Determinants of activation by complement of group II phospholipase A2 acting against Escherichia coli

Killing three birds with one BPI: Bactericidal, opsonic, and anti-inflammatory functions

Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is an anti-microbial protein predominantly expressed in azurophilic granules of neutrophils. BPI has been shown to mediate cytocidal and opsonic activity against Gram-negative bacteria, while also blunting inflammatory activity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Despite awareness of these functions in vitro, the magnitude of the contribution of BPI to innate immunity remains unclear, and the nature of the functional role of BPI in vivo has been submitted to limited investigation. Understanding this role takes on particular interest with the recognition that autoimmunity to BPI is tightly linked to a specific infectious trigger like Pseudomonas aeruginosa in chronic lung infection. This has led to the notion that anti-BPI autoantibodies compromise the activity of BPI in innate immunity against P. aeruginosa, which is primarily mediated by neutrophils. In this review, we explore the three main mechanisms in bactericidal, opsonic, and anti-inflammatory of BPI. We address the etiology and the effects of BPI autoreactivity on BPI function. We explore BPI polymorphism and its link to multiple diseases. We summarize BPI therapeutic potential in both animal models and human studies, as well as offer therapeutic approaches to designing a sustainable and promising BPI molecule.

Outer membrane permeabilization by the membrane attack complex sensitizes Gram-negative bacteria to antimicrobial proteins in serum and phagocytes

Infections with Gram-negative bacteria form an increasing risk for human health due to antibiotic resistance. Our immune system contains various antimicrobial proteins that can degrade the bacterial cell envelope. However, many of these proteins do not function on Gram-negative bacteria, because the impermeable outer membrane of these bacteria prevents such components from reaching their targets. Here we show that complement-dependent formation of Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) pores permeabilizes this barrier, allowing antimicrobial proteins to cross the outer membrane and exert their antimicrobial function. Specifically, we demonstrate that MAC-dependent outer membrane damage enables human lysozyme to degrade the cell wall of E. coli. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we show that the combination of MAC pores and lysozyme triggers effective E. coli cell wall degradation in human serum, thereby altering the bacterial cell morphology from rod-shaped to spherical. Completely assembled MAC pores are required to sensitize E. coli to the antimicrobial actions of lysozyme and other immune factors, such as Human Group IIA-secreted Phospholipase A2. Next to these effects in a serum environment, we observed that the MAC also sensitizes E. coli to more efficient degradation and killing inside human neutrophils. Altogether, this study serves as a proof of principle on how different players of the human immune system can work together to degrade the complex cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. This knowledge may facilitate the development of new antimicrobials that could stimulate or work synergistically with the immune system.

In this paper we identified how different players of the human immune system cooperate to degrade the complex cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria. The outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria forms an impermeable barrier for various antimicrobial proteins of the immune system. Here we show that complement-dependent Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) formation permeabilizes this barrier, allowing otherwise impermeable antimicrobial proteins to reach their targets underneath the outer membrane. Specifically, we show that outer membrane damage by the MAC allows lysozyme to degrade the peptidoglycan layer, and secreted phospholipase A₂-IIA to hydrolyze the bacterial inner membrane. MAC formation also sensitizes Gram-negative bacteria to more efficient degradation and killing inside human neutrophils. Altogether, this knowledge may guide the development of new antimicrobial strategies to treat infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Type IIA Secreted Phospholipase A2 in Host Defense against Bacterial Infections

The enzyme type IIA secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) is crucial for mammalian innate host defense against bacterial pathogens. Most studies have investigated the role of sPLA2-IIA in systemic bacterial infections, identifying molecular pathways of bacterial resistance against sPLA2-IIA-mediated killing, and providing insight into sPLA2-IIA mechanisms of action. Sensitization of (antibiotic-resistant) bacteria to sPLA2-IIA action by blocking bacterial resistance or by applying sPLA2-IIA to treat bacterial infections might represent a therapeutic option in the future. Because sPLA2-IIA is highly expressed at mucosal barriers, we also discuss how sPLA2-IIA is likely to be an important driver of microbiome composition; we anticipate that future research in this area may bring new insights into the role of sPLA2-IIA in health and disease.

