Actin polymerisation regulates integrin-mediated adhesion as well as rigidity of neutrophils

Soluble uric acid inhibits β2 integrin-mediated neutrophil recruitment in innate immunity

Neutrophils are key players during host defense and sterile inflammation. Neutrophil dysfunction is a characteristic feature of the acquired immunodeficiency during kidney disease. We speculated that the impaired renal clearance of the intrinsic purine metabolite soluble uric acid (sUA) may account for neutrophil dysfunction. Indeed, hyperuricemia (HU, serum UA of 9-12 mg/dL) related or unrelated to kidney dysfunction significantly diminished neutrophil adhesion and extravasation in mice with crystal- and coronavirus-related sterile inflammation using intravital microscopy and an air pouch model. This impaired neutrophil recruitment was partially reversible by depleting UA with rasburicase. We validated these findings in vitro using either neutrophils or serum from patients with kidney dysfunction-related HU with or without UA depletion, which partially normalized the defective migration of neutrophils. Mechanistically, sUA impaired β2 integrin activity and internalization/recycling by regulating intracellular pH and cytoskeletal dynamics, physiological processes that are known to alter the migratory and phagocytic capability of neutrophils. This effect was fully reversible by blocking intracellular uptake of sUA via urate transporters. In contrast, sUA had no effect on neutrophil extracellular trap formation in neutrophils from healthy subjects or patients with kidney dysfunction. Our results identify an unexpected immunoregulatory role of the intrinsic purine metabolite sUA, which contrasts the well-known immunostimulatory effects of crystalline UA. Specifically targeting UA may help to overcome certain forms of immunodeficiency, for example in kidney dysfunction, but may enhance sterile forms of inflammation.

Different Isoforms of the Neuronal Guidance Molecule Slit2 Directly Cause Chemoattraction or Chemorepulsion of Human Neutrophils

The movement of neutrophils between blood and tissues appears to be regulated by chemoattractants and chemorepellents. Compared with neutrophil chemoattractants, relatively little is known about neutrophil chemorepellents. Slit proteins are endogenously cleaved into a variety of N- and C-terminal fragments, and these fragments are neuronal chemorepellents and inhibit chemoattraction of many cell types, including neutrophils. In this report, we show that the ∼140-kDa N-terminal Slit2 fragment (Slit2-N) is a chemoattractant and the ∼110-kDa N-terminal Slit2 fragment (Slit2-S) is a chemorepellent for human neutrophils. The effects of both Slit2 fragments were blocked by Abs to the Slit2 receptor Roundabout homolog 1 or the Slit2 coreceptor Syndecan-4. Slit2-N did not appear to activate Ras but increased phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate levels. Slit2-N-induced chemoattraction was unaffected by Ras inhibitors, reversed by PI3K inhibitors, and blocked by Cdc42 and Rac inhibitors. In contrast, Slit2-S activated Ras but did not increase phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate levels. Slit2-S-induced chemorepulsion was blocked by Ras and Rac inhibitors, not affected by PI3K inhibitors, and reversed by Cdc42 inhibitors. Slit2-N, but not Slit2-S, increased neutrophil adhesion, myosin L chain 2 phosphorylation, and polarized actin formation and single pseudopods at the leading edge of cells. Slit2-S induced multiple pseudopods. These data suggest that Slit2 isoforms use similar receptors but different intracellular signaling pathways and have different effects on the cytoskeleton and pseudopods to induce neutrophil chemoattraction or chemorepulsion.

Chemotherapeutic resistance: a nano-mechanical point of view

Chemotherapeutic resistance is one of the main obstacles for cancer remission. To understand how cancer cells acquire chemotherapeutic resistance, biochemical studies focusing on drug target alteration, altered cell proliferation, and reduced susceptibility to apoptosis were performed. Advances in nano-mechanobiology showed that the enhanced mechanical deformability of cancer cells accompanied by cytoskeletal alteration is a decisive factor for cancer development. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM)–based nano-mechanical studies showed that chemotherapeutic treatments reinforced the mechanical stiffness of drug-sensitive cancer cells. However, drug-resistant cancer cells did not show such mechanical responses following chemotherapeutic treatments. Interestingly, drug-resistant cancer cells are mechanically heterogeneous, with a subpopulation of resistant cells showing higher stiffness than their drug-sensitive counterparts. The signaling pathways involving Rho, vinculin, and myosin II were found to be responsible for these mechanical alterations in drug-resistant cancer cells. In the present review, we highlight the mechanical aspects of chemotherapeutic resistance, and suggest how mechanical studies can contribute to unravelling the multifaceted nature of chemotherapeutic resistance.

High-throughput cell mechanical phenotyping for label-free titration assays of cytoskeletal modifications

The mechanical fingerprint of cells is inherently linked to the structure of the cytoskeleton and can serve as a label‐free marker for cell homeostasis or pathologic states. How cytoskeletal composition affects the physical response of cells to external loads has been intensively studied with a spectrum of techniques, yet quantitative and statistically powerful investigations in the form of titration assays are hampered by the low throughput of most available methods. In this study, we employ real‐time deformability cytometry (RT‐DC), a novel microfluidic tool to examine the effects of biochemically modified F‐actin and microtubule stability and nuclear chromatin structure on cell deformation in a human leukemia cell line (HL60). The high throughput of our method facilitates extensive titration assays that allow for significance assessment of the observed effects and extraction of half‐maximal concentrations for most of the applied reagents. We quantitatively show that integrity of the F‐actin cortex and microtubule network dominate cell deformation on millisecond timescales probed with RT‐DC. Drug‐induced alterations in the nuclear chromatin structure were not found to consistently affect cell deformation. The sensitivity of the high‐throughput cell mechanical measurements to the cytoskeletal modifications we present in this study opens up new possibilities for label‐free dose‐response assays of cytoskeletal modifications.

Role of the Cytoskeleton in Myeloid Cell Function

During an innate immune response, myeloid cells undergo complex morphological adaptations in response to inflammatory cues, which allow them to exit the vasculature, enter the tissues, and destroy invading pathogens. The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons are central to many of the most essential cellular functions including cell division, cell morphology, migration, intracellular trafficking, and signaling. Cytoskeletal structure and regulation are crucial for many myeloid cell functions, which require rapid and dynamic responses to extracellular signals. In this chapter, we review the roles of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons in myeloid cells, focusing primarily on their roles in chemotaxis and phagocytosis. The role of myeloid cell cytoskeletal defects in hematological disorders is highlighted throughout.

Cell Division Drives Epithelial Cell Rearrangements during Gastrulation in Chick

During early embryonic development, cells are organized as cohesive epithelial sheets that are continuously growing and remodeled without losing their integrity, giving rise to a wide array of tissue shapes. Here, using live imaging in chick embryo, we investigate how epithelial cells rearrange during gastrulation. We find that cell division is a major rearrangement driver that powers dramatic epithelial cell intercalation events. We show that these cell division-mediated intercalations, which represent the majority of epithelial rearrangements within the early embryo, are absolutely necessary for the spatial patterning of gastrulation movements. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these intercalation events result from overall low cortical actomyosin accumulation within the epithelial cells of the embryo, which enables dividing cells to remodel junctions in their vicinity. These findings uncover a role for cell division as coordinator of epithelial growth and remodeling that might underlie various developmental, homeostatic, or pathological processes in amniotes.

