Activation Of Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase Research Articles

Identification of a Conserved Rac-binding Site on NADPH Oxidases Supports a Direct GTPase Regulatory Mechanism

The NADPH oxidases (Noxs) are a family of superoxide-generating enzymes implicated in a variety of biological processes. Full activity of Nox1, -2, and -3 requires the action of a Rac GTPase. A direct regulatory interaction of Rac with Nox2 has been proposed as part of a two-step mechanism for regulating electron transfer during superoxide formation. Using truncation analysis of Rac binding to the cytoplasmic tail of Nox2, along with peptides derived from this region in cell-free assays, we identify a Rac interaction site within amino acids 419-430 of Nox2. This region is required for binding Rac2 but not p47(phox) or p67(phox) cytosolic regulatory factors. A cell-permeant version of the peptide encompassing amino acids 419-430 specifically inhibits NADPH oxidase activation in intact human neutrophils. Mutational analysis of the putative Rac-binding site revealed specific residues, particularly Lys-421, Tyr-425, and Lys-426, individually required for Rac-dependent NADPH oxidase activity that are conserved in the Rac-regulated Nox1, Nox2, and Nox3 enzymes but not in Nox4 or Nox5. Mutation of the conserved residues in the Rac-binding site of Nox1 also result in the loss of Rac-dependent activity. Our data identify a functional Rac interaction site conserved in Rac-dependent Noxs and support a direct regulatory interaction of Rac GTPases to promote activation of these NADPH oxidases.

Comparative effects of dietary supplementation with red grape juice and vitamin E on production of superoxide by circulating neutrophil NADPH oxidase in hemodialysis patients

BackgroundAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death among hemodialysis patients; it has been attributed to increased oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, malnutrition, and chronic inflammation. Activation of neutrophils is a well-recognized feature in dialysis patients, and superoxide-anion production by neutrophil NADPH oxidase may contribute significantly to oxidative stress. ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the effects of dietary supplementation with concentrated red grape juice (RGJ), a source of polyphenols, and vitamin E on neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity and other cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients. DesignThirty-two patients undergoing hemodialysis were recruited and randomly assigned to groups to receive dietary supplementation with RGJ, vitamin E, or both or a control condition without supplementation or placebo. Blood was obtained at baseline and on days 7 and 14 of treatment. ResultsRGJ consumption but not vitamin E consumption reduced plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B and increased those of HDL cholesterol. Both RGJ and vitamin E reduced plasma concentrations of oxidized LDL and ex vivo neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. These effects were intensified when the supplements were used in combination; in that case, reductions in the inflammatory biomarkers intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 also were observed. ConclusionsRegular ingestion of concentrated RGJ by hemodialysis patients reduces neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activity and plasma concentrations of oxidized LDL and inflammatory biomarkers to a greater extent than does that of vitamin E. This effect of RGJ consumption may favor a reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Assessment of wound-site redox environment and the significance of Rac2 in cutaneous healing

We have previously reported that H 2O 2 is actively generated by cells at the wound site and that H 2O 2-driven redox signaling supports wound angiogenesis and healing. In this study, we have standardized a novel and effective electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy-based approach to assess the redox environment of the dermal wound site in vivo. Rac2 regulates inducible NADPH oxidase activation and other functional responses in neutrophils. Using Rac2-deficient mice we sought to investigate the significance of Rac2 in the wound-site redox environment and healing responses. Noninvasive measurements of metabolism of topically applied nitroxide 15N-perdeuterated tempone in murine excisional dermal wounds demonstrated that the wound site is rich in oxidants, the levels of which peak 2 days postwounding in the inflammatory phase. Rac2-deficient mice had threefold lower production of superoxide compared to controls with similar wounds. In these mice, a lower wound-site superoxide level was associated with compromised wound closure. Immunostaining of wound edges harvested during the inflammatory phase showed that the numbers of phagocytic cells recruited to the wound site in Rac2-deficient and control mice were similar, but the amount of lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in Rac2-deficient mice, indicating compromised NADPH oxidase activity. Taken together, the findings of this study support that the wound site is rich in oxidants. Rac2 significantly contributes to oxidant production at the wound site and supports the healing process.

