Role In Transendothelial Migration Research Articles

The Angiogenic Factor Angiopoietin-1 Is Regulated by the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Fusion Protein AML1/ETO

Abstract 2426 BACKGROUNDThe chromosomal rearrangement t(8;21)(q22;q22) encodes the fusion gene AML1/ETO, which is the most common translocation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It has an incidence of approximately 15% and a favourable prognosis in comparison to other AML subtypes. Dysregulated angiogenesis in the bone marrow niche environment is predicted to have an important role in leukemia pathogenesis, and several factors have been implicated in this process. Angiopoietin-1 (ANGPT1) is a cytokine involved in hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and regulation of microvessel density within the bone marrow, as well as having a role in transendothelial migration. Moreover, ANGPT1 is upregulated in leukemic blast cells from AML patients. In this study we investigated the role of AML1/ETO as a regulator of ANGPT1 expression, as well as functional implications of ANGPT1 in AML1/ETO-positive AML. METHODSIn order to investigate putative AML1/ETO-dependent regulation of ANGPT1, we performed gain-of-function studies using lentiviral gene transfer to ectopically express AML1/ETO in HL-60 and U937 AML cell lines. We also depleted AML1/ETO in the t(8;21)-positive AML cell line Kasumi-1 using fusion gene specific siRNA. Additionally, the functional role of ANGPT1 was studied using targeted RNAi in Kasumi-1 cells. Transcript expression of AML1/ETO and ANGPT1 was analysed by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) and AML1/ETO protein expression was quantified by western blotting. Angiopoietin-1 protein secretion was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We also utilised Matrigel transwell assays to test the effect of ANGPT1 downregulation on the invasive and migratory properties of Kasumi-1. RESULTSIn HL-60 and U937 transduced with AML1/ETO, we observed an up to 280 fold increase in ANGPT1 mRNA transcript levels as measured by qRT-PCR, which correlated with an increase in secreted Angiopoietin-1 protein. Conversely, siRNA-mediated AML1/ETO depletion in Kasumi-1 cells significantly decreased ANGPT1 transcript and protein levels after a single electroporation. After three serial electroporations with siRNA, AML1/ETO transcript levels were reduced by 85%, with a concomitant decline in ANGPT1 transcript (>99%) and secreted protein. Preliminary data suggest siRNA targeting of ANGPT1 in Kasumi-1 decreases the invasive ability of these cells, causing a ≥50% reduction in invasion when compared to controls. CONCLUSIONSWe have identified a strong correlation between AML1/ETO and ANGPT1 expression, whereby a reduction of AML1/ETO results in a substantial reduction of ANGPT1. Similarly, the introduction of AML1/ETO into myeloid cell lines results in a large upregulation of ANGPT1. Preliminary evidence suggests that a reduction of ANGPT1 reduces the invasive and migratory potential of Kasumi-1. This could have major functional consequences in the bone marrow niche with regards to understanding the AML stem cell and its interaction with the niche environment as well as providing insight into how leukemic cells in the circulation might interact with the vasculature. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Mechanisms of Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration

Neither the innate nor adaptive immune system "responds" unless leukocytes cross blood vessels. This process occurs through diapedesis, in which the leukocyte moves in an ameboid fashion through tightly apposed endothelial borders and, in some cases, through the endothelial cell itself. This review focuses on the active role of the endothelial cell in diapedesis. Several mechanisms play a critical role in transendothelial migration, including signals derived from clustering of apically disposed intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, disruption or loosening of adherens junctions, and targeted recycling of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule and other molecules from the recently described lateral border recycling compartment. Surprisingly, many of the same molecules and mechanisms that regulate paracellular migration also control transcellular migration. A hypothesis that integrates the various known mechanisms of transmigration is proposed.

