FcR-mediated Phagocytosis Research Articles

A Role for Mammalian Diaphanous-Related Formins in Complement Receptor (CR3)-Mediated Phagocytosis in Macrophages

Macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils use phagocytosis to capture and clear off invading pathogens. The process is triggered by the interaction of ligands on the pathogens' surface with specific phagocytic receptors, including immunoglobulin (FcR) and complement C3bi (CR3) receptors (integrin alpha(M)beta2, Mac1) . Localized actin-filament assembly that acts as the driving force for particle engulfment is controlled by Rho-family small GTPases . RhoA regulates CR3-mediated phagocytosis through a mechanism that is still unclear . Mammalian Diaphanous-related (mDia) formins participate in the generation of a diverse set of actin-remodeling events downstream of RhoA , and mDia1 is recruited around fibronectin-coated beads in a RhoA-dependent manner in fibroblasts . Here, we set out to examine whether mDia proteins are involved in CR3-mediated phagocytosis in macrophages. We show that the RhoA effector mDia1 is recruited early during CR3-mediated phagocytosis and colocalizes with polymerized actin in the phagocytic cup. Interfering with mDia activity inhibits CR3-mediated phagocytosis while having no effect on FcR-mediated phagocytosis. These results indicate a new function for mDia proteins in the regulation of actin polymerization during CR3-mediated phagocytosis.

An essential function for the calcium-promoted Ras inactivator in Fcγ receptor–mediated phagocytosis

Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis requires activation of the Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1, but how they are recruited to the FcR is unknown. Here we show that the calcium-promoted Ras inactivator (CAPRI), a Ras GTPase-activating protein, functions as an adaptor for Cdc42 and Rac1 during FcR-mediated phagocytosis. CAPRI-deficient macrophages had impaired FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis and oxidative burst, as well as defective activation of Cdc42 and Rac1. CAPRI interacted constitutively with both Cdc42 and Rac1 and translocated to phagocytic cups during FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis. CAPRI-deficient mice had an impaired innate immune response to bacterial infection. These results suggest that CAPRI provides a link between FcgammaR and Cdc42 and Rac1 and is essential for innate immune responses.

TI-VAMP/VAMP7 is required for optimal phagocytosis of opsonised particles in macrophages.

Phagocytosis relies on extension of plasmalemmal pseudopods generated by focal actin polymerisation and delivery of membranes from intracellular pools. Here we show that compartments of the late endocytic pathway, bearing the tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (TI-VAMP/VAMP7), are recruited upon particle binding and undergo exocytosis before phagosome sealing in macrophages during Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis. Expression of the dominant-negative amino-terminal domain of TI-VAMP or depletion of TI-VAMP with small interfering RNAs inhibited phagocytosis mediated by Fc or complement receptors. In addition, inhibition of TI-VAMP activity led to a reduced exocytosis of late endocytic vesicles and this resulted in an early blockade of pseudopod extension, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, TI-VAMP defines a new pathway of membrane delivery required for optimal FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

ADP ribosylation factor 6 is activated and controls membrane delivery during phagocytosis in macrophages.

Engulfment of particles by phagocytes is induced by their interaction with specific receptors on the cell surface, which leads to actin polymerization and the extension of membrane protrusions to form a closed phagosome. Membrane delivery from internal pools is considered to play an important role in pseudopod extension during phagocytosis. Here, we report that endogenous ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6), a small GTP-binding protein, undergoes a sharp and transient activation in macrophages when phagocytosis was initiated via receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcRs). A dominant-negative mutant of ARF6 (T27N mutation) dramatically affected FcR-mediated phagocytosis. Expression of ARF6-T27N lead to a reduction in the focal delivery of vesicle-associated membrane protein 3+ endosomal recycling membranes at phagocytosis sites, whereas actin polymerization was unimpaired. This resulted in an early blockade in pseudopod extension and accumulation of intracellular vesicles, as observed by electron microscopy. We conclude that ARF6 is a major regulator of membrane recycling during phagocytosis.

