Rapid Recruitment Of Neutrophils Research Articles

INKT Cell Emigration out of the Lung Vasculature Requires Neutrophils and Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells in Inflammation

iNKT cells are a subset of innate Tcells that recognize glycolipids presented on CD1d molecules andprotect against bacterial infections, including S.pneumoniae. Using lung intravital imaging, we examined the behavior and mechanism of pulmonary iNKT cell activation in response to the specific iNKT cell ligand α-galactosylceramide or S.pneumoniae infection. In untreated mice, the major fraction of iNKT cells resided in the vasculature, but a small critical population resided in the extravascular space in proximity to monocyte-derived DCs. Administration of either α-GalCer or S.pneumoniae induced CD1d-dependent rapid recruitment of neutrophils out of the vasculature. The neutrophils guided iNKT cells from the lung vasculature via CCL17. Depletion of monocyte-derived DCs abrogated both the neutrophil and subsequent iNKT cell extravasation. Moreover, impairing iNKT cell recruitment by blocking CCL17 increased susceptibility to S.pneumoniae infection, suggesting a critical role for the influx of iNKT cells in host defense.

The role of MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling in monophosphoryl lipid A-induced expansion and recruitment of innate immunocytes.

Treatment with the TLR4 agonist MPLA augments innate resistance to common bacterial pathogens. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MPLA augments innate immunocyte functions are not well characterized. This study examined the importance of MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling for leukocyte mobilization, recruitment, and activation following administration of MPLA. MPLA potently induced MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling. A single injection of MPLA caused rapid mobilization and recruitment of neutrophils, a response that was largely mediated by the chemokines CXCL1 and -2 and the hemopoietic factor G-CSF. Rapid neutrophil recruitment and chemokine production were regulated by both pathways although the MyD88-dependent pathway showed some predominance. In further studies, multiple injections of MPLA potently induced mobilization and recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes. Neutrophil recruitment after multiple injections of MPLA was reliant on MyD88-dependent signaling, but effective monocyte recruitment required activation of both pathways. MPLA treatment induced expansion of myeloid progenitors in bone marrow and upregulation of CD11b and shedding of L-selectin by neutrophils, all of which were attenuated in MyD88- and TRIF-deficient mice. These results show that MPLA-induced neutrophil and monocyte recruitment, expansion of bone marrow progenitors and augmentation of neutrophil adhesion molecule expression are regulated by both the MyD88- and TRIF-dependent pathways.

CXCL1, but not IL-6, significantly impacts intraocular inflammation during infection.

During intraocular bacterial infections, the primary innate responders are neutrophils, which may cause bystander damage to the retina or perturb the clarity of the visual axis. We hypothesized that cytokine IL-6 and chemokine CXCL1 contributed to rapid neutrophil recruitment during Bacillus cereus endophthalmitis, a severe form of intraocular infection that is characterized by explosive inflammation and retinal damage that often leads to rapid vision loss. To test this hypothesis, we compared endophthalmitis pathogenesis in C57BL/6J, IL-6-/-, and CXCL1-/- mice. Bacterial growth in eyes of CXCL1-/-, IL-6-/-, and C67BL/6J mice was similar. Retinal function retention was greater in eyes of IL-6-/- and CXCL1-/- mice compared with that of C57BL/6J, despite these eyes having similar bacterial burdens. Neutrophil influx into eyes of CXCL1-/- mice was reduced to a greater degree compared with that of eyes of IL6-/- mice. Histology confirmed significantly less inflammation in eyes of CXCL1-/- mice, but similar degrees of inflammation in IL6-/- and C57BL/6J eyes. Because inflammation was reduced in eyes of infected CXCL1-/- mice, we tested the efficacy of anti-CXCL1 in B. cereus endophthalmitis. Retinal function was retained to a greater degree and there was less overall inflammation in eyes treated with anti-CXCL1, which suggested that anti-CXCL1 may have therapeutic efficacy in limiting inflammation during B. cereus endophthalmitis. Taken together, our results indicate that absence of IL-6 did not affect overall pathogenesis of endophthalmitis. In contrast, absence of CXCL1, in CXCL1-/- mice or after anti-CXCL1 treatment, led to an improved clinical outcome. Our findings suggest a potential benefit in targeting CXCL1 to control inflammation during B. cereus and perhaps other types of intraocular infections.

