Multimolecular signaling complexes enable Syk-mediated signaling of CD36 internalization

CD36-mediated endocytosis of proteolysis-targeting chimeras

Passive diffusion does not explain why many drugs are too large and/or too polar for rule-breaking membrane penetration, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs, generally of a molecular weight > 800 Da). Here, using biotinylated chemical-probe-based target fishing and genetic knockdown/knockin approaches, we discovered that the membrane cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) binds to and facilitates the uptake and efficacy of diverse PROTACs (e.g., SIM1-Me, MZ1, and clinical ARV-110) and large and/or polar small-molecule drugs (e.g., rapalink-1, rapamycin, navitoclax, birinapant, tubacin, and doxorubicin) via the CD36-mediated early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1)/Ras-related protein 5A (Rab5) endosomal cascade in vitro and/or in vivo. We then devised a novel chemical endocytic medicinal chemistry strategy to improve binding of PROTACs to CD36 using structural modifications via the prodrug approach, markedly enhancing PROTAC anti-tumor efficacy through spontaneously augmenting permeability and solubility.

Selective Azapeptide CD36 Ligand MPE-298 Regulates oxLDL-LOX-1-Mediated Inflammation and Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Macrophages

Macrophage mitochondrial dysfunction, caused by oxidative stress, has been proposed as an essential event in the progression of chronic inflammation diseases, such as atherosclerosis. The cluster of differentiation-36 (CD36) and lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) scavenger receptors mediate macrophage uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), which contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction by sustained production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), as well as membrane depolarization. In the present study, the antioxidant mechanisms of action of the selective synthetic azapeptide CD36 ligand MPE-298 have been revealed. After binding to CD36, MPE-298 was rapidly internalized by and simultaneously induced CD36 endocytosis through activation of the Lyn and Syk (spleen) tyrosine kinases. Within this internalized complex, MPE-298 inhibited oxLDL/LOX-1-induced chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) secretion, abolished the production of mtROS, and prevented mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization in macrophages. This occurred through the inhibition of the multiple-component enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) by oxLDL-activated LOX-1, which was further supported by the reduced recruitment of the p47phox subunit and small GTPase (Rac) 1/2/3 into the plasma membrane. A new mechanism for alleviating oxLDL-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in macrophages is highlighted using the CD36 ligand MPE-298.

Encompassing view of spatial and single-cell RNA sequencing renews the role of the microvasculature in human atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a pervasive contributor to ischemic heart disease and stroke. Despite the advance of lipid-lowering therapies and anti-hypertensive agents, the residual risk of an atherosclerotic event remains high, and developing therapeutic strategies has proven challenging. This is due to the complexity of atherosclerosis with a spatial interplay of multiple cell types within the vascular wall. In this study, we generated an integrative high-resolution map of human atherosclerotic plaques combining single-cell RNA sequencing from multiple studies and spatial transcriptomics data from 12 human specimens with different stages of atherosclerosis. Here we show cell-type-specific and atherosclerosis-specific expression changes and spatially constrained alterations in cell-cell communication. We highlight the possible recruitment of lymphocytes via ACKR1 endothelial cells of the vasa vasorum, the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells toward the lumen by transforming into fibromyocytes and cell-cell communication in the plaque region, indicating an intricate cellular interplay within the adventitia and the subendothelial space in human atherosclerosis.

Tropomodulin1 exacerbates inflammatory response in macrophages by negatively regulating LPS-induced TLR4 endocytosis

The excessive inflammation caused by the prolonged activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its downstream signaling pathways leads to sepsis. CD14-mediated endocytosis of TLR4 is the key step to control the amount of TLR4 on cell membrane and the activity of downstream pathways. The actin cytoskeleton is necessary for receptor-mediated endocytosis, but its role in TLR4 endocytosis remains elusive. Here we show that Tropomodulin 1 (Tmod1), an actin capping protein, inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 endocytosis and intracellular trafficking in macrophages. Thus it resulted in increased surface TLR4 and the upregulation of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent pathway and the downregulation of TIR domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent pathway, leading to the enhanced secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, and the reduced secretion of cytokines, such as IFN-β. Macrophages deficient with Tmod1 relieved the inflammatory response in LPS-induced acute lung injury mouse model. Mechanistically, Tmod1 negatively regulated LPS-induced TLR4 endocytosis and inflammatory response through modulating the activity of CD14/Syk/PLCγ2/IP3/Ca2+ signaling pathway, the reorganization of actin cytoskeleton, and the membrane tension. Therefore, Tmod1 is a key regulator of inflammatory response and immune functions in macrophages and may be a potential target for the treatment of excessive inflammation and sepsis.

Active Heme Metabolism Suppresses Macrophage Phagocytosis via the TLR4/Type I IFN Signaling/CD36 in Uterine Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

Uterine endometrial cancer (UEC) is a common gynecological estrogen-dependent carcinoma, usually accompanied by intermenstrual bleeding. Active heme metabolism frequently plays an increasingly important role in many diseases, especially in cancers. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major population in the immune microenvironment of UEC. However, the roles of heme metabolisms in the crosstalk between UEC cells (UECCs) and macrophages are unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our study, by using TCGA database analysis, integration analysis of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and sample RNA transcriptome sequencing were done. The expression level of both heme-associated molecules and iron metabolism-related molecules were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Heme level detection was done through dehydrohorseradish peroxidase assay. In addition to immunohistochemistry, phagocytosis assay of macrophages, immunofluorescence staining, intracellular ferrous iron staining, as well as enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay were performed.

RESULTS

In the study, we verified that heme accumulation in UECCs is apparently higher than in endometrial epithelium cells. Low expression of succinate dehydrogenase B under the regulation of estrogen contributes to over-production of succinate and heme accumulation in UECC. More importantly, excessive heme in UECCs impaired macrophage phagocytosis by regulation of CD36. Mechanistically, this process is dependent on toll-like receptor (TLR4)/type I interferons alpha (IFN Iα) regulatory axis in macrophage.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings elucidate that active heme metabolism of UECCs directly decreases phagocytosis by controlling the secretion of TLR4-mediated IFN Iα and the expression of CD36, and further contributing to the immune escape of UEC.

Concurrent inhibition of IR, ITGB1, and CD36 perturbated the interconnected network of energy metabolism and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells

Altered energy metabolism is an emerging hallmark of cancer and plays a pivotal in cell survival, proliferation, and biosynthesis. In a rapidly proliferating cancer, energy metabolism acts in synergism with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enabling cancer stemness, dissemination, and metastasis. In this study, an interconnected functional network governing energy metabolism and EMT signaling pathways was targeted through the concurrent inhibition of IR, ITGB1, and CD36 activity. A novel multicomponent MD simulation approach was employed to portray the simultaneous inhibition of IR, ITGB1, and CD36 by a 2:1 combination of Pimozide and Ponatinib. Further, in-vitro studies revealed the synergistic anticancer efficacy of drugs against monolayer as well as tumor spheroids of breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). In addition, the combination therapy exerted approximately 40% of the apoptotic population and more than 1.5- to 3-fold reduction in the expression of ITGB1, IR, p-IR, IRS-1, and p-AKT in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Moreover, the reduction in fatty acid uptake, lipid droplet accumulation, cancer stemness, and migration properties were also observed. Thus, targeting IR, ITGB1, and CD36 in the interconnected network with the combination of Pimozide and Ponatinib represents a promising therapeutic approach for breast cancer.

