Bone Marrow Monocyte-derived Macrophages Research Articles

Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation through Tumor Necrosis Factor Stimulated Gene-6.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been highlighted as a potent therapeutic option for conditions with excessive osteoclast activity such as systemic and local bone loss in rheumatic disease. In addition to their immunomodulatory functions, MSCs also directly suppress osteoclast differentiation and activation by secreting osteoprotegerin (OPG) and IL-10 but the underlying mechanisms are still to be clarified. Tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) is a potent anti-inflammatory molecule that inhibits osteoclast activation and has been shown to mediate MSC's immunomodulatory functions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether adipose tissue-derived MSC (ADMSC) inhibits the differentiation from osteoclast precursors to mature osteoclasts through TSG-6. Human ADMSCs were co-cultured with bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMMs) from DBA/1J or B6 mouse in the presence of osteoclastogenic condition (M-CSF 10 ng/mL and RANKL 10 ng/mL). In some co-culture groups, ADMSCs were transfected with siRNA targeting TSG-6 or OPG to determine their role in osteoclastogenesis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in culture supernatant and mRNA expression of osteoclast markers were investigated. TRAP+ multinucleated cells and F-actin ring formation were counted. ADMSCs significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation under osteoclastogenic conditions. Suppression of TSG-6 significantly reversed the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation in a degree similar to that of OPG based on TRAP activity, mRNA expression of osteoclast markers, and numbers of TRAP+ multinucleated cell and F-actin ring formation. This study demonstrated that ADMSCs inhibit osteoclast differentiation through TSG-6 under osteoclastogenic conditions.

Modified Quinoxaline‐Fused Oleanolic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Osteoclastogenesis and Potential Agent in Anti‐Osteoporosis

AbstractOsteoporosis is one of the most common diseases for aged people, posing a heavy burden to our aging society. Inhibition of osteoclastogenesis is a main strategy to prevent bone loss or bone micro architecture deterioration caused by postmenopausal osteoporosis. In current study, a series of quinoxaline‐fused oleanolic acid (QOA) derivatives were designed and synthesized. Their inhibitory activity on receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis was evaluated using a cell‐based tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay. The most potent compound, QOA derivative 5 l, showed an IC50 at 62.4 nM, and cytotoxicity assay of bone marrow‐derived monocyte/macrophage (BMDMs) suggested that the inhibition of 5 l on osteoclast differentiation was not due to its cytotoxicity. More importantly, 5 l attenuated bone loss in the bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) mice model, and preliminary mechanism study indicated that 5 l affected the early stage of osteoclastogenesis. Our data demonstrated that these QOA derivatives might serve as potential leads for the development of new anti‐osteoporosis agents.

A silent agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors modulates inflammation ex vivo and attenuates EAE

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are best known to function as ligand-gated ion channels in the nervous system. However, recent evidence suggests that nicotine modulates inflammation by desensitizing non-neuronal nAChRs, rather than by inducing channel opening. Silent agonists are molecules that selectively induce the desensitized state of nAChRs while producing little or no channel opening. A silent agonist of α7 nAChRs has recently been shown to reduce inflammation in an animal model of inflammatory pain. The objective of this study was to determine whether a silent agonist of α7 nAChRs can also effectively modulate inflammation and disease manifestation in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. We first evaluated the effects of various nAChR ligands and of an α7 nAChR-selective silent agonist, 1-ethyl-4-(3-(bromo)phenyl)piperazine (m-bromo PEP), on the modulation of mouse bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMDM) numbers, phenotype and cytokine production. The non-competitive antagonist mecamylamine and the silent agonist m-bromo PEP reduced pro-inflammatory BMDM numbers by affecting their viability and proliferation. Both molecules also significantly reduced cytokine production by mouse BMDMs and significantly ameliorated disease in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Finally, m-bromo PEP also reduced chronic inflammatory pain in mice. Taken together, our results further support the hypothesis that nAChRs may modulate inflammation via receptor desensitization rather than channel opening. α7 nAChR-selective silent agonists may thus be a novel source of anti-inflammatory compounds that could be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Allograft inflammatory factor-1 supports macrophage survival and efferocytosis and limits necrosis in atherosclerotic plaques