Protrusive and Contractile Forces of Spreading Human Neutrophils

Human neutrophils are mediators of innate immunity and undergo dramatic shape changes at all stages of their functional life cycle. In this work, we quantified the forces associated with a neutrophil's morphological transition from a nonadherent, quiescent sphere to its adherent and spread state. We did this by tracking, with high spatial and temporal resolution, the cell's mechanical behavior during spreading on microfabricated post-array detectors printed with the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin. Two dominant mechanical regimes were observed: transient protrusion and steady-state contraction. During spreading, a wave of protrusive force (75 ± 8 pN/post) propagates radially outward from the cell center at a speed of 206 ± 28 nm/s. Once completed, the cells enter a sustained contractile state. Although post engagement during contraction was continuously varying, posts within the core of the contact zone were less contractile (-20 ± 10 pN/post) than those residing at the geometric perimeter (-106 ± 10 pN/post). The magnitude of the protrusive force was found to be unchanged in response to cytoskeletal inhibitors of lamellipodium formation and myosin II-mediated contractility. However, cytochalasin B, known to reduce cortical tension in neutrophils, slowed spreading velocity (61 ± 37 nm/s) without significantly reducing protrusive force. Relaxation of the actin cortical shell was a prerequisite for spreading on post arrays as demonstrated by stiffening in response to jasplakinolide and the abrogation of spreading. ROCK and myosin II inhibition reduced long-term contractility. Function blocking antibody studies revealed haptokinetic spreading was induced by β2 integrin ligation. Neutrophils were found to moderately invaginate the post arrays to a depth of ∼1 μm as measured from spinning disk confocal microscopy. Our work suggests a competition of adhesion energy, cortical tension, and the relaxation of cortical tension is at play at the onset of neutrophil spreading.

Human Primary Immune Cells Exhibit Distinct Mechanical Properties that Are Modified by Inflammation

T lymphocytes are key modulators of the immune response. Their activation requires cell-cell interaction with different myeloid cell populations of the immune system called antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Although T lymphocytes have recently been shown to respond to mechanical cues, in particular to the stiffness of their environment, little is known about the rigidity of APCs. In this study, single-cell microplate assays were performed to measure the viscoelastic moduli of different human myeloid primary APCs, i.e., monocytes (Ms, storage modulus of 520 +90/-80 Pa), dendritic cells (DCs, 440 +110/-90 Pa), and macrophages (MPHs, 900 +110/-100 Pa). Inflammatory conditions modulated these properties, with storage moduli ranging from 190 Pa to 1450 Pa. The effect of inflammation on the mechanical properties was independent of the induction of expression of commonly used APC maturation markers, making myeloid APC rigidity an additional feature of inflammation. In addition, the rigidity of human T lymphocytes was lower than that of all myeloid cells tested and among the lowest reported (Young's modulus of 85 ± 5 Pa). Finally, the viscoelastic properties of myeloid cells were dependent on both their filamentous actin content and myosin IIA activity, although the relative contribution of these parameters varied within cell types. These results indicate that T lymphocytes face different cell rigidities when interacting with myeloid APCs in vivo and that this mechanical landscape changes under inflammation.

Actin-Dynamics in Plant Cells: The Function of Actin-Perturbing Substances: Jasplakinolide, Chondramides, Phalloidin, Cytochalasins, and Latrunculins

This chapter gives an overview of the most common F-actin-perturbing substances that are used to study actin dynamics in living plant cells in studies on morphogenesis, motility, organelle movement, or when apoptosis has to be induced. These substances can be divided into two major subclasses: F-actin-stabilizing and -polymerizing substances like jasplakinolide and chondramides and F-actin-severing compounds like chytochalasins and latrunculins. Jasplakinolide was originally isolated form a marine sponge, and can now be synthesized and has become commercially available, which is responsible for its wide distribution as membrane-permeable F-actin-stabilizing and -polymerizing agent, which may even have anticancer activities. Cytochalasins, derived from fungi, show an F-actin-severing function and many derivatives are commercially available (A, B, C, D, E, H, J), also making it a widely used compound for F-actin disruption. The same can be stated for latrunculins (A, B), derived from red sea sponges; however the mode of action is different by binding to G-actin and inhibiting incorporation into the filament. In the case of swinholide a stable complex with actin dimers is formed resulting also in severing of F-actin. For influencing F-actin dynamics in plant cells only membrane permeable drugs are useful in a broad range. We however introduce also the phallotoxins and synthetic derivatives, as they are widely used to visualize F-actin in fixed cells. A particular uptake mechanism has been shown for hepatocytes, but has also been described in siphonal giant algae. In the present chapter the focus is set on F-actin dynamics in plant cells where alterations in cytoplasmic streaming can be particularly well studied; however methods by fluorescence applications including phalloidin and antibody staining as well as immunofluorescence-localization of the inhibitor drugs are given.

The regulatory role of serum response factor pathway in neutrophil inflammatory response

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neutrophils rapidly migrate to sites of injury and infection. Egress of neutrophils from the circulation into tissues is a highly regulated process involving several distinct steps. Cell-cell interactions mediated by selectins and integrins and reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton are key mechanisms facilitating appropriate neutrophil recruitment. Neutrophil function is impaired in inherited and acquired disorders, such as leukocyte adhesion deficiency and myelodysplasia. Since the discovery that deletion of all or part of chromosome 5 is the most common genetic aberration in myelodysplasia, the roles of several of the deleted genes have been investigated in hematopoiesis. Several genes encoding proteins of the serum response factor (SRF) pathway are located on 5q. This review focuses, in particular, on the role of SRF in myeloid maturation and neutrophil function.

RECENT FINDINGS

SRF and its pathway fulfill multiple complex roles in the regulation of the innate and adaptive immune system. Loss of SRF leads to defects in B-cell and T-cell development. SRF-deficient macrophages fail to spread, transmigrate, and phagocytose bacteria, and SRF-deficient neutrophils show defective chemotaxis in vitro and in vivo with failure of inside-out activation and trafficking of the Mac1 integrin complex. Loss of the formin mammalian Diaphanous 1, a regulator of linear actin polymerization and mediator of Ras homolog family member A signaling to SRF, results in aberrant myeloid differentiation and hyperactivity of the immune system.

SUMMARY

SRF is an essential transcription factor in hematopoiesis and mature myeloid cell function. SRF regulates neutrophil migration, integrin activation, and trafficking. Disruption of the SRF pathway results in myelodysplasia and immune dysfunction.

Neutrophil integrin affinity regulation in adhesion, migration, and bacterial clearance

During an infection, neutrophils are the first immune cells to arrive armed to clear the invading pathogen. In order to do so, neutrophils need to transmigrate from the peripheral blood through the endothelial layer toward the site of inflammation. This process is in most cases dependent on integrins, adhesion molecules present on all immune cells. These molecules are functionally regulated by "inside-out" signaling, where stimulus-induced signaling pathways act on the intracellular integrin tail to regulate the activity of the receptor on the outside. Both a change in conformation (affinity) and clustering (avidity/valency) of the receptors occurs and many factors have been linked to regulation of integrins on neutrophils. Control of integrin conformation and clustering is of pivotal importance for proper cell adhesion, migration, and bacterial clearance. Recently, gelsolin was found to be involved in β 1-integrin affinity regulation and cell adhesion. Here, I summarize the role of neutrophil integrin regulation in the essential steps to reach the site of inflammation and clearance of bacterial pathogens.

Lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients display increased spreading on VCAM-1, an effect associated with active renal involvement

The mechanisms underlying leukocyte recruitment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unclear. Leukocytes from SLE patients display increased integrin expression, but whether this results in an increased capacity to undergo adhesive interactions has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify alterations in the capacity of leukocytes from SLE patients to undergo interactions with various substrates under flow conditions. Blood from SLE patients was examined in a flow chamber assay, and rolling, adhesion and post-adhesion spreading assessed on platelet monolayers or VCAM-1. P-selectin-dependent neutrophil rolling on platelet monolayers did not differ between SLE patients and healthy controls. Similarly, lymphocyte adhesion on VCAM-1 did not differ between patients and controls. However, post-adhesion spreading on VCAM-1 was significantly increased in lymphocytes from SLE patients. These parameters were unaffected by overall disease activity, presence of organ damage or prednisolone usage. However, leukocyte spreading on VCAM-1 was elevated in patients with evidence of active renal disease. These findings indicate that lymphocytes from SLE patients have an increased propensity to undergo post-adhesion spreading, a key preliminary step in leukocyte transmigration. This behavior may contribute to lymphocyte infiltration in SLE patients and may represent a novel biomarker of lupus nephritis.