The function of CD36 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

CD36 is a scavenger receptor that has been reported to function as a signaling receptor that responds to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and could integrate metabolic pathways and cell signaling through its dual functions. Thereby influencing activation to regulate the immune response and immune cell differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that CD36 plays critical roles in the process of lipid metabolism, inflammatory response and immune process caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. This review will comprehensively investigate CD36's functions in lipid uptake and processing, inflammatory response, immune response and therapeutic targets and biomarkers in the infection process of M. tuberculosis. The study also raised outstanding issues in this field to designate future directions.

CD36 as a double-edged sword in cancer

The membrane protein CD36 is a lipid transporter, scavenger receptor, and receptor for the antiangiogenic protein thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). CD36 is expressed by cancer cells and by many associated cells including various cancer-infiltrating immune cell types. Thereby, CD36 plays critical roles in cancer, and it has been reported to affect cancer growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. However, these roles are partly contradictory, as CD36 has been both reported to promote and inhibit cancer progression. Moreover, the mechanisms are also partly contradictory, because CD36 has been shown to exert opposite cellular effects such as cell division, senescence and cell death. This review provides an overview of the diverse effects of CD36 on tumor progression, aiming to shed light on its diverse pro- and anti-cancer roles, and the implications for therapeutic targeting.

Multiscale imaging and quantitative analysis of plasma membrane protein-cortical actin interplay

The spatiotemporal organization of cell surface receptors is important for cell signaling. Cortical actin (CA), the subset of the actin cytoskeleton subjacent to the plasma membrane (PM), plays a large role in cell surface receptor organization. However, this has been shown largely through actin perturbation experiments, which raise concerns of nonspecific effects and preclude quantification of actin architecture and dynamics under unperturbed conditions. These limitations make it challenging to predict how changes in CA properties can affect receptor organization. To derive direct relationships between the architecture and dynamics of CA and the spatiotemporal organization of PM proteins, including cell surface receptors, we developed a multiscale imaging and computational analysis framework based on the integration of single-molecule imaging (SMI) of PM proteins and fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) of CA (combined: SMI-FSM) in the same live cell. SMI-FSM revealed differential relationships between PM proteins and CA based on the PM proteins' actin binding ability, diffusion type, and local CA density. Combining SMI-FSM with subcellular region analysis revealed differences in CA dynamics that were predictive of differences in PM protein mobility near ruffly cell edges versus closer to the cell center. SMI-FSM also highlighted the complexity of cell-wide actin perturbation, where we found that global changes in actin properties caused by perturbation were not necessarily reflected in the CA properties near PM proteins, and that the changes in PM protein properties upon perturbation varied based on the local CA environment. Given the widespread use of SMI as a method to study the spatiotemporal organization of PM proteins and the versatility of SMI-FSM, we expect it to be widely applicable to enable future investigation of the influence of CA architecture and dynamics on different PM proteins, especially in the context of actin-dependent cellular processes.

Toll-like receptor 4 and macrophage scavenger receptor 1 crosstalk regulates phagocytosis of a fungal pathogen

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans causes lethal infections in immunocompromised patients. Macrophages are central to the host response to cryptococci; however, it is unclear how C. neoformans is recognised and phagocytosed by macrophages. Here we investigate the role of TLR4 in the non-opsonic phagocytosis of C. neoformans. We find that loss of TLR4 function unexpectedly increases phagocytosis of non-opsonised cryptococci by murine and human macrophages. The increased phagocytosis observed in Tlr4-/- cells was dampened by pre-treatment of macrophages with oxidised-LDL, a known ligand of scavenger receptors. The scavenger receptor, macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (MSR1) (also known as SR-A1 or CD204) was upregulated in Tlr4-/- macrophages. Genetic ablation of MSR1 resulted in a 75% decrease in phagocytosis of non-opsonised cryptococci, strongly suggesting that it is a key non-opsonic receptor for this pathogen. We go on to show that MSR1-mediated uptake likely involves the formation of a multimolecular signalling complex involving FcγR leading to SYK, PI3K, p38 and ERK1/2 activation to drive actin remodelling and phagocytosis. Altogether, our data indicate a hitherto unidentified role for TLR4/MSR1 crosstalk in the non-opsonic phagocytosis of C. neoformans.

MiR-143 Targets SYK to Regulate NEFA Uptake and Contribute to Thermogenesis in Male Mice

Excessive energy intake is the main cause of obesity, and stimulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) thermogenesis has emerged as an attractive tool for antiobesity. Although miR-143 has been reported to be associated with BAT thermogenesis, its role remains unclear. Here, we found that miR-143 had highest expression in adipose tissue, especially in BAT. During short-term cold exposure or CL316,243 was injected, miR-143 was markedly downregulated in BAT and subcutaneous WAT (scWAT). Moreover, knockout (KO) of miR-143 increases the body temperature of mice upon cold exposure, which may be due to the increased thermogenesis of BAT and scWAT. More importantly, supplementation of miR-143 in BAT of KO mice can inhibit the increase in body temperature in KO mice. Mechanistically, spleen tyrosine kinase was revealed for the first time as a new target of miR-143, and deletion of miR-143 facilitates fatty acid uptake in BAT. In addition, we found that brown adipocytes can promote fat mobilization of white adipocytes, and miR-143 may participate in this process. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that inactivation of adenylate cyclase 9 (AC9) in BAT inhibits thermogenesis through AC9-PKA-AMPK-CREB-UCP1 signaling pathway. Overall, our results reveal a novel function of miR-143 on thermogenesis, and a new functional link of the BAT and WAT.

Multiscale imaging and quantitative analysis of plasma membrane protein-cortical actin interplay

The spatiotemporal organization of cell surface receptors is important for cell signaling. Cortical actin (CA), the subset of the actin cytoskeleton subjacent to the plasma membrane (PM), plays a large role in cell surface receptor organization. This was however shown largely through actin perturbation experiments, which raise concerns of nonspecific effects and preclude quantification of actin architecture and dynamics under unperturbed conditions. These limitations make it challenging to predict how changes in CA properties can affect receptor organization. To derive direct relationships between the architecture and dynamics of CA and the spatiotemporal organization of PM proteins, including cell surface receptors, we developed a multiscale imaging and computational analysis framework based on the integration of single-molecule imaging (SMI) of PM proteins and fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) of CA (combined: SMI-FSM) in the same live cell. SMI-FSM revealed differential relationships between PM proteins and CA based on the PM proteins’ actin binding ability, diffusion type and local CA density. It also highlighted the complexity of cell wide actin perturbation, where we found that global changes in actin properties caused by perturbation were not necessarily reflected in the CA properties near PM proteins, and the changes in PM protein properties upon perturbation varied based on the local CA environment. Given the widespread use of SMI as a method to study the spatiotemporal organization of PM proteins and the versatility of SMI-FSM, we expect it to be widely applicable to enable future investigation of the influence of CA architecture and dynamics on different PM proteins, especially in the context of actin-dependent cellular processes, such as cell migration.