Background and aimsAllograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF1) has been characterized as a pro-inflammatory molecule expressed primarily in the monocyte/macrophage (MP) lineage and positively associated with various forms of vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Studies of AIF1 in atherosclerosis have relied on mouse models in which AIF1 was overexpressed in either myeloid or smooth muscle cells, resulting in increased atherosclerotic plaque burden. How physiologic expression of AIF1 contributes to MP biology in atherogenesis is not known. MethodsEffects of global AIF1 deficiency on atherosclerosis were assessed by crossing Aif1−/− and ApoE−/− mice, and provoking hyperlipidemia with high fat diet feeding. Atherosclerotic plaques were studied en face and in cross section. Bone marrow-derived MPs (BMDMs) were isolated from Aif1−/− mice for study in culture. ResultsAtherosclerotic plaques in Aif1−/−;ApoE−/− mice showed larger necrotic cores compared to those in ApoE−/− animals, without change in overall lesion burden. In vitro, lack of AIF1 reduced BMDM survival, phagocytosis, and efferocytosis. Mechanistically, AIF1 supported activation of the NF-κB pathway and expression of related target genes involved in stress response, inflammation, and apoptosis. Consistent with this in vitro BMDM phenotype, AIF1 deficiency reduced NF-κB pathway activity in vivo and increased apoptotic cell number in atherosclerotic lesions from Aif1−/−;ApoE−/− mice. ConclusionsThese findings characterize AIF1 as a positive regulator of the NF-κB pathway that supports MP functions such as survival and efferocytosis. In inflammatory settings such as atherosclerosis, these AIF1-dependent activities serve to clear cellular and other debris and limit necrotic core expansion, and may oppose lesion destabilization.

Roles of macrophages in formation and progression of intracranial aneurysms

Studies have shown that chronic inflammatory response plays a key role in intracranial aneurysms (IA) formation and progression, and macrophages regulate the formation and progression of IA through a variety of pathways. Bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages and resident-tissue macrophages infiltrate the vessel wall, after infiltration macrophages are polarized into various polarization phenotypes dominated by M1-like and M2-like cells. Polarized phenotypes of macrophages can regulate the formation and progression of intracranial aneurysms by releasing cytokines and regulating the inflammatory response of other immune cells, as well as release different cytokines to regulate the process of extracellular matrix remodeling. Some important progresses have been made in the clinical detection and treatment in targeting macrophages. This review provides a summary on the pathogenesis of IA and potential drug targets to prevent the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysms.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor silent agonists modulate inflammation

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have been increasingly studied for their immune regulatory properties. nAChRs are best known to function as ligand‐gated ion channels in neurons, however, recent evidence suggests that nicotine modulates inflammation by desensitizing non‐neuronal nAChRs, rather than by inducing channel opening. The objective of this study was to determine whether nAChR‐dependent anti‐inflammatory properties are due to channel desensitization. To this end, we made use of various nAChR ligands, including: 1) nicotine, a nAChR non‐selective agonist that also desensitizes the receptors; 2) AR‐R17779, an α7 nAChR subtype‐selective agonist; 3) α‐bungarotoxin, an α7 and α9 nAChR‐selective competitive antagonist, 4) mecamylamine, a non‐selective and non‐competitive antagonist; 5) N,N‐diethyl‐N’‐phenylpiperazine (DEPP)‐based silent agonists that selectively induce the desensitized state of α7 nAChR while producing little or no channel opening. We first evaluated the effects of these various nAChR ligands on the modulation of mouse and human monocyte/macrophage numbers, phenotype and cytokine production. Monocyte phenotype, cellular viability, proliferation and cytokine production were assessed by flow cytometry. In bone marrow‐derived monocyte/macrophage (BMDM) cell cultures, nicotine, mecamylamine and silent agonists reduced pro‐inflammatory monocyte numbers by affecting their viability and proliferation. The silent agonists also significantly reduced both LPS‐ and ATP‐induced cytokine production by mouse BMDMs. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the silent agonists tested had modest effects on monocyte numbers and phenotype. However, LPS‐ and ATP‐induced cytokine production by human blood‐derived immune cells (PBMCs and whole blood) was inhibited by silent agonists. Taken together, our results suggest that nAChRs modulate pro‐inflammatory monocyte numbers and function via receptor desensitization rather than channel opening. nAChR silent agonists may thus be a novel source of anti‐inflammatory compounds that could be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.Support or Funding InformationThis work was supported by the MS Society of Canada, the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation and NIH.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Anti-IFN-γ Antibody Promotes Osteoclastogenesis in Human Bone Marrow Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Co-Cultured with Tuberculosis-Activated Th1 Cells