A dual role for diacylglycerol kinase generated phosphatidic acid in autoantibody-induced neutrophil exocytosis

Dysregulated release of neutrophil azurophilic granules causes increased tissue damage and amplified inflammation during autoimmune disease. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of small vessel vasculitis and promote adhesion and exocytosis in neutrophils. ANCAs activate specific signal transduction pathways in neutrophils that have the potential to be modulated therapeutically to prevent neutrophil activation by ANCAs. We have investigated a role for diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) and its downstream product phosphatidic acid (PA) in ANCA-induced neutrophil exocytosis. Neutrophils incubated with the DGK inhibitor R59022, before treatment with ANCAs, exhibited a reduced capacity to release their azurophilic granules, demonstrated by a component release assay and flow cytometry. PA restored azurophilic granule release in DGK-inhibited neutrophils. Confocal microscopy revealed that R59022 did not inhibit translocation of granules, indicating a role for DGK during the process of granule fusion at the plasma membrane. In investigating possible mechanisms by which PA promotes neutrophil exocytosis, we demonstrated that exocytosis can only be restored in R59022-treated cells through simultaneous modulation of membrane fusion and increasing cytosolic calcium. PA and its associated pathways may represent viable drug targets to reduce tissue injury associated with ANCA-associated vasculitic diseases and other neutrophilic inflammatory disorders.

Dynamic macrophage "probing" is required for the efficient capture of phagocytic targets

Binding of ligands by immunoreceptors is thought to be a passive, stochastic process. Contrary to this notion, we found that binding of IgG-opsonized particles by Fcγ receptors was inhibited in macrophages, dendritic and microglial cells by agents that interfere with actin assembly or disassembly. Changes in the lateral mobility of the receptors--assessed by single-particle tracking--or in the microelasticity of the membrane--determined by atomic-force microscopy--could not account for the effects of actin disruption on particle binding. Instead, we found that the macrophages contact their targets by actively extending actin-rich structures. Formation of these protrusions is driven by Rac and requires phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate. Capture of C3bi-opsonized as well as unopsonized targets by macrophages was also dependent on actin. Thus, phagocytes continuously probe their environment for foreign particles in a manner akin to the constitutive sampling of the fluid milieu by dendritic cells. Active probing by phagocytes is most important when confronted by scarcely opsonized and/or highly mobile targets.

Control of cortical rigidity by the cytoskeleton: emerging roles for septins

The cortex is the outermost region of the cell, comprising all of the elements from the plasma membrane to the cortical actin cytoskeleton that cooperate to maintain the cell's shape and topology. In eukaryotes without cell walls, this cortex governs the contact between their plasma membranes and the environment and thereby influences cell shape, motility, and signaling. It is therefore of considerable interest to understand how cells control their cortices, both globally and with respect to small subdomains. Here we review the current understanding of this control, including the regulation of cell shape by balances of outward hydrostatic pressure and cortical tension. The actomyosin cytoskeleton is the canonical regulator of cortical rigidity and indeed many would consider the cortex to comprise the actin cortex nearly exclusively. However, this actomyosin array is intimately linked to the membrane, for example via ERM and PIP2 proteins. Additionally, the lipid membrane likely undergoes rigidification by other players, such as Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs proteins. Recent data also indicates that the septin cytoskeleton may play a formidable and more direct role in stabilization of membranes, particularly in contexts where cells receive limited external stabilization from their environments. Here, we review how septins may play this role, drawing on their physical form, their ability to directly bind and modify membranes and actomyosin, and their interactions with vesicular machinery. Deficiencies and alterations in the nature of the septin cytoskeleton may thus be relevant in multiple disease settings.

Jasplakinolide: an actin-specific reagent that promotes actin polymerization

Jasplakinolide, a cyclo-depsipeptide is a commonly used actin filament polymerizing and stabilizing drug. The substance has originally been isolated from a marine sponge, and can now be synthesized and has become commercially available. This, together with the benefit that jasplakinolide is membrane permeable has made it a commonly used tool in cell biology, when actin filament stabilization or polymerization has to be achieved. This may either be the case in studies on morphogenesis, motility, organelle movement, or when apoptosis has to be induced. Its use as a potent anticancer drug is discussed. The direct action on actin filaments may have further consequences in golgi body and membrane raft protein organization. In this chapter, the visualization of jasplaklinolide effects by different fluorescent and transmission electron microscopic methods is described. As competitive binding capacities of jasplakinolide and phalloidin make the detection of actin filaments by fluorescently labeled phalloidin problematic, alternatives are given here.

Actin: a novel interaction partner of WT1 influencing its cell dynamic properties

The Wilms' tumour suppressor, WT1, is a zinc finger protein with key roles in normal development of the genitourinary system and tumourigenesis. Mutations or deletion of WT1 result in a spectrum of developmental disorders and susceptibility to Wilms' tumour in children. Ectopic expression of Wt1 associated with oncogenic functions has been observed in a large number of malignancies, including haematological and solid cancers. Although Wt1 is predominantly a nuclear protein in normal tissues, it is mostly cytoplasmic in the majority of Wt1-expressing tumours. Actin was identified in this study as a new WT1 interaction partner both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. We confirmed this interaction both in vitro and in vivo and started to explore its functional significance. Perturbation of the actin cytoskeleton moved Wt1 off the polysome fraction in the cytoplasm, cancelled its nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling and altered Wt1 DNA- and RNA-binding abilities. These data have implications for Wt1 functions in relation to RNA metabolism and response to cytoskeletal alterations in cancer cells. Thus, our findings could shed more light on the functions of both these proteins and possibly pave way for the development of new cancer therapies.

Microfluidic investigation reveals distinct roles for actin cytoskeleton and myosin II activity in capillary leukocyte trafficking

Circulating leukocyte sequestration in pulmonary capillaries is arguably the initiating event of lung injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome. We present a microfluidic investigation of the roles of actin organization and myosin II activity during the different stages of leukocyte trafficking through narrow capillaries (entry, transit and shape relaxation) using specific drugs (latrunculin A, jasplakinolide, and blebbistatin). The deformation rate during entry reveals that cell stiffness depends strongly on F-actin organization and hardly on myosin II activity, supporting a microfilament role in leukocyte sequestration. In the transit stage, cell friction is influenced by stiffness, demonstrating that the actin network is not completely broken after a forced entry into a capillary. Conversely, membrane unfolding was independent of leukocyte stiffness. The surface area of sequestered leukocytes increased by up to 160% in the absence of myosin II activity, showing the major role of molecular motors in microvilli wrinkling and zipping. Finally, cell shape relaxation was largely independent of both actin organization and myosin II activity, whereas a deformed state was required for normal trafficking through capillary segments.

Actin S-nitrosylation inhibits neutrophil beta2 integrin function

The focus of this work was to elucidate the mechanism for inhibition of neutrophil beta(2) integrin adhesion molecules by hyperoxia. Results demonstrate that exposure to high oxygen partial pressures increases synthesis of reactive species derived from type 2 nitric-oxide synthase and myeloperoxidase, leading to excessive S-nitrosylation of beta-actin and possibly profilin. Hyperoxia causes S-nitrosylation of the four cysteine moieties closest to the carboxyl-terminal end of actin, which results in formation of short actin filaments. This alters actin polymerization, network formation, and intracellular distribution, as well as inhibits beta(2) integrin clustering. If neutrophils are exposed to ultraviolet light to reverse S-nitrosylation, or are incubated with N-formyl-methionyl-leucine-phenylalanine to trigger "inside-out" activation, the effects of hyperoxia are reversed. We conclude that cytoskeletal changes triggered by hyperoxia inhibit beta(2) integrin-dependent neutrophil adhesion.

Direct interaction of Cucurbitacin E isolated from Alsomitra macrocarpa to actin filament

A methanol extract of Alsomitra macrocarpa leaves and branches induced a marked alteration of cell morphology in a human stellate cell line (LX-2). Similar morphologic alterations were observed in several other cell lines. Active compound was purified from the extract and determined to be cucurbitacin E (Cuc E). It has been known that Cuc E causes marked disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, supporting our observation, but how Cuc E altered the actin cytoskeleton has not been elucidated. By using the standard fluorescence assay using copolymerization and depolymerization of native and pyrene labelled actin, this study revealed that Cuc E interacted directly with actin consequently stabilizing the polymerized actin. When NIH-3T3 cells exogenously expressing YFP-labeled actin were treated with Cuc E, firstly the aggregation of globular actin and secondly the aggregation of actin including disrupted fibrous actin in the cells was observed.

