A novel role for interleukin-18 in adhesion molecule induction through NF kappa B and phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase-dependent signal transduction pathways

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a novel proinflammatory cytokine found in serum and joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We studied a novel role for IL-18 in mediating cell adhesion, a vital component of the inflammation found in RA and other inflammatory diseases. We examined the expression of cellular cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on endothelial cells and RA synovial fibroblasts using flow cytometry. Adhesion of the monocyte-like cell line HL-60 to endothelial cells was determined by immunofluorescence. IL-18 significantly enhanced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression on endothelial cells and RA synovial fibroblasts. In addition, IL-18 induced E-selectin expression on endothelial cells and promoted the adhesion of HL-60 cells to IL-18-stimulated endothelial cells. Neutralizing anti-VCAM-1 and anti-E-selectin could completely inhibit HL-60 adherence to endothelial cells. IL-18-induced adhesion molecule expression appears to be mediated through nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) and phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI 3-kinase) since addition of inhibitors to either NF kappa B (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and N-acetyl-l-cysteine) or PI 3-kinase (LY294002) inhibited RA synovial fibroblast VCAM-1 expression by 50 to 60%. Addition of both inhibitors resulted in inhibition of VCAM-1 expression by 85%. In conclusion, the ability of IL-18 to induce adhesion molecule expression on endothelial cells and RA synovial fibroblasts indicates that IL-18 may contribute to RA joint inflammation by enhancing the recruitment of leukocytes into the joint. IL-18 requires NF kappa B as well as PI 3-kinase to induce VCAM-1 on RA synovial fibroblasts, suggesting that there may be two distinct pathways in IL-18-induced adhesion molecule expression.     

A novel mechanism for the regulation of IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 expression in rheumatoid arthritis

Chemokines play an essential role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study we examined the expression and regulatory mechanisms of IFN-gamma inducible protein (IP)-10 in RA synovitis. RA synovial fluid contained greater amounts of IP-10 than did synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Immunolocalization analysis indicated that IP-10 was associated mainly with infiltrating macrophage-like cells, and fibroblast-like cells in the RA synovium. The interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes resulted in marked increases in IP-10 expression and secretion. Moreover, induction of IP-10 was mediated via specific adhesion molecules, as indicated by the finding that both anti-integrin (CD11b and CD18) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antibodies significantly inhibited IP-10 induction. These results suggest that IP-10 expression within inflamed joints appears to be regulated not only by inflammatory cytokines but also by the physical interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and that IP-10 may contribute to the recruitment of specific subpopulations of T cells (Th1 type) from the bloodstream into the synovial joints.     

Human resting B lymphocytes can serve as accessory cells for anti-CD2-induced T cell activation.

Although resting B cells are poor accessory cells for signals transmitted through the TCR/CD3 complex, we report that these B cells can support T cell proliferation when T cell activating signals are delivered through CD2. This was first suggested when leucine methyl ester treatment of PBMC abolished proliferation induced by anti-CD3, but not by the accessory cell-dependent anti-CD2 mAb combination, GT2 and OKT11. Then we demonstrated that unstimulated, resting B cells could support the proliferation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Aggregated IgG inhibited proliferation, suggesting that anti-CD2 mAb bound to T cells were cross-linked by attachment to B cell FcR. Two lines of evidence suggested that lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interaction was crucial for anti-CD2-induced proliferation. First, proliferation was blocked by mAb against these adhesion molecules. Second, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression rapidly increased on resting B cells after the addition of anti-CD2, but not anti-CD3. This was of interest because fixed monocytes, but not fixed B cells, were able to support the proliferative response. In contrast to lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1, CD28/B7 interaction was not required for anti-CD2-induced proliferation, although ligation of these molecules provided important costimulatory signals for stimulation by anti-CD3. Finally, neutralizing antibodies against IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 showed only modest inhibitory effects on T cell proliferation. The addition of IL-1 and/or IL-6 to T cells failed to substitute for accessory cells and were only partially effective with fixed B cells. Further evidence of a linkage between CD2 and CD45 isoforms was obtained. Anti-CD45RA, but not anti-CD45RO, potentiated anti-CD2-induced T cell proliferation. These studies have revealed a novel role for resting B cells as accessory cells and have documented costimulatory signals that are important for this effect. Because Ag-presentation by resting B cells to T cells generally leads to T cell nonresponsiveness, it is possible that this tolerogenic signal may be converted to an activation signal if there is concurrent perturbation of CD2 on T cells.     