Effect of pulsed dye laser on intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression after treatment of psoriasis

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a member of the immunoglobulin super family of adhesion molecules that plays a role in transendothelial migration and adhesion processes involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Previous studies have demonstrated partial and total clearance of psoriasis by selective photothermolysis of dermal vessels with the pulsed dye laser. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of the pulsed dye laser (PDL) in treatment of chronic psoriatic plaque lesions by measuring changes in ICAM-1 expression in the epidermis and dermis of psoriatic patients before, during and after treatment, with correlation to the clinical improvement. Sixty patients with chronic plaque psoriasis were treated with flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FPDL) with 585 nm wavelength, 450 μs pulse duration, 7–8.5 J/cm2 fluence, and 7 mm spot size. Sessions were performed every 2 weeks with each patient receiving a total of 3 sessions. Clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical assessments were carried out. A correlation between plaque severity score (sum score) and changes in the mean of ICAM-1 expression was assessed throughout and after treatment. Reduction of ICAM-1 expression mean in psoriatic lesion was 1.83 ± 0.29 at week 2, 1.60 ± 0.19 at week 4, and 1.53 ± 0.18 at week 6 from the start of the laser treatment, compared to the baseline which was 2.90 ± 0.40. In the control group, ICAM-1 expression was 0.60 ± 0.07. A significant correlation between clinical improvement and reduction in ICAM-1 expression at weeks 4 and 6 of laser treatment was proven (p < 0.05). ICAM-1 expression is reduced significantly after treatment of psoriasis with pulsed dye laser, which can be used as an indicator for its efficacy. Das Adhäsionsmolekül ICAM-1 gehört der Immunglobulinsuperfamilie an und spielt eine wichtige Rolle in der Pathogenese der Schuppenflechte (Psoriasis). Frühere Studien haben gezeigt, dass eine partielle oder vollständige Beschwerdefreiheit („clearance“) durch Photothermolyse dermaler Gefäße mittels Farbstofflaser erzielt werden kann. Ziel der vorgelegten Studie war es, die Effektivität des Farbstofflasers in der Behandlung der Psoriasis zu evaluieren, indem Änderungen der ICAM-1-Expression vor, während und nach der Laserbehandlung in Korrelation zur klinischen Verbesserung des Hautbildes gemessen wurden. Es wurden 60 Patienten mit chronischer Schuppenflechte mit einem Blitzlampen-gepumpten Farbstofflaser (Wellenlänge: 585 nm, Pulslänge: 450 μs, Bestrahlung: 7–8.5 J/cm2, Spotgröße: 7 mm) behandelt. Jeder Patient erhielt insgesamt 3 Laserbestrahlungen im Abstand von jeweils 2 Wochen. Vor und nach Laserbehandlung wurden der jeweilige klinische, histologische und immunhistologische Status erfasst. Es wurde ein Summen-Index zur Ermittlung des Schweregrades der Psoriasis-Erkrankung bestimmt und mit den ermittelten Werten für die ICAM-1-Expression korreliert. Es konnte eine Reduktion der ICAM-1-Werte beobachtet werden ausgehend von 1.83 ± 0.29 nach 2 Wochen, auf 1.60 ± 0.19 nach 4 Wochen und 1.53 ± 0.18 nach 6 Wochen nach Beginn der Laserbehandlung verglichen mit einem Anfangswert von durchschnittlich 2.90 ± 0.40 vor der Behandlung. In einer gesunden Vergleichsgruppe betrug die ICAM-1-Expression 0.60 ± 0.07. Es bestand ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der klinischen Verbesserung des Beschwerdegrades und der ICAM-1-Reduktion 4 bzw. 6 Wochen nach Beginn der Lasertherapie (p < 0.05). Die ICAM-1-Expression war nach Laserbehandlung mit einem gepulsten Farbstofflaser signifikant reduziert und kann daher als Indikator für eine effektive Behandlung der Psoriasis genutzt werden.