Acyl chain-dependent effect of lysophosphatidylcholine on human neutrophils

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is the most abundant lysophospholipid in plasma and tissues, and its level increases in ischemia and inflammation. LPC induces various proinflammatory actions in leukocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, but its effects may vary, depending on the acyl chain. In the present study, we identified the molecular species of LPC in human plasma and studied their effects on human neutrophils. Unsaturated LPC species over a wide concentration range (5-200 microM) induced long-lasting superoxide production in neutrophils. The response was preceded by a >10-min lag time and lasted for 60-90 min. Superoxide production was prevented when albumin was added together with LPC at a molar ratio of 1:2 or higher, and significant inhibition was observed even when albumin was added 4-8 min after LPC. Saturation of albumin by fivefold molar excess of stearic acid reduced the inhibitory effect significantly. Saturated LPCs, particularly the most abundant 16:0 species, induced significantly less superoxide production than the unsaturated species and only at 5-10 microM concentrations. Saturated LPC species elicited a several-fold higher increase in cytoplasmic calcium and at >20 microM, increased plasma membrane permeability. A mixture of LPCs mimicking the plasma LPC composition induced nearly similar superoxide production as the most active LPC18:1 alone. These results indicate remarkable acyl chain-dependent differences in the cellular effects of LPC. Elevation of LPC level may increase inflammation through activation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase, particularly when the simultaneous increase of free fatty acids diminishes the ability of albumin to scavenge LPCs.

Chronic Granulomatous Disease (CGD) and Complete Myeloperoxidase Deficiency Both Yield Strongly Reduced Dihydrorhodamine 123 Test Signals but Can Be Easily Discerned in Routine Testing for CGD

The flow cytometric dihydrorhodamine 123 (DHR) assay is used as a screening test for chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), but complete myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficiency can also lead to a strongly decreased DHR signal. Our aim was to devise simple laboratory methods to differentiate MPO deficiency (false positive for CGD) and NADPH oxidase abnormalities (true CGD). We measured NADPH-oxidase and MPO activity in neutrophils from MPO-deficient patients, CGD patients, NADPH-oxidase-transfected K562 cells and cells with inhibited and substituted MPO. Eosinophils from MPO-deficient individuals retain eosinophilic peroxidase and therefore generate a normal DHR signal. The addition of recombinant human MPO enhances the DHR signal when simply added to a suspension of MPO-deficient cells but not when added to NADPH-oxidase-deficient (CGD) cells. Lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence (LCL) is increased in neutrophils from MPO-deficient patients, whereas neutrophils from patients with CGD show a decreased response. A false-positive result caused by MPO deficiency can be easily ascertained because, unlike cells from a CGD patient, cells from MPO-deficient patients (a) contain functionally normal eosinophils, (b) show a significant enhancement of the DHR signal following addition of rhMPO, and (c) generate a strong LCL signal.

New Insight into the NO‐mediated Signaling to Modulate Neutrophil Free Radical Generation