A need for a 'whole-istic functional genomics' approach in complex human diseases: arthritis

Chemokines play an essential role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study we examined the expression and regulatory mechanisms of IFN-γ inducible protein (IP)-10 in RA synovitis. RA synovial fluid contained greater amounts of IP-10 than did synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Immunolocalization analysis indicated that IP-10 was associated mainly with infiltrating macrophage-like cells, and fibroblast-like cells in the RA synovium. The interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes resulted in marked increases in IP-10 expression and secretion. Moreover, induction of IP-10 was mediated via specific adhesion molecules, as indicated by the finding that both anti-integrin (CD11b and CD18) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 antibodies significantly inhibited IP-10 induction. These results suggest that IP-10 expression within inflamed joints appears to be regulated not only by inflammatory cytokines but also by the physical interaction of activated leukocytes with fibroblast-like synoviocytes, and that IP-10 may contribute to the recruitment of specific subpopulations of T cells (Th1 type) from the bloodstream into the synovial joints.     

Activation of vascular endothelial cells by synovial fibrosis promotes Netrin-1-induced sensory nerve sprouting and exacerbates pain sensitivity

Synovial fibrosis is one of the most dominant histopathological changes in osteoarthritis of the knee (KOA), and activation of vascular endothelial cells in synovial fibrosis is both an important factor in mediating pain in KOA and a major contributor to the generation of pain signals. At the same time, angiogenesis and nerve fibres are more likely to underlie the pathology of pain induced by synovial fibrosis. In the present study, we established a co-culture model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and detected tissue and cellular Netrin-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), growth-associated protein-43 (GAP43), colorectal cancer deleted (DCC), uncoordinated 5 (UNC5), and the related expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in supernatant by ELISA to investigate the intervention of vascular endothelial cell activation on sensory nerve sprouting exacerbating peripheral pain sensitivity and to investigate the effect of Netrin-1 from the perspective of Netrin-1 secretion to illustrate its effector mechanism.     

Alpha 4/beta 1 integrin (VLA-4) ligands in arthritis. Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression in synovium and on fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

Expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in synovial tissue was determined using the immunoperoxidase technique. Normal, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA) synovia bound VCAM-1 antibodies in the intimal lining as well as blood vessels. The amount of VCAM-1 was significantly greater in the synovial lining of RA and OA tissues compared with normal synovium (p less than 0.002). There was also a trend toward greater levels of VCAM-1 staining in blood vessels of arthritic tissue (RA greater than OA greater than normal). Because VCAM-1 staining was especially intense in the synovial lining, VCAM-1 expression and regulation was studied on cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from this region. Both VCAM-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 were constitutively expressed on FLS. VCAM-1 expression was further increased by exposure to IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IFN-gamma. These cytokines (except for IL-4) also induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 expression on FLS. ELAM was not detected on resting or cytokine-stimulated FLS. The specificity of VCAM-1 for FLS was demonstrated by the fact that only trace amounts were detected on normal and RA dermal fibroblasts. Cytokines induced intercellular adhesion molecule 1 display on dermal fibroblasts but had minimal effect on VCAM-1 expression. Finally, in adherence assays, Jurkat cell binding to resting FLS monolayers was inhibited by antibody to alpha 4/beta 1 integrin (VLA-4), CS-1 peptide from alternatively spliced fibronectin (which is another VLA-4 ligand), and, to a lesser extent, anti-VCAM-1 antibody. After cytokine stimulation of FLS, Jurkat-binding significantly increased, and this increase was blocked by anti-VCAM-1 antibody. Therefore, both CS-1 and VCAM-1 participate in VLA-4-mediated adherence to resting FLS in vitro, and VCAM-1 is responsible for the increase in Jurkat binding mediated by cytokines.     

Involvement of CD28 in MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity mediated by a human natural killer leukemia cell line.

