CD9 Tetraspanin Research Articles

Extracellular vesicles from II trimester human amniotic fluid as paracrine conveyors counteracting oxidative stress

BackgroundWe previously demonstrated that the human amniotic fluid (hAF) from II trimester of gestation is a feasible source of stromal progenitors (human amniotic fluid stem cells, hAFSC), with significant paracrine potential for regenerative medicine. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) separated and concentrated from hAFSC secretome can deliver pro-survival, proliferative, anti-fibrotic and cardioprotective effects in preclinical models of skeletal and cardiac muscle injury. While hAFSC-EVs isolation can be significantly influenced by in vitro cell culture, here we profiled EVs directly concentrated from hAF as an alternative option and investigated their paracrine potential against oxidative stress. MethodsII trimester hAF samples were obtained as leftover material from prenatal diagnostic amniocentesis following written informed consent. EVs were separated by size exclusion chromatography and concentrated by ultracentrifugation. hAF-EVs were assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, Western Blot, and flow cytometry; their metabolic activity was evaluated by oximetric and luminometric analyses and their cargo profiled by proteomics and RNA sequencing. hAF-EV paracrine potential was tested in preclinical in vitro models of oxidative stress and dysfunction on murine C2C12 cells and on 3D human cardiac microtissue. ResultsOur protocol resulted in a yield of 6.31 ± 0.98 × 109 EVs particles per hAF milliliter showing round cup-shaped morphology and 209.63 ± 6.10 nm average size, with relevant expression of CD81, CD63 and CD9 tetraspanin markers. hAF-EVs were enriched in CD133/1, CD326, CD24, CD29, and SSEA4 and able to produce ATP by oxygen consumption. While oxidative stress significantly reduced C2C12 survival, hAF-EV priming resulted in significant rescue of cell viability, with notable recovery of ATP synthesis and concomitant reduction of cell damage and lipid peroxidation activity. 3D human cardiac microtissues treated with hAF-EVs and experiencing H2O2 stress and TGFβ stimulation showed improved survival with a remarkable decrease in the onset of fibrosis. ConclusionsOur results suggest that leftover samples of II trimester human amniotic fluid can represent a feasible source of EVs to counteract oxidative damage on target cells, thus offering a novel candidate therapeutic option to counteract skeletal and cardiac muscle injury.

Cutting Edge: The Tetraspanin CD53 Promotes CXCR4 Signaling and Bone Marrow Homing in B Cells.

B cell trafficking involves the coordinated activity of multiple adhesive and cytokine-receptor interactions, and the players in this process are not fully understood. In this study, we identified the tetraspanin CD53 as a critical regulator of both normal and malignant B cell trafficking. CXCL12 is a key chemokine in B cell homing to the bone marrow and secondary lymphoid organs, and both normal and malignant B cells from Cd53-/- mice have reduced migration toward CXCL12 invitro, as well as impaired marrow homing invivo. Using proximity ligation studies, we identified the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR4, as a novel, to our knowledge, CD53 binding partner. This interaction promotes receptor function, because Cd53-/- B cells display reduced signaling and internalization of CXCR4 in response to CXCL12. Together, our data suggest that CD53 interacts with CXCR4 on both normal and malignant B cells to promote CXCL12 signaling, receptor internalization, and marrow homing.

Tetraspanin CD53 regulates peripheral blood leucocytes vitality and pathogen infection in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Cluster of differentiation 53 (CD53) also known as OX44 or tetraspanin 25 (TSPAN25) is a glycoprotein belonging to the tetraspanin family. Members of the tetraspanin family are characterized by four transmembrane domains, including intracellular N- and C-termini, and small and large extracellular domains. Currently, the function of CD53 in teleost is not well understood. In this study, we identified a CD53 (named SmCD53) from turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and examined its expression and biological activity. SmCD53 contained 231 amino acid residues and was predicted to be a tetraspanin with small and large extracellular domains. SmCD53 expression was observed in different tissues, particularly in immune-related organs. Experimental infection with bacterial or viral pathogen significantly up-regulated SmCD53 expression in a time-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis showed that SmCD53 was localized on the surface of PBL and was recognized by antibody against its large extracellular domain. Ligation of SmCD53 onto PBLs with antibodies suppressed the respiratory burst activity, inflammatory reaction, and enhanced cell viability. SmCD53 knockdown significantly enhanced bacterial dissemination and proliferation in turbot. Overall, these results underscore the importance of CD53 in the maintenance of the function and homeostasis of the immune system.