Significance

Plasma membrane protein organization, an important factor for shaping cellular behaviors, is influenced by cortical actin, the subset of the actin cytoskeleton near the plasma membrane. Yet it is challenging to directly and quantitatively probe this influence. Here, we developed an imaging and analysis approach that combines single-molecule imaging, fluorescent speckle microscopy and computational statistical analysis to characterize and correlate the spatiotemporal organization of plasma membrane proteins and cortical actin. Our approach revealed different relationships between different proteins and cortical actin, and highlighted the complexity of interpreting cell wide actin perturbation experiments. We expect this approach to be widely used to study the influence of cortical actin on different plasma membrane components, especially in actin-dependent processes.

S100A8/A9 drives the formation of procoagulant platelets through GPIbα

S100A8/A9, also known as "calprotectin" or "MRP8/14," is an alarmin primarily secreted by activated myeloid cells with antimicrobial, proinflammatory, and prothrombotic properties. Increased plasma levels of S100A8/A9 in thrombo-inflammatory diseases are associated with thrombotic complications. We assessed the presence of S100A8/A9 in the plasma and lung autopsies from patients with COVID-19 and investigated the molecular mechanism by which S100A8/A9 affects platelet function and thrombosis. S100A8/A9 plasma levels were increased in patients with COVID-19 and sustained high levels during hospitalization correlated with poor outcomes. Heterodimeric S100A8/A9 was mainly detected in neutrophils and deposited on the vessel wall in COVID-19 lung autopsies. Immobilization of S100A8/A9 with collagen accelerated the formation of a fibrin-rich network after perfusion of recalcified blood at venous shear. In vitro, platelets adhered and partially spread on S100A8/A9, leading to the formation of distinct populations of either P-selectin or phosphatidylserine (PS)-positive platelets. By using washed platelets, soluble S100A8/A9 induced PS exposure but failed to induce platelet aggregation, despite GPIIb/IIIa activation and alpha-granule secretion. We identified GPIbα as the receptor for S100A8/A9 on platelets inducing the formation of procoagulant platelets with a supporting role for CD36. The effect of S100A8/A9 on platelets was abolished by recombinant GPIbα ectodomain, platelets from a patient with Bernard-Soulier syndrome with GPIb-IX-V deficiency, and platelets from mice deficient in the extracellular domain of GPIbα. We identified the S100A8/A9-GPIbα axis as a novel targetable prothrombotic pathway inducing procoagulant platelets and fibrin formation, in particular in diseases associated with high levels of S100A8/A9, such as COVID-19.

Role of CD36 in cancer progression, stemness, and targeting

CD36 is highly expressed in diverse tumor types and its expression correlates with advanced stages, poor prognosis, and reduced survival. In cancer cells, CD36: 1) increases fatty acid uptake, reprogramming lipid metabolism; 2) favors cancer cell proliferation, and 3) promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, CD36 expression correlates with the expression of cancer stem cell markers and CD36+ cancer cells display increased stemness functional properties, including clonogenicity, chemo- and radioresistance, and metastasis-initiating capability, suggesting CD36 is a marker of the cancer stem cell population. Thus, CD36 has been pointed as a potential therapeutic target in cancer. At present, at least three different types of molecules have been developed for reducing CD36-mediated functions: blocking monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors, and compounds that knock-down CD36 expression. Herein, we review the role of CD36 in cancer progression, its participation in stemness control, as well as the efficacy of reported CD36 inhibitors in cancer cell cultures and animal models. Overall, the evidence compiled points that CD36 is a valid target for the development of new anti-cancer therapies.

Lipolysis-derived linoleic acid drives beige fat progenitor cell proliferation

De novo beige adipocyte biogenesis involves the proliferation of progenitor cells in white adipose tissue (WAT); however, what regulates this process remains unclear. Here, we report that in mouse models but also in human tissues, WAT lipolysis-derived linoleic acid triggers beige progenitor cell proliferation following cold acclimation, β3-adrenoceptor activation, and burn injury. A subset of adipocyte progenitors, as marked by cell surface markers PDGFRα or Sca1 and CD81, harbored cristae-rich mitochondria and actively imported linoleic acid via a fatty acid transporter CD36. Linoleic acid not only was oxidized as fuel in the mitochondria but also was utilized for the synthesis of arachidonic acid-derived signaling entities such as prostaglandin D2. Oral supplementation of linoleic acid was sufficient to stimulate beige progenitor cell proliferation, even under thermoneutral conditions, in a CD36-dependent manner. Together, this study provides mechanistic insights into how diverse pathophysiological stimuli, such as cold and burn injury, promote de novo beige fat biogenesis.

Crosslinking of membrane CD13 in human neutrophils mediates phagocytosis and production of reactive oxygen species, neutrophil extracellular traps and proinflammatory cytokines

Aminopeptidase N, or CD13, is a cell membrane ectopeptidase highly expressed in myeloid cells. Through its enzymatic activity, CD13 regulates the activity of several bioactive peptides, such as endorphins and enkephalins, chemotactic peptides like MCP-1 and IL-8, angiotensin III, bradikinin, etc. In recent years, it has been appreciated that independently of its peptidase activity, CD13 can activate signal transduction pathways and mediate effector functions such as phagocytosis and cytokine secretion in monocytes and macrophages. Although neutrophils are known to express CD13 on its membrane, it is currently unknown if CD13 can mediate effector functions in these cells. Here, we show that in human neutrophils CD13 can mediate phagocytosis, which is dependent on a signaling pathway that involves Syk, and PI3-K. Phagocytosis mediated by CD13 is associated with production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The level of phagocytosis and ROS production mediated by CD13 are similar to those through FcγRIII (CD16b), a widely studied receptor of human neutrophils. Also, CD13 ligation induces the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) as well as cytokine secretion from neutrophils. These results support the hypothesis that CD13 is a membrane receptor able to activate effector functions in human neutrophils.

Counter Regulation of Tumor Angiogenesis by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Thrombospondin-1

Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the process of angiogenesis in the context of normal and tumor tissue over the last fifty years. Angiogenesis, like most physiological processes, is carefully controlled by dynamic and opposing effects of positive factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and negative factors, such as thrombospondin-1. In most cases, the progression of a small mass of cancerous cells to a life-threatening tumor depends upon the initiation of angiogenesis and involves the dysregulation of the angiogenic balance. Whereas our newfound appreciation for the role of angiogenesis in cancer has opened up new avenues for treatment, the success of these treatments, which have focused almost exclusively on antagonizing the VEGF pathway, has been limited to date. It is anticipated that this situation will improve as more therapeutics that target other pathways are developed, more strategies for combination therapies are advanced, more detailed stratification of patient populations occurs, and a better understanding of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy is gained.