NK cells and certain CTL can recognize and lyse targets without restriction by the MHC. NK cells do not express CD3/TCR complexes and the membrane receptors participating in MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity are largely unknown. We demonstrate that YT2C2, a human NK leukemia cell line, expresses the CD28 differentiation Ag and can spontaneously lyse both murine and human cell lines expressing B7, a B cell- activation Ag that is a ligand for CD28. The participation of CD28/B7 interactions in MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity mediated by YT2C2 cells was demonstrated by correlation of target sensitivity with levels of B7 expression, inhibition of cytotoxicity by anti-CD28 or anti-B7 mAb, and by making both murine and human cell lines susceptible to YT2C2-mediated lysis by genetic transfection with expression vectors containing B7 cDNA. However, CD28/B7 interactions alone were insufficient to initiate cytotoxicity. mAb inhibition experiments and selection of CD54- (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) deficient B cell targets indicated that CD11a/18 (lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1) also cooperated in CD28/B7-dependent cytotoxicity. The requirement for both CD28/B7 and lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1/intercellular adhesion molecule-1 interactions in YT2C2-mediated MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity was confirmed by demonstrating that efficient lysis of murine L cells required cotransfection with both B7 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These findings support the concept that MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity may not be due to a unique receptor, but may result from interactions between an appropriate array of "adhesion" molecules with their ligands.     

CD40 signaling activates CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1)-mediated adhesion in B cells.

Cell-cell adhesion events play critical roles in the sequential migrations and multiple specific cell-cell interactions which B cells undergo during normal development and function. We have observed that mAb to several B cell-associated molecules, including mAb to CD19, CD37, and CD40, induce homotypic aggregation of freshly isolated human B cells. The aggregation of B cells induced by CD40 mAb was due to activation of a cell-cell adhesion system, and not due to agglutination by mAb, because 1) in addition to being energy dependent and cation dependent, the aggregation was blocked by inhibitors of messenger RNA and protein synthesis; and 2) a mouse B cell line transformed with intact human CD40 aggregated in response to CD40 mAb, whereas a line expressing surface CD40, but lacking the cytoplasmic tail and previously shown incapable of transmitting a signal from the cell surface, did not aggregate. The aggregation, although of slow onset, was persistent and of high avidity. In addition, CD40 mAb induced increased surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54), a ligand for CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1), and CD18 mAb blocked aggregation. CD40 mAb also augmented the ability of dense B cells to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T cells via a CD18-dependent process. We conclude that signaling through CD40, elicited by cross-linking the CD40 protein on the cell surface, activates the CD18/intercellular adhesion molecule adhesion system; in addition, CD40 cross-linking may activate a second adhesion system since CD40 mAb induced aggregation of the B cell line Ramos, which does not express surface CD18. B cell adhesion may be triggered by signaling through multiple surface proteins, thereby lending specificity of activation to adhesion systems which are broadly expressed.     

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)     

Hyaluronan Inhibits Tlr-4-Dependent RANKL Expression in Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway is activated in synovial fibroblast cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and its ligand, RANKL, are key molecules involved in the differentiation of osteoclasts and joint destruction in RA. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major extracellular component and an important immune regulator. In this study, we show that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation significantly increases RANKL expression via a TLR-4 signaling pathway. We also demonstrate that HA suppresses LPS-induced RANKL expression, which is dependent on CD44, but not intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Our study provides evidence for HA-mediated suppression of TLR-4-dependent RANKL expression. This could present an alternative target for the treatment of destructed joint bones and cartilages in RA.     

Lymphocyte adhesion mediated by lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1. I. Long term augmentation by transient increases in intracellular cAMP.

Lymphocyte adhesion to target cells is mediated, in part, by the interaction of lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1 (LFA-1) with intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Cells of the B cell line, JY, express both coreceptors and have been used as a model for intercellular adhesion mediated by these molecules. Elevation of the intracellular cAMP concentration ([cAMP]i), by any of several reagents, for periods as brief as 30 min, led to enhanced intercellular adhesion in a concentration dependent manner 5 to 8 h later. Two protein kinase A inhibitors, KT5720 and H-89, but not the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C, blocked the effects of elevated [cAMP]i. These data suggest a role for protein kinase A in this response. The adhesion augmented by increased [cAMP]i was due to LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions between cells because it was blocked by either anti-LFA-1 or anti-ICAM-1 mAb. Elevated [cAMP]i induced cell surface patching of LFA-1, but not ICAM-1, and this redistribution preceded intercellular adhesion. Finally, redistribution of LFA-1 was not mediated by the cytoskeleton. These results suggest a model in which transient activation of protein kinase A results in increased local concentration of LFA-1 at the cell surface and in augmented long term adhesion mediated by this integrin.     