The Tetraspanin CD53 Promotes the Clonal Advantage of Dnmt3a-Deficient Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Clonal hematopoiesis involves the selective expansion of HSCs with mutations, most commonly in genes such as the epigenetic modifiers TET2 and DNMT3A, and confers an increased risk of hematopoietic malignancies, cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Studies show that Tet2- or Dnmt3a-mutant HSCs expand relative to their WT counterparts in response to inflammatory stress, indicating that under these conditions, mutant HSCs have a resistance to inflammatory cytokines and selective advantage. It has been reported, and confirmed in our lab with confocal microscopy on purified HSCs, that expression of the tetraspanin CD53 is markedly increased in HSCs lacking Dnmt3a or Tet2 compared to WT. While normally expressed at low levels, WT HSCs transiently upregulate CD53 in response to inflammatory stimuli. We recently reported that this transient elevation in CD53 expression protects the function of stressed HSCs by promoting their return to quiescence. Given this role of CD53, we hypothesize that the elevated CD53 in mutant HSCs contributes to their clonal advantage. To test the possible role of CD53 in the expansion of mutant HSCs, we first used lentivirus to enforce expression in WT HSCs and tag them with GFP. Lethally irradiated recipient mice were transplanted with minority populations of sorted CD53-overexpressing HSPCs together with majority populations of WT competitor bone marrow. These experiments revealed that HSCs overexpressing CD53 had superior multilineage engraftment to empty vector control HSCs in primary competitive transplants (10% vs 0.2% GFP+ at 12 weeks). Consistently, serial re-plating assays show that CD53-overexpressing HSCs form a greater number of colonies week to week in Methocult. Next, to address the function of CD53 in mutant HSCs, we assessed HSC function in Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre and Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre;Cd53-/- mice. HSC frequencies at baseline were comparable between groups, and they engrafted similarly in primary competitive transplants into lethally irradiated recipient mice. However, in secondary transplants, Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre;Cd53- /- HSCs exhibited lower overall engraftment compared to Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre HSCs (46% vs. 73% chimerism at 16 weeks post-transplant). In support of this finding, Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav- iCre;Cd53-/- HSCs showed mitigated serial replating capacity in Methocult (2 vs 5+ re-platings). To evaluate CD53's role in mutant HSC clonal expansion in response to inflammatory stress, we generated bone marrow chimeras with either Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre or Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre;Cd53-/- HSCs, along with WT HSCs, and treated them with IFNg daily for 30 days. While Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre HSCs expanded with treatment over WT HSCs, Dnmt3aflx/flx;Vav-iCre;Cd53-/- HSCs did not. Together, these data indicate a critical role for CD53 in promoting mutant HSC clonal expansion. Similar studies with Tet2-mutant mice are ongoing, and other studies underway aim to understand the mechanism by which elevated CD53 supports mutant HSCs.