Background/Aims: Tuberculosis induces bone loss and activates Th1 cells that play an important role in the host defense of Bacille Calmette-Guérin tuberculosis vaccine. However, the role of tuberculosis-activated Th1 cells in differentiation of osteoclast precursors to osteoclasts is unclear. As secretion of IFN-γ in Th1 cells is induced by tuberculosis, we aimed to investigate the role of anti-IFN-γ antibody on the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts in bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages (BMMs). Methods: BMMs were isolated and co-cultured with CD4+T helper 1 cells (Th1 cells), pretreated with anti-IFN-γ antibody. Then, cell proliferation, expression and release of cytokines, formation of actin ring, differentiation of osteoclasts and bone resorption function were measured by CCK8 assay, qRT-PCR/Western blot/flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence, tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone absorbance assay, respectively. Results: Anti-IFN-γ antibody inhibited the cell viability of BMMs, and induced the expressions of RANKL, TNF-α, NF-κB and TRAF6 in BMMs. In addition, it led to increased expression levels of RANK on cell surfaces, and increased production of RANKL, TNF-α, MCP-1 and SDF-1. Anti-IFN-γ antibody also induced the expression of osteoclast differentiation factor and actin ring formation, but inhibited the expression of osteoprotegerin. TRAP staining and bone resorption assays showed that anti-IFN-γ antibody induced an increase in osteoclast formation and bone resorption. Conclusion: The anti-IFN-γ antibody induced osteoclast formation, and is probably mediated by RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB, that induces TRAF6 in the RANKL-RANK signaling pathway. Our data suggest an inhibitory role for IFN-γ in osteoclast formation induced by tuberculosis.

Viperin Deficiency Promotes Polarization of Macrophages and Secretion of M1 and M2 Cytokines.

Viperin is a multifunctional protein that was first identified in human primary macrophages treated with interferon-γ and in human fibroblasts infected with human cytomegalovirus. This protein plays a role as an anti-viral protein and a regulator of cell signaling pathways or cellular metabolism when induced in a variety of cells such as fibroblasts, hepatocytes and immune cells including T cells and dendritic cells. However, the role of viperin in macrophages is unknown. Here, we show that viperin is basally expressed in murine bone marrow cells including monocytes. Its expression is maintained in bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages (BMDMs) depending on macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) treatment but not on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) treatment. In wild type (WT) and viperin knockout (KO) BMDMs differentiated with M-CSF or G-MCSF, there are little differences at the gene expression levels of M1 and M2 macrophage markers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase-1, and cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10, indicating that viperin expression in BMDMs does not affect the basal gene expression of macrophage markers and cytokines. However, when BMDMs are completely polarized, the levels of expression of macrophage markers and secretion of cytokines in viperin KO M1 and M2 macrophages are significantly higher than those in WT M1 and M2 macrophages. The data suggest that viperin plays a role as a regulator in polarization of macrophages and secretion of M1 and M2 cytokines.

THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF HEMATOPOIETIC GROWTH FACTORS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF CEREBRAL AMYLOIDOSIS

Emerging evidence has revealed that dysfunction of the innate immune system for Aβ clearance plays a key role in cerebral Aβ deposition and in Alzheimer's disease progression. Our earlier study has demonstrated that the combination of stem cell factor (SCF) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) (SCF+G-CSF), the two essential hematopoietic growth factors, increases bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMDM) recruitment, enhances the association of BMDMs with amyloid plagues, and reduces Aβ deposits in APP/PS1 mice 9 months after treatment. The aim of this study is to further identify the therapeutic efficacy of SCF, G-CSF, or SCF+G-CSF in APP/PS1 mice. Male APP/PS1 mice (10 month old) were randomized to receive 12- day injections (s.c.) of either vehicle solution, SCF (200μg/kg), G-CSF (50μg/kg), or SCF+G-CSF. Age-matched wild-type (WT) mice served as normal controls. The spatial learning and memory was evaluated by water maze testing at 3 and 7 months post-treatment. The Aβ load in the brain was determined by ELISA, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Thioflavin-S staining 8 months after treatment. APP/PS1 control mice spent significantly longer time to find the hidden platform than WT mice. SCF+G-CSF-treated APP/PS1mice found the platform significantly faster than vehicle controls, SCF alone- or G-CSF alone-treated APP/PS1 mice 3 months after treatment. At this time point, no difference was found between SCF+G-CSF-treated APP/PS1mice and WT mice, but significant difference was observed between SCF- or G-CSF-treated APP/PS1mice and WT mice. At 7 months post-treatment, the latency to find the platform was significantly reduced in SCF+G-CSF-treated or SCF-treated APP/PS1 mice. Eight months after treatment, only SCF+G-CSF treatment showed a significant reduction of Aβ1–40, Aβ 1–42. The deposition of Aβ (4G8+, Thioflavin-S+) was significantly decreased by SCF+G-CSF in both the cortex and hippocampus, while G-CSF alone only showed reduction in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. SCF+G-CSF has synergistic effects in long-term improvement of cognitive function, and long-lasting reduction of brain Aβ load in APP/PS1mice. This study suggests a robust therapeutic potential of SCF and G-CSF combination over SCF or G-CSF alone in treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This study was supported by the NIA/NIH in the United States (R01AG051674).

The Inactivation of ERK1/2, p38 and NF-kB Is Involved in the Down-Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis and Function by A2B Adenosine Receptor Stimulation.

A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR) is known to be the regulator of bone homeostasis, but its regulatory mechanisms in osteoclast formation are less well-defined. Here, we demonstrate the effect of A2BAR stimulation on osteoclast differentiation and activity by RANKL. A2BAR was expressed in bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMM) and RANKL increased A2BAR expression during osteoclastogenesis. A2BAR stimulation with its specific agonist BAY 60-6583 was sufficient to inhibit the activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAP kinases and NF-κB by RANKL as well as it abrogated cell-cell fusion in the late stage of osteoclast differentiation. Stimulation of A2BAR suppressed the expression of osteoclast marker genes, such as c-Fos, TRAP, Cathepsin-K and NFATc1, induced by RANKL, and transcriptional activity of NFATc1 was also inhibited by stimulation of A2BAR. A2BAR stimulation caused a notable reduction in the expression of Atp6v0d2 and DC-STAMP related to cell-cell fusion of osteoclasts. Especially, a decrease in bone resorption activity through suppression of actin ring formation by A2BAR stimulation was observed. Taken together, these results suggest that A2BAR stimulation inhibits the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and NF-κB by RANKL, which suppresses the induction of osteoclast marker genes, thus contributing to the decrease in osteoclast cell-cell fusion and bone resorption activity.

The Ron Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Regulates Macrophage Heterogeneity and Plays a Protective Role in Diet-Induced Obesity, Atherosclerosis, and Hepatosteatosis.

Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated in large part by the activation of inflammatory macrophages. This chronic inflammation underlies a whole host of diseases including atherosclerosis, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, among others. Macrophages are generally classified as either inflammatory or alternatively activated. Some tissue-resident macrophages are derived from yolk sac erythromyeloid progenitors and fetal liver progenitors that seed tissues during embryogenesis and have the ability to repopulate through local proliferation. These macrophages tend to be anti-inflammatory in nature and are generally involved in tissue remodeling, repair, and homeostasis. Alternatively, during chronic inflammation induced by obesity, bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages are recruited to inflamed tissues, where they produce proinflammatory cytokines and exacerbate inflammation. The extent to which these two populations of macrophages are plastic in their phenotype remains controversial. We have demonstrated previously that the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed on tissue-resident macrophages, where it limits inflammatory macrophage activation and promotes a repair phenotype. In this study, we demonstrate that Ron is expressed in a subpopulation of macrophages during chronic inflammation induced by obesity that exhibit a repair phenotype as determined by the expression of arginase 1. In addition, we demonstrate that the Ron receptor plays a protective role in the progression of diet-induced obesity, hepatosteatosis, and atherosclerosis. These results suggest that altering macrophage heterogeneity in vivo could have the potential to alleviate obesity-associated diseases.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 2 and 3 Mediate Bone Marrow-Derived Monocyte/Macrophage Motility in Cholestatic Liver Injury in Mice.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR) system has been implicated in the pathological process of liver injury. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of S1P/S1PR on bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMM) migration in mouse models of cholestatic liver injury, and identify the signaling pathway underlying this process. S1PR1–3 expression in BMM was characterized by immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and Western blot. Cell migration was determined in Boyden chambers. In vivo, the chimera mice, which received BM transplants from EGFP-transgenic mice, received an operation of bile duct ligation (BDL) to induce liver injury with the administration of S1PR2/3 antagonists. The results showed that S1PR1–3 were all expressed in BMMs. S1P exerted a powerful migratory action on BMMs via S1PR2 and S1PR3. Furthermore, PTX and LY-294002 (PI3K inhibitor) prevented S1PR2/3-mediated BMM migration, and Rac1 activation by S1P was inhibited by JTE-013, CAY-10444 or LY294002. Administration of S1PR2/3 antagonists in vivo significantly reduced BMM recruitment in BDL-treated mice, and attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, S1P/S1PR2/3 system mediates BMM motility by PTX-PI3K-Rac1 signaling pathway, which provides new compelling information on the role of S1P/S1PR in liver injury and opens new perspectives for the pharmacological treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Therapeutic effects of glatiramer acetate and grafted CD115+monocytes in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Weekly glatiramer acetate immunization of transgenic mice modelling Alzheimer's disease resulted in retained cognition (Morris water maze test), decreased amyloid-β plaque burden, and regulation of local inflammation through a mechanism involving enhanced recruitment of monocytes. Ablation of bone marrow-derived myeloid cells exacerbated plaque pathology, whereas weekly administration of glatiramer acetate enhanced cerebral recruitment of innate immune cells, which dampened the pathology. Here, we assessed the therapeutic potential of grafted CD115(+) monocytes, injected once monthly into the peripheral blood of transgenic APPSWE/PS1ΔE9 Alzheimer's disease mouse models, with and without weekly immunization of glatiramer acetate, as compared to glatiramer acetate alone. All immune-modulation treatment groups were compared with age-matched phosphate-buffered saline-injected control transgenic and untreated non-transgenic mouse groups. Two independent cohorts of mice were assessed for behavioural performance (6-8 mice/group); treatments started in 10-month-old symptomatic mice and spanned a total of 2 months. For all three treatments, our data suggest a substantial decrease in cognitive deficit as assessed by the Barnes maze test (P < 0.0001-0.001). Improved cognitive function was associated with synaptic preservation and reduction in cerebral amyloid-β protein levels and astrogliosis (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001), with no apparent additive effects for the combined treatment. The peripherally grafted, green fluorescent protein-labelled and endogenous monocytes, homed to cerebral amyloid plaques and directly engulfed amyloid-β; their recruitment was further enhanced by glatiramer acetate. In glatiramer acetate-immunized mice and, moreover, in the combined treatment group, monocyte recruitment to the brain was coupled with greater elevation of the regulatory cytokine IL10 surrounding amyloid-β plaques. All treated transgenic mice had increased cerebral levels of MMP9 protein (P < 0.05), an enzyme capable of degrading amyloid-β, which was highly expressed by the infiltrating monocytes. In vitro studies using primary cultures of bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages, demonstrated that glatiramer acetate enhanced the ability of macrophages to phagocytose preformed fibrillar amyloid-β1-42 (P < 0.0001). These glatiramer acetate-treated macrophages exhibited increased expression of the scavenger receptors CD36 and SCARA1 (encoded by MSR1), which can facilitate amyloid-β phagocytosis, and the amyloid-β-degrading enzyme MMP9 (P < 0.0001-0.001). Overall, our studies indicate that increased cerebral infiltration of monocytes, either by enrichment of their levels in the circulation or by weekly immunization with glatiramer acetate, resulted in substantial attenuation of disease progression in murine Alzheimer's models by mechanisms that involved enhanced cellular uptake and enzymatic degradation of toxic amyloid-β as well as regulation of brain inflammation.