Neutrophils (PMNs) and nitric oxide (NO) play an important role in pathogen killing as well as in various pathological conditions associated with inflammation, hypoxia/ischemia and reoxygenation injury by generating reactive oxygen (ROS) and reactive nitrogen (RNS) species. Previous work from this lab has shown that NO modulates neutrophil NADPH-oxidase (NOX) activity and thus modulates ROS production. The present study has been undertaken to assess signalling mechanisms involved in NO mediated effect on PMNs by flowcytometry (DCF-DA, DHE, propidium iodide, CBA Flex array), biochemical (H 2 O 2 , hypochlorous acid [HOCl], nitryl chloride [NO 2 Cl], dityrosine) and molecular (Western blotting) measurements. NO donors, SNP and SNAP (10 µM to 1 mM) inhibited the NADPH-oxidase activity but enhanced DCF-DA fluorescence in a concentration and time dependent manner, with no adverse effect on the cell viability. The effect was significantly blocked by NOS inhibitors and was partially blocked by ERK and MPO inhibitors. NO at the concentrations used seems to activate futile cycle generating peroxynitrite (ONOO)/NO 3 − , which subsequently uncouples NOS and generate superoxide radicals and H 2 O 2 . H 2 O 2 thus formed leads to the formation of HOCl by MPO catalysis, which further reacts with nitrite (NO 2 − ) to generate NO 2 Cl, a more potent oxidant and nitrating agent. The results obtained thus suggest that NO mediated augmentation in neutrophil free radical production involves ERK signalling.

Regulation of the NADPH oxidase activity and anti-microbial function of neutrophils by arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid (AA), a second-messenger molecule released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A(2) in activated cells, is a stimulator of neutrophil responses, including the oxygen-dependent respiratory burst. The polyunsaturated fatty acid is also the precursor of biologically active eicosanoids. There are several mechanisms by which AA stimulates the respiratory burst. These include the direct binding of AA to S100 proteins which regulate the assembly of the NADPH oxidase as well as the activation of key signaling molecules which control the respiratory burst. Arachidonic acid also stimulates it own release from membrane phospholipids and this contributes to optimal respiratory burst activity. Thus, increased levels of AA at sites of inflammation will influence the magnitude and course of the inflammatory response, not only by directly affecting the function of infiltrating neutrophils and other leukocytes, but also through its metabolites generated by lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases.

Signaling requirements for translocation of P-Rex1, a key Rac2 exchange factor involved in chemoattractant-stimulated human neutrophil function

PI 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3; PIP3]-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) is a Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor abundant in neutrophils and myeloid cells. As a selective catalyst for Rac2 activation, P-Rex1 serves as an important regulator of human neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity and chemotaxis in response to a variety of extracellular stimuli. The exchange activity of P-Rex1 is synergistically activated by the binding of PIP3 and betagamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins in vitro, suggesting that the association of P-Rex1 with membranes is a prerequisite for cellular activation. However, the spatial regulation of endogenous P-Rex1 has not been well defined, particularly in human neutrophils activated through G protein-coupled receptors. Upon stimulation of neutrophil chemoattractant receptors, we observed that P-Rex1 translocated from cytoplasm to the leading edge of polarized cells in a G protein betagamma subunit- and PIP3-dependent manner, where it colocalized with F-actin and its substrate, Rac2. Redistribution of P-Rex1 to the leading edge was also dependent on tyrosine kinase activity and was modulated by cell adhesion. Furthermore, we observed that activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates and inactivates P-Rex1, inhibited its translocation. Our data indicate that endogenous P-Rex1 translocates to areas of Rac2 and cytoskeletal activation at the leading edge in response to chemoattractant stimuli in human neutrophils and that this translocation can be negatively modulated by activation of PKA and by cell adhesion.

The Phosphoinositide-Binding Protein p40phox Regulates NADPH Oxidase Activation Rather Than Assembly during FcγIIA Receptor-Induced Phagocytosis.