Small extracellular vesicles have distinct CD81 and CD9 tetraspanin expression profiles in plasma from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but little is known about the composition of specific small EV (sEV) subpopulations. This study aimed to characterize the CD63, CD81 and CD9 tetraspanin profile in the membrane of single EVs in plasma from treatment naïve RA patients and assess potential discrepancies between methotrexate (MTX) responder groups. EVs isolated from plasma were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and detection of surface markers (CD63, CD81 and CD9) on single EVs was performed on the ExoView platform. All RA patients (N = 8) were newly diagnosed, treatment naïve, females, ACPA positive and former smokers. The controls (N = 5) were matched for age and gender. After three months of MTX treatment, responders (N = 4) were defined as those with ΔDAS28 > 1.2 and DAS28 ≤ 3.2 post-treatment. The isolated EVs were 50-200nm in size. The RA patients had a higher proportion of both CD9 and CD81 single positive sEVs compared to healthy controls, while there was a decrease in CD81/CD9 double positive sEVs in patients. Stratification of RA patients into MTXresponders and non-responders revealed a distinctly higher proportion of CD81 single positive sEVs in the responder group. The proportion of CD81/CD9 double positive sEVs (anti-CD9 captured) was lower in the non-responders, but increased upon 3months of MTXtreatment. Our exploratory study revealed distinct tetraspanin profiles in RA patients suggesting their implication in RA pathophysiology and MTX treatment response.

Antimicrobial Effects of Tetraspanin CD9 Peptide against Microbiota Causing Armpit Malodour.

Synthetic peptides, including tetraspanin CD9 peptides, are increasingly coming into focus as new treatment strategies against various organisms, including bacteria, that cause underarm odour. The use of deodorants and antiperspirants is associated with side effects. Therefore, it is critical to find an alternative therapeutic approach to combat underarm odour. The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial effect of tetraspanin CD9 peptides against the skin microbiota that cause malodour in the underarms. The antimicrobial activity of CD9 peptides against Micrococcus luteus (M. luteus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis), and Corynebacterium xerosis (C. xerosis) was investigated by the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by broth microdilution assays using CD9 peptide concentrations ranging from 1 mg/mL to 0.0078 mg/mL. In addition, the anti-biofilm activity of the CD9 peptides was determined. The CD9 peptides showed different antibacterial activity with an inhibition zone of 7.67, 9.67, 7.00, and 6.00 mm for S. epidermidis, M. luteus, C. xerosis, and B. subtilis, respectively. All bacteria had the same MBC value of 1 mg/mL. A high MIC of CD9 peptides was observed for S. epidermidis and M. luteus at 0.5 mg/mL. The MIC values of B. subtilis and C. xerosis were 0.125 mg/mL and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. CD9 peptides significantly inhibited biofilm development of S. epidermidis, B. subtilis, and C. xerosis isolates. The CD9 tetraspanin peptide has excellent antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause underarm odour. Therefore, the CD9 tetraspanin peptide is a promising alternative to deodorants and antiperspirants to combat commensal bacteria of the skin that cause underarm odour.

Opium may affect coronary artery disease by inducing inflammation but not through the expression of CD9, CD36, and CD68.

The molecular mechanisms of opium action with regard to coronary artery disease (CAD) have not yet been determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of opium on the expression of scavenger receptors including CD36, CD68, and CD9 tetraspanin in monocytes and the plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) in CAD patients with and without opium addiction. This case-control study was conducted on three groups: (1) opium-addicted CAD patients (CAD + OA, n = 30); (2) CAD patients with no opium addiction (CAD, n = 30); and (3) individuals without CAD and opium addiction as the control group (Ctrl, n = 17). The protein and mRNA levels of CD9, CD36, and CD68 were evaluated by the flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) methods, respectively. The consumption of atorvastatin, aspirin, and glyceryl trinitrate was found be higher in the CAD groups compared with the control group. The plasma level of TNF-α was significantly higher in the CAD + OA group than in the CAD and Ctrl groups (p = 0.001 and p = 0.005, respectively). MDA levels significantly increased in CAD and CAD + OA patients in comparison with the Ctrl group (p = 0.010 and p = 0.002, respectively). No significant differences were found in CD9, CD36, CD68, IFN-γ, and NOx between the three groups. The findings demonstrated that opium did not have a significant effect on the expression of CD36, CD68, and CD9 at gene and protein levels, but it might be involved in the development of CAD by inducing inflammation through other mechanisms.