Proteomic Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions In Situ Using Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Angioplasty Balloons-Brief Report

BACKGROUND

Materials extracted from atherosclerotic arteries can disclose data about the molecular pathology of cardiovascular disease, but obtaining such samples is complex and requires invasive surgery. To overcome this barrier, this study investigated whether angioplasty balloons inflated during standard percutaneous coronary interventions retain proteins from treated (dilated) atherosclerotic lesions and whether proteomic analysis of this material could provide data on lesion protein profiles and distinguish between patients with stable and unstable coronary artery disease.

METHODS

Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris were subjected to routine percutaneous coronary interventions. All angioplasty balloons inflated in a coronary artery were collected. Proteins retained on the balloons were extracted and analyzed using shotgun proteomic analysis.

RESULTS

Proteomics identified and quantified 1365 unique proteins captured on percutaneous coronary intervention balloons. Control balloons inflated in the ascending aorta showed minimal nonspecific protein binding, indicating specificity to the luminal region of atherosclerotic lesions of the diseased artery wall. Clustering and principal component analyses showed that ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris subjects could be separated by variations in protein content and abundance. We identified 206 proteins as differentially abundant between ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction and stable angina pectoris subjects. Pathway analysis indicated several enriched processes in the ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction group involved in neutrophil-mediated immunity and platelet activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Disease-related proteins from coronary artery lesions adhere to angioplasty balloons and constitute a source of material for proteomic analysis. This approach can identify proteins and processes occurring in unstable coronary atherosclerotic lesions and suggest novel therapeutic approaches.

CD36, a signaling receptor and fatty acid transporter that regulates immune cell metabolism and fate

CD36 is a type 2 cell surface scavenger receptor widely expressed in many immune and non-immune cells. It functions as both a signaling receptor responding to DAMPs and PAMPs, as well as a long chain free fatty acid transporter. Recent studies have indicated that CD36 can integrate cell signaling and metabolic pathways through its dual functions and thereby influence immune cell differentiation and activation, and ultimately help determine cell fate. Its expression along with its dual functions in both innate and adaptive immune cells contribute to pathogenesis of common diseases, including atherosclerosis and tumor progression, which makes CD36 and its downstream effectors potential therapeutic targets. This review comprehensively examines the dual functions of CD36 in a variety of immune cells, especially macrophages and T cells. We also briefly discuss CD36 function in non-immune cells, such as adipocytes and platelets, which impact the immune system via intercellular communication. Finally, outstanding questions in this field are provided for potential directions of future studies.

A New Role of Acute Phase Proteins: Local Production Is an Ancient, General Stress-Response System of Mammalian Cells

The prevailing general view of acute-phase proteins (APPs) is that they are produced by the liver in response to the stress of the body as part of a systemic acute-phase response. We demonstrated a coordinated, local production of these proteins upon cell stress by the stressed cells. The local, stress-induced APP production has been demonstrated in different tissues (kidney, breast cancer) and with different stressors (hypoxia, fibrosis and electromagnetic heat). Thus, this local acute-phase response (APR) seems to be a universal mechanism. APP production is an ancient defense mechanism observed in nematodes and fruit flies as well. Local APP production at the tissue level is also supported by sporadic literature data for single proteins; however, the complex, coordinated, local appearance of this stress response has been first demonstrated only recently. Although a number of literature data are available for the local production of single acute-phase proteins, their interpretation as a local, coordinated stress response is new. A better understanding of the role of APPs in cellular stress response may also be of diagnostic/prognostic and therapeutic significance.

Scavenger Receptors: Novel Roles in the Pathogenesis of Liver Inflammation and Cancer

The scavenger receptor superfamily represents a highly diverse collection of evolutionarily-conserved receptors which are known to play key roles in host homeostasis, the most prominent of which is the clearance of unwanted endogenous macromolecules, such as oxidized low-density lipoproteins, from the systemic circulation. Members of this family have also been well characterized in their binding and internalization of a vast range of exogenous antigens and, consequently, are generally considered to be pattern recognition receptors, thus contributing to innate immunity. Several studies have implicated scavenger receptors in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory diseases, such as Alzheimer's and atherosclerosis. Hepatic resident cellular populations express a diverse complement of scavenger receptors in keeping with the liver's homeostatic functions, but there is gathering interest in the contribution of these receptors to hepatic inflammation and its complications. Here, we review the expression of scavenger receptors in the liver, their functionality in liver homeostasis, and their role in inflammatory liver disease and cancer.

Cholesterol in the Cell Membrane-An Emerging Player in Atherogenesis

Membrane cholesterol is essential for cell membrane properties, just as serum cholesterol is important for the transport of molecules between organs. This review focuses on cholesterol transport between lipoproteins and lipid rafts on the surface of macrophages. Recent studies exploring this mechanism and recognition of the central dogma-the key role of macrophages in cardiovascular disease-have led to the notion that this transport mechanism plays a major role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The exact molecular mechanism of this transport remains unclear. Future research will improve our understanding of the molecular and cellular bases of lipid raft-associated cholesterol transport.

Analysis of the Influence of Jaw Periosteal Cells on Macrophages Phenotype Using an Innovative Horizontal Coculture System

Jaw periosteum-derived mesenchymal stem cells (JPCs) represent a promising cell source for bone tissue engineering in oral and maxillofacial surgery due to their high osteogenic potential and good accessibility. Our previous work demonstrated that JPCs are able to regulate THP-1-derived macrophage polarization in a direct coculture model. In the present study, we used an innovative horizontal coculture system in order to understand the underlying paracrine effects of JPCs on macrophage phenotype polarization. Therefore, JPCs and THP-1-derived M1/M2 macrophages were cocultured in parallel chambers under the same conditions. After five days of horizontal coculture, flow cytometric, gene and protein expression analyses revealed inhibitory effects on costimulatory and proinflammatory molecules/factors as well as activating effects on anti-inflammatory factors in M1 macrophages, originating from multiple cytokines/chemokines released by untreated and osteogenically induced JPCs. A flow cytometric assessment of DNA synthesis reflected significantly decreased numbers of proliferating M1/M2 cells when cocultured with JPCs. In this study, we demonstrated that untreated and osteogenically induced JPCs are able to switch macrophage polarization from a classical M1 to an alternative M2-specific phenotype by paracrine secretion, and by inhibition of THP-1-derived M1/M2 macrophage proliferation.

Scavenger receptor MARCO contributes to macrophage phagocytosis and clearance of tumor cells

Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO) is a member of the class A scavenger receptor family which is expressed on the cell surface of macrophages. It is well known that MARCO avidly binds to unopsonized pathogens, leading to its ingestion by macrophages. However, the role of MARCO in the recognition and phagocytosis of tumor cells by macrophages remains poorly understood. In this study, we used lentiviral technology to knockdown and overexpress MARCO and investigated the ability of macrophages to phagocytose tumor cells. Our results showed that MARCO expression was correlated with the ability of macrophages to carry on phagocytosis. MARCO knockdown led to significant decreases in the number of engulfment pseudopodia of macrophages and inhibition of the phagocytosis of tumor cells. On the other hand, MARCO overexpression elevated activity of SYK, PI3K and Rac1 in macrophages, which led to changes in macrophage morphology and enhanced phagocytosis by promoting formation of stress fibers and pseudopodia. By Co-IP analysis we showed that MARCO directly binds to the β5 integrin of SL4 tumor cells. In summary, these results demonstrated the important role for MARCO in demonstrated tumor cells uptake and clearance by macrophages.