STA‐21, a Promising STAT‐3 Inhibitor That Reciprocally Regulates Th17 and Treg Cells, Inhibits Osteoclastogenesis in Mice and Humans and Alleviates Autoimmune Inflammation in an Experimental Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis

To investigate the impact of STA-21, a promising STAT-3 inhibitor, on the development and progression of inflammatory arthritis and to determine the possible mechanisms by which STA-21 has antiarthritic effects in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-knockout (IL-1Ra-KO) mice, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL-1Ra-KO mice were treated with intraperitoneal injections of STA-21 (0.5 mg/kg) or vehicle 3 times per week for 3 weeks. The mouse joints were assessed for clinical and histologic features of inflammatory arthritis. CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells and CD4+IL-17+ cells were defined. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived monocytes or mouse bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMM) cells were cultured in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor alone or together with RANKL and various concentrations of STA-21, followed by staining of the cells for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity to determine osteoclast formation. STA-21 suppressed inflammatory arthritis in IL-1Ra-KO mice. The proportion of Th17 cells was decreased and the proportion of Treg cells expressing FoxP3 was markedly increased in the spleens of STA-21-treated mice. Adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+ T cells obtained from STA-21-treated IL-1Ra-KO mice markedly suppressed inflammatory arthritis. In vitro treatment with STA-21 induced the expression of FoxP3 and repressed IL-17 expression in both mouse and human CD4+ T cells. Moreover, STA-21 prevented both mouse BMM cells and human monocytes from differentiating into osteoclasts in vitro. STA-21 improved the clinical course of arthritis in IL-1Ra-KO mice. It increased not only the number of Treg cells but also the function of the Treg cells. It also suppressed Th17 cells and osteoclast formation. These data suggest that STA-21 might be an effective treatment for patients with RA.

15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2reduces recruitment of bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophages in chronic liver injury in mice

15-Deoxy-Δ(12,14) -Prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2) ), a natural peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) ligand, has been implicated as a new antiinflammatory compound with possible clinical applications. Based on this concept, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of 15d-PGJ(2) on bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage (BMM) migration, phagocytosis, and cytokine expression after liver injury using mouse models induced by cholestasis or carbon tetrachloride. Mice were lethally irradiated and received bone marrow transplants from enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic mice. Our results showed that recruitment of BMM was significantly increased during chronic liver injury, and that 15d-PGJ(2) administration reduced BMM, but not neutrophil, dendritic, or T cell migration toward the damaged liver, involving reactive oxygen species generation and independently of PPAR-γ. Moreover, 15d-PGJ(2) inhibited the phagocytic activity of BMM and down-regulated inflammatory cytokine expression in vivo and in vitro. Accordingly, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were strikingly ameliorated after 15d-PGJ(2) administration. Our findings strongly suggest the antiinflammation and antifibrogenic potential of 15d-PGJ(2) in chronic liver diseases.