Signal transduction during Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis

Phagocytosis is the process whereby cells engulf large particles, usually over 0.5 micro m in diameter. Phagocytosis is triggered by the interaction of opsonins that cover the particle to be internalized with specific receptors on the surface of the phagocyte. The best-studied phagocytic receptors include the Fc receptors (FcR) that bind to the Fc portion of immunoglobulins. Cross-linking of FcR on the phagocyte initiates a variety of signals, which lead through the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, and membrane remodeling, to the formation of the phagosome. From recent data, it is becoming clear that FcR-mediated phagocytosis occurs as a series of steps that are regulated in a nonlinear manner and that signaling for phagocytosis does not terminate when the phagosome is formed. Several lipid molecules localize around the nascent phagosome and function as initiators of important signaling pathways for the late stages of phagolysosome formation. In addition, the use of particular signaling molecules may change for different receptors and may also vary depending on the activation or differentiation state of the cell. This review focuses on this new information and presents a model of our present understanding of the signal transduction events that regulate phagocytosis mediated by FcR.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase-independent contractile activities associated with Fcgamma-receptor-mediated phagocytosis and macropinocytosis in macrophages.

Previous studies have shown that Fcgamma receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis and macropinocytosis in macrophages consist of two dissociable activities: a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-independent extension of phagocytic cups and a PI3K-dependent contractile mechanism that closes phagosomes and ruffles into intracellular organelles. Here, we identify an additional contractile activity that persists in the presence of the PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. ML-7, an inhibitor of myosin-light-chain kinase (MLCK), inhibited FcR-mediated phagocytosis, macropinocytosis and cell movements associated with ruffling. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a striking difference in morphology between phagocytic cups in the different inhibitors: whereas phagocytic cups of control cells and wortmannin-treated cells conformed closely to particles and appeared to have constricted them, the phagocytic cups in cells treated with ML-7 were more open. Video microscopy of macrophages expressing green-fluorescent-protein (GFP)-actin fusions revealed that bound IgG-opsonized erythrocytes were squeezed during phagosome formation and closure. In ML-7, GFP-actin-rich protrusions extended outward but failed to squeeze particles. Moreover, in contrast to the effects of PI3K inhibitors, ML-7 markedly reduced ruffle movement, and perturbed circular ruffle formation. These PI3K-independent myosin-II-based contractile activities that squeeze phagocytic cups and curve ruffles therefore represent a third component activity of the actin cytoskeleton during phagocytosis and macropinocytosis.

A critical role of Fc receptor-mediated antibody-dependent phagocytosis in the host resistance to blood-stage Plasmodium berghei XAT infection.

Plasmodium berghei XAT is an irradiation-induced attenuated variant derived from the lethal strain P. berghei NK65, and its blood-stage parasites are spontaneously cleared in immune competent mice. In the present study, we studied the mechanism of host resistance to blood-stage malaria infection using P. berghei XAT. Infection enhanced Ab-dependent phagocytosis of PRBC by splenic macrophages in wild-type C57BL/6 mice. In contrast, FcR gamma-chain knockout (FcRgamma(-/-)) mice, which lack the ability to mediate Ab-dependent phagocytosis and Ab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity through FcgammaRI, FcgammaRII, and FcgammaRIII, could not induce Ab-dependent phagocytic activity. These FcRgamma(-/-) mice showed increased susceptibility to the P. berghei XAT infection, with eventually fatal results, although they produced comparable amounts of IFN-gamma by spleen cells and anti-XAT Abs in serum. In addition, passive transfer of anti-XAT IgG obtained from wild-type mice that had recovered from infection into FcRgamma(-/-) mice could not suppress the increase in parasitemia, and almost all of these mice died after marked parasitemia. In contrast, passive transfer of anti-XAT IgG into control wild-type mice inhibited the increase in parasitemia. IFN-gamma(-/-) mice, which were highly susceptible to the P. berghei XAT infection, failed to induce Ab-dependent phagocytic activity and also showed reduced production of serum anti-XAT IgG2a isotype compared with control wild-type mice. These results suggest that FcR-mediated Ab-dependent phagocytosis, which is located downstream of IFN-gamma production, is important as an effector mechanism to eliminate PRBC in blood-stage P. berghei XAT infection.

Modulation of alveolar macrophage phagocytosis by leukotrienes is Fc receptor-mediated and protein kinase C-dependent.