Lipolytic enzymes and free fatty acids at the endothelial interface

Lipids released from circulating lipoproteins by intravascular action of lipoprotein lipase (LpL) reach parenchymal cells in tissues with a non-fenestrated endothelium by transfer through or around endothelial cells. The actions of LpL are controlled at multiple sites, its synthesis and release by myocytes and adipocytes, its transit and association with the endothelial cell luminal surface, and finally its activation and inhibition by a number of proteins and by its product non-esterified fatty acids. Multiple pathways mediate endothelial transit of lipids into muscle and adipose tissues. These include movement of fatty acids via the endothelial cell fatty acid transporter CD36 and movement of whole or partially LpL-hydrolyzed lipoproteins via other apical endothelial cell receptors such as SR-B1and Alk1. Lipids also likely change the barrier function of the endothelium and operation of the paracellular pathway around endothelial cells. This review summarizes in vitro and in vivo support for the key role of endothelial cells in delivery of lipids and highlights incompletely understood processes that are the focus of active investigation.

Having an Old Friend for Dinner: The Interplay between Apoptotic Cells and Efferocytes

Apoptosis, the programmed and intentional death of senescent, damaged, or otherwise superfluous cells, is the natural end-point for most cells within multicellular organisms. Apoptotic cells are not inherently damaging, but if left unattended, they can lyse through secondary necrosis. The resulting release of intracellular contents drives inflammation in the surrounding tissue and can lead to autoimmunity. These negative consequences of secondary necrosis are avoided by efferocytosis—the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells. Efferocytosis is a product of both apoptotic cells and efferocyte mechanisms, which cooperate to ensure the rapid and complete removal of apoptotic cells. Herein, we review the processes used by apoptotic cells to ensure their timely removal, and the receptors, signaling, and cellular processes used by efferocytes for efferocytosis, with a focus on the receptors and signaling driving this process.

Microbial Phagocytic Receptors and Their Potential Involvement in Cytokine Induction in Macrophages

Phagocytosis is an essential process for the uptake of large (>0.5 µm) particulate matter including microbes and dying cells. Specialized cells in the body perform phagocytosis which is enabled by cell surface receptors that recognize and bind target cells. Professional phagocytes play a prominent role in innate immunity and include macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. These cells display a repertoire of phagocytic receptors that engage the target cells directly, or indirectly via opsonins, to mediate binding and internalization of the target into a phagosome. Phagosome maturation then proceeds to cause destruction and recycling of the phagosome contents. Key subsequent events include antigen presentation and cytokine production to alert and recruit cells involved in the adaptive immune response. Bridging the innate and adaptive immunity, macrophages secrete a broad selection of inflammatory mediators to orchestrate the type and magnitude of an inflammatory response. This review will focus on cytokines produced by NF-κB signaling which is activated by extracellular ligands and serves a master regulator of the inflammatory response to microbes. Macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL1β, IL6, IL8 and IL12 which together increases vascular permeability and promotes recruitment of other immune cells. The major anti-inflammatory cytokines produced by macrophages include IL10 and TGFβ which act to suppress inflammatory gene expression in macrophages and other immune cells. Typically, macrophage cytokines are synthesized, trafficked intracellularly and released in response to activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) or inflammasomes. Direct evidence linking the event of phagocytosis to cytokine production in macrophages is lacking. This review will focus on cytokine output after engagement of macrophage phagocytic receptors by particulate microbial targets. Microbial receptors include the PRRs: Toll-like receptors (TLRs), scavenger receptors (SRs), C-type lectin and the opsonic receptors. Our current understanding of how macrophage receptor stimulation impacts cytokine production is largely based on work utilizing soluble ligands that are destined for endocytosis. We will instead focus this review on research examining receptor ligation during uptake of particulate microbes and how this complex internalization process may influence inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages.

Endothelial Cell Behavior Is Determined by Receptor Clustering Induced by Thrombospondin-1

The thrombospondins (TSPs) are a family of multimeric extracellular matrix proteins that dynamically regulate cellular behavior and response to stimuli. In so doing, the TSPs directly and indirectly affect biological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing, immune response, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Many of the direct effects of Thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1) result from the engagement of a wide range of cell surface receptors including syndecans, low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), CD36, integrins, and CD47. Different or even opposing outcomes of TSP-1 actions in certain pathologic contexts may occur, depending on the structural/functional domain involved. To expedite response to external stimuli, these receptors, along with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and Src family kinases, are present in specific membrane microdomains, such as lipid rafts or tetraspanin-enriched microdomains. The molecular organization of these membrane microdomains and their constituents is modulated by TSP-1. In this review, we will describe how the presence of TSP-1 at the plasma membrane affects endothelial cell signal transduction and angiogenesis.

Scavenger Receptor A1 Mediates the Uptake of Carboxylated and Pristine Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Coated with Bovine Serum Albumin

Previously, we noted that carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWNTs) coated with Pluronic^® F-108 (PF108) bound to and were accumulated by macrophages, but that pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pMWNTs) coated with PF108 were not (Wang et al., Nanotoxicology2018, 12, 677). Subsequent studies with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that overexpressed scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1) and with macrophages derived from mice knocked out for SR-A1 provided evidence that SR-A1 was a receptor of PF108-cMWNTs (Wang et al., Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020, 10, 2417). Herein, we replaced the PF108 coat with bovine serum albumin (BSA) to investigate how a BSA corona affected the interaction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with cells. Both BSA-coated cMWNTs and pMWNTs bound to and were accumulated by RAW 264.7 macrophages, although the cells bound two times more BSA-coated cMWNT than pMWNTs. RAW 264.7 cells that were deleted for SR-A1 using CRISPR-Cas9 technology had markedly reduced binding and accumulation of both BSA-coated cMWNTs and pMWNTs, suggesting that SR-A1 was responsible for the uptake of both MWNT types. Moreover, CHO cells that ectopically expressed SR-A1 accumulated both MWNT types, whereas wild-type CHO cells did not. One model to explain these results is that SR-A1 can interact with two structural features of BSA-coated cMWNTs, one inherent to the oxidized nanotubes (such as COOH and other oxidized groups) and the other provided by the BSA corona; whereas SR-A1 only interacts with the BSA corona of BSA-pMWNTs.

The neurorepellent, Slit2, prevents macrophage lipid loading by inhibiting CD36-dependent binding and internalization of oxidized low-density lipoprotein

Atherosclerosis is characterized by retention of modified lipoproteins, especially oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) within the sub-endothelial space of affected blood vessels. Recruited monocyte-derived and tissue-resident macrophages subsequently ingest oxLDL by binding and internalizing oxLDL via scavenger receptors, particularly CD36. The secreted neurorepellent, Slit2, acting through its transmembrane receptor, Roundabout-1 (Robo-1), was previously shown to inhibit recruitment of monocytes into nascent atherosclerotic lesions. The effects of Slit2 on oxLDL uptake by macrophages have not been explored. We report here that Slit2 inhibits uptake of oxLDL by human and murine macrophages, and the resulting formation of foam cells, in a Rac1-dependent and CD36-dependent manner. Exposure of macrophages to Slit2 prevented binding of oxLDL to the surface of cells. Using super-resolution microscopy, we observed that exposure of macrophages to Slit2 induced profound cytoskeletal remodeling with formation of a thick ring of cortical actin within which clusters of CD36 could not aggregate, thereby attenuating binding of oxLDL to the surface of cells. By inhibiting recruitment of monocytes into early atherosclerotic lesions, and the subsequent binding and internalization of oxLDL by macrophages, Slit2 could represent a potent new tool to combat individual steps that collectively result in progression of atherosclerosis.