Prothrombin fragments containing kringle domains induce migration and activation of human neutrophils

The cross-talk between inflammatory and coagulation cascades has been demonstrated. Prothrombin processing releases the protease domain (thrombin) along with two catalytically inactive kringle-containing derivatives: prothrombin fragments 1 (F1) and 2 (F2). It is well established that thrombin is able to trigger an inflammatory response but the possible effects of prothrombin fragments on leukocyte functions are still unknown. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time that both F1 and F2 prothrombin fragments, interfere with intracellular functional signaling pathways to modulate human neutrophil migration. In addition, we show that thrombin, fragment 1 and fragment 2 induce human neutrophil chemotaxis. The effect of fragment 2, but not fragment 1, was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin, an inhibitor of G(alphai)-signaling. The pre-treatment of cells with fragment 2 inhibited thrombin-induced chemotaxis, while both fragments impaired neutrophil migration induced by interleukin-8. F1 and F2 increased the expression and activation of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2, which has emerged as a key effector in the desensitization of chemokine receptors. In parallel, prothrombin fragments activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, stimulating its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and induced inhibitor of kappa-B phosphorylation and degradation followed by nuclear factor-kappa B translocation to nucleus. Furthermore, both prothrombin fragments induced interleukin-8 gene expression in human neutrophils. These findings suggest that the interference with neutrophil signaling and function, caused by kringle-containing prothrombin fragments may desensitize these cells to respond to further activation by thrombin and interleukin-8 during inflammatory and coagulation responses.

Energy depletion protects Candida albicans against antimicrobial peptides by rigidifying its cell membrane

Inhibitors of the energy metabolism, such as sodium azide and valinomycin, render yeast cells completely resistant against the killing action of a number of cationic antimicrobial peptides, including the salivary antimicrobial peptide Histatin 5. In this study the Histatin 5-mediated killing of the opportunistic yeast Candida albicans was used as a model system to comprehensively investigate the molecular basis underlying this phenomenon. Using confocal and electron microscopy it was demonstrated that the energy poison azide reversibly blocked the entry of Histatin 5 at the level of the yeast cell wall. Azide treatment hardly induced depolarization of the yeast cell membrane potential, excluding it as a cause of the lowered sensitivity. In contrast, the diminished sensitivity to Histatin 5 of energy-depleted C. albicans was restored by increasing the fluidity of the membrane using the membrane fluidizer benzyl alcohol. Furthermore, rigidification of the membrane by incubation at low temperature or in the presence of the membrane rigidifier Me(2)SO increased the resistance against Histatin 5, while not affecting the energy charge of the cell. In line, azide induced alterations in the physical state of the interior of the lipid bilayer. These data demonstrate that changes in the physical state of the membrane underlie the increased resistance to antimicrobial peptides.

Interplay between shear stress and adhesion on neutrophil locomotion

Leukocyte locomotion over the lumen of inflamed endothelial cells is a critical step, following firm adhesion, in the inflammatory response. Once firmly adherent, the cell will spread and will either undergo diapedesis through individual vascular endothelial cells or will migrate to tight junctions before extravasating to the site of injury or infection. Little is known about the mechanisms of neutrophil spreading or locomotion, or how motility is affected by the physical environment. We performed a systematic study to investigate the effect of the type of adhesive ligand and shear stress on neutrophil motility by employing a parallel-plate flow chamber with reconstituted protein surfaces of E-selectin, E-selectin/PECAM-1, and E-selectin/ICAM-1. We find that the level and type of adhesive ligand and the shear rate are intertwined in affecting several metrics of migration, such as the migration velocity, random motility, index of migration, and the percentage of cells moving in the direction of flow. On surfaces with high levels of PECAM-1, there is a near doubling in random motility at a shear rate of 180 s(-1) compared to the motility in the absence of flow. On surfaces with ICAM-1, neutrophil random motility exhibits a weaker response to shear rate, decreasing slightly when shear rate is increased from static conditions to 180 s(-1), and is only slightly higher at 1000 s(-1) than in the absence of flow. The random motility increases with increasing surface concentrations of E-selectin and PECAM-1 under static and flow conditions. Our findings illustrate that the endothelium may regulate neutrophil migration in postcapillary venules through the presentation of various adhesion ligands at sites of inflammation.

VASP-dependent regulation of actin cytoskeleton rigidity, cell adhesion, and detachment

Enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) proteins are established regulators of actin-based motility, platelet aggregation, and growth cone guidance. However, the molecular mechanisms involved essentially remain elusive. Here we report on a novel mechanism of VASP action, namely the regulation of tensile strength, contractility, and rigidity of the actin cytoskeleton. Compared to wild-type cells fibroblasts derived from VASP-deficient mice have thicker and more stable actin stress fibres. Furthermore focal adhesions are enlarged, myosin light chain phosphorylation is increased, and the rigidity of the filament-supported plasma membrane is elevated about three- to fourfold, as is evident from atomic force microscopy. Moreover, fibronectin-coated beads adhere stronger to the surface of VASP-deficient cells. The resistance of these beads to mechanical displacement by laser tweezers is dramatically increased in an F-actin-dependent mode. Cytoskeletal stabilization coincides with slower cell adhesion and detachment, while overall adhesion is increased. Interestingly, many of these effects observed in VASP (-/-) cells are recapitulated in VASP-overexpressing cells, hinting towards a balanced stoichiometry necessary for appropriate VASP function. Taken together, our results suggest that VASP regulates surface protrusion formation and cell adhesion through modulation of the mechanical properties of the actin cytoskeleton.

Lipopolysaccharide: a p38 MAPK-dependent disrupter of neutrophil chemotaxis

In sepsis, and in models of sepsis including endotoxemia, impaired neutrophil recruitment and chemotaxis have been reported. The inability of the endotoxemic neutrophil to chemotax could be attributed to the fact that intracellular signaling via LPS overrides signals from endogenous chemokines or, alternatively, that sequestration of neutrophils into lungs prevents access to peripheral tissues. Using both in vitro and in vivo chemotaxis assays the authors established that neutrophils from healthy mice chemotaxed in vivo toward MIP-2, whereas endotoxemic neutrophils did not. Since LPS activates leukocytes via the p38 MAPK pathway, SKF86002, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, was given to endotoxemic animals. SKF86002 significantly reversed the LPS-induced impairment in emigration of endotoxic neutrophils in response to MIP-2. Neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro was also impaired by LPS, via a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway, and this impairment could be reversed via p38 MAPK inhibition. Although neutrophil numbers dropped in the circulation and trapped in lungs during endotoxemia, SKF86002 did not reverse these parameters, demonstrating that p38 MAPK inhibition did not release trapped neutrophils from the lungs. In conclusion, the data suggest that the impaired emigration and chemotaxis of neutrophils at peripheral sites during endotoxemia may be partially due to a p38 MAPK-mediated inhibition of neutrophil responses to endogenous chemokines.

