Specific subsets of kinases mediate Siglec-8 engagement-induced ROS production and apoptosis in human eosinophils.

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Abstract Siglecs are type I transmembrane proteins expressed primarily on leukocytes. Among them is Siglec-8, a CD33 subfamily member that is selectively expressed on the cell surface of human eosinophils. Siglec-8 has an intracellular immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM), putatively responsible for signal transduction. In cytokine-activated eosinophils, Siglec-8 binding causes apoptosis with increased mitochondrial damage and ROS production, but exact signaling mechanisms are unknown. Using a mAb (2C4) against Siglec-8 in combination with small molecule inhibitors, we first examined Siglec-8-mediated apoptosis and ROS production by flow cytometry after 24 hr IL-5 priming (30 ng/mL) of human eosinophils. We observed that 2C4-mediated eosinophil apoptosis was inhibited by PP1 and SU6656 (Src kinase inhibitors), ibrutinib (Btk inhibitor), LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor), GF109203x (PKC inhibitor), and sodium orthovanadate (a protein phosphatase inhibitor) at IC50’s of 1.7 μM, 1.8 μM, 0.9 nM, 1.2 μM, 2.4 μM, and 22 μM respectively. Complete inhibition of ROS production occurred at expected IC90’s. Western blot analysis following Siglec-8 cross-linking with 2C4 showed increased phosphorylation of Src530, Csk, PI3Kδ, and Blk that was detectable within 15 min, and c-Abl phosphorylation that was detectable within 60 min. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation data shows that Siglec-8 associates with SHP-2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase. While the sequence of signaling events is yet to be determined, Siglec-8 mediated apoptosis in eosinophils involves the unexpected recruitment of molecules normally associated with cell survival.