A Rapid, Convergent Approach to the Identification of Exosome Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Models.

Targeting cancer cell exosome release and biogenesis represents a potentially efficient means to treat tumors and prevent cancer recurrence/metastasis; however, the complexity and time-consuming nature of currently employed methods to purify and characterize exosomes represent obstacles to progression. Herein, we describe a rapid, convergent, and cost-efficient strategy to analyze candidate U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that inhibit exosome release and/or biogenesis using breast cancer cell line models in the hope of repurposing them for the clinical treatment of metastatic tumors. We combined the ExoScreen assay based on AlphaScreenTM technology with the antibody-mediated detection of an atypical lipid (lysobisphosphatidic acid - LBPA) present in the intra-luminal vesicle/exosomal fraction to achieve both extracellular and intracellular information on exosome modulation after treatment. As proof of concept for this strategy, we identified docetaxel, biscurcumin, primaquine, and doxorubicin as potential exosome release inhibitors in the Her-2 positive MDA-MB-453 and luminal A MCF7 cell lines. Dinaciclib also functioned as an exosome release inhibitor in MCF7 cells. Further, we explored the expression of proteins involved in exosome biogenesis (TSG101, CD9 tetraspanin, Alix, SMase2) and release (Rab11, Rab27) to decipher and validate the possible molecular mechanisms of action of the identified exosome inhibitors. We anticipate that our approach could help to create robust high-throughput screening methodologies to accelerate drug repurposing when using FDA-approved compound libraries and to develop rationally-designed single/combination therapies (including nanomedicines) that can target metastasis progression by modulating exosome biogenesis or release in various tumor types.

The tetraspanin CD53 protects stressed hematopoietic stem cells via promotion of DREAM complex–mediated quiescence

AbstractThe hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) cycle responds to inflammatory and other proliferative stressors; however, these cells must quickly return to quiescence to avoid exhaustion and maintain their functional integrity. The mechanisms that regulate this return to quiescence are not well understood. Here, we show that tetraspanin CD53 is markedly upregulated in HSCs in response to a variety of inflammatory and proliferative stimuli and that the loss of CD53 is associated with prolonged cycling and reduced HSC function in the context of inflammatory stress. Mechanistically, CD53 promotes the activity of the dimerization partner, RB-like, E2F, and multi-vulva class B (DREAM) transcriptional repressor complex, which downregulates genes associated with cycling and division. Proximity labeling and confocal fluorescence microscopy studies showed that CD53 interacts with DREAM-associated proteins, specifically promoting the interaction between Rbl2/p130 and its phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), effectively stabilizing p130 protein availability for DREAM binding. Together, these data identified a novel mechanism by which stressed HSCs resist cycling.

Anti-Human CD9 Fab Fragment Antibody Blocks the Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Increase in Malignancy of Colon Cancer Cells.

Intercellular communication between cancer cells themselves or with healthy cells in the tumor microenvironment and/or pre-metastatic sites plays an important role in cancer progression and metastasis. In addition to ligand–receptor signaling complexes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as novel mediators of intercellular communication both in tissue homeostasis and in diseases such as cancer. EV-mediated transfer of molecular activities impacting morphological features and cell motility from highly metastatic SW620 cells to non-metastatic SW480 cells is a good in vitro example to illustrate the increased malignancy of colorectal cancer leading to its transformation and aggressive behavior. In an attempt to intercept the intercellular communication promoted by EVs, we recently developed a monovalent Fab fragment antibody directed against human CD9 tetraspanin and showed its effectiveness in blocking the internalization of melanoma cell-derived EVs and the nuclear transfer of their cargo proteins into recipient cells. Here, we employed the SW480/SW620 model to investigate the anti-cancer potential of the anti-CD9 Fab antibody. We first demonstrated that most EVs derived from SW620 cells contain CD9, making them potential targets. We then found that the anti-CD9 Fab antibody, but not the corresponding divalent antibody, prevented internalization of EVs from SW620 cells into SW480 cells, thereby inhibiting their phenotypic transformation, i.e., the change from a mesenchymal-like morphology to a rounded amoeboid-like shape with membrane blebbing, and thus preventing increased cell migration. Intercepting EV-mediated intercellular communication in the tumor niche with an anti-CD9 Fab antibody, combined with direct targeting of cancer cells, could lead to the development of new anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.