A Potential Role of Phospholipase 2 Group IIA (PLA2-IIA) in P. gingivalis-Induced Oral Dysbiosis

Porphyromonas gingivalis is an oral pathogen with the ability to induce oral dysbiosis and periodontal disease. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis could abrogate the host-microbe symbiotic relationship leading to oral dysbiosis remain unclear. We have recently demonstrated that P. gingivalis specifically increased the antimicrobial properties of oral epithelial cells, through a strong induction of the expression of PLA₂-IIA in a mechanism that involves activation of the Notch-1 receptor. Moreover, gingival expression of PLA₂-IIA was significantly increased during initiation and progression of periodontal disease in non-human primates and interestingly, those PLA₂-IIA expression changes were concurrent with oral dysbiosis. In this chapter, we present an innovative hypothesis of a potential mechanism involved in P. gingivalis-induced oral dysbiosis and inflammation based on our previous observations and a robust body of literature that supports the antimicrobial and proinflammatory properties of PLA₂-IIA as well as its role in other chronic inflammatory diseases.

Roles of secreted phospholipase A2 group IIA in inflammation and host defense

Among all members of the secreted phospholipase A₂ (sPLA₂) family, group IIA sPLA₂ (sPLA₂-IIA) is possibly the most studied enzyme. Since its discovery, many names have been associated with sPLA₂-IIA, such as "non-pancreatic", "synovial", "platelet-type", "inflammatory", and "bactericidal" sPLA_2. Whereas the different designations indicate comprehensive functions or sources proposed for this enzyme, the identification of the precise roles of sPLA₂-IIA has remained a challenge. This can be attributed to: the expression of the enzyme by various cells of different lineages, its limited activity towards the membranes of immune cells despite its expression following common inflammatory stimuli, its ability to interact with certain proteins independently of its catalytic activity, and its absence from multiple commonly used mouse models. Nevertheless, elevated levels of the enzyme during inflammatory processes and associated consistent release of arachidonic acid from the membrane of extracellular vesicles suggest that sPLA₂-IIA may contribute to inflammation by using endogenous substrates in the extracellular milieu. Moreover, the remarkable potency of sPLA₂-IIA towards bacterial membranes and its induced expression during the course of infections point to a role for this enzyme in the defense of the host against invading pathogens. In this review, we present current knowledge related to mammalian sPLA₂-IIA and its roles in sterile inflammation and host defense.

The phospholipid-repair system LplT/Aas in Gram-negative bacteria protects the bacterial membrane envelope from host phospholipase A2 attack

Secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are potent components of mammalian innate-immunity antibacterial mechanisms. sPLA2 enzymes attack bacteria by hydrolyzing bacterial membrane phospholipids, causing membrane disorganization and cell lysis. However, most Gram-negative bacteria are naturally resistant to sPLA2 Here we report a novel resistance mechanism to mammalian sPLA2 in Escherichia coli, mediated by a phospholipid repair system consisting of the lysophospholipid transporter LplT and the acyltransferase Aas in the cytoplasmic membrane. Mutation of the lplT or aas gene abolished bacterial lysophospholipid acylation activity and drastically increased bacterial susceptibility to the combined actions of inflammatory fluid components and sPLA2, resulting in bulk phospholipid degradation and loss of colony-forming ability. sPLA2-mediated hydrolysis of the three major bacterial phospholipids exhibited distinctive kinetics and deacylation of cardiolipin to its monoacyl-derivative closely paralleled bacterial death. Characterization of the membrane envelope in lplT- or aas-knockout mutant bacteria revealed reduced membrane packing and disruption of lipid asymmetry with more phosphatidylethanolamine present in the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. Moreover, modest accumulation of lysophospholipids in these mutant bacteria destabilized the inner membrane and rendered outer membrane-depleted spheroplasts much more sensitive to sPLA2 These findings indicated that LplT/Aas inactivation perturbs both the outer and inner membranes by bypassing bacterial membrane maintenance mechanisms to trigger specific interfacial activation of sPLA2 We conclude that the LplT/Aas system is important for maintaining the integrity of the membrane envelope in Gram-negative bacteria. Our insights may help inform new therapeutic strategies to enhance host sPLA2 antimicrobial activity.