Neutrophil-bead collision assay: pharmacologically induced changes in membrane mechanics regulate the PSGL-1/P-selectin adhesion lifetime

Visualization of flowing neutrophils colliding with adherent 1-mum-diameter beads presenting P-selectin allowed the simultaneous measurement of collision efficiency (epsilon), membrane tethering fraction (f), membrane tether growth dynamics, and PSGL-1/P-selectin binding lifetime. For 1391 collisions analyzed over venous wall shear rates from 25 to 200 s(-1), epsilon decreased from 0.17 to 0.004, whereas f increased from 0.15 to 0.70, and the average projected membrane tether length, L(tether)(m), increased from 0.35 mum to approximately 2.0 mum over this shear range. At all shear rates tested, adhesive collisions lacking membrane tethers had average bond lifetimes less than those observed for collisions with tethers. For adhesive collisions that failed to form membrane tethers, the regressed Bell parameters (consistent with single bond Monte Carlo simulation) were zero-stress off-rate, k(off)(0) = 0.56 s(-1) and reactive compliance, r = 0.10 nm, similar to published atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. For all adhesion events (+/- tethers), the bond lifetime distributions were more similar to those obtained by rolling assay and best simulated by Monte Carlo with the above Bell parameters and an average of 1.48 bonds (n = 1 bond (67%), n = 2 (22%), and n = 3-5 (11%)). For collisions at 100 s(-1), pretreatment of neutrophils with actin depolymerizing agents, latrunculin or cytochalasin D, had no effect on epsilon, but increased L(tether)(m) by 1.74- or 2.65-fold and prolonged the average tether lifetime by 1.41- or 1.65-fold, respectively. Jasplakinolide, an actin polymerizing agent known to cause blebbing, yielded results similar to the depolymerizing agents. Conversely, cholesterol-depletion with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin or formaldehyde fixation had no effect on epsilon, but reduced L(tether)(m) by 66% or 97% and reduced the average tether lifetime by 30% or 42%, respectively. The neutrophil-bead collision assay combines advantages of atomic force microscopy (small contact zone), aggregometry (discrete interactions), micropipette manipulation (tether visualization), and rolling assays (physiologic flow loading). Membrane tether growth can be enhanced or reduced pharmacologically with consequent effects on PSGL-1/P-selectin lifetimes.

Increasing neutrophil F-actin corrects CD11b exposure in Type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Leukocyte dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Neutrophils adhere to the endothelium through the beta(2)integrin CD11b/CD18. In Type 2 diabetes, neutrophil surface CD11b expression is increased and is associated with impaired actin polymerization. This study aimed to determine whether increasing neutrophil actin polymerization could correct the defect in CD11b exposure.

DESIGN

Neutrophil actin polymerization was stimulated with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor phenylarsine oxide (PAO), and cytoskeletal phosphotyrosine was monitored by immunoblotting Triton X-100 insoluble fractions of cells. Neutrophil F-actin was measured with phalloidin-FITC staining, and surface CD11b expression was determined with anti-CD11b-PE before analysis with flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Phenylarsine oxide caused an increase in phosphotyrosine in neutrophils from both patients with Type 2 diabetes (DM) and controls (NC) (-fold increase: NC, 1.43 +/- 0.16; DM, 1.46 +/- 0.10). The response to PAO in terms of phalloidin-binding was impaired in neutrophils from patients [phalloidin-FITC MFI area under the curve, NC 200 +/- 5 (x 10(3)), DM 124 +/- 9 (x 10(3)), P < 0.0001]. Phenylarsine oxide at concentrations < 10 micro mol L(-1) also caused loss of CD11b from neutrophil surfaces that was impaired in samples from patients [CD11b sites area under the curve NC 90 +/- 6 (x 10(3)), DM 121 +/- 9 (x 10(3)), P < 0.002]. However, in neutrophils from patients, incubation with PAO at a concentration of > 10 micro mol L(-1) caused a significant increase in intracellular F-actin and CD11b down-regulation equivalent to that observed in controls.

CONCLUSION

In Type 2 diabetes, impaired neutrophil actin polymerization even in response to increasing cytoskeletal phophotyrosine suggests a downstream defect. Furthermore, increasing actin polymerization, above a minimum threshold level, corrects the defect in integrin exposure. Correction of the actin polymerization defect in Type 2 diabetes could improve the prognosis of diabetic vascular complications.

A critical 'threshold' of beta 2-integrin engagement regulates augmentation of cytokine-mediated superoxide anion release

1. Neutrophil adhesion regulates a number of processes involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Neutrophil destructive potential can be modulated by adhesion, allowing alteration of inflammatory cell behaviour while preserving antimicrobial defences. beta(2)-Integrin-mediated neutrophil adhesion to albumin-coated latex beads (ACLB) allows modulation of integrin clustering and ligation and analysis of the effects of adhesion on neutrophil responses. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) enhanced neutrophil binding of different diameter ACLB equally, by almost four-fold, and independently of bead size. Adhesion of neutrophils to ACLB caused a size-dependent generation and release of O(2)(-) and also potentiated TNF alpha-induced O(2)(-) release. 2. Binding of ACLB was not affected by disruption of cytoskeletal integrity with nocodazole or cytochalasin D or following blockade of tyrosine kinase activity. In contrast, tyrosine phosphorylation and an intact cytoskeleton were essential for adhesion- and cytokine-induced O(2)(-) release from neutrophils. Inhibition of adhesion- and cytokine-induced O(2)(-) release by 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazol[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) indicated that a Src-family tyrosine kinase was the principal regulatory pathway mediating this response in neutrophils, a distal role for p38 MAPK was revealed by use of SB203580. 3. Tyrosine phosphorylation of c-Fgr, a Src-family tyrosine kinase, occurred following ACLB adhesion and exposure to TNF alpha, and was susceptible to inhibition by PP2. We suggest that activation of the key regulatory enzyme c-Fgr is achieved following ligation of a critical threshold of integrins following binding of large (>3 microM) ACLB.

Alternagin-C, a nonRGD-disintegrin, induces neutrophil migration via integrin signaling

Recently, a new protein containing a disintegrin domain, alternagin-C (Alt-C), was purified from Bothrops alternatus venom. Unlike other disintegrins, in Alt-C an ECD amino acid mogif takes the place of the RGD sequence. Most disintegrins contain an RGD/KGD sequence and are very potent inhibitors of platelet aggregation, as well as other cell interactions with the extracellular matrix, including tumor cell metastasis and angiogenesis. The present study investigated the effects of Alt-C on human neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro and the activation of integrin-mediated pathways. Alt-C showed a potent chemotactic effect for human neutrophils when compared to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine peptide (fMLP), a classic chemotactic agent. Moreover, preincubation of neutrophils with Alt-C significantly inhibited chemotaxis toward fMLP and itself. In addition, a peptide containing an ECD sequence presented a chemotactic activity and significantly inhibited chemotaxis induced by Alt-C and fMLP. A significant increase of F-actin content was observed in cells treated with Alt-C, showing that the chemotactic activity of Alt-C on neutrophils is driven by actin cytoskeleton dynamic changes. Furthermore, this protein was able to induce an increase of phosphotyrosine content triggering focal adhesion kinase activation and its association with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Alt-C was also able to induce a significant increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 nuclear translocation. The chemotactic activity of Alt-C was partially inhibited by LY294002, a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, and by PD98056, a Map kinase kinase inhibitor. These findings suggest that Alt-C can trigger human neutrophil chemotaxis modulated by intracellular signals characteristic of integrin-activated pathways and that these effects could be related to the ECD mogif present in disintegrin-like domain.

Expression of WASP and Scar1/WAVE1 actin-associated proteins is differentially modulated during differentiation of HL-60 cells

The Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is a disease associated with mutations in the WAS gene and characterised by developmental defects in haematopoietic cells such as myeloid cells. The Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASP)-family includes Scar1 and WASP, which are key regulators of actin reorganization in motile cells. To understand the roles of Scar1 and WASP in myeloid cells and their cytoskeletal control in haematopoietic tissues, we have explored their expression during differentiation of the promyeloid cell line HL-60. Undifferentiated HL-60 cells expressed Scar1 and WASP, and differentiation to neutrophils, induced by retinoic acid or non-retinoid agent treatments, led to a decrease in the level of expression of Scar1, whereas WASP expression was unaffected. Differentiation to monocytes/macrophages, induced by phorbol ester treatment, resulted in a decreased expression of both proteins in the adherent mature cells. Vitamin D(3) treatment or cytochalasin D in combination with PMA treatment did not affect WASP expression suggesting that adhesion and cytoskeletal integrity were both essential to regulate WASP expression. Scar1 expression was regulated by differentiation, adhesion, and cytoskeletal integrity. Recently, WASP was found to colocalize with actin in the podosomes. In contrast, we show here that Scar1 did not localize with the podosomes in mature monocytes/macrophages. These observations show for the first time that modulation of Scar1 and WASP expression is a component of the differentiation program of myeloid precursors and indicate that WASP and Scar1 have different roles in mature myeloid cells.