Mechanisms of Transendothelial Migration of Leukocytes

A great deal of progress has been made recently in understanding the molecules and mechanisms that regulate transendothelial migration of leukocytes, or diapedesis, a critical step in the inflammatory response. This review focuses mainly on the active role of the endothelial cell in this process as it occurs at endothelial cell borders. It discusses some of the many molecules that have been reported to play a role in transendothelial migration and asks why so many molecules seem to be involved. The concept is emerging that diapedesis itself can be dissected into sequential steps controlled by specific molecule(s) at the endothelial cell border. Several mechanisms have been shown to play a critical role in transendothelial migration including signals derived from clustering of apically disposed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, disruption or loosening of adherens junctions, and targeted recycling of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule and other molecules from the recently described lateral border recycling compartment. A hypothesis that integrates the various known mechanisms is proposed.

Real-Time High Resolution 3D Imaging of the Lyme Disease Spirochete Adhering to and Escaping from the Vasculature of a Living Host

Pathogenic spirochetes are bacteria that cause a number of emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide, including syphilis, leptospirosis, relapsing fever, and Lyme borreliosis. They navigate efficiently through dense extracellular matrix and cross the blood–brain barrier by unknown mechanisms. Due to their slender morphology, spirochetes are difficult to visualize by standard light microscopy, impeding studies of their behavior in situ. We engineered a fluorescent infectious strain of Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease pathogen, which expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP). Real-time 3D and 4D quantitative analysis of fluorescent spirochete dissemination from the microvasculature of living mice at high resolution revealed that dissemination was a multi-stage process that included transient tethering-type associations, short-term dragging interactions, and stationary adhesion. Stationary adhesions and extravasating spirochetes were most commonly observed at endothelial junctions, and translational motility of spirochetes appeared to play an integral role in transendothelial migration. To our knowledge, this is the first report of high resolution 3D and 4D visualization of dissemination of a bacterial pathogen in a living mammalian host, and provides the first direct insight into spirochete dissemination in vivo.

Role of TRPM2 Channels in Endothelial Ca2+ signaling and Transendothelial Migration of Neutrophil

Adhesion of PMNs (polymorphonuclear leukocytes) to endothelial cells (ECs) may induce cross‐talk that contributes to inter‐cellular cooperation required for complex processes such as transendothelial PMN migration. Here we addressed the role of PMN activation of redox‐sensitive TRPM2 (transient receptor potential melastatin‐2) channels in activating Ca2+ signaling in ECs. ECs were loaded with Ca2+ indicator Fura‐2 and PMN‐specific agonist fMLP was used to induce adhesion and activation of PMNs applied to confluent EC monolayers. We observed an immediate PMN adhesion‐dependent spike in Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i in ECs lasting 2–3 min. TRPM2 siRNA‐suppression of TRPM2 in ECs reduced Ca2+ entry whereas TRPM2 overexpression augmented the response. Pretreatment of PMNs with superoxide dismutase or NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI (dibenziodolium chloride) prevented the increase in EC [Ca2+]i. Inhibitors of adenosine diphosphate ribose (ADPR) generation (the endogenous TRPM2 activating agonist), DPQ (3,4‐dihydro‐5‐[4‐(1‐piperidinyl)butoxyl]‐1(2H)‐isoquinolinone, 100 μM) and 3‐AB (3‐aminobenzamide, 1 mM), also prevented the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by PMNs. Measurement of inward current through EC TRPM2 channels showed that injecting ADPR into ECs or extracellular application of H2O2 both induced TRPM2‐sensitive cationic currents. siRNA‐suppression of TRPM2 in ECs reduced the transendothelial migration of neutrophil (TEM) comparing with control EC. Thus, PMN interaction with ECs activates Ca2+ entry through redox‐sensitive TRPM2 channels suggesting their critical role in transendothelial migration of neutrophils.