Investigating the human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected monocyte-derived macrophage secretome

Mononuclear phagocytes (bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages, alveolar macrophages, perivascular macrophages, and microglia) are reservoirs and vehicles of dissemination for the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). How virus alters mononuclear phagocyte immunoregulatory activities to complete its life cycle and influence disease is incompletely understood. In attempts to better understanding the influence of virus on macrophage functions, we used one-dimensional electrophoresis, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to analyze the secretome of HIV-1-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages. We identified 110 proteins in culture supernatants of control (uninfected) and virus-infected cells. Differentially expressed cytoskeletal, enzymes, redox, and immunoregulatory protein classes were discovered and validated by Western blot tests. These included, but were not limited to, cystatin C, cystatin B, chitinase 3-like 1 protein, cofilin-1, l-plastin, superoxide dismutase, leukotriene A 4 hydrolase, and α-enolase. This study, using a unique proteomics platform, provides novel insights into virus–host cell interactions that likely affect the functional role of macrophages in HIV disease.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Mononuclear Phagocyte Interactions:Emerging Avenues of Biomarker Discovery, Modes of Viral Persistence and Disease Pathogenesis

Mononuclear phagocytes (MP; bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages, histiocytes, alveolar macrophages, Kupffer cells, perivascular macrophages, and microglia) function as sentry and surveillance cells by acting as debris scavengers, killers of microbial pathogens, and regulators of immune responses. Interestingly, these same cells are reservoirs and vehicles of dissemination for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). How virus alters the MP immunoregulatory activities so it can complete its own life cycle and affect disease is only recently being unravelled. Physiologic, anatomic and functional changes also underlie virus-MP interactions and include multinucleated giant cell formation, changes in ion channel expression and cell volume, and robust secretory responses with the production of numerous secretory factors affecting tissue injury. The balance between such MP activities and ability to both mobilize an adaptive immune response to thwart viral growth underlies the progression of viral infection and clinical disease. This review serves to discuss the functions of MP in HIV disease by bringing together what is known with what remains unknown. The advent of functional genomics and proteomics has opened the ways to address the intricacies of viral-host interactions and has provided new avenues for therapeutic interventions and disease monitoring that takes advantage of specific intracellular relationships between the virus and its host cell.

Mononuclear phagocytes in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases

Brain mononuclear phagocytes (MP, bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages, perivascular macrophages, and microglia) function to protect the nervous system by acting as debris scavengers, killers of microbial pathogens, and regulators of immune responses. MP are activated by a variety of environmental cues and such inflammatory responses elicit cell injury and death in the nervous system. MP immunoregulatory responses include secretion of neurotoxic factors, mobilization of adaptive immunity, and cell chemotaxis. This incites tissue remodelling and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. As disease progresses, MP secretions engage neighboring cells in a vicious cycle of autocrine and paracrine amplification of inflammation leading to tissue injury and ultimately destruction. Such pathogenic processes tilt the balance between the relative production of neurotrophic and neurotoxic factors and to disease progression. The ultimate effects that brain MP play in disease revolves "principally" around their roles in neurodegeneration. Importantly, common functions of brain MP in neuroimmunity link highly divergent diseases (for example, human immunodeficiency virus type-one associated dementia, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease). Research into this process from our own laboratories and those of others seek to harness MP inflammatory processes with the intent of developing therapeutic interventions that block neurodegenerative processes and improve the quality of life in affected people.