Characterization of a polysaccharide from Rosa davurica and inhibitory activity against neutrophil migration

The rapid recruitment of neutrophils from peripheral blood into infected sites is critical step for inflammatory responses; however, the excessive and improper recruitment can lead to serious tissue damages. Thus, it is a promising strategy to inhibit their excessive recruitment for treating inflammation-related disease. Here, we isolated a polysaccharide (RDPA1) from Rosa davurica, to evaluate its physicochemical property and inhibitory effects on neutrophil migration. RDPA1 was obtained by hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose and Sepharose CL-6B columns. RDPA1 significantly inhibited in vitro migration of human neutrophils evaluated by transwell chamber and impacted the migratory behavior observed by time-lapsed microscopy, we found the migrated distance and average velocity of RDPA1-treated cells were greatly reduced. In addition, RDPA1 treatment impaired in vivo neutrophil infiltration in the peritonitis mice. RDPA1 exhibited significant blocking capacity of the interaction between β2 integrins and ICAM-1 evaluated by flow cytometry and in vitro protein binding assay. Together, these results suggest RDPA1 could be considered as a potential candidate for developing a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

Protection from septic peritonitis by rapid neutrophil recruitment through omental high endothelial venules.

Acute peritonitis is a frequent medical condition that can trigger severe sepsis as a life-threatening complication. Neutrophils are first-responders in infection but recruitment mechanisms to the abdominal cavity remain poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that high endothelial venules (HEVs) of the greater omentum constitute a main entry pathway in TNFα-, Escherichia coli (E. coli)- and caecal ligation and puncture-induced models of inflammation. Neutrophil transmigration across HEVs is faster than across conventional postcapillary venules and requires a unique set of adhesion receptors including peripheral node addressin, E-, L-selectin and Mac-1 but not P-selectin or LFA-1. Omental milky spots readily concentrate intra-abdominal E. coli where macrophages and recruited neutrophils collaborate in phagocytosis and killing. Inhibition of the omental neutrophil response exacerbates septic progression of peritonitis. This data identifies HEVs as a clinically relevant vascular recruitment site for neutrophils in acute peritonitis that is indispensable for host defence against early systemic bacterial spread and sepsis.

Stimulation of hepatocarcinogenesis by neutrophils upon induction of oncogenic kras expression in transgenic zebrafish

Background & AimsChronic inflammation is a major etiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but how immune cells respond in the initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis remains uncharacterized. This study aims to investigate the response and roles of neutrophils in early hepatocarcinogenesis.MethodsBy inducible expression of oncogenic krasV12 in hepatocytes in transgenic zebrafish combined with live imaging of neutrophils in transparent larvae, the response of neutrophils to oncogenic liver was characterized and their roles investigated by pharmaceutical and genetic manipulations.ResultsWe found a rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the liver upon induction of krasV12 expression. Pharmaceutical stimulation of neutrophils resulted in further increases of neutrophils in oncogenic livers, liver size and tumor severity, while inhibition of neutrophils caused decreases of liver-associated neutrophils and liver size. Time-lapse video indicated that neutrophils had a stagnant migratory pattern meandering along the tumor edge but became relatively stationary upon entering the krasV12-expressing liver. Both oncogenic hepatocytes and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) were isolated via fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Molecular analyses indicated a pro-inflammatory microenvironment, as marked by increased tgfβ1a expression in krasV12-expressing hepatocytes and a loss of anti-tumor activities in TANs. Depletion of Tgf-β significantly reduced the number of TANs and the size of oncogenic liver.ConclusionsAn inflammatory cue from oncogenic hepatocytes upon induction of krasV12 expression causes a rapid recruitment of neutrophils to oncogenic liver and the neutrophils play a promoting role in early hepatocarcinogenesis.