Tetraspanin CD53 controls Tcell immunity through regulation of CD45RO stability, mobility, and function.

T cells depend on the phosphatase CD45 to initiate Tcell receptor signaling. Although the critical role of CD45 in Tcells is established, the mechanisms controlling function and localization in the membrane are not well understood. Moreover, the regulation of specific CD45 isoforms in Tcell signaling remains unresolved. By using unbiased mass spectrometry, we identify the tetraspanin CD53 as a partner of CD45 and show that CD53 controls CD45 function and Tcell activation. CD53-negative Tcells (Cd53-/-) exhibit substantial proliferation defects, and Cd53-/- mice show impaired tumor rejection and reduced IFNγ-producing Tcells compared with wild-type mice. Investigation into the mechanism reveals that CD53 is required for CD45RO expression and mobility. In addition, CD53 is shown to stabilize CD45 on the membrane and is required for optimal phosphatase activity and subsequent Lck activation. Together, our findings reveal CD53 as a regulator of CD45 activity required for Tcell immunity.

The tetraspanin CD53 as a novel regulator for B cell trafficking

Abstract Migration and homing of B cells involves a myriad of adhesion molecules and chemokines that enable the movement of B cells from one part of the body to another. This tightly regulated process is important to facilitate maturation and optimize B cell function. Accordingly, loss of proper adhesive interactions leads to reduced immunoglobulin production and impaired immune function. As a family, tetraspanins regulate cellular growth, survival, and migration. Specifically, the tetraspanin CD53 has been implicated in early B cell development and immunoglobulin production; yet a role for CD53 in B cell trafficking has not been studied. Using a Cd53−/− mouse, we find that splenic B cells have significantly reduced transmigration when placed on a monolayer of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, compared to WT B cells (1.7% vs 4.2% transmigration, p<0.0001). We next profiled chemotaxis in response to CXCL12 using a transwell assay and found significantly less migration of Cd53−/− bone marrow-derived pre-B cells (3.2% vs 5.0% of input, p<0.01) and Cd53−/− splenic B cells (14% vs 20% of input, p<0.001), compared to WT littermates. Splenic B cells from Cd53−/− mice also had significantly impaired in vivo homing to both the bone marrow (2.8% vs 7.7%, p<0.01) and spleen (2.6% vs 7.3%, p<0.001) compared to WT splenic B cells. Upon ex vivo stimulation of splenic B cells with CXCL12, loss of CD53 resulted in significantly less phosphorylation of the signaling mediators Akt (7.8% vs 12.2%, p<0.001) and Erk (12% vs 23%, p<0.0001), measured by flow cytometry. Together, these data suggest that the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR4, is a candidate binding partner for CD53 and that loss of CD53 abrogates normal B cell migration and homing. Supported by institutional funding from Washington University in St. Louis

Opium may affect coronary artery disease by inducing inflammation but not through the expression of CD9, CD36, and CD68

The molecular mechanisms of opium with regard to coronary artery disease (CAD) have not yet been determined. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of opium...

Tetraspanin Cd9b and Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b have a synergistic effect on the control of collective cell migration.