Radiolabeled Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 for the Detection of Inflammation in Experimental Atherosclerosis

Chemotactic peptides, such as Monocyte Chemotactic Protein 1 (MCP-1), play a key role in transendothelial migration of mononuclear cells during the development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. Because atherosclerotic plaques that are precursors of acute coronary events harbor abundant macrophage infiltration, we hypothesized that the detection of a high concentration of MCP-1 receptors on inflammatory cells should noninvasively identify vulnerable plaques. Atherosclerotic lesions were induced by balloon deendothelialization of the abdominal aorta, which was followed by a 0.5% cholesterol diet for 16 wk in 7 New Zealand White rabbits; 5 unmanipulated rabbits, fed normal chow for 16 wk, were used as controls. Radionuclide imaging was performed immediately after intravenous (99m)Tc-labeled MCP-1 administration and 3 h later. At the end of imaging session, aortas were explanted and submitted for estimation of quantitative MCP-1 uptake (in percentage injected dose per gram, %ID/g) and pathologic characterization. Atherosclerotic lesions were clearly visible in all hyperlipidemic animal gamma-imaging. No tracer uptake was seen in the control rabbits. The mean quantitative MCP-1 uptake in atherosclerotic lesions was 4-fold higher than that of the aortic specimens from the control rabbits (0.065 +/- 0.005 vs. 0.016 +/- 0.006; P < 0.0001). Histology confirmed a strong correlation between MCP-1 uptake and the number of macrophages in American Heart Association type II-IV lesions (r = 0.87, P < 0.0001). Noninvasive radionuclide imaging of inflammation is feasible by MCP-1 in experimentally induced atherosclerosis. It is proposed that detection of the extent of inflammation in advanced atherosclerotic plaques may allow identification of unstable plaques.

REGULATION OF LEUKOCYTE TRANSENDOTHELIAL MIGRATION BY P120 CATENIN/ VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL‐CADHERIN

Vascular Endothelial-cadherin (VE-Cad) forms the adherens junctions and localizes at endothelial cell-cell borders, forming a complex with α− β- and p120-catenins that link it to the cytoskeleton. This complex contributes to barrier function and is thought to regulate leukocyte Transendothelial Migration (TEM). p120catenin (p120cat) controls VE-Cad surface expression in endothelial cells (EC) by regulating its rate of endocytosis and internalization. We previously showed that VE-Cad transiently and reversible disassociates forming a “gap” at sites of leukocyte TEM under shear flow conditions in vitro. Here we tested the hypothesis that p120cat overexpression in EC prevents VE-Cad internalization and thus blocks “gap” formation and inhibits TEM. Human Umbilical Vein EC transduced with Adenovirus p120catGFP fusion protein mimicked the behavior of native p120-cat. By live cell fluorescence microscopy p120catGFP co-localizes with VE-Cad and behaves identically, forming gaps at sites of TEM. p120cat overexpression increased VE-Cad expression 4-fold and blocked TEM by 50% (x±SD, p<0.05); if cells transmigrated, length of time required was protracted vs control (60s vs 180 sec). We conclude that p120cat is a key regulator of VE-Cad expression at the junctions, and plays a gatekeeper role in TEM through its effect on regulating the internalization of VE-Cad.

Junctional expression of the prion protein PrPC by brain endothelial cells: a role in trans-endothelial migration of human monocytes

The conversion of prion protein (PrP(C)) to its protease-resistant isoform is involved in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Although PrP(C) is highly expressed in neurons and other cell types, its physiological function still remains elusive. Here, we describe how we evaluated its expression, subcellular localization and putative function in brain endothelial cells, which constitute the blood-brain barrier. We detected its expression in microvascular endothelium in mouse brain sections and at intercellular junctions of freshly isolated brain microvessels and cultured brain endothelial cells of mouse, rat and human origin. PrP(C) co-localized with the adhesion molecule platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1); moreover, both PrP(C) and PECAM-1 were present in raft membrane microdomains. Using mixed cultures of wild-type and PrP(C)-deficient mouse brain endothelial cells, we observed that PrP(C) accumulation at cell-cell contacts was probably dependent on homophilic interactions between adjacent cells. Moreover, we report that anti-PrP(C) antibodies unexpectedly inhibited transmigration of U937 human monocytic cells as well as freshly isolated monocytes through human brain endothelial cells. Significant inhibition was observed with various anti-PrP(C) antibodies or blocking anti-PECAM-1 antibodies as control. Our results strongly support the conclusion that PrP(C) is expressed by brain endothelium as a junctional protein that is involved in the trans-endothelial migration of monocytes.