We have previously established an important role for leukotrienes (LTs) in augmenting rat alveolar macrophage (AM) phagocytosis of Klebsiella pneumoniae opsonized with complete immune serum (IS), which contains the two well-known opsonins, immunoglobulin (Ig) G and complement (C). In this report, the specific opsonin requirements for LT modulation of AM phagocytosis and the dependence of this response on protein kinase (PK) C activity were investigated. Phagocytosis of K. pneumoniae opsonized with IS, non-immune serum, or heat-inactivated immune serum and of inert targets (IgG-opsonized fluorescent microspheres or C-opsonized sheep red blood cells) was examined. Inhibition of endogenous LT synthesis or action attenuated, whereas the addition of exogenous LTs augmented, phagocytosis only of targets opsonized with IgG. LTs had no effect on phagocytosis of C-opsonized or unopsonized targets. LTs did not affect adherence of IgG-opsonized targets, implying instead an enhancement of internalization. Macrophage internalization of phagocytic targets has previously been shown to require PKC activity. Pretreatment of AMs with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine or calphostin C, or with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to deplete PKC, completely inhibited the ability of LTB(4) and largely inhibited the ability of LTC(4) to augment phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized microspheres. These results demonstrate that LT enhancement is confined to Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis. Moreover, PKC activation represents an important mechanism by which LTs promote FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

Activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase is necessary for actin rearrangements in human neutrophils during phagocytosis.

We have investigated the role of cAMP and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAPK) in neutrophil phagocytosis. Inhibition of cAPK with H-89 reduced complement- and IgG-dependent phagocytosis to 83 and 46%, respectively. Fluorescence intensity measurements of phalloidin-stained actin in neutrophils showed a reduced amount of filamentous actin (F-actin) in pseudopods and around the phagosome in cells treated with H-89 or cAMP-elevating agents (forskolin and rolipram). The amount of phosphotyrosine-containing proteins was also reduced in pseudopods and around the phagosome. Taken together, the data show that cAMP/cAPK regulates F-actin reorganization during receptor-mediated phagocytosis, particularly triggered by IgG-FcR interaction. Our results support the hypothesis that active subcortical reorganization of F-actin is a prerequisite for FcR-mediated phagocytosis, but is less important during CR3-mediated ingestion.

Annexins VII and XI are present in a human macrophage-like cell line. Differential translocation on FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

We have studied the divalent cation-dependent association of proteins to subcellular fractions of human macrophage-like cells before and after FcR-mediated phagocytosis. Among these proteins we have identified annexins VII and XI for the first time in these cells, along with annexins I, III, and VI. Although all of these annexins are present in the cytosolic fraction, the extent of their association to membrane and phagosome fractions from resting and stimulated cells is variable. Annexin VII translocates from cytosolic to membrane fractions after phagocytic stimulation, along with annexin I, III, and VI. Annexins VII and XI are found associated with purified phagosomes along with I, III, and VI, and this association is greater after a 24-h chase period. Our results show differences in the intracellular distribution of different annexins in macrophage-like cells on phagocytosis. Annexins VII, VI, III, and I respond to particle ingestion by translocating to phagosomes and other cell membrane structures, whereas annexin XI translocates predominantly to phagosomes, suggesting dissimilarities in their function.

Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis requires CDC42 and Rac1.

At the surface of phagocytes, antibody-opsonized particles are recognized by surface receptors for the Fc portion of immunoglobulins (FcRs) that mediate their capture by an actin-driven process called phagocytosis which is poorly defined. We have analyzed the function of the Rho proteins Rac1 and CDC42 in the high affinity receptor for IgE (FcepsilonRI)-mediated phagocytosis using transfected rat basophil leukemia (RBL-2H3) mast cells expressing dominant inhibitory forms of CDC42 and Rac1. Binding of opsonized particles to untransfected RBL-2H3 cells led to the accumulation of F-actin at the site of contact with the particles and further, to particle internalization. This process was inhibited by Clostridium difficile toxin B, a general inhibitor of Rho GTP-binding proteins. Dominant inhibition of Rac1 or CDC42 function severely inhibited particle internalization but not F-actin accumulation. Inhibition of CDC42 function resulted in the appearance of pedestal-like structures with particles at their tips, while particles bound at the surface of the Rac1 mutant cell line were enclosed within thin membrane protrusions that did not fuse. These phenotypic differences indicate that Rac1 and CDC42 have distinct functions and may act cooperatively in the assembly of the phagocytic cup. Inhibition of phagocytosis in the mutant cell lines was accompanied by the persistence of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins around bound particles. Phagocytic cup closure and particle internalization were also blocked when phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation was inhibited by treatment of RBL-2H3 cells with phenylarsine oxide, an inhibitor of protein phosphotyrosine phosphatases. Altogether, our data show that Rac1 and CDC42 are required to coordinate actin filament organization and membrane extension to form phagocytic cups and to allow particle internalization during FcR-mediated phagocytosis. Our data also suggest that Rac1 and CDC42 are involved in phosphotyrosine dephosphorylation required for particle internalization.