Endothelial Cell Receptors in Tissue Lipid Uptake and Metabolism

Lipid uptake and metabolism are central to the function of organs such as heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. Although most heart energy derives from fatty acids (FAs), excess lipid accumulation can cause cardiomyopathy. Similarly, high delivery of cholesterol can initiate coronary artery atherosclerosis. Hearts and arteries-unlike liver and adrenals-have nonfenestrated capillaries and lipid accumulation in both health and disease requires lipid movement from the circulation across the endothelial barrier. This review summarizes recent in vitro and in vivo findings on the importance of endothelial cell receptors and uptake pathways in regulating FAs and cholesterol uptake in normal physiology and cardiovascular disease. We highlight clinical and experimental data on the roles of ECs in lipid supply to tissues, heart, and arterial wall in particular, and how this affects organ metabolism and function. Models of FA uptake into ECs suggest that receptor-mediated uptake predominates at low FA concentrations, such as during fasting, whereas FA uptake during lipolysis of chylomicrons may involve paracellular movement. Similarly, in the setting of an intact arterial endothelial layer, recent and historic data support a role for receptor-mediated processes in the movement of lipoproteins into the subarterial space. We conclude with thoughts on the need to better understand endothelial lipid transfer for fuller comprehension of the pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia, and lipotoxic diseases such as some forms of cardiomyopathy and atherosclerosis.

Role of Apoptotic Cell Clearance in Pneumonia and Inflammatory Lung Disease

Pneumonia and inflammatory diseases of the pulmonary system such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality globally. While the etiology of these diseases is highly different, they share a number of similarities in the underlying inflammatory processes driving disease pathology. Multiple recent studies have identified failures in efferocytosis-the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells-as a common driver of inflammation and tissue destruction in these diseases. Effective efferocytosis has been shown to be important for resolving inflammatory diseases of the lung and the subsequent restoration of normal lung function, while many pneumonia-causing pathogens manipulate the efferocytic system to enhance their growth and avoid immunity. Moreover, some treatments used to manage these patients, such as inhaled corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the prevalent use of statins for cardiovascular disease, have been found to beneficially alter efferocytic activity in these patients. In this review, we provide an overview of the efferocytic process and its role in the pathophysiology and resolution of pneumonia and other inflammatory diseases of the lungs, and discuss the utility of existing and emerging therapies for modulating efferocytosis as potential treatments for these diseases.

PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9) Enhances Platelet Activation, Thrombosis, and Myocardial Infarct Expansion by Binding to Platelet CD36

BACKGROUND

PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9), mainly secreted by the liver and released into the blood, elevates plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by degrading low-density lipoprotein receptor. Pleiotropic effects of PCSK9 beyond lipid metabolism have been shown. However, the direct effects of PCSK9 on platelet activation and thrombosis, and the underlying mechanisms, as well, still remain unclear.

METHODS

We detected the direct effects of PCSK9 on agonist-induced platelet aggregation, dense granule ATP release, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, α-granule release, spreading, and clot retraction. These studies were complemented by in vivo analysis of FeCl₃-injured mouse mesenteric arteriole thrombosis. We also investigated the underlying mechanisms. Using the myocardial infarction (MI) model, we explored the effects of PCSK9 on microvascular obstruction and infarct expansion post-MI.

RESULTS

PCSK9 directly enhances agonist-induced platelet aggregation, dense granule ATP release, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, P-selectin release from α-granules, spreading, and clot retraction. In line, PCSK9 enhances in vivo thrombosis in a FeCl₃-injured mesenteric arteriole thrombosis mouse model, whereas PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab ameliorates its enhancing effects. Mechanism studies revealed that PCSK9 binds to platelet CD36 and thus activates Src kinase and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, increases the generation of reactive oxygen species, and activates the p38MAPK/cytosolic phospholipase A2/cyclooxygenase-1/thromboxane A₂ signaling pathways downstream of CD36 to enhance platelet activation, as well. Using CD36 knockout mice, we showed that the enhancing effects of PCSK9 on platelet activation are CD36 dependent. It is important to note that aspirin consistently abolishes the enhancing effects of PCSK9 on platelet activation and in vivo thrombosis. Last, we showed that PCSK9 activating platelet CD36 aggravates microvascular obstruction and promotes MI expansion post-MI.

CONCLUSIONS

PCSK9 in plasma directly enhances platelet activation and in vivo thrombosis, and MI expansion post-MI, as well, by binding to platelet CD36 and thus activating the downstream signaling pathways. PCSK9 inhibitors or aspirin abolish the enhancing effects of PCSK9, supporting the use of aspirin in patients with high plasma PCSK9 levels in addition to PCSK9 inhibitors to prevent thrombotic complications.

CD36 facilitates fatty acid uptake by dynamic palmitoylation-regulated endocytosis

Fatty acids (FAs) are essential nutrients, but how they are transported into cells remains unclear. Here, we show that FAs trigger caveolae-dependent CD36 internalization, which in turn delivers FAs into adipocytes. During the process, binding of FAs to CD36 activates its downstream kinase LYN, which phosphorylates DHHC5, the palmitoyl acyltransferase of CD36, at Tyr91 and inactivates it. CD36 then gets depalmitoylated by APT1 and recruits another tyrosine kinase SYK to phosphorylate JNK and VAVs to initiate endocytic uptake of FAs. Blocking CD36 internalization by inhibiting APT1, LYN or SYK abolishes CD36-dependent FA uptake. Restricting CD36 at either palmitoylated or depalmitoylated state eliminates its FA uptake activity, indicating an essential role of dynamic palmitoylation of CD36. Furthermore, blocking endocytosis by targeting LYN or SYK inhibits CD36-dependent lipid droplet growth in adipocytes and high-fat-diet induced weight gain in mice. Our study has uncovered a dynamic palmitoylation-regulated endocytic pathway to take up FAs.