Collective cell migration is essential for embryonic development and homeostatic processes. During zebrafish development, the posterior lateral line primordium (pLLP) navigates along the embryo flank by collective cell migration. The chemokine receptors, Cxcr4b and Cxcr7b, as well as their cognate ligand, Cxcl12a, are essential for this process. We corroborate that knockdown of the zebrafish cd9 tetraspanin orthologue, cd9b, results in mild pLL abnormalities. Through generation of CRISPR and TALEN mutants, we show that cd9a and cd9b function partially redundantly in pLLP migration, which is delayed in the cd9b single and cd9a; cd9b double mutants. This delay led to a transient reduction in neuromast numbers. Loss of both Cd9a and Cd9b sensitized embryos to reduced Cxcr4b and Cxcl12a levels. Together these results provide evidence that Cd9 modulates collective cell migration of the pLLP during zebrafish development. One interpretation of these observations is that Cd9 contributes to more effective chemokine signalling.

The Tetraspanin CD53 Protects Hematopoietic Stem Cells Following Cellular Stress through Induction of DREAM Complex-Mediated Quiescence

Maintenance of quiescence is necessary for optimal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. The absence of fine-tuned cycling regulation of HSCs can result in impaired hematopoiesis, bone marrow (BM) failure, or malignant transformation. While various factors, including inflammatory cytokines and chemotherapy, have been identified to induce HSC cycling, the mechanisms regulating HSC return to quiescence are unclear.Herein, we profiled HSCs in response to a variety of inflammatory stressors (cytokines, toll-like receptor agonists, mobilizing agents, and chemotherapeutics) and found markedly upregulated expression of CD53 in both mouse and human HSCs, in some cases by as much as 70-fold higher expression over vehicle-treated controls. CD53 is a tetraspanin, a type of transmembrane protein involved in plasma membrane organization and regulation of processes such as cellular migration, adhesion, and signaling. CD53 has been shown to be asymmetrically segregated in HSCs, with CD53-enriched HSCs believed to be more stem-like; however, there is no current proposed mechanism to explain the association between CD53 and stem cell quality.To understand the role of CD53 in HSC quality, we generated a CD53 knockout mouse, and profiled HSC phenotype and function. Under homeostatic conditions, Cd53 -/- HSC number and frequency are normal as compared to wild type (WT) mice. However, we found Cd53 -/-HSCs to have significantly impaired function, particularly in response to inflammatory stimuli. Cd53 -/- BM failed to engraft as well as WT BM (45% chimerism vs 63%, p<0.05) in competitive transplants, and this deficit was exacerbated when G-CSF-mobilized HSCs from the spleen were transplanted (47% vs 77%, p<0.0001). Analysis of cycling status during and after G-CSF stimulation found that Cd53 -/- HSCs, particularly those that mobilize to the spleen, undergo cell division twice as frequently as WT HSCs (22% vs 10%, p<0.05). Treatment of WT and Cd53 -/- mice with serial doses of the chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil resulted in significantly accelerated death in Cd53 -/- mice (median survival 14 days vs 28 days, p<0.0001), supporting that loss of CD53 is associated with dysregulated HSC quiescence.Transcriptomic sequencing revealed significant upregulation of genes associated with cell cycling and division in G-CSF-treated Cd53 -/- HSCs compared to WT controls. Notably, these differentially expressed genes are targets of the dimerization partner, RB-like, E2F and multi-vulval class B (DREAM) complex, a newly described transcriptional regulator that represses cell cycling-associated genes, suggesting that CD53 promotes DREAM-mediated quiescence in stressed HSCs. We performed CUT&Tag profiling of Rbl2/p130, a DREAM complex subunit, in HSCs and found that loss of CD53 was associated with decreased complex binding (consistent with enhanced transcription of cell cycle genes). Proximity labeling studies demonstrated that CD53 interacts with cell cycle machinery proteins, including Rbl2/p130, and Western blots of sorted HSCs from Cd53 -/- and WT mice treated with G-CSF showed decreased expression of DREAM complex components (Rbl1/p107 and Rbl2/p130) in the absence of CD53. Finally, enforced activation of DREAM and HSC quiescence using the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib rescued the Cd53 -/-HSC repopulating defect. Together, these data derive a novel mechanism whereby CD53 regulates HSC quiescence through regulating DREAM complex binding during stress-induced cycling. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Tetraspanin CD53 modulates lymphocyte trafficking but not systemic autoimmunity in Lyn-deficient mice.