Mannose binding protein (MBP) enhances mononuclear phagocyte function via a receptor that contains the 126,000 M r component of the Clq receptor

Mannose-binding protein (MBP), C1q, the recognition component of the classical complement pathway, and pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) are members of a family of molecules containing a collagen-like sequence contiguous with a noncollagen-like sequence, and usually having the properties of a lectin. C1q and SP-A have been shown to enhance monocyte FcR- and CR1-mediated phagocytosis, suggesting that the common structural features of the collagen-like domains may provide a basis forthis immunologically important function. Results presented here demonstrate that MBP also enhanced FcR-mediated phagocytosis by both monocytes and macrophages, and stimulated CR1-mediated phagocytosis in human culture-derived macrophages and in phorbol ester-activated monocytes. Furthermore, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a 126,000 M r cell surface protein and inhibits C1q-enhanced phagocytosis, inhibited the MBP-mediated enhancement of phagocytosis. Thus, the receptors that mediate the enhancement of phagocytosis by MBP and C1q share at least one critical functional component, the 126,000 M r C1qR p.

Hyperoxic suppression of Fc-gamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis by isolated murine pulmonary macrophages.

Lower respiratory tract exposure to high oxygen (O2) concentrations is known to induce changes in pulmonary function through effects on several cell types located within the lung parenchyma, including pulmonary macrophages (PM). We studied the effects of hyperoxic exposure on phagocytosis via Fc-gamma receptors (FcR) on isolated murine PM. PM cultured in hyperoxic conditions exhibited little change in ingestion via FcR for up to 96 h, compared with significant increases in ingestion by PM cultured in 21% O2 over the same time period. This suppression was reversible and occurred whether 50 or 100% O2 concentrations were used for hyperoxic exposure. Addition of the potent macrophage-activating agent interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) to cultured PM further increased FcR-mediated phagocytosis in normoxic PM but had no effect on PM cultured in 100% O2. Analysis of FcR expression by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies specific for two different FcR classes revealed that culture in normoxic conditions increased surface expression of both FcR classes. Hyperoxic culture inhibited up-regulation of the high-affinity FcR but did not affect low-affinity FcR up-regulation, suggesting that hyperoxic effects were not due solely to effects on regulation of FcR expression. However, hyperoxic exposure completely suppressed FcR-mediated actin polymerization. These findings suggest that hyperoxic exposure impairs PM ability to increase FcR-mediated phagocytic activity after appropriate stimulation, which could impair the lung's defenses against infection.

A low molecular weight phagocytosis-inhibitory factor obtained from human erythrocyte membranes specifically down-regulates Mac-1 activity on tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate-stimulated monocytic cell lines in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.

A low molecular mass (< 3 kDa) phagocytosis-inhibitory factor (PIF), was partially purified from human erythrocyte membranes. PIF inhibits latex phagocytosis and C, as well as FcR-mediated phagocytosis, by macrophage-like cells in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. This phagocytosis-inhibitory activity is reversible because removal of PIF restores phagocytic capability of cells. After treatment with PIF, Mac-1 Ag (CR3 or CD11b) becomes almost undetectable on the cell surface by immunofluorescence staining using the mAbs D-12 and BEAR-1, whereas staining with the LM2/1 anti-Mac-1 mAb proved that Mac-1 is still present on the cell surface, thus, indicating a possible conformational change in Mac-1. PIF has no significant inhibitory effect on staining of CR1 (CD35), CR2, (CD21), 20-kDa homologous restriction factor (CD59), decay-accelerating factor (CD55), LFA-1 (CD11a), or p150.95 (CD11c). Although binding of Mac-1-bearing U-937 cells to C3bi-opsonized beads is completely blocked, binding via Con A and FcRs remains unaffected by PIF treatment. In addition to the suppressive effect on phagocytosis, inhibition of cell adhesion was observed as well. The inhibitory effect of PIF on cell adhesion is not monocyte specific, because after exposure to PIF the TGW neuroblastoma cell line lost its ability to attach to the tissue culture plate, but retained its ability for homotypic aggregation. The possibility that PIF is a natural regulator of erythrophagocytosis is suggested.