Transcriptomic analysis of Crassostrea sikamea × Crassostrea angulata hybrids in response to low salinity stress

Hybrid oysters often show heterosis in growth rate, weight, survival and adaptability to extremes of salinity. Oysters have also been used as model organisms to study the evolution of host-defense system. To gain comprehensive knowledge about various physiological processes in hybrid oysters under low salinity stress, we performed transcriptomic analysis of gill tissue of Crassostrea sikamea ♀ × Crassostrea angulata♂ hybrid using the deep-sequencing platform Illumina HiSeq. We exploited the high-throughput technique to delineate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in oysters maintained in hypotonic conditions. A total of 199,391 high quality unigenes, with average length of 644 bp, were generated. Of these 35 and 31 genes showed up- and down-regulation, respectively. Functional categorization and pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed enrichment for immune mechanism, apoptosis, energy metabolism and osmoregulation under low salinity stress. The expression patterns of 41 DEGs in hybrids and their parental species were further analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). This study will serve as a platform for subsequent gene expression analysis regarding environmental stress. Our findings will also provide valuable information about gene expression to better understand the immune mechanism, apoptosis, energy metabolism and osmoregulation in hybrid oysters under low salinity stress.

Molecular determinants of bacterial sensitivity and resistance to mammalian Group IIA phospholipase A2

Group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA(2)-IIA) of mammalian species is unique among the many structurally and functionally related mammalian sPLA(2) in their high net positive charge and potent (nM) antibacterial activity. Toward the Gram-positive bacteria tested thus far, the global cationic properties of sPLA(2)-IIA are necessary for optimal binding to intact bacteria and penetration of the multi-layered thick cell wall, but not for the degradation of membrane phospholipids that is essential for bacterial killing. Various Gram-positive bacterial species can differ as much as 1000-fold in sPLA(2)-IIA sensitivity despite similar intrinsic enzymatic activity of sPLA(2)-IIA toward the membrane phospholipids of various bacteria. d-alanylation of wall- and lipo-teichoic acids in Staphylococcus aureus and sortase function in Streptococcus pyogenes increase bacterial resistance to sPLA(2)-IIA by up to 100-fold apparently by affecting translocation of bound sPLA(2)-IIA to the cell membrane. Action of the sPLA(2)-IIA and other related sPLA(2) against Gram-negative bacteria is more dependent on cationic properties of the enzyme near the amino-terminus of the protein and collaboration with other host defense proteins that produce alterations of the unique Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane that normally represents a barrier to sPLA(2)-IIA action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides.

In vitro anti-Plasmodium falciparum properties of the full set of human secreted phospholipases A2

We have previously shown that secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) from animal venoms inhibit the in vitro development of Plasmodium falciparum, the agent of malaria. In addition, the inflammatory-type human group IIA (hGIIA) sPLA2 circulates at high levels in the serum of malaria patients. However, the role of the different human sPLA2s in host defense against P. falciparum has not been investigated. We show here that 4 out of 10 human sPLA2s, namely, hGX, hGIIF, hGIII, and hGV, exhibit potent in vitro anti-Plasmodium properties with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 2.9 ± 2.4, 10.7 ± 2.1, 16.5 ± 9.7, and 94.2 ± 41.9 nM, respectively. Other human sPLA2s, including hGIIA, are inactive. The inhibition is dependent on sPLA2 catalytic activity and primarily due to hydrolysis of plasma lipoproteins from the parasite culture. Accordingly, purified lipoproteins that have been prehydrolyzed by hGX, hGIIF, hGIII, and hGV are more toxic to P. falciparum than native lipoproteins. However, the total enzymatic activities of human sPLA2s on purified lipoproteins or plasma did not reflect their inhibitory activities on P. falciparum. For instance, hGIIF is 9-fold more toxic than hGV but releases a lower quantity of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs). Lipidomic analyses of released NEFAs from lipoproteins demonstrate that sPLA2s with anti-Plasmodium properties are those that release polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with hGIIF being the most selective enzyme. NEFAs purified from lipoproteins hydrolyzed by hGIIF were more potent at inhibiting P. falciparum than those from hGV, and PUFA-enriched liposomes hydrolyzed by sPLA2s were highly toxic, demonstrating the critical role of PUFAs. The selectivity of sPLA2s toward low- and high-density (LDL and HDL, respectively) lipoproteins and their ability to directly attack parasitized erythrocytes further explain their anti-Plasmodium activity. Together, our findings indicate that 4 human sPLA2s are active against P. falciparum in vitro and pave the way to future investigations on their in vivo contribution in malaria pathophysiology.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa eradicates Staphylococcus aureus by manipulating the host immunity