Platelets stimulated by IgG-coated surfaces bind and activate neutrophils through a selectin-dependent pathway

Blood platelets bind rapidly to foreign surfaces and interact with adsorbed proteins and neutrophil granulocytes. We demonstrate by use of luminol-amplified chemiluminescence under stirred and non-stirred conditions that platelets at IgG-coated surfaces amplify the neutrophil extracellular release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The neutrophil response involved tyrosine phosphorylation, but was only in part induced by neutrophil F(c gamma)-receptor stimulation. The platelet mediated effects were contact-dependent since the respiratory burst was inhibited when the IgG-stimulated platelets were removed by filtration, but not when they were fixed in paraformaldehyde. Bodipyphallacidin-staining of filamentous actin (F-actin) revealed that an actin-dependent platelet adhesion supported the subsequent adhesion and spreading of neutrophils. The neutrophil ROS-response was lowered when the interaction between platelet P-selectin (CD62P) and neutrophil P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-l (PSGL-1 or CD162) was inhibited. The blocking of L-selectin (CD62L) or blocking of the interaction between platelet glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa and neutrophil complement receptor 3 (CR3) showed no effect. We conclude that platelet activation on immobilized IgG trigger a contact-dependent "frustrated" phagocytosis by neutrophils, associated with a release of toxic ROS.

Linked regulation of motility and integrin function in activated migrating neutrophils revealed by interference in remodelling of the cytoskeleton

Neutrophils migrate rapidly by co-ordinating regulation of their beta2-integrin adhesion with turnover of filamentous F-actin. The seven-protein Arp2/3 complex regulates actin polymerisation upon activation by proteins of the WASP-family. To investigate links between actin polymerisation, adhesion, and migration, we used a novel osmotic-shock method to load neutrophils with peptides: (1). WASP-WA and Scar-WA (which incorporate the actin- and Arp2/3-binding regions of WASP and Scar1), to compete with endogenous WASP-family members; (2). proline rich motifs (PRM) from the ActA protein of L. monocytogenes or from vinculin, which bind vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), a regulator of cytoskeleton assembly. In a flow system, rolling-adherent neutrophils were stimulated with formyl tri-peptide. This caused rapid immobilisation, followed by migration with increasing velocity, supported by activated beta2-integrin CD11b/CD18. Loading ActA PRM (but not vinculin PRM) caused concentration-dependent reduction in migration velocity. At the highest concentration, unstimulated neutrophils had elevated F-actin and were rigid, but could not change their F-actin content or shape upon stimulation. Scar-WA also caused marked reduction in migration rate, but WASP-WA had a lesser effect. Scar-WA did not modify activation-dependent formation of F-actin or change in shape. However, a reduction in rate of downregulation of integrin adhesion appeared to contribute to impaired migration. These studies show that interference in cytoskeletal reorganisation that follows activation in neutrophils, can impair regulation of integrin function as well as motility. They also suggest a role of the Arp2/3 complex and WASP-family in co-ordinating actin polymerisation and integrin function in migrating neutrophils.

Hyperosmotically induced volume change and calcium signaling in intervertebral disk cells: the role of the actin cytoskeleton

Loading of the spine alters the osmotic environment in the intervertebral disk (IVD) as interstitial water is expressed from the tissue. Cells from the three zones of the IVD, the anulus fibrosus (AF), transition zone (TZ), and nucleus pulposus (NP), respond to osmotic stress with altered biosynthesis through a pathway that may involve calcium (Ca(2+)) as a second messenger. We examined the hypothesis that IVD cells respond to hyperosmotic stress by increasing the concentration of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) through a mechanism involving F-actin. In response to hyperosmotic stress, control cells from all zones decreased in volume and cells from the AF and TZ exhibited [Ca(2+)](i) transients, while cells from the NP did not. Extracellular Ca(2+) was necessary to initiate [Ca(2+)](i) transients. Stabilization of F-actin with phalloidin prevented the Ca(2+) response in AF and TZ cells and decreased the rate of volume change in cells from all zones, coupled with an increase in the elastic moduli and apparent viscosity. Conversely, actin breakdown with cytochalasin D facilitated Ca(2+) signaling while decreasing the elastic moduli and apparent viscosity for NP cells. These results suggest that hyperosmotic stress induces volume change in IVD cells and may initiate [Ca(2+)](i) transients through an actin-dependent mechanism.

Subset-specific reductions in lung lymphocyte accumulation following intratracheal antigen challenge in endothelial selectin-deficient mice

We previously demonstrated induction and expression of CD62E and CD62P in the lungs of mice primed and then challenged with intratracheal (i.t.) SRBC. The current study examined accumulation of endogenous lymphocytes in the lungs of endothelial E- and P-selectin-deficient (E(-)P(-)) mice after i.t. SRBC challenge. Compared with syngeneic wild-type (wt) mice, E(-)P(-) mice showed an 85-95% decrease in CD8(+) T cells and B cells in the lungs at both early and late time points. In contrast, CD4(+) T cell accumulation was reduced by approximately 60% early, but equivalent to wt levels later. Surprisingly, many gammadelta T cells were found in lungs and blood of E(-)P(-) mice but were undetectable in the lungs and blood of wt mice. Absolute numbers of peripheral blood CD4, CD8, and B lymphocytes in E(-)P(-) mice equaled or exceeded the levels in wt mice, particularly after challenge. Trafficking studies using alphabeta T lymphoblasts confirmed that the recruitment of circulating cells after challenge was markedly reduced in E(-)P(-) mice. Furthermore, Ag priming occurred normally in both the selectin-deficient and wt mice, because primed lymphocytes from both groups transferred Ag sensitivity into naive wt mice. Lung production of mRNA for six CC and two CXC chemokines after challenge was equivalent by RT-PCR analysis in wt and E(-)P(-) mice. Therefore, reduced lung accumulation of alphabeta T cells and B cells in E(-)P(-) mice did not result from reduced delivery of circulating lymphocytes to the lungs, unsuccessful Ag priming, or defective pulmonary chemokine production. Selectin-dependent lymphocyte recruitment into the lungs following i.t.-SRBC challenge is subset specific and time dependent.

Alterations of neutrophil f-actin kinetics by tobacco smoke: implications for periodontal diseases

Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor in the incidence and severity of periodontal diseases. Alterations of neutrophil function by short-term high levels of smoke during the act of smoking (acute smoke exposure) as well as long-term exposure to lower levels of tobacco substances in the bloodstream (chronic smoke exposure) may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in smokers. The polymerization and depolymerization of f-actin in response to infectious agents or inflammatory mediators is a critical process in a variety of neutrophil functions. In this study, we examined the effects of in vitro smoke exposure on neutrophils from smokers and non-smokers (which may be comparable to in vivo acute smoke exposure) and neutrophils from smokers not exposed to further in vitro smoke (which may be comparable to chronic smoke exposure) on f-actin kinetics. Peripheral neutrophils were isolated from seven healthy smoking subjects and seven healthy age-matched non-smoking subjects and exposed to 1-5 min of acute smoke in a smoke box system or not exposed to further smoke (baseline controls). Selected aliquots of neutrophils from control and 5-min exposures of acute smoke were then stimulated with the chemotactic peptide F-met-leu-phe at 10(-7) M for an additional 30-360 s. Cells were fixed and permeabilized, stained for f-actin with NBD phallacidin, and analyzed by flow cytometry. From baseline to 5 min of in vitro smoke exposure, there was a 38% decline in f-actin stain in non-smokers and a 30% decline in f-actin stain in smokers (p > 0.05) with f-actin values slightly higher in smokers than-non-smokers (p > 0.05). With F-met-leu-phe stimulation, both smokers and-non-smokers demonstrated a characteristic rise in f-actin stain from 0 to 120 s with a subsequent decline to baseline at 360 s and no significant differences in f-actin levels at any time of stimulation between groups. After preincubation with 5 min of in vitro smoke, the magnitude of rise in f-actin was less in both smokers and non-smokers when compared to cells not incubated with 5 min of smoke (p < 0.05 at 120 s for both smokers and non-smokers). F-actin values in smokers were higher than-non-smokers from 30 to 360 s of F-met-leu-phe exposure (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate that in vitro smoke exposure may impair normal f-actin kinetics. These alterations in f-actin kinetics may in turn affect other neutrophil functions which may impact on the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in smokers.

