linked VCAM-1/Fc or HP2/1, a mAb to alpha 4, significantly increased adhesion to ICAM-1. These treatments induced clustering of alpha L beta 2 integrins, but not the high-affinity beta 2 integrin epitope recognized by mAb 24. Up-regulated adhesion to ICAM-1 was abolished by cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of cytoskeletal rearrangement. Taken together, our data suggest that the binding of VCAM-1 or fibronectin to alpha 4 beta 1 integrins initiates a signaling pathway that increases beta 2 integrin avidity but not affinity. A role for the cytoskeleton is implicated in this process.