Stanniocalcin-1 regulates endothelial gene expression and modulates transendothelial migration of leukocytes

The mammalian counterpart of the fish calcium-regulating hormone stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) inhibits monocyte chemotactic protein-1- and stromal-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha)-mediated chemotaxis and diminishes chemokinesis in macrophage-like RAW264.7 and U937 cells in a manner that may involve attenuation of the intracellular calcium signal. STC1 is strongly induced in the kidney following obstructive injury. We hypothesized that STC1 may serve to attenuate the influx of inflammatory cells to the site of tissue injury. In this study, we examined the effect of STC1 on the migration of freshly isolated human macrophages, neutrophils, and T and B lymphocytes through quiescent or IL-1beta-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers. STC1 inhibited transmigration of macrophages and T lymphocytes through quiescent or IL-1beta-activated HUVECs but did not attenuate the transmigration of neutrophils and B lymphocytes. STC1 regulates gene expression in cultured endothelial cells and is detected on the apical surface of endothelial cells in vivo. The data suggest that STC1 plays a critical role in transendothelial migration of inflammatory cells and is involved in the regulation of numerous aspects of endothelial function.

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule is a component of the endothelial junction involved in transendothelial monocyte migration

Transendothelial leukocyte migration is a major aspect of the innate immune response. It is essential in repair and regeneration of damaged tissues and is regulated by multiple cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) including members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily. Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM/CD166) is an Ig CAM expressed by activated monocytes and endothelial cells. Hitherto, the functional relevance of ALCAM expression by endothelial cells and activated monocytes remained unknown. In this report, we demonstrate soluble recombinant human ALCAM significantly inhibited the rate of transendothelial migration of monocyte cell lines. Direct involvement of ALCAM in transendothelial migration was evident from the robust inhibition of this process by ALCAM blocking antibodies. However, soluble recombinant ALCAM had no impact on monocyte migration or adhesion to endothelium. Localization of ALCAM specifically at cell–cell junctions in endothelial cells supported its role in transendothelial migration. This study is the first to localize ALCAM to endothelial cell junctions and demonstrate a functional relevance for co-expression of ALCAM by activated monocytes and endothelial cells.

Cannabinoid receptor CB 2 modulates the CXCL12/CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis of T lymphocytes

Cannabinoids have been shown to influence the immune system. However, their immunomodulatory effects have not been extensively studied. In this investigation, we have observed that both primary and Jurkat T cells express a functional cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB 2). Furthermore, both the synthetic cannabinoids CP55,940 and WIN55,212-2, as well as the CB 2-selective agonist JWH-015, caused a significant inhibition of the chemokine CXCL12-induced and CXCR4-mediated chemotaxis of Jurkat T cells, as well as their transendothelial migration. Involvement of the CB 2 receptor was further confirmed by partial reversal of the inhibition using the CB 2-specific antagonist, AM630. Similarly, CP55,940 and JWH-015 inhibited the CXCL12-induced chemotaxis of primary CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes. Further investigation of signaling studies to delineate the mechanism of inhibition revealed that cannabinoids enhance CXCL12-induced p44/42 MAP kinase activity. However, enhanced MAP kinase activity was not responsible for the inhibition of chemotaxis. This suggests that cannabinoids differentially regulate CXCR4-mediated migration and MAP kinase activation in T cells. Cannabinoids were also found to downregulate the PMA-enhanced enzyme activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which is known to play an important role in transendothelial migration. This study provides novel information regarding cannabinoid modulation of functional effects in T cells.

