Enhancement Of Phagocytosis Research Articles

Novel Endogenous Proresolving Molecules:Essential Fatty Acid-Derived and Gaseous Mediators in the Resolution of Inflammation.

Acute inflammation is a fundamental, protective response that orchestrates immune system to address harmful stimuli both from within and via invasion. New evidences indicate that the resolution of acute inflammation is not simply passive but active and highly regulated processes coordinated by new families of potent bioactive lipid mediators (LMs), coined specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs). These SPMs are biosynthesized from n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Low concentrations of SPM (nM range) stimulate proresolving cellular processes, such as inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, enhancement of macrophage phagocytosis of bacteria and efferocytosis of cellular debris, and reduction of inflammatory pain through specific G-protein coupled receptors.Of the many bioactive mediators that regulate inflammation resolution, low-dose carbon monoxide (CO) functions as a tissue-protective gaso-transmitter that is endogenously produced by the heme oxygenase (HO) system. Specific SPMs activate the HO system, which in turn enhances endogenous CO production locally, thus establishing a protective feed-forward circuit between SPMs and CO. In addition, treatment with low-dose CO and SPMs exerts protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury by decreasing leukocyte-platelet interaction and proinflammatory LM levels.Recent studies reviewed herein assessed the impact of SPMs and low-dose inhaled CO on inflammatory diseases. LM metabololipidomics approach allows the assessment of the efficacy of novel treatments with SPMs and low-dose CO. Moreover, this approach indicates the regions where the action of individual LMs may be physiologically relevant and when these LMs are produced in vivo to serve their proresolving mediator functions that may also permit new directions for treating human diseases.

Minocycline attenuates Aβ oligomers-induced pro-inflammatory phenotype in primary microglia while enhancing Aβ fibrils phagocytosis

Microglia, the brain innate immune cells, are activated in response to amyloid beta (Aβ) resulting in neuroinflammation in AD brains. Recently, two phenotypes have been described for microglia: the pro-inflammatory classical and the anti-inflammatory alternative. Changes in microglia phenotype that control their phagocytic function are yet to be determined. The highly neurotoxic Aβ oligomers (oAβ) formed at an early disease stage induce pro-inflammatory microglia activation releasing neurotoxic mediators and contributing to neurodegeneration. A novel strategy for AD treatment is to attenuate microglia-induced inflammation while maintaining efficient Aβ clearance. Minocycline effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier and has widely reported neuroprotective effects. Yet, its exact mechanism of neuroprotection and its effects on microglia are still unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of minocycline on the phagocytic uptake of fAβ by primary microglia in relation to their activation state in an inflammatory milieu generated by oAβ or LPS. The study shows that minocycline is able to attenuate oAβ-induced neuroinflammatory response of microglia by inhibiting their pro-inflammatory phenotype activation. In addition, a significant enhancement of fAβ phagocytosis by minocycline- treated microglia is reported for the first time, providing novel insight into its neuroprotective role in AD.

Opsonic function of sialic acid specific lectin in freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii.

The sialic acid specific humoral lectin, Pjlec of the freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii was investigated for its opsonin function with rabbit erythrocyte as target cell for phagocytosis by the crab’s hemocyte. The untreated or trypsin treated erythrocyte induced lectin response after challenge however failed when treated with neuraminidase evidently indicating glycan dependency for elicited immune response. Our observation of in vitro phagocytosis of the erythrocyte untreated or coated with serum, clarified serum appeared to be recognized and engulfed by hemocytes but when coated with isolated lectin Pjlec, the response was elicited. Moreover, with trypsin treated erythrocyte the response remained unchanged but neuraminidase or O-glycosidase treatment eliminated the response reaction. This suggested the sialic acid specific reaction of lectin with the erythrocyte and was essential for recognition to allow the lectin Pjlec to act as an opsonin. The flowcytometry observation affirmed the enhancement of phagocytosis by Pjlec coated hemocyte. The efficiency of in vitro hemolysis of Pjlec coated erythrocyte with hemocyte when compared to untreated erythrocyte with or without hemocyte also established the opsonic function of the lectin. The mechanism of phagocytosis and induction were dependent on specific recognition of the erythrocyte by the multivalent binding site of the lectin protein, and the elicitation of the immune response was a function of the sialoglycan surface. The pathway of the challenge suggested that after entry of nonself recognition by lectin was followed by induction and activation of phagocytosis by opsonic binding of the lectin.