Many critical features of the organization and regulation of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase, a complex multi-subunit enzyme that generates superoxide for microbial killing, remain poorly defined. The active enzyme includes a membrane-bound flavocytochrome b along with p47phox, p67phox, p40phox, and Rac-GTP that are present in the cytosol of resting cells. p67phox is linked by high affinity interactions with both p47phox and p40phox, which appear to translocate as a trimeric complex upon cellular activation. The p47phox subunit acts as an adaptor to promote translocation by docking at a proline-rich target sequence on the flavocytochrome, and p67phox is a Rac-GTP effector containing a domain that activates electron transport. In contrast, the function of p40phox, which is not required for high level oxidase activity in cell free systems, is poorly understood. Recently, our group showed that p40phox plays key role in the activation of superoxide production during phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized targets in COSphoxFcγR cells. This model cell line contains stable transgenes for the flavocytochrome, p47phox, p67phox, and the FcγIIA receptor, without or with an additional transgene for p40phox. p40phox-dependent coupling of FcγR-mediated phagocytosis to superoxide production required an intact p40phox PX domain, which binds to phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI3P), a phosphoinositide generated by class III PI3 kinases in phagosome membranes (Suh et al J Exp Med 203, 1915Suh et al J Exp Med 203, 2006). Furthermore, a newly developed p40phox-null mouse exhibits reduced neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity in response to selected agonists, including IgG-opsonized targets (Ellson et al J Exp Med 203, 1927Ellson et al J Exp Med 203, 2006). In the current study, we investigated whether p40phox is required for translocation of p67phox during phagocytosis. We generated COSphoxFcγR cells expressing YFP-tagged p67phox from a stable transgene instead of untagged p67phox. Following incubation with IgG-opsonized sheep red blood cells (IgG-RBC), p67phox was detected on phagosome membranes at both early stages of phagosome cup formation and after closure, independent of whether or not p40phox was also co-expressed. However, NADPH oxidase activity was not detected in IgG-RBC phagosomes in COSphoxFcγR-p67phox-YFP cells unless p40phox was present. PMA-activated superoxide production was independent of p40phox, and Western blotting indicated there was no significant difference in expression of the other oxidase subunits in COSphoxFcγR-p67phox-YFP cells without or with the p40phox transgene. Further studies in PLB-985 granulocytes expressing stable transgenes for either YFP-tagged p67phox or p40phox showed that the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin inhibited phagosome NADPH oxidase activity and translocation of p40phox, but localization of p67phox to phagosomes was unaffected. These results indicate that although p40phox positively regulates NADPH oxidase activation during phagocytosis, recruitment of p67phox to the phagosome is independent of p40phox. Taken together, these data suggest that the PX domain of p40phox acts as a PI3P-dependent switch to activate the membrane-assembled NADPH oxidase complex.

Priming by tumor necrosis factor-α of human neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activity induced by anti-proteinase-3 or anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies

Anti-proteinase-3 (anti-PR3) or anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) antibodies are capable of activating human neutrophils primed by TNF-alpha in vitro. We described previously the involvement of FcgammaRIIa and beta(2) integrins in this neutrophil activation. In the literature, the requirement of TNF priming has been attributed to an effect of TNF-alpha on the expression of PR3 or MPO on the cell surface. Under our experimental conditions, TNF-alpha (2 ng/ml) increased the binding of the antibody against PR3, whereas binding of the antibody against MPO could hardly be detected, not even after TNF-alpha treatment. The aim of this study was to consider (an)other(s) role(s) for TNF-alpha in facilitating the NADPH-oxidase activation by these antibodies. We demonstrate the early mobilization of the secretory vesicles as a result of TNF-induced increase in intracellular-free calcium ions, the parallel colocalization of gp91(phox), the main component of the NADPH oxidase with beta(2) integrins and FcgammaRIIa on the neutrophil surface, and the FcgammaRIIa clustering upon TNF priming. TNF-alpha also induced redistribution of FcgammaRIIa to the cytoskeleton in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Moreover, blocking CD18 MHM23 antibody, cytochalasin B, and D609 (an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine phospholipase C) inhibited this redistribution and the respiratory burst in TNF-treated neutrophils exposed to anti-PR3 or anti-MPO antibodies. Our results indicate direct effects of TNF-alpha in facilitating neutrophil activation by these antibodies and further support the importance of cytoskeletal rearrangements in this priming process.