Identification of a novel transcript of human PECAM-1 and its role in the transendothelial migration of monocytes and Ca2+ mobilization

Platelet–endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is an integral component of endothelial cells and has been implicated in the transendothelial migration (TEM) of circulating leukocytes mediated by its 1st and 2nd extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains and regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis with its 6th domain. Up-to-date, little is known about the role of the 5th extracellular (Ig)-like domain. We have discovered a novel human PECAM-1 transcript missing the entire 7th exon, which encodes the 5th extracellular (Ig)-like domain of PECAM-1. A synthetic peptide with sequence homology to the 5th domain of PECAM-1 (JHS-7 peptide) and a corresponding polyclonal antibody (JHS-7 Ab) were prepared and their potential role in transendothelial migration and Ca2+ influx was measured. The JHS-7 peptide and the antibody exerted a dose dependent decrease (50–80%) in the transendothelial migration of freshly isolated human monocytes and a promonocytic cell line (U-937) in resting HUVECs and HUVECs activated with tumor necrosis factor-α. This was accompanied by an increase in Ca2+ influx and decrease in refilling of the intracellular Ca2+ stores in HUVECs. In summary, we have identified a novel PECAM-1 transcript (Δexon 7) and shown that the 5th (Ig)-like domain of PECAM-1 plays a role in monocyte TEM and Ca2+ homeostasis.

Endothelial microparticles (EMP) bind and activate monocytes: elevated EMP-monocyte conjugates in multiple sclerosis.

Elevated plasma endothelial microparticles (EMP) have been documented in MS during exacerbation. However, the role of EMP in pathogenesis of MS remains unclear. We investigated the formation of EMP-monocyte conjugates (EMP-MoC) and their potential role in transendothelial migration of inflammatory cells in MS. EMP-MoC were assayed in 30 MS patients in exacerbation, 20 in remission and in 35 controls. EMP-leukocyte conjugation was investigated flowcytometrically by employing alpha-CD54 or alpha-CD62E for EMP, and alpha-CD45 for leukocytes. EMP-MoC were characterized by identifying adhesion molecules involved and their effect on monocyte function. In vivo (clinical): EMP-MoC were markedly elevated in exacerbation vs. remission and controls, correlating with presence of GD+ MRI lesions. Free CD54+ EMP were not elevated but free CD62E+ EMP were. In vitro: EMP bound preferentially to monocytes, less to neutrophils, but little to lymphocytes. Bound EMP activated monocytes: CD11b expression increased 50% and migration through cerebral endothelial cell layer increased 2.6-fold. Blockade of CD54 reduced binding by 80%. Most CD54+ EMP bound to monocytes, leaving little free EMP, while CD62+ EMP were found both free and bound. These results demonstrated that phenotypic subsets of EMP interacted differently with monocytes. Based on our observations, EMP may enhance inflammation and increase transendothelial migration of monocytes in MS by binding to and activating monocytes through CD54. EMP-MoC were markedly increased in MS patients in exacerbation compared to remission and may serve as a sensitive marker of MS disease activity.

Acceleration of the onset of collagen-induced arthritis by a deficiency of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1; CD31) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that is expressed in platelets, leukocytes, and endothelial cells. PECAM-1 has been shown to play a role in transendothelial migration of leukocytes and contains immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs in its cytoplasmic tail and inhibits cellular responses. We examined the role of PECAM-1 in the development of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). CIA was induced in PECAM-1-deficient DBA/1 mice. The incidence of arthritis and the arthritis index were examined. Anti-type II collagen (anti-CII) antibody levels and interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production by lymph node cells and spleen cells were determined. Lymphocytes from arthritic PECAM-1-deficient and wild-type mice were labeled with dye, transferred to arthritic PECAM-1(+/-) mice, and cell migration to inflamed joints was examined. PECAM-1-deficient mice showed accelerated onset of arthritis and increased severity only during the early phase. Anti-CII antibody levels were also increased during the early phase. IFNgamma production by lymph node cells and spleen cells from PECAM-1-deficient mice in response to CII was higher than that in wild-type mice. Lymphocytes from arthritic PECAM-1-deficient mice showed accelerated migration to inflamed joints, but not lymph nodes or spleen. The development of anti-CII antibody-induced arthritis was similar in PECAM-1-deficient and wild-type mice. These results indicate that PECAM-1 negatively regulates humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and lymphocyte migration into joints and, consequently, the development of CIA. In addition, the role of PECAM-1 in the transendothelial migration of leukocytes appears to be redundant in this model.