Complement component C5 recruits neutrophils in the absence of C3 during respiratory infection with modified vaccinia virus Ankara.

Efficient leukocyte migration is important for an effective host response to viral infection and the development of adaptive immunity. The poxvirus strain modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), a safe and efficient viral vector, rapidly induces chemokine expression and respiratory recruitment of leukocytes, which is unique among vaccinia viruses. In addition to chemokines, the complement system contributes to the attraction and activation of different types of leukocytes. Using a murine model of intranasal infection, we show in this study that MVA-induced neutrophil recruitment depends on complement component C5. Remarkably, we find that C5 mediates neutrophil recruitment to the lung, even in the absence of the central complement component C3. Our findings argue for complement C5 activation during MVA infection of the lung via a C3-independent pathway, which enables rapid recruitment of neutrophils.

Chemokine (C-C Motif) receptor 1 is required for efficient recruitment of neutrophils during respiratory infection with modified vaccinia virus Ankara.

Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) serves as a versatile platform in vaccine development. This highly attenuated orthopoxvirus, which cannot replicate in mammalian cells, triggers strong innate immune responses, including cell migration. Previously, we have shown that induction of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) by MVA is necessary for the recruitment of monocytes and T cells, but not neutrophils, to the lung. Here, we identified neutrophil-attracting chemokines produced by MVA-infected primary murine lung fibroblasts and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. We demonstrate that MVA, but not vaccinia virus (VACV) strain WR, induces chemokine expression, which is independent of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling. Additionally, we show that both chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 1 (CCR1) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2) are involved in MVA-induced neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro. Finally, intranasal infection of Ccr1(-/-) mice with MVA, as well as application of the CCR1 antagonist J-113863, revealed a role for CCR1 in leukocyte recruitment, including neutrophils, into the lung. Rapid attraction of leukocytes to the site of inoculation is unique to MVA in comparison to other VACV strains. The findings here extend current knowledge about the regulation of MVA-induced leukocyte migration, particularly regarding neutrophils, which could potentially be exploited to improve other VACV strains currently in development as oncolytic viruses and viral vectors. Additionally, the data presented here indicate that the inflammatory response may vary depending on the cell type infected by MVA, highlighting the importance of the site of vaccine application. Moreover, the rapid recruitment of neutrophils and other leukocytes can directly contribute to the induction of adaptive immune responses elicited by MVA inoculation. Thus, a better understanding of leukocyte migration upon MVA infection is particularly relevant for further development and use of MVA-based vaccines and vectors.

Incorporation of CpG into a Liposomal Vaccine Formulation Increases the Maturation of Antigen-Loaded Dendritic Cells and Monocytes To Improve Local and Systemic Immunity

Liposomal vaccine formulations incorporating stimulants that target innate immune receptors have been shown to significantly increase vaccine immunity. Following vaccination, innate cell populations respond to immune stimuli, phagocytose and process Ag, and migrate from the injection site, via the afferent lymphatic vessels, into the local lymph node. In this study, the signals received in the periphery promote and sculpt the adaptive immune response. Effector lymphocytes then leave the lymph node via the efferent lymphatic vessel to perform their systemic function. We have directly cannulated the ovine lymphatic vessels to detail the in vivo innate and adaptive immune responses occurring in the local draining lymphatic network following vaccination with a liposome-based delivery system incorporating CpG. We show that CpG induces the rapid recruitment of neutrophils, enhances dendritic cell-associated Ag transport, and influences the maturation of innate cells entering the afferent lymph. This translated into an extended period of lymph node shutdown, the induction of IFN-γ-positive T cells, and enhanced production of Ag-specific Abs. Taken together, the results of this study quantify the real-time in vivo kinetics of the immune response in a large animal model after vaccination of a dose comparable to that administered to humans. This study details enhancement of numerous immune mechanisms that provide an explanation for the immunogenic function of CpG when employed as an adjuvant within vaccines.