Identification of an actin-binding site in p47 phox an organizer protein of NADPH oxidase

Actin has been reported to enhance the superoxide-generating activity of neutrophil NADPH oxidase in a cell-free system and to interact with p47 phox , a regulatory subunit of the oxidase. In the present study, we searched for an actin-binding site in p47 phox by far-western blotting and blot-binding assays using truncated forms of p47 phox . The amino-acid sequence 319–337 was identified as an actin-binding site, and a synthetic peptide of this sequence bound to actin. The sequence shows no homology to other known actin-binding motifs. It is located in the autoinhibitory region of p47 phox and includes Ser-328, a phosphorylation site essential for unmasking. Although a phosphorylation-mimetic p47 phox mutant bound to actin with a lower affinity than the wild type, the same mutant interacted with filamentous actin more efficiently than the wild type. A mutant peptide p47 phox (319–337, Ser328Glu) bound to filamentous actin more tightly than to monomer actin. These results suggest that p47 phox moves to cortical actin when it becomes unmasked in the cells.

Reconstitution of Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase Activity in Murine X-CGD Following Transplantation of Retrovirus-Transduced Marrow: Potential Impact of Submyeloablative Conditioning.

X-linked chronic granulomatous disease (X-CGD) is an inherited disorder of innate immunity in which neutrophils lack the superoxide-generating NADPH oxidase, resulting in recurrent pyogenic infections. Genetic blood diseases can potentially be treated by transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) transduced with the functional gene. However, in the absence of a selective advantage for HSC following genetic correction, marrow conditioning is required to enhance engraftment. The current study examined the efficacy of 300 cGy as submyeloablative conditioning using a murine model of X-CGD. We compared reconstitution of peripheral blood neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity in female recipients conditioned with either 300 cGy or ablative irradiation prior to transplantation of male bone marrow transduced with a monocistronic retroviral vector for expression of gp91phox, the product of the X-CGD gene, in the SFFV (spleen focus forming virus) backbone. Transduced cells were transplanted into each of 6 mice receiving 300 cGy (8 x 106 cells per recipient) and also into each of five 1100 cGy-irradiated mice (2 x 106 cells per recipient). Chimerism for donor cells in the 300 cGy group ranged from 40-75 % at 6 months (mean ± SD 63 ± 16%), as monitored by FISH for the Y chromosome. The fraction of oxidase-positive cells in the 1100 cGy group at 6 months was 41 ± 11%, and was stable in this range after 2 months post-transplant. Unexpectedly, the fraction of oxidase-positive donor neutrophils was higher in recipients conditioned with 300 cGy, which increased from 44 ± 17% at four months (N=6) to 100% (N=4) at six months, and was 61, 63, and 100% in 3 mice available for study at nine months. Two mice in each group were sacrificed at five months for analysis of vector copy number in spleen DNA, which was 2–3 in both the 300 and 1100 cGy-irradiated groups. In a second experiment, in 1 of 8 mice conditioned with 300 cGy prior to transplantation of 5 x 106 SFFV-91 transduced cells, the frequency of oxidase positive donor neutrophils was 75% at 5 months compared to 19 ± 6% oxidase-positive donor neutrophils in the other 7 mice and in the group conditioned with 950 cGy (18 ± 5%). Ongoing studies include analysis of provirus marking and insertion sites in secondary and tertiary CFU-S. There has been no evidence of abnormal hematopoiesis in primary and secondary transplant recipients. In summary, 300 cGy is effective conditioning for engraftment of transduced marrow in a murine model of X-CGD, and some recipients had an unexpectedly higher fraction of oxidase-corrected donor neutrophils compared to cohorts conditioned with ablative irradiation. Our previous studies suggest that recipients conditioned with submyeloablative irradiation provide a more competitive environment for engraftment of donor cells undergoing the retroviral transduction procedure (Goebel, et al Exp Hem 30, 1432, 2002). We thus postulate that a higher frequency of gene-corrected donor neutrophils in 300 cGy-conditioned murine recipients might reflect a selective advantage for proviral integration at loci that are active in myeloid cells.