Development of Man-rGO for Targeted Eradication of Macrophage Ablation.

This study was aimed to develop and evaluate a smart nanosystem that targeted photothermal ablation of inflammatory macrophages in atherosclerotic plaque. Mannosylated-reduced graphene oxide (Man-rGO) was synthesized using three step procedures: (1) preparation of ox-GOs, (2) microwave-assisted synthesis of PEI-rGOs, and (3) mannosylation of PEI-rGO using reductive amination reaction (Man-rGOs). The ζ-potential of Man-rGO that signifies electrophoretic mobility of the charged surface was examined using Zetasizer Nano ZS. The effects of Man-rGO on the cell viability was evaluated using LDH assay and AlamarBlue assay. The targeting efficacy of Man-rGO was assessed using the cellular uptake rate by M2-polarized (i.e., which is induced by IL-4) macrophage. The effects of NOMela loaded in Man-rGO on the enhancement of phagocytosis were evaluated by examining the phagocytic clearance rate of zymosan-FITC particles. The microwave-assisted reduction of GOs was adapted for a facile synthesis of polyethylenimine-reduced GO (PEI-rGO). The mannose functionalization (Man-rGO) of PEI-rGO produced a greater number of amide linkages formed by reductive amination reaction between PEI-rGO and mannose. The ζ-potential of PEI-rGO was +30.6 ± 3.3 mV, whereas that of Man-rGO was down to +13.1 ± 3.8 mV upon interaction with mannose mainly due to the conjugation of mannose on the PEI-rGO surface. Near-infrared (NIR) irradiation increased the temperature of Man-rGO solution to around 45 °C, suggesting that Man-rGO is more potent than ox-GO or rGO in photothermal ablation activity triggered by NIR laser irradiation (808 nm). All testing formulations at the concentrations up to 10 μg/mL exerted less than 10% of membrane disintegration. For AlamarBlue study, more than 90% of cell viability were maintained at the concentrations (up to 10 μg/mL) of all tested formulations. The fluorescent microscopy images of cells after 1 h incubation demonstrated that Man-rGO were mainly accumulated at the subcellular level where the mannose receptors were overexpressed. The cell viability of macrophages significantly decreased upon exposure to Man-rGO irradiated with NIR, but no changes were observed from that of mast cells (for mast cells, 98.3 ± 0.3%; for macrophages, 67.8 ± 1.3%, p < 0.01), indicating that Man-rGO achieved enhanced targetability toward mannose receptor mediated cellular uptake. N-Nitrosomelatonin (NOMela) loaded in macrophage exerted enhanced phagocytic activity. It was concluded that the enhanced photothermal ablation activity of Man-rGO triggered by NIR laser irradiation was mediated through their targetability toward overexpressed mannose receptor, a marker of M2-phenotype of macrophage. The results of this study supported that Man-rGO can serve as an efficient platform for the targeted therapy against atherosclerosis.