Lipid products of PI(3)Ks maintain persistent cell polarity and directed motility in neutrophils

In gradients of external chemo-attractant, mammalian neutrophilic leukocytes (neutrophils) and Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae adopt a polarized morphology and selectively accumulate lipid products of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinases (PI(3)Ks), including PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3), at their up-gradient edges; the internal PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) gradient substantially exceeds that of the external attractant. An accompanying report presents evidence for a positive feedback loop that amplifies the gradient of internal signal: PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) at the leading edge stimulates its own accumulation by inducing activation of one or more Rho GTPases (Rac, Cdc42, and/or Rho), which in turn increase PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) accumulation. Here we show that interruption of this feedback by treatment with PI(3)K inhibitors reduces the size and stability of pseudopods and causes cells to migrate in jerky trajectories that deviate more from the up-gradient direction than do those of controls. Moreover, amplification of the internal PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) gradient is markedly impaired by latrunculin or jasplakinolide, toxins that inhibit polymerization or depolymerization of actin, respectively. Thus reciprocal interplay between PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) and polymerized actin initiates and maintains the asymmetry of intracellular signals responsible for cell polarity and directed motility.

Responses of leukocytes to chemokines in whole blood and their antagonism by novel CC-chemokine receptor 3 antagonists

CC-chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3)-stimulating chemokines are likely to have important in vivo roles in the regulation of eosinophil, basophil, and potentially helper T cell type 2 and mast cell recruitment. We have developed techniques to investigate the actions of eotaxin and other chemokines on multiple leukocyte populations in whole blood, without cell purification steps that might alter leukocyte responsiveness. We have shown that the potency of eotaxin in whole blood is limited by Duffy antigen binding, which may modulate the actions of this chemokine in vivo. We have also investigated the efficacy and potency of a new panel of small molecule antagonists of CCR3 on responses of eosinophils, neutrophils, basophils, and monocytes to chemokines, using whole blood assays of shape change, chemokine receptor internalization, and CD11b upregulation. These small molecule antagonists cause selective and potent inhibition of CCR3 on eosinophils and basophils, are bioavailable in blood, and are prototypic antagonists potentially of benefit in the treatment of human allergic disease. Such whole blood methods may also be employed in the investigation of other small molecule chemokine receptor antagonists.

Sulphatides trigger polymorphonuclear granulocyte spreading on collagen-coated surfaces and inhibit subsequent activation of 5-lipoxygenase

Sulphatides are sulphate esters of galactocerebrosides that are present on the surfaces of many cell types and act as specific ligands to selectins. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of sulphatides on polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) attachment, spreading and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) metabolism. Sulphatides, but not non-sulphated galactocerebrosides, dose-dependently enhanced attachment to collagen, as measured by the myeloperoxidase assay. Studies with blocking antibodies indicated that the increased attachment was mediated by CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) beta 2 integrin. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that sulphatides also greatly enhanced the degree of cell spreading. In PMNs treated in suspension, sulphatides had no effect on the ionophore A23187-stimulated release of arachidonic acid and the synthesis of 5-LO metabolites. In contrast, in PMNs attached to collagen, the enzymic conversion of arachidonic acid by 5-LO was inhibited by sulphatides. Inhibition of 5-LO metabolism by sulphatides was observed even in the presence of exogenous substrate, suggesting that sulphatides directly inhibited 5-LO action. Consistent with this, sulphatides interfered with ionophore-induced translocation of the 5-LO to the nuclear envelope. Substances competing with sulphatide binding to cells, like dextran sulphate, or a strong inhibitor of cell spreading, like the actin-polymerizing agent jasplakinolide, prevented the effects of sulphatides on PMN attachment and spreading and leukotriene synthesis. We conclude that shape changes occurring in response to sulphatides specifically impair PMN leukotriene synthesis by inhibiting translocation of 5-LO.

Rigidity of circulating lymphocytes is primarily conferred by vimentin intermediate filaments

Lymphocytes need rigidity while in circulation, but must abruptly become deformable to undergo transmigration into tissue. Previously, the control of leukocyte deformability has been attributed to microfilaments or microtubules, but the present studies demonstrate the greater importance of vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs). In circulating T lymphocytes, IFs form a distinctive spherical cage that undergoes a rapid condensation into a juxtanuclear aggregate during chemokine-induced polarization. Measurements of the resistance of peripheral blood T lymphocytes to global deformation demonstrate that their rigidity is primarily dependent on intact vimentin filaments. Microtubules, in contrast, are not sufficient to maintain rigidity. Thus, vimentin IFs are a primary source of structural support in circulating human lymphocytes, and their regulated collapse is likely to be an essential element in chemokine-induced transendothelial migration.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-mediated phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 is essential for human eosinophil adhesion to fibronectin

We examined the role of p38, p42, and p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) isoforms and cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) activation in human eosinophil adhesion to plate-coated fibronectin (FN). In the control state, eosinophil adhesion was maximal, with 10 microg/ml FN at 30 min, and decreased after 60-90 min. Western blot analysis demonstrated that p44/42 MAPK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2) and cPLA(2) were phosphorylated during adhesion to FN, whereas p38 MAPK phosphorylation was unchanged. Preincubation of eosinophils with U0126 or PD98059, two structurally unrelated MAPK kinase inhibitors, or arachidonic trifluoromethyl ketone, a cPLA(2) inhibitor, blocked eosinophil adhesion to FN. By contrast, eosinophil adhesion was unaffected by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Pretreatment of eosinophils with okadaic acid, a serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor, at the concentrations that induced ERK1/2 and cPLA(2) phosphorylation caused an increase in maximal eosinophil adhesion to FN for >60 min. MAPK kinase inhibition but not p38 inhibition also blocked FN-mediated F-actin redistribution in eosinophils and prevented cPLA(2) phosphorylation caused by adhesion to FN. These results demonstrate that ERK1/2 mediating cPLA(2) activation is essential for eosinophil adhesion to FN.

Neutrophils enhance eosinophil migration across monolayers of lung epithelial cells

During the late-phase asthmatic response eosinophils and neutrophils infiltrate the lungs and cause severe damage. In this study, we investigated in vitro the migration of eosinophils, in the absence and presence of neutrophils, across a monolayer of lung H292 epithelial cells. The migration of eosinophils towards the complement fragment 5a (C5a) was increased when neutrophils were added to the upper compartment of the Transwells, and decreased when neutrophils were added to the lower compartment. Moreover, neutrophils exclusively stimulated eosinophil migration towards C5a, and not towards other chemoattractants such as RANTES, IL-8 or PAF. Neutrophils and eosinophils differed in that neutrophils, but not eosinophils, rapidly inactivated C5a, suggesting that neutrophils in the upper compartment remove part of the active C5a that has diffused into the upper compartment. Indeed, we found that the addition of other C5a-degrading agents, such as human serum or carboxypeptidase B, also enhanced eosinophil migration when added to the upper compartment and decreased migration when added to the lower compartment. Taken together, these results indicate that the presence of neutrophils influences the migratory behaviour of eosinophils in vitro. The neutrophils presumably maintain a proper C5a chemotactic gradient in the transmigration model, which results in enhanced eosinophil chemotaxis.

Ca(2+)-dependent production of reactive oxygen metabolites by human neutrophils in response to fluorinated propranolol analogues

Fluorinated analogues of propranolol, namely trifluoroethyl propranolol (F3), pentafluoropropyl propranolol (F5), and heptafluorobutyl propranolol (F7), were found to induce reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) production in human neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner. Preincubation of neutrophils with the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein inhibited this ROM production. Direct measurements of intracellular calcium revealed that these analogues caused a transient increase in intracellular calcium. In addition, these fluorinated analogues of propranolol caused a transient increase in actin polymerization. The effects of these compounds were found to be dependent upon the degree of fluorination of the parent compound. Propranolol, on the other hand, had no direct effect on ROM, calcium, or actin polymerization when added alone to neutrophils, although it did modify responses of cells to various stimuli. Whereas ROM production induced by the chemotactic peptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner, the response to the particulate stimulus, latex beads, was abolished.