The leukocyte-restricted tetraspanin CD53 has been shown to promote lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes (LNs) and myeloid cell recruitment to acutely inflamed peripheral organs, and accelerate the onset of immune-mediated disease. However, its contribution in the setting of chronic systemic autoimmunity has not been investigated. We made use of the Lyn-/- autoimmune model, generating Cd53-/- Lyn-/- mice, and compared trafficking of immune cells into secondary lymphoid organs and systemic autoimmune disease development with mice lacking either gene alone. Consistent with previous observations, absence of CD53 led to reduced LN cellularity via reductions in both B and T cells, a phenotype also observed in Cd53-/- Lyn-/- mice. In some settings, Cd53-/- Lyn-/- lymphocytes showed greater loss of surface L-selectin and CD69 upregulation above that imparted by Lyn deficiency alone, indicating that absence of these two proteins can mediate additive effects in the immune system. Conversely, prototypical effects of Lyn deficiency including splenomegaly, plasma cell expansion, elevated serum immunoglobulin M and anti-nuclear antibodies were unaffected by CD53 deficiency. Furthermore, while Lyn-/- mice developed glomerular injury and showed elevated glomerular neutrophil retention above than that in wild-type mice, absence of CD53 in Lyn-/- mice did not alter these responses. Together, these findings demonstrate that while tetraspanin CD53 promotes lymphocyte trafficking into LNs independent of Lyn, it does not make an important contribution to development of autoimmunity, plasma cell dysfunction or glomerular injury in the Lyn-/- model of systemic autoimmunity.

Two CD9 tetraspanin family members of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): characterization and comparative analysis of the anti-infectious immune function

CD9 is a glycoprotein of the transmembrane 4 superfamily that is involved in various cellular processes. Studies related to the immune functions and activities of CD9 in teleost fish are limited. In this study, we characterized two CD9 homologs, PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3, from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Sequence analysis showed that PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 possess characteristic transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) structures. PoCD9.1 shares 70.61% sequence identity with PoCD9.3. The expression of PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 in the three main immune tissues was significantly induced in a time-dependent manner by extracellular and intracellular pathogen infection, which indicates that the two CD9 homologs play an important role in the response to pathogenic infection. Following infection with the extracellular pathogen Vibrio anguillarum, the expression profiles of both PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 were similar. After infection with the intracellular pathogen Edwardsiella piscicida, the expression levels of PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 were different at different stages of infection, especially in the spleen. The spleen was the most important tissue for the PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 responses to pathogen infection among the three examined immune tissues. Knockdown of PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 attenuated the ability of host cells to eliminate pathogenic bacteria, and PoCD9.1 knockdown was more lethal than PoCD9.3 knockdown for host cells with E. piscicida infection. Overexpression of PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 promoted host or host cell defence against E. piscicida infection. These findings suggest that PoCD9.1 and PoCD9.3 serve as immune-related factors, play an important role in the immune defence system of Japanese flounder, and display different functions in response to different pathogens at different stages of infection.

Leukocyte Tetraspanin CD53 Restrains α3 Integrin Mobilization and Facilitates Cytoskeletal Remodeling and Transmigration in Mice.