Resolvin E1 promotes resolution of inflammation in a mouse model of an acute exacerbation of allergic asthma

Endogenous mediators, such as RvE1 (resolvin E1), promote resolution of an inflammatory response and have potential as novel therapeutic agents. In the present study, we investigated the activity of RvE1 in a model of an acute exacerbation of chronic allergic asthma in mice. Animals sensitized to OVA (ovalbumin) received controlled low-level challenge with aerosolized antigen for 4 weeks, followed by a single moderate-level challenge to simulate an allergen-induced exacerbation of asthmatic inflammation. Induction of an exacerbation was associated with rapid recruitment of neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils, together with increased levels of Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines. When administered before the final moderate-level challenge, RvE1 had only a modest effect on airway inflammation. To assess its effects when administered after induction of an exacerbation, we first characterized the cellular and molecular events associated with spontaneous resolution of airway inflammation over the following 96 h. Subsequently, we showed that administration of RvE1 at 2 and 8 h after the final challenge accelerated this process significantly. Specifically, RvE1 promoted a decline in the number of inflammatory cells, concentration of cytokines in lavage fluid and expression of mRNA for cytokines by macrophages, confirming its pro-resolution activity. In vitro, RvE1 had no apparent effect on lymphocytes, but suppressed significantly cytokine production by pulmonary macrophages, with evidence of down-regulation of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) p65 in these cells. The present study provides novel evidence that RvE1 can facilitate resolution of airway inflammation in a clinically relevant model of an acute exacerbation of asthma, possibly via its effects on activated pulmonary macrophages.

Two-Photon Imaging of Immune Cell Dynamics: Moving from 2D Fixed Tissue Sections to 3D Dynamic Histology In Vivo

Cell-mediated immune responses are highly dependent on environmental context, thus making in vivo studies an important complement to in vitro and molecular approaches. Two-photon microscopy (2PM) is a fluorescence based imaging approach that allows single-cell dynamics to be studied directly in their 3D native tissue context. 2PM is an ideal approach for analyzing leukocyte trafficking dynamics quantitatively and testing cellular immune mechanisms in vivo. Several example applications will be presented where 2PM has uncovered novel immunological phenomena and provided fresh insight into immune responses to infection, autoimmunity and cancer. While 2P imaging has been used extensively to study immune cell trafficking and function in mice, progress is being made to use this imaging technique on clinical biopsy specimens to acquire a multi-dimensional picture of human tissue pathology. We used in vivo 2PM in pre-clinical models of arthritis and bacterial infection to compare and contrast the role of monocytes on neutrophil recruitment. The rapid recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes is critical to early host immune responses to bacterial infection. However, leukocyte recruitment also contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as human rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding how cell recruitment is regulated in different inflammatory contexts is crucial for developing safe and effective anti-inflammatory therapies. We found that monocyte depletion with clodronate-liposomes prevented arthritis development in a modified K/BxN serum transfer arthritis model. This protective effect was associated with significantly reduced neutrophil transendothelial migration efficiency. Furthermore, single-cell tracking of a minor population of extravasated neutrophils showed that neutrophil migration and chemotaxis in interstitial tissues was disrupted, contributing to decreased cell localization at phalangeal joints. Similar results were obtained when CCR2+ monocytes were depleted selectively using the monoclonal antibody MC-21, thus implicating CCR2+ monocytes as key regulators of neutrophil extravasation during arthritis initiation. In contrast, neutrophil recruitment to subcutaneous bacterial challenge remained intact and neutrophil extravasation and chemotaxis to sites of infection was not significantly different as compared to non-depleted controls. We also examined whether neutrophil extravasation during acute pulmonary inflammation required monocytes. Neutrophil recruitment in vivo was assessed in a mouse lung transplant-mediated ischemia reperfusion injury model. Similar to the results in the arthritis model, neutrophil recruitment in response to ischemia reperfusion injury was also monocyte dependent. In addition, Ccr2 knockout recipient mice were protected for ischemia reperfusion injury. Results from these complementary mouse models implicate CCR2+ monocytes as key regulators of neutrophil extravasation and chemotaxis in under conditions of aseptic inflammation and further suggest that the cell recruitment signals that that operate during bacterial infection may be quantitatively and/or qualitatively distinct. These studies raise the intriguing possibility that targeting monocytes during chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or acute inflammatory conditions such as ischemia reperfusion injury might provide safer and more selective anti-inflammatory therapies than those that target neutrophils directly. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