Jasplakinolide induces apoptosis in various transformed cell lines by a caspase-3-like protease-dependent pathway

To clarify the mechanisms underlying the antiproliferative effects of jasplakinolide, a cyclic depsipeptide from marine sponges, we examined whether jasplakinolide induces apoptosis in a variety of transformed and nontransformed cells. Jasplakinolide inhibited proliferation of human Jurkat T cells, resulting in cell death. This was accompanied by chromatin condensation and DNA cleavage at the linker regions between the nucleosomes. When caspase-3-like activity in the cytosolic extracts of Jurkat T cells was examined with a fluorescent substrate, DEVD-MAC (N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide), the activity in the cells treated with jasplakinolide was remarkably increased in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment of Jurkat T cells with the caspase inhibitor zVAD [benzyloxycarbonyl(Cbz)-Val-Ala-beta-Asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone] or DEVD-CHO (N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-1-aldehyde) prevented the induction of apoptosis by jasplakinolide. Moreover, exposure of various murine transformed cell lines to jasplakinolide resulted in cell death, which was inhibited by zVAD. Although it has been well established that murine immature thymocytes are sensitive to apoptosis when exposed to various apoptotic stimuli, these cells as well as mature T lymphocytes were resistant to jasplakinolide-induced apoptosis. The results suggest that jasplakinolide induces apoptotic cell death through a caspase-3-like protease-dependent pathway. Another important outcome is that transformed cell lines were more susceptible to jasplakinolide-induced apoptosis than normal nontransformed cells.

Hypertonic inhibition of exocytosis in neutrophils: central role for osmotic actin skeleton remodeling

Hypertonicity suppresses neutrophil functions by unknown mechanisms. We investigated whether osmotically induced cytoskeletal changes might be related to the hypertonic inhibition of exocytosis. Hyperosmolarity abrogated the mobilization of all four granule types induced by diverse stimuli, suggesting that it blocks the process of exocytosis itself rather than individual signaling pathways. Concomitantly, osmotic stress provoked a twofold increase in F-actin, induced the formation of a submembranous F-actin ring, and abolished depolymerization that normally follows agonist-induced actin assembly. Several observations suggest a causal relationship between actin polymerization and inhibition of exocytosis: 1) prestimulus actin levels were inversely proportional to the stimulus-induced degranulation, 2) latrunculin B (LB) prevented the osmotic actin response and restored exocytosis, and 3) actin polymerization induced by jasplakinolide inhibited exocytosis under isotonic conditions. The shrinkage-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and the activation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger were not affected by LB. Inhibition of osmosensitive kinases failed to prevent the F-actin change, suggesting that the osmotic tyrosine phosphorylation and actin polymerization are independent phenomena. Thus cytoskeletal remodeling appears to be a key component in the neutrophil-suppressive, anti-inflammatory effects of hypertonicity.

Stimulation of fascin spikes by thrombospondin-1 is mediated by the GTPases Rac and Cdc42

Cell adhesion to extracellular matrix is an important physiological stimulus for organization of the actin-based cytoskeleton. Adhesion to the matrix glycoprotein thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) triggers the sustained formation of F-actin microspikes that contain the actin-bundling protein fascin. These structures are also implicated in cell migration, which may be an important function of TSP-1 in tissue remodelling and wound repair. To further understand the function of fascin microspikes, we examined whether their assembly is regulated by Rho family GTPases. We report that expression of constitutively active mutants of Rac or Cdc42 triggered localization of fascin to lamellipodia, filopodia, and cell edges in fibroblasts or myoblasts. Biochemical assays demonstrated prolonged activation of Rac and Cdc42 in C2C12 cells adherent to TSP-1 and activation of the downstream kinase p21-activated kinase (PAK). Expression of dominant-negative Rac or Cdc42 in C2C12 myoblasts blocked spreading and formation of fascin spikes on TSP-1. Spreading and spike assembly were also blocked by pharmacological inhibition of F-actin turnover. Shear-loading of monospecific anti-fascin immunoglobulins, which block the binding of fascin to actin into cytoplasm, strongly inhibited spreading, actin cytoskeletal organization and migration on TSP-1 and also affected the motility of cells on fibronectin. We conclude that fascin is a critical component downstream of Rac and Cdc42 that is needed for actin cytoskeletal organization and cell migration responses to thrombospondin-1.

Role of the cytoskeleton in rapid activation of CD11b/CD18 function and its subsequent downregulation in neutrophils

When rolling adherent neutrophils are stimulated, they rapidly immobilize through activation of integrin CD11b/CD18, and then modulate attachment through this integrin to allow migration. We investigated links between cytoskeletal rearrangement and changes in function of integrin CD11b/CD18 in neutrophils stimulated with formyl peptide (fMLP). Neutrophils treated with the actin-polymerizing agent jasplakinolide became rolling adherent on monolayers of activated platelets, but could not use CD11b/CD18 to become immobilised when fMLP was perfused over them. If treated with jasplakinolide after fMLP, the cells stopped migrating but could not detach when fMLP was removed. Jasplakinolide did not inhibit changes in intracellular Ca(2+) seen after fMLP treatment, or inhibit neutrophil immobilisation induced by externally added Mn(2+). Thus cytoskeletal rearrangement was directly implicated in upregulation and, later, downregulation of CD11b/CD18 binding. Inhibition of RhoA with C3-transferase caused a dose-dependent reduction of initial rolling adhesion of neutrophils, and reduced the rate of migration after stimulation; however, neither the conversion of rolling to stationary adhesion, nor the ability of neutrophils to detach on removal of the stimulus, were inhibited. Thus, Rho may regulate actin polymerisation and motility in neutrophils, but did not appear to control integrin-mediated adhesion itself. Integrin binding may be promoted by disruption of links to the cytoskeleton, effected through depolymerisation of actin or cleavage of linking protein talin by calpain. Disruption of actin filaments with cytochalasin D did not, however, cause integrin-mediated immobilisation of rolling neutrophils. Although the calpain inhibitor calpeptin did inhibit the adhesion response to fMLP, this was only at doses where actin polymerisation was also ablated. We suggest that the cytoskeleton actively regulates binding conformation of CD11b/CD18 as well as its mobility in the membrane.

Association among filamentous actin content, CD11b expression, and membrane deformability in stimulated and unstimulated bovine neutrophils

OBJECTIVE

To investigate rheologic properties of bovine neutrophils that may result in adhesion molecule-independent sequestration of neutrophils in inflamed lungs of cattle.

ANIMALS

Healthy 2- to 4-week-old male Holstein calves.

PROCEDURES

Neutrophil deformability, filamentous actin (F-actin) content, and CD11b expression was determined for unstimulated bovine neutrophils and bovine neutrophils incubated with the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), platelet-activating factor (PAF), interleukin-8 (IL-8), zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP), Pasteurella haemolytica-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and P haemolytica leukotoxin. Neutrophils were separated into 3 subpopulations on the basis of size. The Factin content and CD11 b expression were evaluated by use of flow cytometry. Leukocyte deformability was evaluated by filtration of dilute whole blood.

RESULTS

The subpopulation of the smallest-sized neutrophils (>90% of neutrophils) contained little F-actin. A subpopulation of slightly larger neutrophils had a profound increase in F-actin content and CD11 b expression. The subpopulation of the largest neutrophils had increased F-actin content and CD11b expression, compared with those for both subpopulations of smaller neutrophils. Incubation of neutrophils with PAF and ZAP but not TNF, IL-8, LPS, or leukotoxin, resulted in decreased neutrophil deformability and increased F-actin content. Incubation with PAF and TNF induced an increase in size of neutrophils.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Size can be used to identify subpopulations of large and rigid neutrophils in blood samples from healthy calves. Platelet-activating factor and activated complement fragments are potent inducers of F-actin formation and neutrophil rigidity. Physical changes in neutrophils may impede their transit through lung microvasculature and result in leukocyte trapping independent of adhesion molecule interactions with endothelial cells.