The importance of tetraspanin proteins in regulating migration has been demonstrated in many diverse cellular systems. However, the function of the leukocyte-restricted tetraspanin CD53 remains obscure. We therefore hypothesized that CD53 plays a role in regulating leukocyte recruitment and tested this hypothesis by examining responses of CD53-deficient mice to a range of inflammatory stimuli. Deletion of CD53 significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment to the acutely inflamed peritoneal cavity. Intravital microscopy revealed that in response to several inflammatory and chemotactic stimuli, absence of CD53 had only minor effects on leukocyte rolling and adhesion in postcapillary venules. In contrast, Cd53-/- mice showed a defect in leukocyte transmigration induced by TNF, CXCL1 and CCL2, and a reduced capacity for leukocyte retention on the endothelial surface under shear flow. Comparison of adhesion molecule expression in wild-type and Cd53-/- neutrophils revealed no alteration in expression of β2 integrins, whereas L-selectin was almost completely absent from Cd53-/- neutrophils. In addition, Cd53-/- neutrophils showed defects in activation-induced cytoskeletal remodeling and translocation to the cell periphery, responses necessary for efficient transendothelial migration, as well as increased α3 integrin expression. These alterations were associated with effects on inflammation, so that in Cd53-/- mice, the onset of neutrophil-dependent serum-induced arthritis was delayed. Together, these findings demonstrate a role for tetraspanin CD53 in promotion of neutrophil transendothelial migration and inflammation, associated with CD53-mediated regulation of L-selectin expression, attachment to the endothelial surface, integrin expression and trafficking, and cytoskeletal function.

The tetraspanin CD53 impacts splenic B cell migration and function

Abstract Tetraspanins are a family of transmembrane proteins important for membrane organization and regulation of cellular migration, adhesion, and activation (Hemler, M.E., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 2005). The tetraspanin CD53 has been implicated in B cell development and function, and human deficiency of CD53 results in recurrent infections and reduced serum immunoglobulin (Mollinedo, F. et al., Clin. Diagn. Lab. Immunol., 1997). We have previously reported a novel function for CD53 in supporting early B cell development by maintaining IL-7 signaling (Greenberg, Z.J., et al., J. Immunol., (in press)). However, characterization of CD53 in peripheral B cell subsets has not been described. We found that Cd53−/− mice have significantly fewer splenic transitional 1 (T1, 48% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.01) and follicular B (Fo, 30% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.05) cells than wild type (WT) littermate controls. Congruent with human data, Cd53−/− mice have reduced resting serum IgG and IgM (40% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.01) compared to WT. CD53 has been shown to interact with integrin α4 and we found in vitro chemotaxis of both cultured primary B cells and B220-enriched splenocytes towards CXCL12 was significantly impaired in the absence of CD53 (45% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.005). The lymph nodes of naïve Cd53−/− mice were smaller (35% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.05) with significantly fewer B cells (65% reduced, p&amp;lt;0.0001) than WT, furthermore suggesting that CD53 may be important for B cell localization. Interestingly, surface expression of CXCR4 and VLA-4 was significantly upregulated on Cd53−/− T1, T2, and marginal zone B cells (15% increased, p&amp;lt;0.05). In summary, we hypothesize that CD53 maintains naïve chemotactic signaling in splenic B cell populations and is necessary for proper B cell localization.

Tetraspanin CD53 Promotes Lymphocyte Recirculation by Stabilizing L-Selectin Surface Expression.

SummaryTetraspanins regulate key processes in immune cells; however, the function of the leukocyte-restricted tetraspanin CD53 is unknown. Here we show that CD53 is essential for lymphocyte recirculation. Lymph nodes of Cd53−/− mice were smaller than those of wild-type mice due to a marked reduction in B cells and a 50% decrease in T cells. This reduced cellularity reflected an inability of Cd53−/− B and T cells to efficiently home to lymph nodes, due to the near absence of L-selectin from Cd53−/− B cells and reduced stability of L-selectin on Cd53−/− T cells. Further analyses, including on human lymphocytes, showed that CD53 stabilizes L-selectin surface expression and may restrain L-selectin shedding via both ADAM17-dependent and ADAM17-independent mechanisms. The disruption in lymphocyte recirculation in Cd53−/− mice led to impaired immune responses dependent on antigen delivery to lymph nodes. Together these findings demonstrate an essential role for CD53 in lymphocyte trafficking and immunity.