Targeted recycling of PECAM from endothelial surface-connected compartments during diapedesis.

Leukocytes enter sites of inflammation by squeezing through the borders between endothelial cells that line postcapillary venules at that site. This rapid process, called transendothelial migration (TEM) or diapedesis, is completed within 90 s after a leukocyte arrests on the endothelial surface. In this time, the leukocyte moves in ameboid fashion across the endothelial borders, which remain tightly apposed to it during transit. It is not known how the endothelial cell changes its borders rapidly and reversibly to accommodate the migrating leukocyte. Here we show that there is a membrane network just below the plasmalemma at the cell borders that is connected at intervals to the junctional surface. PECAM-1, an integral membrane protein with an essential role in TEM, is found in this compartment and constitutively recycles evenly along endothelial cell borders. During TEM, however, recycling PECAM is targeted to segments of the junction across which monocytes are in the act of migration. In addition, blockade of TEM with antibodies against PECAM specifically blocks the recruitment of this membrane to the zones of leukocyte migration, without affecting the constitutive membrane trafficking.

Transgenic Mice Expressing Different Levels of Soluble Platelet/Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-IgG Display Distinct Inflammatory Phenotypes

Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31), expressed on the surfaces of leukocytes and concentrated in the junctions between endothelial cells plays an important role in transendothelial migration of neutrophils and monocytes. Soluble recombinant PECAM-IgG injected i.v. into mice blocks acute leukocyte emigration by 80%. To study the role of PECAM in models of chronic inflammation, we generated transgenic mice constitutively expressing soluble full-length murine PECAM as an IgG chimera. Three founder lines expressed this transgene and constitutively secreted murine PECAM-IgG into the plasma where it was maintained at characteristic concentrations for each line. All mice had similar hematologic profiles to wild-type littermates and were healthy when maintained in the standard laboratory animal facility. Both the leukocytes and the endothelium of mice of all transgenic lines expressed the same levels of endogenous PECAM-1 as wild-type littermates. Similarly, there were no detectable differences in the expression of several other common leukocyte and endothelial cell adhesion molecules. Mice that produced moderate (10-20 microg/ml) concentrations of PECAM-IgG demonstrated a severely blunted acute inflammatory response, despite mobilizing appropriate numbers of circulating leukocytes. Surprisingly, mice that constitutively produced high (400-1,000 microg/ml) concentrations of PECAM-IgG were unresponsive to its anti-inflammatory effects. This is the first demonstration that a soluble form of a cell adhesion molecule can be stably expressed and retain efficacy in vivo over prolonged periods. This approach is applicable to many other extracellular molecules. However, the plasma concentrations of such constitutively produced inhibitors may greatly influence the resulting phenotype.

Redox and activation status of monocytes from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: relationship with viral load.

Monocytes are precursors of tissue macrophages, which are major targets of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Although few blood monocytes are infected, their resulting activation could play a key role in the pathogenesis of HIV disease by modulating their transendothelial migration and inducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS participate in chronic inflammation, HIV replication, and the apoptosis of immune system cells seen in HIV-infected subjects. Published data on monocyte activation are controversial, possibly because most studies have involved monocytes isolated from their blood environment by various procedures that may alter cell responses. We therefore used flow cytometry to study, in whole blood, the activation and redox status of monocytes from HIV-infected patients at different stages of the disease. We studied the expression of adhesion molecules, actin polymerization, and cellular levels of H2O2, Bcl-2, and thioredoxin. Basal H2O2 production correlated with viral load and was further enhanced by bacterial N-formyl peptides and endotoxin. The enhanced H2O2 production by monocytes from asymptomatic untreated patients with CD4(+) cell counts above 500/microliter was associated with a decrease in the levels of Bcl-2 and thioredoxin. In contrast, in patients with AIDS, Bcl-2 levels returned to normal and thioredoxin levels were higher than in healthy controls. Restoration of these antioxidant and antiapoptotic molecules might explain, at least in part, why monocyte numbers remain relatively stable throughout the disease. Alterations of adhesion molecule expression and increased actin polymerization could play a role in transendothelial migration of these activated monocytes.