The fibroblast growth factor-2 arrests Mycobacterium avium sp. paratuberculosis growth and immunomodulates host response in macrophages

Mycobacterium tuberculosisis (M.tb) epidemic is one of the most severe health problem worldwide, while mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and host immune responses remain unclear. Mycobacterium avium (M.avium), a mycobacterial species related to M.tb, shares similarities with M.tb in many ways. In this study, using M.avium infection of macrophages as a model, we systematically studied the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on M.avium infection of macrophages. Our results showed that M.avium infection could increase FGF-2 expression on both mRNA and protein levels. M.avium infection elevated TNF-α and IFN-γ production while the addition of FGF-2 could further increase TNF-α but not IFN-γ level. M.avium infection could increase the expression of oxygen/nitrogen metabolism proteins iNOS and SOD-1, and FGF-2 had additive effect on the expression of these two proteins. M.avium infection had inhibitive effect on actin expression while FGF-2 could partly counteract such inhibition. Moreover, FGF-2 could inhibit M.avium proliferation in macrophages. Our results together indicate that macrophage-secreted FGF-2 upon M.avium infection could suppress M.avium proliferation through various ways including cytokine production, enhancement of phagocytosis as well as oxygen/nitrogen metabolism.

IB-05 * TUMOR-PROCESSED OSTEOPONTIN/SPP1 SHAPES MICROGLIA POLARIZATION AND IMMUNE MICROENVIRONMENT OF GLIOMA

Malignant gliomas attract resident microglia and macrophages and re-program these cells into pro-invasive, immunosuppressive cells. It results in formation of tumor supportive microenvironment and evasion of antitumor responses. The analysis of marker genes in microglia and macrophages infiltrating experimental gliomas indicates different kinetics and functions of various myeloid subpopulations during glioma progression. Signals responsible for recruitment and polarization of tumor infiltrating myeloid cells are poorly known. Proteomic analysis of glioma secretome revealed a presence of osteopontin (SPP1) and lactadherin (MGF-E8) in microglia-activating fractions. Both proteins stimulated microglia via αvβ3 integrin signaling that results in activation of PI-3K/Akt and FAK, enhancement of microglial migration, phagocytosis and transcriptional responses. Inhibition of ligand-integrin interactions with short interfering peptides abolished pro-invasive polarization in glioma-microglia co-cultures. We found that SPP1, highly overexpressed in glioma cells, was specifically processed by sequential thrombin and metalloproteinase-dependent cleavage. This type of processing results in losing SPP1 pro-inflammatory activity leaving intact its pro-tumorigenic activity and does not occur in non-transformed cells. Knockdown of SPP1 in glioma cells strongly reduced growth of intracranial gliomas. The number of infiltrating microglia/macrophages (Iba1+) was not affected, but amoeboid transformation, expression of the alternative phenotype markers and angiogenesis were reduced in SPP1-depleted gliomas. Interestingly, infiltrating Iba1+ cells did not undergo pro-invasive polarization. Moreover, SPP1-depleted tumors were infiltrated with T cytotoxic lymphocytes, while accumulation of T regulatory cells was significantly reduced. The expression of SPP1 is up-regulated in human glioblastoma and inversely correlated with patient's survival. Our findings demonstrate that glioma-derived and specifically processed osteopontin/SPP1 polarizes glioma-infiltrating microglia and contributes to transformation of tumor microenvironment. This defines osteopontin/SPP1 a new biomarker and target for glioma therapy, and shows that targeting glioma-microglia interactions within tumor microenvironment is a promising strategy to fight these tumors. Studies were supported by a grant 2012/04/A/NZ3/00630 from the National Science Center.

Triamcinolone regulated apopto-phagocytic gene expression patterns in the clearance of dying retinal pigment epithelial cells. A key role of Mertk in the enhanced phagocytosis