The role of cyclic AMP, calcium and filamentous actin in adenosine modulation of Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis in human neutrophils

The role of cyclic AMP, calcium and filamentous actin (F-actin) content during adenosine modulation of Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis in adherent human neutrophils was investigated. Phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized yeast particles was found to be enhanced by pico- to nanomolar concentrations of adenosine or the A 1-agonist N 6-cyclopentyl-adenosine (CPA) but reduced by micromolar concentrations of adenosine or the A 2-agonist 5′- N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA). NECA, in the presence of the cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor Ro 20–1724, increased the intracellular content of cAMP during phagocytosis. Ro 20–1724 potentiated the NECA-induced reduction of the phagocytic capacity. These observations indicate that cAMP elevations are involved in A 2-receptor-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis. NECA, in the presence of Ro 20–1724, markedly enhanced the actin polymerization associated with adhesion to the substrate and contact with the phagocytic prey. During advanced phagocytosis, however, the F-actin content reached levels clearly below those observed in control cells. This prolonged depolymerization phase correlated with the A 2-receptor-induced cAMP elevation. Depletion of intracellular free calcium abolished the cAMP-elevating effects of NECA, and also completely abrogated the A 1- and A 2-receptor-mediated effects on phagocytosis. However, since NECA reduced the F-actin content even in Ca 2+-depleted cells, A 2-receptor-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis could not be directly coupled to changes in the overall content of F-actin. Our results indicate that adenosine modulates FcR-mediated phagocytosis in a calcium-dependent way, and does so through ‘stimulatory’ A 1 and ‘inhibitory’ A 2 receptors, and also that cAMP elevation is linked to the A 2-receptor-induced inhibition of phagocytosis.

Fc receptor for IgG (FcR) on rat microglia

Receptor for IgG (FcR) was demonstrated on rat microglia in vivo and in vitro by immunohistochemical staining with immune complexes of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and rabbit IgG anti-HRP. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and neurons did not express FcR. Microglia in culture also showed FcR-mediated agglutination and phagocytosis of IgG-sensitized erythrocytes. A radiolabelled cDNA probe for rat FcRIII hybridized with a 1.4-kb RNA band in Northern blots prepared from total RNA from rat brain. FcRIII mRNA-positive cells in rat brain, presumably microglia, were demonstrated by in situ hybridization. FcR participates in the initiation of cytotoxic responses and of phagocytosis by microglia and is therefore likely to be important in mediating immune reactions in the brain.

Fc Receptors Expression and Function in Mononuclear Phagocytes from AIDS Patients: Modulation by IFN‐Gamma

Fc-receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis and FcR (FcRI, FcRII and FcRIII) membrane expression was studied on freshly separated and cultured monocytes (Mo) from 20 AIDS patients and 20 healthy controls. Both Mo and Mo-derived macrophages from AIDS patients presented a significant defect in their capacity to ingest IgG-coated erythrocytes (EA) compared to control cells. This functional defect did not depend on a decline in the number of FcR+ cells or on a decrease in the expression of FcR on their surface. In fact, the percentages of phagocytes reacting with anti-FcRI MoAb (32.2) or anti-FcRII MoAb (IV.3) were similar for controls and AIDS patients, while the percentage of FcRIII-positive Mo (MoAb 3G8) was higher in the AIDS population than in controls, though this difference was not seen on cultured Mo. The level of FcRI expression, evaluated as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), was higher on freshly separated Mo from AIDS patients than from controls but this difference disappeared also with differentiation of Mo to Mo-derived macrophages in vitro. Parallel analysis of FcRII and FcRIII on phagocytes revealed no differences in the MFI between the AIDS and control groups. Some observations suggested that this functional defect might be secondary to phagocyte priming by circulating IFN-gamma: (1) in vitro stimulation of Mo with hrIFN-gamma, which increased FcRI expression, actually reduced phagocytosis of IgG-coated particles; and (2) IFN-gamma concentrations were increased in AIDS patients' plasma. In spite of these findings, no significant correlation was found between plasma IFN-gamma concentrations and FcR-mediated ingestion in AIDS patients, making the hypothesis uncertain. Even if the basis for the impaired FcR-mediated phagocytosis in AIDS patients remains unclear, this functional defect may have a role in the immunopathogenesis of AIDS, constituting a component cause of the immunodeficiency.