A form of circulating ICAM-1 in human serum.

A circulating form of the usually membrane-bound intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was identified and characterized in normal human serum, and in sera from patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). The molecule, designated circulating ICAM-1 (cICAM-1) was detected and quantitated by sandwich ELISA. Levels of cICAM-1 in sera from normal individuals ranged from 100 to 200 ng/ml. Sera from LAD patients had elevated cICAM-1 levels ranging from 200 to 700 ng/ml. The elevated levels of cICAM-1 in LAD sera may be due to an inability to adsorb cICAM-1 to cell-bound LFA-1 or may be an indirect result of the pathology accompanying the syndrome. cICAM-1 bound to mAb specific for four distinct ICAM-1 epitopes localized in domains D1, D2, D4, and D5, and displayed similar molecular size properties as recombinant soluble ICAM-1 on FPLC size-exclusion chromatography. When immobilized via a domain D5-specific mAb, cICAM-1 mediated function (LFA-1)-dependent lymphocyte adhesion equivalent to sICAM-1. These data indicate that cICAM-1 contains most, if not all, of the five extracellular domains of membrane ICAM-1, as well as the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1. The cellular source of cICAM-1 appeared to be from mononuclear cells; only lymphoid cell lines or primary PBMC cultures had detectable levels of cICAM-1 in cell culture supernatants. Because cICAM-1 retains the ability to bind specifically to LFA-1, it may act to regulate cell adhesion by promoting de-adhesion. Alternatively, cICAM-1 may be the indirect consequence of inflammation or tissue damage. As such, the detection of cICAM-1 could be useful as a marker of inflammatory disease.     

Suppression of endothelial cell activity by inhibition of TNFα

Introduction

TNFα is a proinflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated the effects of certolizumab pegol, a TNFα blocker, on endothelial cell function and angiogenesis.

Methods

Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) were stimulated with TNFα with or without certolizumab pegol. TNFα-induced adhesion molecule expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion were measured by cell surface ELISA and angiogenic chemokine ELISA, respectively. We also examined the effect of certolizumab pegol on TNFα-induced myeloid human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell adhesion to HMVECs, as well as blood vessels in RA synovial tissue using the Stamper-Woodruff assay. Lastly, we performed HMVEC chemotaxis, and tube formation.

Results

Certolizumab pegol significantly blocked TNFα-induced HMVEC cell surface angiogenic E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion (P < 0.05). We found that certolizumab pegol significantly inhibited TNFα-induced HL-60 cell adhesion to HMVECs (P < 0.05), and blocked HL-60 cell adhesion to RA synovial tissue vasculature (P < 0.05). TNFα also enhanced HMVEC chemotaxis compared with the negative control group (P < 0.05) and this chemotactic response was significantly reduced by certolizumab pegol (P < 0.05). Certolizumab pegol inhibited TNFα-induced HMVEC tube formation on Matrigel (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data support the hypothesis that certolizumab pegol inhibits TNFα-dependent leukocyte adhesion and angiogenesis, probably via inhibition of angiogenic adhesion molecule expression and angiogenic chemokine secretion.     

Role of LFA-1 and VLA-4 in the adhesion of cloned normal and LFA-1 (CD11/CD18)-deficient T cells to cultured endothelial cells. Indication for a new adhesion pathway.