BackgroundThe apopto-phagocytic gene expression patterns during clearance of dying cells in the retina and the effect of triamcinolone (TC) upon these processes have relevance to development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). MethodsARPE-19 cells and primary human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) were induced to undergo cell death by anoikis and the clearance of these cells by living hRPE/ARPE-19 or human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) in the presence or absence of TC was quantified by flow cytometry. TaqMan low-density gene expression array determining known markers of phagocytosis and loss-of-function studies on selected apopto-phagocytic genes was carried out in HMDM engulfing anoikic cells. ResultsThe glucocorticoid TC had a profound phagocytosis-enhancing effect on HMDM engulfing anoikic ARPE-19 or hRPE cells, causing a selective upregulation of the Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK) receptor, while decreasing the expression of the AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and thrombospondin-1 (THSB-1). The key role of the MERTK could be demonstrated in HMDM engulfing dying cells using gene silencing as well as blocking antibodies. Similar pathways were found upregulated in living ARPE-19 engulfing anoikic ARPE-19 cells. Gas6 treatment enhanced phagocytosis in TC-treated HMDMs. ConclusionsSpecific agonists of the Mertk receptor may have a potential role as phagocytosis enhancers in the retina and serve as future targets for AMD therapy. General significanceThe use of Gas6 as enhancer of retinal phagocytosis via the MerTK receptor, alone or in combination with other specific ligands of the tyrosine kinase receptors' family may have a potential role in AMD therapy.

Interaction of lectin pathway of complement-activating pattern recognition molecules with mycobacteria.

We have demonstrated that mannose-binding lectin (MBL) recognizes various slow-growing, pathogenic mycobacteria [Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), M. bovis, M. kansasii, M. gordonae] as well as non-pathogenic M. smegmatis. Recognition resulted in activation of the lectin pathway (LP) of complement and an enhancement of phagocytosis (shown for M. tuberculosis). Although MBL may be considered the main factor activating the LP upon recognition of mycobacteria, involvement of ficolins has also to be considered. Interaction of ficolin-3 with M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. kansasii, and ficolin-1 with M. tuberculosis and M. bovis was shown for the first time. Binding of recombinant MBL or ficolin-3 to MTB H37 Rv led to the agglutination of bacteria and promoted their phagocytosis, but little effect was apparent with ficolin-1 or ficolin-2. Data from Western blots suggest mannosylated lipoarabinomannan (ManLAM) to be one of the main cell components of slow-growing mycobacteria, involved in LP activation. However, the LP was also activated by other cell fractions. Results presented here supplement considerably the data concerning the ability of complement-activating lectins to interact with mycobacteria. Ficolins (especially ficolin-3) might influence host response to infection and thus have clinical significance, at least as disease modifiers.

Enhancement of phagocytosis and cytotoxicity in macrophages by tumor-derived IL-18 stimulation

Inoculation of mice with the murine NFSA cell line caused the formation of large tumors with necrotic tumor cores. FACS analysis revealed accumulations of CD11b+ cells in the tumors. Microarray analysis indicated that the NFSA cells expressed a high level of the pro-inflammatory factor interleukin-18 (il-18), which is known to play a critical role in macrophages. However, little is known about the physiological function of IL-18-stimulated macrophages. Here, we provide direct evidence that IL-18 enhances the phagocytosis of RAW264 cells and peritoneal macrophages, accompanied by the increased expression of tumor necrosis factor (tnf-α), interleukin-6 (il-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2). IL-18-stimulated RAW264 cells showed an enhanced cytotoxicity to endothelial F-2 cells via direct cell-to-cell interaction and the secretion of soluble mediators. Taken together, our results demonstrate that tumor-derived IL-18 plays an important role in the phagocytosis of macrophages and that IL-18-stimulated macrophages may damage tumor endothelial cells. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(5): 286-291]