Isolation and characterization of human peripheral blood dendritic cells.

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent APC that can be purified from cultured peripheral blood non-T cells. Because no specific cell surface marker has been found, the lineage of DC remains obscure. The purpose of these studies was to determine the circulating blood cells that could give rise to functional human DC. DC were enriched when purified by standard techniques from non-T cells that were treated with L-leucyl-L-leucine methyl ester, known to be toxic to monocytes and cytolytic cells. To determine whether monocytes or B cells could give rise to DC, fresh non-T cells were sorted into CD14+ monocytes, CD19+ B cells, and CD14- and CD19- cells. Although there was some enrichment for APC function by cultured nonadherent CD14- or CD19- cells, a marked enrichment for cells with dendritic morphology and potent APC function was found in the population that was sorted by the absence of expression of CD14, CD19, CD3, and CD16. More than 90% of the CD14-CD19-CD16-CD3- sorted cells, and of control DC, expressed the myeloid markers CD13 and CD33. Therefore, fresh non-T cells were sorted based on the expression of these myeloid markers. In comparison with CD33-CD14- B cells, some of the CD33+ cells expressed CD14 dimly. However, they were easily distinguished from monocytes, which intensely expressed CD14. CD33+CD14dim cells developed dendritic processes and were more potent APC than control DC, CD33+CD14+, or CD33-CD14- cells. Although freshly isolated CD33+CD14dim DC expressed a number of cell surface molecules also expressed by CD14+ monocytes, they demonstrated lower levels of lysosomal enzymes and a lack of FcR-mediated phagocytosis in comparison with monocytes. Differentiation of morphology and phenotype of CD33+CD14dim cells occurred within 6 to 36 h in culture. However, the CD33+CD14dim cells could effectively function as APC without prolonged preincubation to develop dendritic morphology. These data indicate that human blood DC arise from precursors that express the myeloid lineage markers CD13 and CD33, but are functionally distinct from classic CD14+ monocytes.

Depression of macrophage respiratory burst capacity and arachidonic acid release after Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis.

The phagocytosis of IgG-coated erythrocytes (ElgG) by macrophages results in a subsequent depression of macrophage phagocytic function, respiratory burst capacity, and bactericidal activity. Our study was carried out to determine the importance of impaired arachidonic acid release in the depression of the respiratory burst after ElgG phagocytosis. The depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis was not due to cyclooxygenase products because indomethacin or aspirin did not modify the depression. Further studies revealed that the depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis was associated with a depression in the ability of macrophages to release arachidonic acid in response to PMA, zymosan, or calcium ionophore. The addition of exogenous arachidonic acid partially prevented the depression of triggered H2O2 production after ElgG phagocytosis. Unlike phagocytosis mediated by FcR, complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis did not alter H2O2 production or arachidonic acid release. Ligation of FcR was not sufficient to depress triggered H2O2 production and arachidonic acid release because these functions were not depressed when phagocytosis was inhibited with cytochalasin D. Thus, it was found that the depression of triggered H2O2 production by macrophages after FcR-mediated phagocytosis was associated with impaired release of arachidonic acid and that H2O2 production could be partially restored by the addition of arachidonic acid. These results suggest that the impairment of arachidonic acid release after FcR-mediated phagocytosis contributes to the depression of macrophage respiratory burst capacity after FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

Eicosanoids modulate CR1- and Fc-dependent bacterial phagocytosis

It is known that macrophages produce large amounts of eicosanoids during phagocytosis and that pharmacological concentrations of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) inhibit phagocytosis in several models. However, the physiological effect on phagocytosis of endogenous prostaglandins, produced during CR1- or FcR-mediated bacterial phagocytosis, remains unclear. In this study, we show that indomethacin inhibits the CR1- but not the FcR-dependent phagocytosis of bacteria by rat peritoneal cells in the same range of concentrations that inhibit the synthesis of PGE 2, PGI 2 and thromboxane A 2. An exogenous supply of PGE 2 and PGE 1 (10 −10 to 10 −8 M) restored the CR1-mediated phagocytosis; higher concentrations were inhibitory. Our data indicate that PGE 2 and/or PGI 2, produced by rat periteneal cells, are involved in CR1-dependent bacterial phagocytosis.