Phenotype and Response to PAMPs of Human Monocyte-Derived Foam Cells Obtained by Long-Term Culture in the Presence of oxLDLs

Cholesterol-laden, foam macrophages constitute the most characteristic component of human atherosclerotic plaques. Persistent uptake of oxLDLs results in accumulation of lipid bodies inside the cells and determines their phenotype and subsequent functions. In this work, we describe the phenotype of human monocyte-derived foam cells obtained by differentiation in the constant presence of oxLDLs for 30 days (prolonged-hMDFCs). Although neither the total cellular nor the cell surface expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) was regulated by oxLDLs, the prolonged-hMDFCs changed dramatically their responsiveness to TLR ligands and inactivated bacteria. Using multiplex technology, we observed an acute decline in cytokine and chemokine production after surface and endosomal TLR stimulation with the exception of TLR2/6 triggering with agonists Pam2CSK4 and MALP-2. We also noted significant reduction of some surface receptors which can have accessory function in recognition of particulate antigens (CD47, CD81, and CD11b). In contrast, the prolonged-hMDFCs responded to inflammasome activation by LPS/nigericin with extensive, necrotic type cell death, which was partially independent of caspase-1. This pyroptosis-like cell death was aggravated by necrostatin-1 and rapamycin. These findings identify a potential contribution of mature foam cells to inflammatory status by increasing the immunogenic cell death burden. The observed cross-talk between foam cell death pathways may lead to recognition of a potential new marker for atherosclerosis disease severity. Overall, our study demonstrates that, in contrast to other cellular models of foam cells, the prolonged-hMDFCs acquire a functional phenotype which may help understanding the role of foam cells in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

The crosstalk: exosomes and lipid metabolism

Exosomes have been considered as novel and potent vehicles of intercellular communication, instead of "cell dust". Exosomes are consistent with anucleate cells, and organelles with lipid bilayer consisting of the proteins and abundant lipid, enhancing their "rigidity" and "flexibility". Neighboring cells or distant cells are capable of exchanging genetic or metabolic information via exosomes binding to recipient cell and releasing bioactive molecules, such as lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Of note, exosomes exert the remarkable effects on lipid metabolism, including the synthesis, transportation and degradation of the lipid. The disorder of lipid metabolism mediated by exosomes leads to the occurrence and progression of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cancer, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), obesity and Alzheimer's diseases and so on. More importantly, lipid metabolism can also affect the production and secretion of exosomes, as well as interactions with the recipient cells. Therefore, exosomes may be applied as effective targets for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Video abstract.

Therapeutic Potentials of Scavenger Receptor CD36 Mediated Innate Immune Responses Against Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases

CD36 is a multifunctional glycoprotein, expressed in different types of cells and known to play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the host. The structural studies revealed that the scavenger receptor consists of short cytosolic domains, two transmembrane domains, and a large ectodomain. The ectodomain serves as a receptor for a diverse number of endogenous and exogenous ligands. The CD36-specific ligands are involved in regulating the immune response during infectious and non-infectious diseases in the host. The role of CD36 in regulating the innate immune response during Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Leishmaniasis, HIV, and Sepsis in a ligand- mediated fashion. Apart from infectious diseases, it is also considered to be involved in metabolic disorders such as Atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's, cancer, and Diabetes. The ligand binding to scavenger receptor modulates the CD36 down-stream innate immune response, and it can be exploited to design suitable immuno-modulators. Hence, the current review focused on the role of the CD36 in innate immune response and therapeutic potentials of novel heterocyclic compounds as CD36 ligands during infectious and non-infectious diseases.

WITHDRAWN: SNX10 deficiency restricts foam cell formation and protects against atherosclerosis by suppressing CD36-Lyn axis

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Customizable live-cell imaging chambers for multimodal and multiplex fluorescence microscopy

Using multiple imaging modalities while performing independent experiments in parallel can greatly enhance the throughput of microscopy-based research, but requires the provision of appropriate experimental conditions in a format that meets the optical requirements of the microscope. Although customized imaging chambers can meet these challenges, the difficulty of manufacturing custom chambers and the relatively high cost and design inflexibility of commercial chambers has limited the adoption of this approach. Herein, we demonstrate the use of 3D printing to produce inexpensive, customized, live-cell imaging chambers that are compatible with a range of imaging modalities, including super-resolution microscopy. In this approach, biocompatible plastics are used to print imaging chambers designed to meet the specific needs of an experiment, followed by adhesion of the printed chamber to a glass coverslip, producing a chamber that is impermeant to liquids and that supports the growth and imaging of cells over multiple days. This approach can also be used to produce moulds for casting microfluidic devices made of polydimethylsiloxane. The utility of these chambers is demonstrated using designs for multiplex microscopy, imaging under shear, chemotaxis, and general cellular imaging. Together, this approach represents an inexpensive yet highly customizable approach for producing imaging chambers that are compatible with modern microscopy techniques.

Sorting Nexin 10 Mediates Metabolic Reprogramming of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis Through the Lyn-Dependent TFEB Signaling Pathway

RATIONALE

SNX10 (sorting nexin 10) has been reported to play a critical role in regulating macrophage function and lipid metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the precise role of SNX10 in atherosclerotic diseases and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SNX10 expression was compared between human healthy vessels and carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Myeloid cell-specific SNX10 knockdown mice were crossed onto the APOE^-/- (apolipoprotein E) background and atherogenesis (high-cholesterol diet-induced) was monitored for 16 weeks. We found that SNX10 expression was increased in atherosclerotic lesions of aortic specimens from humans and APOE^-/- mice. Myeloid cell-specific SNX10 deficiency (Δ knockout [KO]) attenuated atherosclerosis progression in APOE^-/- mice. The population of anti-inflammatory monocytes/macrophages was increased in the peripheral blood and atherosclerotic lesions of ΔKO mice. In vitro experiments showed that SNX10 deficiency-inhibited foam cell formation through interrupting the internalization of CD36, which requires the interaction of SNX10 and Lyn-AKT (protein kinase B). The reduced Lyn-AKT activation by SNX10 deficiency promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (transcription factor EB), thereby enhanced lysosomal biogenesis and LAL (lysosomal acid lipase) activity, resulting in an increase of free fatty acids to fuel mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. This further promoted the reprogramming of macrophages and shifted toward the anti-inflammatory phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate for the first time that SNX10 plays a crucial role in diet-induced atherogenesis via the previously unknown link between the Lyn-Akt-TFEB signaling pathway and macrophage reprogramming, suggest that SNX10 may be a potentially promising therapeutic target for atherosclerosis treatment.

Constitutive and stimulated macropinocytosis in macrophages: roles in immunity and in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Macrophages respond to several stimuli by forming florid membrane ruffles that lead to fluid uptake by macropinocytosis. This type of induced macropinocytosis, executed by a variety of non-malignant and malignant cells, is initiated by transmembrane receptors and is involved in nutrient acquisition and mTOR signalling. However, macrophages also perform a unique type of constitutive ruffling and macropinocytosis that is dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. Calcium-sensing receptors are responsible for this activity. This distinct form of macropinocytosis enables macrophages to continuously sample their microenvironment for antigenic molecules and for pathogen- and danger-associated molecular patterns, as part of their immune surveillance functions. Interestingly, even within the monocyte lineage, there are differences in macropinocytic ability that reflect the polarized functional roles of distinct macrophage subsets. This review discusses the shared and distinct features of both induced and constitutive macropinocytosis displayed by the macrophage lineage and their roles in physiology, immunity and pathophysiology. In particular, we analyse the role of macropinocytosis in the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and its contribution to foam cell and atherosclerotic plaque formation. We propose a combined role of scavenger receptors and constitutive macropinocytosis in oxidized LDL uptake, a process we have termed 'receptor-assisted macropinocytosis'. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Macropinocytosis'.