Role of ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 and alternate CD11/CD18 ligands in neutrophil transendothelial migration.

We evaluated the relative contribution of ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, known ligands on endothelium for LFA-1 and Mac-1, in spontaneous neutrophil (PMN) transendothelial migration (TEM) across IL-1-activated HUVEC monolayers or TEM induced by C5a or IL-8 across unstimulated HUVEC grown on polycarbonate filters. Adhesion blocking mAb to ICAM-1 [R6.5 F(ab)2] or ICAM-2 [CBR IC2/2 F(ab)2] tended to inhibit TEM under each condition but, in general, inhibition was significant only with both ICAM-1 and ICAM-2 blockade. mAb to LFA-1 partially inhibited migration to C5a or IL-8 across unstimulated HUVEC and inhibition was not altered by additional treatment of HUVEC with mAbs to ICAM-1 and -2. In contrast, with IL-1 HUVEC, mAb to ICAM-1 significantly inhibited this LFA-1-independent TEM. mAb to Mac-1 alone partially inhibited TEM and, when combined with mAb to LFA-1, migration was almost completely blocked with all TEM conditions tested. The contribution of alternate ligands for Mac-1 in mediating Mac-1-dependent but ICAM-1/-2-independent C5a-induced TEM was examined using anti-LFA-1-treated PMN and anti-ICAM-treated resting HUVEC. Addition of RGD peptides, fibronectin, fibrinogen, heparins, collagens alone or in combination, even to heparinase-treated HUVEC, did not inhibit this Mac-1-mediated PMN TEM. The results indicate that: (1) LFA-1 mediates PMN TEM primarily by interaction with ICAM-1 and ICAM-2; (2) ICAM-2 may function in concert with ICAM-1 in this role, especially on unstimulated endothelium, and (3) Mac-1 on PMN also plays a major role in TEM and can utilize yet to be identified ligands distinct from ICAM-1 or -2, especially on unstimulated endothelium.

Adherent neutrophils activate endothelial myosin light chain kinase: role in transendothelial migration.

Increased vascular endothelial cell (EC) permeability and neutrophilic leukocyte (PMN) diapedesis through paracellular gaps are cardinal features of acute inflammation. Activation of the EC contractile apparatus is necessary and sufficient to increase vascular permeability in specific models of EC barrier dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether EC contraction with subsequent paracellular gap formation is required for PMN transendothelial migration in response to chemotactic factors. To test this possibility, we assessed migration of human PMNs across confluent bovine pulmonary arterial EC monolayers. Transendothelial PMN migration in the absence of a chemotactic gradient was minimal, whereas abluminal addition of leukotriene B4 (LTB4; 5 microM) resulted in significantly increased PMN migration. Reductions in EC myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity by EC monolayer pretreatment with specific MLCK inhibitors (KT-5926 or ML-7) or by increases in cAMP-protein kinase A activity (cholera toxin) significantly reduced PMN transmigration (30-70% inhibition). In contrast, pretreatment with the myosin-associated phosphatase inhibitor calyculin resulted in the accumulation of phosphorylated myosin light chains, EC contraction, and significantly enhanced PMN migration. Finally, the interaction of PMNs with 32P-labeled EC monolayers was shown to directly increase EC myosin phosphorylation in a time-dependent fashion. Taken together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that the phosphorylation status of EC myosin regulates PMN migration and further indicate that EC MLCK is activated by chemoattractant-stimulated PMNs. Neutrophil-dependent activation of the EC contractile apparatus with subsequent paracellular gap formation may be a key determinant of transendothelial PMN migration responses to chemotactic agents.