BuShenYiQi Formula strengthens Th1 response and suppresses Th2-Th17 responses in RSV-induced asthma exacerbated mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe prevalence of allergic asthma has been increased rapidly in recent years. About 20% of all these sufferers have experienced asthma exacerbation. Although corticosteroids and β-agonists therapy improves serious asthma symptoms, they can׳t completely cure these allergic diseases. BuShenYiQi Formula (BSYQF) has been widely used to treat bronchial asthma and its exacerbation for decades in Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, China. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of BSYQF’ anti-asthmatic effects haven׳t been fully elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the involvement of Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in the anti-asthmatic effects of BSYQF in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-induced asthma exacerbated mice. Materials and methodsBALB/c mice were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), followed by RSV infections for establishment of asthma exacerbated model. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was examined by direct airway resistance analysis. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was assessed for inflammatory cell counts and secreted levels of cytokines. Lung tissues were detected for inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. Subsequently, CD4+T cells and alveolar macrophages were sorted and purified from mice lungs in different groups. CD4+T cell subpopulations including the expression levels of important transcription factors in T lymphocyte polarization were examined. In asthma exacerbation group, the purified CD4+T cells and macrophages were co-cultured, and the changes of co-cultured cells with BSYQF treatment were further analyzed in vitro. ResultsBSYQF significantly attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness and inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration, especially for excessive infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils. Histopathological analysis showed that BSYQF could suppress airway inflammation and RSV replication. The decreases of antigen-specific IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-17a and increases of IFN-γ, IL-12 were observed in BALF, lung homogenate or serum after BSYQF treatment. We further confirmed that BSYQF could down-regulate Th2-Th17 cell proportions with lower expressions of GATA3, STAT6 and RORγT, and up-regulate Th1 cell proportion with higher expression of T-bet. And as a result of strengthened Th1-response, activated macrophages were also observed by remarkable enhancement of signature gene expressions and phagocytosis. ConclusionsBSYQF can significantly attenuate RSV-induced asthma exacerbation. These effects may be mediated at least partially by regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2-Th17 responses.

Lipopolysaccharide-mediated enhancement of zymosan phagocytosis by RAW 264.7 macrophages is independent of opsonins, laminarin, mannan, and complement receptor 3

BackgroundFungal and bacterial coinfections are common in surgical settings; however, little is known about the effects of polymicrobial interactions on the cellular mechanisms involved in innate immune recognition and phagocytosis. Materials and methodsZymosan particles, cell wall derivatives of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, are used to model fungal interactions with host immune cells since they display carbohydrates, including beta-glucan, that are characteristic of fungal pathogens. Using in vitro cell culture, RAW 264.7 macrophages were challenged with zymosan, and phagocytosis determined via light microscopy. The effects of different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on zymosan phagocytosis were assessed. In addition, the transfer of supernatant from LPS-treated cells to naïve cells, the effects of soluble carbohydrates laminarin, mannan, or galactomannan, and the impact of complement receptor 3 (CR3) inhibition on phagocytosis were also determined. ResultsLPS enhanced phagocytosis of zymosan in a dose-dependent manner. Transfer of supernatants from LPS-primed cells to naïve cells had no effect on phagocytosis. Laminarin inhibited zymosan phagocytosis in naïve cells but not in LPS-primed cells. Neither mannan, galactomannan, nor CR3 inhibition had a significant effect on ingestion of unopsonized zymosan in naïve or LPS-treated cells. ConclusionsZymosan recognition by naïve cells is inhibited by laminarin, but not mannan, galactomannan, or CR3 inhibition. LPS enhancement of phagocytosis is laminarin insensitive and not mediated by supernatant factors or zymosan engagement by the mannose or CR3 receptors. Our data suggest alternative mechanisms of zymosan recognition in the presence and absence of LPS.

N-Glycosylation Of Human ITP Autoantibodies Affects Complement Activation, Platelet Phagocytosis, and Platelet Survival In a Murine Model

IntroductionImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a bleeding disorder caused by IgG autoantibodies (AAbs) directed against platelets. The IgG effector functions of autoantibodies depend on their Fc-constant region which undergoes posttranslational glycosylation. We investigated the role of Asn279-linked N-glycan of AAbs in vitro and in vivo. Material and MethodsAAbs were purified from ITP patients (n=15) and controls (n=10) and N-glycans were enzymatically cleaved by endoglycosidase F. The effects of native AAbs and deglycosylated AAbs (deAAbs) were compared in vitro on enhancement of phagocytosis of platelets by monocytes and complement fixation and activation applying flow cytometry, laser scanning microscopy, and a complement consumption assay. The capability of AAbs and deAAbs to eliminate human platelets in vivo was studied in a NOD/SCID mouse model in presence and absence of a complement source. ResultsAAb-induced platelet phagocytosis was inhibited by N-glycan cleavage (median phagocytic activity: 8% vs. 0.8%, p=0.004). Seven out of 15 native AAbs bound C1q and induced complement consumption. N-glycan cleavage significantly reduced C1q binding (MFI 16.4 vs. 4.9, p=0.017) and complement consumption. In vivo survival of human PLTs was assessed after cotransfusion with native or deAAbs in NOD/SCID mice. Injection of AAbs resulted in rapid clearance of human platelets compared to control (platelet clearance after 5h (CL5h) 75% vs. 30%, p<0.001). AAbs that were able to activate complement induced more pronounced platelet clearance in the presence of complement compared to the clearance in the absence of complement (CL5h 82% vs. 62%, p=0.003). AAbs lost their ability to destroy platelets in vivo after deglycosylation (CL5h42%, p<0.001). ConclusionRemoval of N-glycan from AAbs interferes with Fc-mediated phagocytosis and complement activation and thereby prolongs platelet survival in vivo. Our study provides tools for better characterizing ITP AAbs and sheds light on the heterogeneity of AAbs in ITP. Clinical studies should aim to assess such additional characteristics, since this could lead to the identification of ITP patient subgroups with increased responses to specific or new interventions such as, targetting complement factors. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

CD16 inhibition increases host survival in a murine model of severe sepsis

BackgroundTo investigate the therapeutic effect of monoclonal antibody (mAb)–induced CD16 (FcγRIII) inhibition in a murine model of high-grade (severe) sepsis. Materials and methodsIn a prospective controlled animal study, 2 μg of CD16/32 (FcγRIII/FcγRII) or the same volume of normal saline was administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c FcγRII−/− mice at the time of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in a murine model of high-grade sepsis. Subcutaneous administration of CD16/32 (0.5 μg/24 h) or normal saline continued for 7 d. Survival was evaluated, and the underlying therapeutic mechanism of mAb-induced CD16 inhibition was investigated. ResultsCD16 expression was significantly increased on peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes from mice with high-grade sepsis compared with non–septic control mice (1579.40 ± 217.75 versus 461.10 ± 36.13; P < 0.05). CD16/32 mAb treatment increased the survival of mice with high-grade sepsis (P < 0.05) and significantly decreased their elevated levels of serum tumor necrosis factor α (36.70 ± 9.97 versus 52.60 ± 10.69; P < 0.05) and interleukin 1β (1149.40 ± 244.09 versus 2605.60 ± 353.74; P < 0.05) at 6 and 24 h after CLP, respectively. Moreover, CD16/32 mAb-treated mice with high-grade sepsis had fewer bacteria in their blood and peritoneal lavage than mice just treated with normal saline at 24 h after CLP (P < 0.05). ConclusionsCD16/32 mAb-induced CD16 inhibition increased the survival of mice with high-grade sepsis, which may have been because of the concomitant suppression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β as well as the enhancement of monocyte phagocytosis. Thus, targeted inhibition of CD16 can potentially improve the outcome of selected patients with severe sepsis.