253 : IL-36 induces inflammation and collagen deposition in the lung

IL-36 α , IL-36β and IL-36g are members of the IL-1 family of cytokines which bind to the IL-36R leading to recruitment of the IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) to initiate signal transduction. IL-36Ra is a natural antagonist of IL-36 and mutations in the IL-36Ra gene have been shown to be causative for a severe form of psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis. IL-36 is believed to initiate an inflammatory loop in the skin and drive psoriasis pathogenesis. In addition to the skin, IL-36 and IL-36R are expressed in the lung. Intranasal delivery of IL-36 leads to rapid recruitment of neutrophils into the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Upon longer term exposure, IL-36 administration leads to an accumulation of lymphocytes in addition to neutrophils and collagen deposition. To address which cell types are responsive to IL-36, we administered IL-36 intranasally and examined lungs for nuclear translocation of the NF-kB subunit p65. Intranasal IL-36 delivery results in NF-kB nuclear translocation in the bronchiolar epithelium, endothelium, and alveolar macrophages. In humans, the IL-36R is expressed by a number of cell types of interest in respiratory diseases including macrophages of the M0 and M2 subtype, but not M1, fibrocytes, bronchial epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts. IL-36 stimulation of these cells produces inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23 and TNF and upregulates expression of fibrotic pathway genes such as BMP2 and WNT5A from fibrocytes. Expression of IL-36 is induced in bronchial epithelial cells upon exposure to a number of stimuli including TGFβ, rhinovirus and smoke exposure which are highly relevant to pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, respectively. IL-36 can then act on fibroblasts, fibrocytes and macrophages to induce cytokines, chemokines and extracellular matrix proteins leading to recruitment of additional immune cells such as neutrophils and lymphocytes thereby amplifying the immune and fibrotic responses.

Toll-like receptor 4 orchestrates neutrophil recruitment into airways during the first hours of Bordetella pertussis infection

Most of the knowledge on the impact of Bordetella pertussis lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) on the infectious process was obtained when the bacteria was established within the host. The aim of the present work was to determine the role of TLR4 at a very early step of the infectious process. To this end we used a transcriptomic approach on B. pertussis intranasal infection model in C3H/HeN, a TLR4-competent mouse strain, and C3H/HeJ, a TLR4-deficient mouse strain. The expression of approximately 140 genes was significantly changed 2 h post-infection in the C3H/HeN animals compared to the C3H/HeJ animals, which were essentially non-responders at this early time point. Pathways specific for immunity and defense, chemokine- and cytokine-mediated functions and TLR signaling, were activated upon infection in the TLR4 competent mice either at 2 h or 24 h. Furthermore, we observed that TLR4 signaling is absolutely required to promote the rapid recruitment of neutrophils into the airways. Interestingly, the depletion of those neutrophils impacted on B. pertussis lung counts in the first three days, thereby exacerbating the lung infection. In summary, we determined that TLR4 is a central player in initial neutrophil recruitment and orchestration of the very early innate defense against B. pertussis.

Tuning innate immune activation by surface texturing of polymer microparticles: the role of shape in inflammasome activation.

Polymeric microparticles have been widely investigated as platforms for delivery of drugs, vaccines, and imaging contrast agents and are increasingly used in a variety of clinical applications. Microparticles activate the inflammasome complex and induce the processing and secretion of IL-1β, a key innate immune cytokine. Recent work suggests that although receptors are clearly important for particle phagocytosis, other physical characteristics, especially shape, play an important role in the way microparticles activate cells. We examined the role of particle surface texturing not only on uptake efficiency but also on the subsequent immune cell activation of the inflammasome. Using a method based on emulsion processing of amphiphilic block copolymers, we prepared microparticles with similar overall sizes and surface chemistries but having either smooth or highly microtextured surfaces. In vivo, textured (budding) particles induced more rapid neutrophil recruitment to the injection site. In vitro, budding particles were more readily phagocytosed than smooth particles and induced more lipid raft recruitment to the phagosome. Remarkably, budding particles also induced stronger IL-1β secretion than smooth particles through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings demonstrate a pronounced role of particle surface topography in immune cell activation, suggesting that shape is a major determinant of inflammasome activation.