Patients with the leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) syndrome have a genetic defect in the common beta 2-chain (CD18) of the leukocyte integrins. This defect can result in the absence of cell surface expression of all three members of the leukocyte integrins. We investigated the capacity of T cell clones obtained from the blood of an LAD patient and of normal T cell clones to adhere to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC). Adhesion of the number of LAD T cells to unstimulated EC was approximately half of that of leukocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1+ T cells. Stimulation of EC with human rTNF-alpha resulted in an average 2- and 2.5-fold increase in adhesion of LFA-1+ and LFA-1- cells, respectively. This effect was maximal after 24 h and lasted for 48 to 72 h. The involvement of surface structures known to participate in cell adhesion (integrins, CD44) was tested by blocking studies with mAb directed against these structures. Adhesion of LFA-1+ T cells to unstimulated EC was inhibited (average inhibition of 58%) with mAb to CD11a or CD18. Considerably less inhibition of adhesion occurred with mAb to CD11a or CD18 (average inhibition, 20%) when LFA-1+ T cells were incubated with rTNF-alpha-stimulated EC. The adhesion of LFA-1- T cells to EC stimulated with rTNF-alpha, but not to unstimulated EC, was inhibited (average inhibition, 56%) by incubation with a mAb directed to very late antigen (VLA)-4 (CDw49d). In contrast to LAD T cell clones and the LFA-1+ T cell line Jurkat, mAb to VLA-4 did not inhibit adhesion of normal LFA-1+ T cell clones to EC, whether or not the EC had been stimulated with rTNF-alpha. We conclude that the adhesion molecule pair LFA-1/intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 plays a major role in the adhesion of LFA-1+ T cell clones derived from normal individuals to unstimulated EC. Adhesion of LFA-1-T cells to TNF-alpha-stimulated EC is mediated by VLA-4/vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 interactions. Since we were unable to reduce significantly the adhesion of cultured normal LFA-1+ T cells to 24 h with TNF-alpha-stimulated endothelium with antibodies that block LFA-1/ICAM-1 or VLA-4/VCAM-1 interactions, and lectin adhesion molecule-1 and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 appeared not to be implicated, other as yet undefined cell surface structures are likely to participate in T cell/EC interactions.     

Effect of a small molecule inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation in a murine model of arthritis and cultured human synovial cells

A small cell-permeable compound, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), does not inhibit phosphorylation and degradation of IκB (inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB]) but selectively inhibits nuclear translocation of activated NF-κB. This study aimed to demonstrate the antiarthritic effect of this novel inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway in vivo in a murine arthritis model and in vitro in human synovial cells. Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in mice, and after onset of arthritis the mice were treated with DHMEQ (5 mg/kg body weight per day). Using fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell lines established from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), NF-κB activity was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The expression of molecules involved in RA pathogenesis was determined by RT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The proliferative activity of the cells was estimated with tritiated thymidine incorporation. After 14 days of treatment with DHMEQ, mice with collagen-induced arthritis exhibited decreased severity of arthritis, based on the degree of paw swelling, the number of swollen joints, and radiographic and histopathologic scores, compared with the control mice treated with vehicle alone. In RA FLS stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α, activities of NF-κB components p65 and p50 were inhibited by DHMEQ, leading to suppressed expression of the key inflammatory cytokine IL-6, CC chemokine ligand-2 and -5, matrix metalloproteinase-3, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. The proliferative activity of the cells was also suppressed. This is the first demonstration of an inhibitor of NF-κB nuclear translocation exhibiting a therapeutic effect on established murine arthritis, and suppression of inflammatory mediators in FLS was thought to be among the mechanisms underlying such an effect.     

Integrin Cross Talk: Activation of Lymphocyte Function-associated Antigen-1 on Human T Cells Alters α4β1- and α5β1-mediated Function

A regulated order of adhesion events directs leukocytes from the vascular compartment into injured tissues in response to inflammatory stimuli. We show that on human T cells, the interaction of the β2 integrin leucocyte function–associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) with its ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) will decrease adhesion mediated by α4β1 and, to a lesser extent, α5β1. Similar inhibition is also seen when T cells are exposed to mAb 24, which stabilizes LFA-1 in an active state after triggering integrin function through divalent cation Mg²⁺, PdBu, or T cell receptor/ CD3 complex (TCR/CD3) cross-linking. Such cross talk decreases α4β1 integrin–mediated binding of T cells to fibronectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). In contrast, ligand occupancy or prolonged activation of β1 integrin has no effect on LFA-1 adhesion to ICAM-1. We also show that T cell migration across fibronectin, unlike adhesion, is mediated solely by α5β1, and is increased when the α4β1-mediated component of fibronectin adhesion is decreased either by cross talk or the use of α4-blocking mAb. The ability of mAb 24 Fab′ fragments to induce cross talk without cross-linking LFA-1 suggests signal transduction through the active integrin. These data provide the first direct evidence for cross talk between LFA-1 and β1 integrins on T cells. Together, these findings imply that activation of LFA-1 on the extravasating T cell will decrease the binding to VCAM-1 while enhancing the subsequent migration on fibronectin. This sequence of events provides a further level of complexity to the coordination of T cell integrins, whose sequential but overlapping roles are essential for transmigration.     