Single-cell Raman and fluorescence microscopy reveal the association of lipid bodies with phagosomes in leukocytes

Cellular imaging techniques based on vibrational spectroscopy have become powerful tools in cell biology because the molecular composition of subcellular compartments can be visualized without the need for labeling. Using high-resolution, nonresonant confocal Raman microscopy on individual cells, we demonstrate here that lipid bodies (LBs) rich in arachidonate as revealed by their Raman spectra associate with latex bead-containing phagosomes in neutrophilic granulocytes. This finding was corroborated in macrophages and in PLB-985 cells, which can be induced to differentiate into neutrophil-like cells, by selective staining of LBs and visualization by confocal fluorescence microscopy. We further show that the accumulation of LBs near phagosomes is mediated at least in part by the flavohemoprotein gp91phox (in which "phox" is phagocyte oxidase), because different LB distributions around phagocytosed latex beads were observed in WT and gp91phox-deficient PLB-985 cells. gp91phox, which accumulates in the phagosomal membrane, is the catalytic subunit of the leukocyte NADPH oxidase, a critical enzyme in the innate immune response. Finally, time-lapse fluorescence microscopy experiments on neutrophils revealed that the LB-phagosome association is transient, similar to the "kiss-and-run" behavior displayed by endosomes involved in phagosome maturation. Because arachidonic acid (AA) has been shown to be involved in NADPH oxidase activation and phagosome maturation in neutrophils and macrophages, respectively, the findings reported here suggest that LBs may provide a reservoir of AA for local activation of these essential leukocyte functions.

Neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activation by an annexin AI peptide is transduced by the formyl peptide receptor (FPR), whereas an inhibitory signal is generated independently of the FPR family receptors

Truncation of the N-terminal part of the calcium-regulated and phospholipid-binding protein annexin AI has been shown to change the functional properties of the protein and to generate immunoregulatory peptides. Proinflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory signals are triggered by these peptides, and the two formyl peptide receptor (FPR) family members expressed in neutrophils, FPR and FPR-like 1 (FPRL1), have been suggested to transduce these signals. We now report that an annexin AI peptide (Ac9-25) activates, as well as inhibits, the neutrophil release of superoxide anions. Results obtained from experiments with receptor antagonists/inhibitors, desensitized cells, and transfected cells reveal that the Ac9-25 peptide activates the neutrophil reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase through FPR but not through FPRL1. The Ac9-25 peptide also inhibits the oxidase activity in neutrophils triggered, not only by the FPR-specific agonist N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe but also by several other agonists operating through different G protein-coupled receptors. Our data show that the two signals generated by the Ac9-25 peptide are transmitted through different receptors, the inhibitory signal being transduced by a not-yet identified receptor distinct from FPR and FPRL1.

Src-mediated Tyrosine Phosphorylation of p47phox in Hyperoxia-induced Activation of NADPH Oxidase and Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species in Lung Endothelial Cells

Superoxide (O(2)(-)) production by nonphagocytes, similar to phagocytes, is by activation of the NADPH oxidase multicomponent system. Although activation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase involves extensive serine phosphorylation of p47(phox), the role of tyrosine phosphorylation of p47(phox) in NADPH oxidase-dependent O(2)(-) production is unclear. We have shown recently that hyperoxia-induced NADPH oxidase activation in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) is regulated by mitogen-activated protein kinase signal transduction. Here we provided evidence on the role of nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, Src, in hyperoxia-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p47(phox) and NADPH oxidase activation in HPAECs. Exposure of HPAECs to hyperoxia for 1 h resulted in increased O(2)(-) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of Src as determined by Western blotting with phospho-Src antibodies. Pretreatment of HPAECs with the Src kinase inhibitor PP2 (1 mum) or transient expression of a dominant-negative mutant of Src attenuated hyperoxia-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Src and ROS production. Furthermore, exposure of cells to hyperoxia enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of p47(phox) and its translocation to cell peripheries that were attenuated by PP2. In vitro, Src phosphorylated recombinant p47(phox) in a time-dependent manner. Src immunoprecipitates of cell lysates from control cells revealed the presence of immunodetectable p47(phox) and p67(phox), suggesting the association of oxidase components with Src under basal conditions. Moreover, exposure of HPAECs to hyperoxia for 1 h enhanced the association of p47(phox), but not p67(phox), with Src. These results indicated that Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of p47(phox) regulates hyperoxia-induced NADPH oxidase activation and ROS production in HPAECs.