Induction of innate immunity in lungs with virus-like nanoparticles leads to protection against influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge

Nanoparticles composed of the coat protein of a plant virus (papaya mosaic virus; PapMV) and a single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) trigger a strong innate immune stimulation in the lungs of the animals a few hours following instillation. A rapid recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes follows. This treatment was able to provide protection to an influenza challenge that lasts at least 5days. Protection could be recalled for longer periods by repeating the instillations once per week for more than 10weeks. The treatment also conferred protection to a lethal challenge with Streptococcus pneumoniae – the major cause of bacterial pneumonia. Finally, we also showed that the nanoparticles could be used to treat mice infected with influenza and significantly decrease morbidity. These data strengthen the potential for using PapMV nanoparticles as non-specific inducers of the innate immune response in lungs during viral pandemics or to combat bioterrorist attack. From the Clinical EditorIn this study, virus-like nanoparticles were utilized to induce innate immune responses in a mouse model. They were also demonstrated to provide enhanced immune responses during actual pneumonia and ongoing viral infection. Strategies like this may become very helpful in human applications, including bioterrorism countermeasures.

Intravital two-photon microscopy of host-pathogen interactions in a mouse model ofStaphylococcus aureusskin abscess formation

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is a frequent cause of severe skin infections. The ability to control the infection is largely dependent on the rapid recruitment of neutrophils (PMN). To gain more insight into the dynamics of PMN migration and host-pathogen interactions in vivo, we used intravital two-photon (2-P) microscopy to visualize S. aureus skin infections in the mouse. Reporter S. aureus strains expressing fluorescent proteins were developed, which allowed for detection of the bacteria in vivo. By employing LysM-EGFP mice to visualize PMN, we observed the rapid appearance of PMN in the extravascular space of the dermis and their directed movement towards the focus of infection, which led to the delineation of an abscess within 1 day. Moreover, tracking of transferred labelled bone-marrow neutrophils showed that PMN localization to the site of infection is dependent on the presence of G-protein-coupled receptors on the PMN, whereas Interleukin-1 receptor was required on host cells other than PMN. Furthermore, the S. aureus complement inhibitor Ecb could block PMN accumulation at thesite of infection. Our results establish that 2-P microscopy is a powerful tool to investigate the orchestration of the immune cells, S. aureus location and gene expression in vivo on a single cell level.

IL-33-induced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell mobilization and anti-fungal activity in mice (111.24)

Abstract IL-33 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma, atopic allergy, anaphylaxis and other inflammatory diseases by promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines or Th2 immune responses. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-33 in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization and host anti-fungal response in mice that received autologous HSPC transplantation. IL-33 induced HSPC mobilization through increasing vascular cell CXCL1 and CXCL2 productions. IL-33-mobilized HSPCs were capable of homing to and of long-term reconstitution in the BM of irradiated recipients. Immune cells derived from these recipients had normal anti-fungal activity. When injected after IL-33-mobilized HSPC transplantation, IL-33 had an additional protective effect against lethal Candida albicans infection. The anti-fungal effect of IL-33 was due to the rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the infection site via release of CXCR2 chemokines in peritoneal cavity and blood and prevention of CXCR2 down-regulation induced by Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in neutrophils and their enhanced phagocytic activity. The ability of IL-33 to promote HSPC mobilization and host anti-fungal activity represents a previously unrecognized role of IL-33 in innate immunity. These properties of IL-33 have clinical implications in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

A galU mutant of francisella tularensisis attenuated for virulence in a murine pulmonary model of tularemia

