CXC chemokine receptor 4 signaling upon co-activation with stromal cell-derived factor-1α and ubiquitin

Recently, we reported that extracellular ubiquitin functions as another agonist of CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR)4. Whereas the cognate CXCR4 ligand, stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, is also a CXCR7 agonist, ubiquitin does not bind to CXCR7. Because both ligands are present in the extracellular environment, co-activation of CXCR4 appears to be physiologically relevant. CXCR4 mediated effects of ubiquitin, however, are not well understood and consequences of co-activation of CXCR4 with both ligands are unknown. Utilizing proximity ligation assays and flow cytometry, we detected CXCR4, but not CXCR7, on the cell surface of THP-1 cells, which suggests that confounding effects of CXCR7 are unlikely. Time course and magnitude of reduction of cell surface CXCR4 expression were comparable after stimulation of THP-1 cells with both ligands. SDF-1α was more efficacious than ubiquitin to mobilize Ca²⁺. Co-stimulation of THP-1 cells with both ligands resulted in synergistic effects on Ca²⁺ fluxes at suboptimal ligand concentrations. Homologous desensitization of Ca²⁺ fluxes was detectable with both ligands. SDF-1α pre-stimulation desensitized ubiquitin induced Ca²⁺ fluxes, but not vice versa. Effects of SDF-1α and ubiquitin on cAMP levels, Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and chemotactic responses were additive. The chemotactic activities of ubiquitin and SDF-1α were sensitive to AMD3100, pertussis toxin, U73122, LY94002 and U0126. These data suggest that CXCR4 activation with SDF-1α and ubiquitin results in partially synergistic effects on cellular signaling events and in differential effects on receptor desensitization. The ligand ratio that is present in the extracellular environment may contribute to the regulation of CXCR4 mediated functions.