Cytosolic Phospholipase A2-α Is Necessary for Platelet-activating Factor Biosynthesis, Efficient Neutrophil-mediated Bacterial Killing, and the Innate Immune Response to Pulmonary Infection: cPLA2-α DOES NOT REGULATE NEUTROPHIL NADPH OXIDASE ACTIVITY

The role of a cytosolic phospholipase A(2)-alpha (cPLA(2)-alpha) in neutrophil arachidonic acid release, platelet-activating factor (PAF) biosynthesis, NADPH oxidase activation, and bacterial killing in vitro, and the innate immune response to bacterial infection in vivo was examined. cPLA(2)-alpha activity was blocked with the specific cPLA(2)-alpha inhibitor, Pyrrolidine-1 (human cells), or by cPLA(2) -alpha gene disruption (mice). cPLA(2)-alpha inhibition or gene disruption led to complete suppression of neutrophil arachidonate release and PAF biosynthesis but had no effect on neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation, FcgammaII/III or CD11b surface expression, primary or secondary granule secretion, or phagocytosis of Escherichia coli in vitro. In contrast, cPLA(2)-alpha inhibition or gene disruption diminished neutrophil-mediated E. coli killing in vitro, which was partially rescued by exogenous arachidonic acid or PAF but not leukotriene B(4). Following intratracheal inoculation with live E. coli in vivo, pulmonary PAF biosynthesis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and clearance of E. coli were attenuated in cPLA(2)-alpha(-/-) mice compared with wild type littermates. These studies identify a novel role for cPLA(2)-alpha in the regulation of neutrophil-mediated bacterial killing and the innate immune response to bacterial infection.

Lysophosphatidylcholine Modulates Neutrophil Oxidant Production through Elevation of Cyclic AMP

Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) is an oxidized phospholipid present in micromolar concentrations in blood and inflamed tissues. The effects of LPC on neutrophil functions remain incompletely understood, because conflicting reports exist for its stimulatory and inhibitory roles. We report in this study that LPC inhibits superoxide generation in fMLP- and PMA-stimulated neutrophils without affecting fMLP-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and cell viability. This effect was observed with LPC dissolved in ethanol, but not with LPC stock solutions prepared in water or in BSA-containing aqueous solution with sonication. Under the same experimental conditions, platelet-activating factor primed neutrophils for superoxide generation. The inhibitory effect of LPC was observed within 30 s after its application and was maximal at LPC concentrations between 0.1 and 1 muM. Inhibition of superoxide generation was accompanied by a 2.5-fold increase in the intracellular cAMP concentration. In addition, LPC reduced fMLP-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK and Akt and membrane translocation of p67(phox) and p47(phox). The protein kinase A inhibitors H-89 and adenosine 3'5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate Rp-isomer (Rp-cAMP) partially restored superoxide production in LPC-treated neutrophils, indicating involvement of protein kinase A in LPC-mediated inhibition. Using an ex vivo mouse lung perfusion model that measures lung weight change and capillary filtration coefficient, we found that LPC prevented lung vascular injury mediated by fMLP-activated neutrophils. Taken together, these results suggest that LPC-induced elevation of intracellular cAMP is partially responsible for its inhibition of neutrophil NADPH oxidase activation. A similar mechanism of inhibition may be used for the control of neutrophil-mediated tissue injury.

Immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides induce dolphin neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activation in a CpG-independent but phosphorothioate backbone-dependent manner

Immunocytes, which include antigen-presenting cells, B cells, natural killer cells and neutrophils, can be stimulated directly or indirectly with bacterial DNA and synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) with different structures and sequences. In the present study, we investigated the effect of synthetic ODNs on the respiratory burst of dolphin neutrophils using a chemiluminescence assay. Phosphorothioate (PS)-ODNs dose-dependently induced the respiratory burst, while phosphodiester (PO)-ODNs did not, regardless of CpG-content. The PS-ODN-induced activity was completely abolished by the flavoprotein inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium, which indicates that the NADPH-oxidase is activated by PS-ODNs. These results reveal that PS-ODNs induce dolphin neutrophil NADPH-oxidase activation in a CpG motif-independent but phosphorothioate-dependent manner.

Arachidonic Acid Rescues Defects on PMA-Elicited NADPH Oxidase Activity in Rac2-Deficient Neutrophils.

Rac2 is a hematopoietic-specific Rho-GTPase implicated as an important constituent of the NADPH oxidase complex. We previously showed that Rac2 plays a stimulus-specific role in regulating NADPH oxidase activation and other functional responses in neutrophils [Kim and Dinauer, JI 166, 2001]. Here we investigate the effect of arachidonic acid (AA) on Rac2-regulated NADPH oxidase activity. Superoxide production in rac2-/- neutrophils was significantly lower (~4-fold) than that of wild-type when stimulated with PMA or AA alone. However, exogenously added AA (10 μM) fully restored the defect in PMA-elicited NADPH oxidase activity in rac2−/ − neutrophils, while having no effect on FMLP-elicited superoxide production. Impaired PMA- or AA-induced F-actin polymerization in rac2−/ − neutrophils was also not restored by co-stimulation with PMA and AA. Taken together, these observations suggest that there are agonist- and pathway-specific differences in the underlying basis of functional defects in rac2−/ − neutrophils. To further investigate possible mechanisms of AA-mediated rescue of PMA-stimulated NADPH oxidase activation in rac2−/ − neutrophils, we measured protein expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and protein kinase C (PKC). The expression of cPLA2 and PMA-stimulated release of AA was similar between wild-type and rac2−/ − neutrophils, suggesting that defects in AA production by PMA-stimulated rac2−/ − neutrophils do not account for the effect of exogenous AA on oxidase activity. The neutrophil expression of PKC isoforms (α, β, δ, ζ) was also similar between genotypes. The cytosolic p47phox and p67phox components of NADPH oxidase were translocated to the plasma membrane upon stimulation with PMA in both genotypes, and no additional translocation in either wild-type or rac2−/ − neutrophils was detected upon co-stimulation with AA. The level of activated Rac1-GTP was similar between genotypes following stimulation, and was not increased by co-stimulation with PMA and AA. These studies indicate that the addition of exogenous AA reconstitutes PMA-elicited superoxide production in rac2−/ − neutrophils independent of the effects on translocation of p47phox and p67phox and activation of Rac1 GTPase. We hypothesize that the effect of AA is exerted through conformational changes of the assembled NADPH oxidase.

Stimulators of AMP-activated protein kinase inhibit the respiratory burst in human neutrophils

In the present study, we have examined the potential ability of 5 ′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to modulate NADPH oxidase activity in human neutrophils. AMPK activated with either 5 ′-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside (AICAR) or with 5 ′-AMP significantly attenuated both phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine-stimulated superoxide anion (O 2 − ) release by human neutrophils, consistently with a reduced translocation to the cell membrane and phosphorylation of a cytosolic component of NADPH oxidase, namely p47 phox. AMPK was found to be present in human neutrophils and to become phosphorylated in response to either AICAR or other stimulators of its enzyme activity. Furthermore, AICAR also strongly reduced PMA-dependent H 2O 2 release, and induced the phosphorylation of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (p46), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Present data demonstrate for the first time that the activation of AMPK, in states of low cellular energy charge (such as under high levels of 5 ′-AMP) or other signals, could be a factor contributing to reduce the host defense mechanisms.