Plasmodium falciparum-CD36 Structure-Function Relationships Defined by Ortholog Scanning Mutagenesis

BACKGROUND

The interaction of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IEs) with the host receptor CD36 is among the most studied host-parasite interfaces. CD36 is a scavenger receptor that binds numerous ligands including the cysteine-rich interdomain region (CIDR)α domains of the erythrocyte membrane protein 1 family (PfEMP1) expressed on the surface of IEs. CD36 is conserved across species, but orthologs display differential binding of IEs.

METHODS

In this study, we exploited these differences, combined with the recent crystal structure and 3-dimensional modeling of CD36, to investigate malaria-CD36 structure-function relationships and further define IE-CD36 binding interactions.

RESULTS

We show that a charged surface in the membrane-distal region of CD36 is necessary for IE binding. Moreover, IE interaction with this binding surface is influenced by additional CD36 domains, both proximal to and at a distance from this site.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that subtle sequence and spatial differences in these domains modify receptor conformation and regulate the ability of CD36 to selectively interact with its diverse ligands.

The three members of the Vav family proteins form complexes that concur to foam cell formation and atherosclerosis

During foam cell formation and atherosclerosis development, the scavenger receptor CD36 plays critical roles in lipid uptake and triggering of atherogenicity via the activation of Vav molecules. The Vav family includes three highly conserved members known as Vav1, Vav2, and Vav3. As Vav1 and Vav3 were found to exert function in atherosclerosis development, it remains thus to decipher whether Vav2 also plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis. In this study we found that Vav2 deficiency in RAW264.7 macrophages significantly diminished oxidized LDL uptake and CD36 signaling, demonstrating that each Vav protein family member was required for foam cell formation. Genetic disruption of Vav2 in ApoE-deficient C57BL/6 mice significantly inhibited the severity of atherosclerosis. Strikingly, we further found that the genetic deletion of each member of the Vav protein family by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in a similar alteration of transcriptomic profiles of macrophages. The three members of the Vav proteins were found to form complexes, and genetic ablation of each single Vav molecule was sufficient to prevent endocytosis of CD36. The functional interdependence of the three Vav family members in foam cell formation was due to their indispensable roles in transcriptomic programing, lipid uptake, and activation of the JNK kinase in macrophages.

Membrane Diffusion Occurs by Continuous-Time Random Walk Sustained by Vesicular Trafficking

Diffusion in cellular membranes is regulated by processes that occur over a range of spatial and temporal scales. These processes include membrane fluidity, interprotein and interlipid interactions, interactions with membrane microdomains, interactions with the underlying cytoskeleton, and cellular processes that result in net membrane movement. The complex, non-Brownian diffusion that results from these processes has been difficult to characterize, and moreover, the impact of factors such as membrane recycling on membrane diffusion remains largely unexplored. We have used a careful statistical analysis of single-particle tracking data of the single-pass plasma membrane protein CD93 to show that the diffusion of this protein is well described by a continuous-time random walk in parallel with an aging process mediated by membrane corrals. The overall result is an evolution in the diffusion of CD93: proteins initially diffuse freely on the cell surface but over time become increasingly trapped within diffusion-limiting membrane corrals. Stable populations of freely diffusing and corralled CD93 are maintained by an endocytic/exocytic process in which corralled CD93 is selectively endocytosed, whereas freely diffusing CD93 is replenished by exocytosis of newly synthesized and recycled CD93. This trafficking not only maintained CD93 diffusivity but also maintained the heterogeneous distribution of CD93 in the plasma membrane. These results provide insight into the nature of the biological and biophysical processes that can lead to significantly non-Brownian diffusion of membrane proteins and demonstrate that ongoing membrane recycling is critical to maintaining steady-state diffusion and distribution of proteins in the plasma membrane.

Soluble CD93 is an apoptotic cell opsonin recognized by αx β2

Efferocytosis is essential for homeostasis and prevention of the inflammatory and autoimmune diseases resulting from apoptotic cell lysis. CD93 is a transmembrane glycoprotein previously implicated in efferocytosis, with mutations in CD93 predisposing patients to efferocytosis-associated diseases. CD93 is a cell surface protein, which is proteolytically shed under inflammatory conditions, but it is unknown how CD93 mediates efferocytosis or whether its efferocytic activity is mediated by the soluble or membrane-bound form. Herein, using cell lines and human monocytes and macrophages, we demonstrate that soluble CD93 (sCD93) potently opsonizes apoptotic cells but not a broad range of microorganisms, whereas membrane-bound CD93 has no phagocytic, efferocytic, or tethering activity. Using mass spectrometry, we identified α_x β₂ as the receptor that recognizes sCD93, and via deletion mutagenesis determined that sCD93 binds to apoptotic cells via its C-type lectin-like domain and to α_x β₂ by its EGF-like repeats. The bridging of apoptotic cells to α_x β₂ markedly enhanced efferocytosis by macrophages and was abrogated by α_x β₂ knockdown. Combined, these data elucidate the mechanism by which CD93 regulates efferocytosis and identifies a previously unreported opsonin-receptor system utilized by phagocytes for the efferocytic clearance of apoptotic cells.

Blood exosomes regulate the tissue distribution of grapefruit-derived nanovector via CD36 and IGFR1 pathways

Tumor-specific delivery of therapeutics is challenging. One of the major hurdles for successfully delivering targeted agents by nanovectors is the filtering role of the liver in rapidly sequestering nanovectors from the circulation. Exosomes, a type of endogenous nanoparticle, circulate continuously in the peripheral blood and play a role in intercellular communication. The aim of this study was to determine whether the level of endogenous exosomes has an effect on nanovector delivery efficiency of targeted agents. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood and intravenously (I.V.) injected into tumor-bearing mice. Subsequently, 1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3'3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine-iodide (DiR) fluorescent dye-labeled nanoparticles, including grapefruit nanovectors (GNV) and standard liposomes, were I.V. injected in the mice. The efficiency of redirecting GNVs from liver to other organs of injected mice was further analyzed with in vivo imaging. The concentration of chemo drugs delivered by GNV was measured by HPLC and the anti-lung metastasis therapeutic effects of chemo drugs delivered by GNVs in mouse breast cancer and melanoma cancer models were evaluated. Results: We show that tail vein-injected exosomes isolated from mouse peripheral blood were predominately taken up by liver Kupffer cells. Injection of peripheral blood-derived exosomes before I.V. injection of grapefruit-derived nanovector (GNV) decreased the deposition of GNV in the liver and redirected the GNV to the lung and to the tumor in breast and melanoma tumor-bearing mouse models. Enhanced therapeutic efficiency of doxorubicin (Dox) or paclitaxel (PTX) carried by GNVs for lung metastases was demonstrated when there was an I.V. injection of exosomes before therapeutic treatment. Furthermore, we found that CD36 and IGFR1 receptor-mediated pathways played a critical role in the exosome-mediated inhibitory effect of GNV entry into liver macrophages. Conclusions: Collectively, our findings provide a foundation for using autologous exosomes to enhance therapeutic vector targeted delivery to the lung.