Effect of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor on neutrophil function in idiopathic bronchiectasis

Neutrophils are consistently found in inflamed and infected airways in idiopathic bronchiectasis, but relatively little is known about the function of blood neutrophils in this condition. We hypothesized that peripheral blood neutrophil (PBN) phagocytosis and superoxide generation are impaired in bronchiectasis, and that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is capable of improving neutrophil function. Neutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who were free of exacerbation, and from healthy controls of similar age (n = 21 in both groups). Ingestion of serum-opsonized zymosan by neutrophils was used to quantify phagocytic capacity. Superoxide generation in neutrophils was measured in response to addition of platelet activating factor and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. Experiments were performed in the presence or absence of GM-CSF. No differences were observed in either phagocytic capacity (P = 0.99) or superoxide generation (P = 0.81) when comparing patients and controls. However, a significant increase in phagocytic capacity above baseline levels in both patients (P < 0.005) and controls (P < 0.005) was induced by GM-CSF. Similarly, the superoxide generation in patients (P < 0.005) and controls (P = 0.001) was significantly increased by GM-CSF. PBN function was preserved in idiopathic bronchiectasis. Enhancement of neutrophil phagocytosis and superoxide generation by GM-CSF requires further study.

Carbon Monoxide Confers Protection in Sepsis by Enhancing Beclin 1-Dependent Autophagy and Phagocytosis

Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response to infection, represents the leading cause of death in critically ill patients. However, the pathogenesis of sepsis remains incompletely understood. Carbon monoxide (CO), when administered at low physiologic doses, can modulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation in pre-clinical tissue injury models, though its mechanism of action in sepsis remains unclear. CO (250 ppm) inhalation increased the survival of C57BL/6J mice injured by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) through the induction of autophagy, the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and by decreasing the levels of bacteria in blood and vital organs, such as the lung and liver. Mice deficient in the autophagic protein, Beclin 1 (Becn1(+/-)) were more susceptible to CLP-induced sepsis, and unresponsive to CO therapy, relative to their corresponding wild-type (Becn1(+/+)) littermate mice. In contrast, mice deficient in autophagic protein microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain 3B (LC3B) (Map1lc3b(-/-)) and their corresponding wild-type (Map1lc3b(+/+)) mice showed no differences in survival or response to CO, during CLP-induced sepsis. CO enhanced bacterial phagocytosis in Becn1(+/+) but not Becn1(+/-) mice in vivo and in corresponding cultured macrophages. CO also enhanced Beclin 1-dependent induction of macrophage protein signaling lymphocyte-activation molecule, a regulator of phagocytosis. Our findings demonstrate a novel protective effect of CO in sepsis, dependent on autophagy protein Beclin 1, in a murine model of CLP-induced polymicrobial sepsis. CO increases the survival of mice injured by CLP through systemic enhancement of autophagy and phagocytosis. Taken together, we suggest that CO gas may represent a novel therapy for patients with sepsis.

Ficolin-1–PTX3 Complex Formation Promotes Clearance of Altered Self-Cells and Modulates IL-8 Production

The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) has been shown to be important in maintaining internal tissue homeostasis and in protecting against fungal Aspergillus fumigatus infection. However, the molecular mechanisms of how these functions are elicited are poorly delineated. Ficolin-1 is a soluble pattern recognition molecule that interacts with PTX3. We hypothesized that heterocomplexes between ficolin-1 and PTX3 might mediate the signals necessary for sequestration of altered self-cells and A. fumigatus. We were able to show that ficolin-1 interacts with PTX3 via its fibrinogen-like domain. The interaction was affected in a pH- and divalent cation-sensitive manner. The primary binding site for ficolin-1 on PTX3 was located in the N-terminal domain portion of PTX3. Ficolin-1 and PTX3 heterocomplex formation occurred on dying host cells, but not on A. fumigatus. The heterocomplex formation was a prerequisite for enhancement of phagocytosis by human monocyte-derived macrophages and downregulation of IL-8 production during phagocytosis. On A. fumigatus, PTX3 exposed the C-terminal portion of the molecule, probably resulting in steric hindrance of ficolin-1 interaction with PTX3. These results demonstrate that ficolin-1 and PTX3 heterocomplex formation acts as a noninflammatory "find me and eat me" signal to sequester altered-host cells. The fact that the ficolin-1-PTX3 complex formation did not occur on A. fumigatus shows that PTX3 uses different molecular effector mechanisms, depending on which domains it exposes during ligand interaction.