BackgroundA number of studies have revealed that Francisella tularensis (FT) suppresses innate immune responses such as chemokine/cytokine production and neutrophil recruitment in the lungs following pulmonary infection via an unidentified mechanism. The ability of FT to evade early innate immune responses could be a very important virulence mechanism for this highly infectious bacterial pathogen.ResultsHere we describe the characterization of a galU mutant strain of FT live vaccine strain (LVS). We show that the galU mutant was highly attenuated in a murine model of tularemia and elicited more robust innate immune responses than the wild-type (WT) strain. These studies document that the kinetics of chemokine expression and neutrophil recruitment into the lungs of mice challenged with the galU mutant strain are significantly more rapid than observed with WT FT, despite the fact that there were no observed differences in TLR2 or TLR4 signaling or replication/dissemination kinetics during the early stages of infection. We also show that the galU mutant had a hypercytotoxic phenotype and more rapidly induced the production of IL-1β following infection either in vitro or in vivo, indicating that attenuation of the galU mutant strain may be due (in part) to more rapid activation of the inflammasome and/or earlier death of FT infected cells. Furthermore, we show that infection of mice with the galU mutant strain elicits protective immunity to subsequent challenge with WT FT.ConclusionsDisruption of the galU gene of FTLVS has little (if any) effect on in vivo infectivity, replication, or dissemination characteristics, but is highly attenuating for virulence. The attenuated phenotype of this mutant strain of FT appears to be related to its increased ability to induce innate inflammatory responsiveness, resulting in more rapid recruitment of neutrophils to the lungs following pneumonic infection, and/or to its ability to kill infected cells in an accelerated fashion. These results have identified two potentially important virulence mechanisms used by FT. These findings could also have implications for design of a live attenuated vaccine strain of FT because sublethal infection of mice with the galU mutant strain of FTLVS promoted development of protective immunity to WT FTLVS.

Acute-Phase Protein α1-Antitrypsin Inhibits Neutrophil Calpain I and Induces Random Migration

A rapid recruitment of neutrophils to sites of injury or infection is a hallmark of the inflammatory response and is required for effective host defense against pathogenic stimuli. However, neutrophil-mediated inflammation can also lead to chronic tissue destruction; therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neutrophil influx and activation is of critical importance. We have previously shown that the acute phase protein α1-antitrypsin (AAT) inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis. In this study, we examine mechanisms related to the effect of AAT on neutrophil responses. We report a previously unknown function of AAT to inactivate calpain I (μ-calpain) and to induce a rapid cell polarization and random migration. These effects of AAT coincided with a transient rise in intracellular calcium, increase in intracellular lipids, activation of the Rho GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42, and extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Furthermore, AAT caused a significant inhibition of nonstimulated as well as formyl-met-leu-phe (fMLP)-stimulated neutrophil adhesion to fibronectin, strongly inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-8 release and slightly delayed neutrophil apoptosis. The results presented here broaden our understanding of the regulation of calpain-related neutrophil functional activities, and provide the impetus for new studies to define the role of AAT and other acute phase proteins in health and disease.

Does adjuvanticity depend on the ability to recruit specific immune cells?

Evaluation of: Calabro SM, Tortoli BC, Baudner A et al. Vaccine adjuvants alum and MF59 induce rapid recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes that participate in antigen transport to draining lymph nodes. Vaccine 29(9), 1812–1823 (2011).Adjuvants are used to enhance the delivery and immunogenicity of vaccines. An important function of adjuvants is the recruitment of immune cells to the site of injection. Little is known, however, about the mechanisms involved in such cell recruitment. In a recent paper published in Vaccine, Calabro et al. demonstrate that following intramuscular administration of either alum or MF59, various cell populations, including neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, macrophages and dendritic cells, are being recruited to the site of immunization. Interestingly, the number of neutrophils increases by approximately 2000-fold within 16 h and antigen-positive neutrophils were subsequently found in the draining lymph nodes, suggesting an important function of these cells in the induction of adaptive immunity. However, antibody-mediated ablation of neutrophils had no impact on the induction of specific immune responses in these mice, raising the question of whether the function of neutrophils can be substituted by other immune cells.