Effect of a small molecule inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB nuclear translocation in a murine model of arthritis and cultured human synovial cells

A small cell-permeable compound, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ), does not inhibit phosphorylation and degradation of IkappaB (inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB [NF-kappaB]) but selectively inhibits nuclear translocation of activated NF-kappaB. This study aimed to demonstrate the antiarthritic effect of this novel inhibitor of the NF-kappaB pathway in vivo in a murine arthritis model and in vitro in human synovial cells. Collagen-induced arthritis was induced in mice, and after onset of arthritis the mice were treated with DHMEQ (5 mg/kg body weight per day). Using fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell lines established from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), NF-kappaB activity was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The expression of molecules involved in RA pathogenesis was determined by RT-PCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. The proliferative activity of the cells was estimated with tritiated thymidine incorporation. After 14 days of treatment with DHMEQ, mice with collagen-induced arthritis exhibited decreased severity of arthritis, based on the degree of paw swelling, the number of swollen joints, and radiographic and histopathologic scores, compared with the control mice treated with vehicle alone. In RA FLS stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, activities of NF-kappaB components p65 and p50 were inhibited by DHMEQ, leading to suppressed expression of the key inflammatory cytokine IL-6, CC chemokine ligand-2 and -5, matrix metalloproteinase-3, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. The proliferative activity of the cells was also suppressed. This is the first demonstration of an inhibitor of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation exhibiting a therapeutic effect on established murine arthritis, and suppression of inflammatory mediators in FLS was thought to be among the mechanisms underlying such an effect.     

LFA-1- and ICAM-1-dependent homotypic aggregation of human thymocytes induced by JL1 engagement

Cell-cell adhesion is essential for the appropriate immune response, differentiation, and migration of lymphocytes. This important physiological event is reflected in vitro by homotypic cell aggregation. We have previously reported that a 120 kDa cell surface glycoprotein, JL1, is a unique protein specifically expressed by immature double positive (DP) human thymocytes which are in the process of positive and negative selections through the interaction between thymocyte and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The function of the JL1 molecule, however, is yet to be identified. We show here that anti-JL1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) induced the homotypic aggregation of human thymocytes in a temperature- and Mg2+-dependent manner. It required an intact cytoskeleton and the interaction between leucocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) since it was blocked by cytochalasin B and D, and mAb against LFA-1 and ICAM-1 which are known to be involved in the aggregation of thymocytes. Translocation of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) through the cell membrane was not detected, implying that the molecular mechanism of JL-1-induced homotypic aggregation is different from that of CD99-induced homotypic aggregation. In summary, JL1 is a cell surface molecule that induces homotypic adhesion mediated by the LFA-1 and ICAM-1 interaction and cytoskeletal reorganization. These findings suggest that JL1 may be an important regulator of thymocyte development and thymocyte-APC interaction.     

Molecular imaging of rheumatoid arthritis: emerging markers,tools, and techniques

Early diagnosis and effective monitoring of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are important for a positive outcome. Instant treatment often results in faster reduction of inflammation and, as a consequence, less structural damage. Anatomical imaging techniques have been in use for a long time, facilitating diagnosis and monitoring of RA. However, mere imaging of anatomical structures provides little information on the processes preceding changes in synovial tissue, cartilage, and bone. Molecular imaging might facilitate more effective diagnosis and monitoring in addition to providing new information on the disease pathogenesis. A limiting factor in the development of new molecular imaging techniques is the availability of suitable probes. Here, we review which cells and molecules can be targeted in the RA joint and discuss the advances that have been made in imaging of arthritis with a focus on such molecular targets as folate receptor, F4/80, macrophage mannose receptor, E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, phosphatidylserine, and matrix metalloproteinases. In addition, we discuss a new tool that is being introduced in the field, namely the use of nanobodies as tracers. Finally, we describe additional molecules displaying specific features in joint inflammation and propose these as potential new molecular imaging targets, more specifically receptor activator of nuclear factor κB and its ligand, chemokine receptors, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, α_Vβ₃ integrin, P2X7 receptor, suppression of tumorigenicity 2, dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein, and osteoclast-stimulatory transmembrane protein.