Significant modulation of macrophages associated cytokines TNF-α, VEGF and apoptotoic protein Bax, Bcl2 abrogates tumor cells

T11 target structure (T11TS), a membrane glycoprotein has been documented with anti neoplastic activity in glioma bearing animal model in our lab. In this study, we have evaluated the phagocytic potential, expression of VEGF, TNF-α in T11TS treated and untreated macrophages in all four grades of glioma. The data indicates the significant enhancement of phagocytosis in T11TS treated macrophages of grades I and II glioma. There was significant up regulation in TNF-α and significant down regulation in VEGF expression in T11TS treated macrophages in grade I and II glioma. We also attempted to know any possible apoptotic role of T11TS in tumor cells by comparing Bax and Bcl2 in treated and untreated tumor cells of all four grades. We found significant up regulation in Bax expression and down regulation in Bcl2 expression of grades I and II glioma. The outcome may help in pushing this molecule into pharmaceutical domain.

OP0056 12/15-lipoxygenase mediates GC-induced anti-inflammatory mechanisms in monocytes

BackgroundGlucocorticoids (GC) are used for the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. We have previously shown that GC treatment does not simply suppress monocyte functions but rather induces a distinct...

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibitor attenuates endotoxin-induced liver injury

Background/AimsEndotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS)-induced acute liver injury was attenuated by endotoxin tolerance (ET), which is characterized by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway/Akt signaling. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) acts downstream of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway/Akt and GSK-3 inhibitor protects against organic injury. This study evaluates the hypothesis that ET attenuated LPS-induced liver injury through inhibiting GSK-3 functional activity and downstream signaling. MethodsSprague-Dawley rats with or without low-dose LPS pretreatment were challenged with or without large dose of LPS and subsequently received studies. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin levels were analyzed, morphology of liver tissue was performed, glycogen content, myeloperoxidase content, phagocytosis activity of Kupffer cells, and the expression and inhibitory phosphorylation as well as kinase activity of GSK-3 were examined. Survival after LPS administration was also determined. ResultsLPS induced significant increases of serum TNF-α, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and total bilirubin (P < 0.05), which were companied by obvious alterations in liver: the injury of liver tissue, the decrease of glycogen, the infiltration of neutrophils, and the enhancement of phagocytosis of Kupffer cells (P < 0.05). LPS pretreatment significantly attenuated these alterations, promoted the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3 and inhibited its kinase activity, and improved the survival rate (P < 0.05). ConclusionsET attenuated LPS-induced acute liver injury through inhibiting GSK-3 functional activity and its downstream signaling.

Immunotherapy of mastitis

The aim of this study was to examine an alternative, immunologically based treatment for mastitis. A microbead carrying specific anti-mastitis bacteria antibodies and an enhancer of phagocytosis, termed Y-complex, was tested in two experiments. In experiment 1, 21 cows were challenged with Streptococcus dysgalactiae and treated with Y-complex, Cobactan LC® or saline. Y-complex cleared the bacteria by day 4 and by day 10 only one cow was positive and remained positive up to day 28. No bacteria were isolated from any of the seven cows treated with Cobactan LC after day 4; however, in two out of the seven cows, the bacteria were re-isolated on day 24. On day 28, cows treated with placebo had still not cleared the bacteria. Experiment 2 was a field study in which cows, naturally infected with Escherichia coli, S. dysgalactiae or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), were treated with Y-complex (32 cows), sulfadiazine+trimethoprim or procaine penicillin+streptomycin (BA) (8 cows), or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (19 cows). Y-complex was as effective as antibiotics, and superior to NSAID, in eliminating bacteria. Milk quantity and quality following infection and treatment were similar for all treatments, but significantly less milk was discarded from cows treated with Y-complex as compared to antibiotics. Y-complex was proven to be safe and effective, and may serve as a new approach for the treatment of mastitis.