Young cystic fibrosis (CF) patients' airways are mainly colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominates in adults. However, the mechanisms behind this infection switch are unclear. Here, we show that levels of type-IIA-secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA, a host enzyme with bactericidal activity) increase in expectorations of CF patients in an age-dependent manner. These levels are sufficient to kill S. aureus, with marginal effects on P. aeruginosa strains. P. aeruginosa laboratory strains and isolates from CF patients induce sPLA2-IIA expression in bronchial epithelial cells from CF patients (these cells are a major source of the enzyme). In an animal model of lung infection, P. aeruginosa induces sPLA2-IIA production that favours S. aureus killing. We suggest that sPLA2-IIA induction by P. aeruginosa contributes to S. aureus eradication in CF airways. Our results indicate that a bacterium can eradicate another bacterium by manipulating the host immunity.

Antibacterial properties of intestinal phospholipase A2 from the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca

Stingray phospholipase A(2) group IIA (SPLA(2)-IIA) was recently isolated and purified to homogeneity from the intestine of the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca, suggesting that this enzyme plays an important role in systemic bactericidal defense. The present study showed that SPLA(2)-IIA was highly bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria with inhibition zones and minimal inhibitory concentration values in the range of 13-25 mm and 2-8 μg/ml, respectively, whereas Gram-negative bacteria exhibited a much higher resistance. The bactericidal efficiency of SPLA(2)-IIA was shown to be unaffected by high protein and salt concentrations, but dependent upon the presence of calcium ions, and then correlated to the hydrolytic activity of membrane phospholipids. Importantly, we showed that stingray phospholipase A(2) group IIA presents no cytotoxicity after its incubation with MDA-MB-231 cells. SPLA(2)-IIA may be considered as a future therapeutic agent against bacterial infections.

Phospholipase A2 subclasses in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) catalyse the cleavage of fatty acids esterified at the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. In acute lung injury-acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI-ARDS) several distinct isoenzymes appear in lung cells and fluid. Some are capable to trigger molecular events leading to enhanced inflammation and lung damage and others have a role in lung surfactant recycling preserving lung function: Secreted forms (groups sPLA2-IIA, -V, -X) can directly hydrolyze surfactant phospholipids. Cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2-IVA) requiring Ca2+ has a preference for arachidonate, the precursor of eicosanoids which participate in the inflammatory response in the lung. Ca(2+)-independent intracellular PLA2s (iPLA2) take part in surfactant phospholipids turnover within alveolar cells. Acidic Ca(2+)-independent PLA2 (aiPLA2), of lysosomal origin, has additionally antioxidant properties, (peroxiredoxin VI activity), and participates in the formation of dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine in lung surfactant. PAF-AH degrades PAF, a potent mediator of inflammation, and oxidatively fragmented phospholipids but also leads to toxic metabolites. Therefore, the regulation of PLA2 isoforms could be a valuable approach for ARDS treatment.

The bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) in infection and inflammatory disease

Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) and their endotoxin present a constant environmental challenge. Endotoxins can potently signal mobilization of host defenses against invading GNB but also potentially induce severe pathophysiology, necessitating controlled initiation and resolution of endotoxin-induced inflammation to maintain host integrity. The bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) is a pluripotent protein expressed, in humans, mainly neutrophils. BPI exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against GNB and potent endotoxin-neutralizing activity. BPI mobilized with neutrophils in response to invading GNB can promote intracellular and extracellular bacterial killing, endotoxin neutralization and clearance, and delivery of GNB outer membrane antigens to dendritic cells. Tissue expression by dermal fibroblasts and epithelia could further amplify local levels of BPI and local interaction with GNB and endotoxin, helping to constrain local tissue infection and inflammation and prevent systemic infection and systemic inflammation. This review article focuses on the structural and functional properties of BPI with respect to its contribution to host defense during GNB infections and endotoxin-induced inflammation and the genesis of autoantibodies against BPI that can blunt BPI activity and potentially contribute to chronic inflammatory disease.

Antibacterial effects of human group IIA and group XIIA phospholipase A2 against Helicobacter pylori in vitro

Group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2-IIA) is an enzyme which has important roles in inflammation and infection. Recently, a novel human secretory PLA2 called group XIIA PLA2 (PLA2-XIIA) has been identified. Both PLA2-IIA and PLA2-XIIA are bactericidal against Gram-positive bacteria like many other secretory PLA2s. However, PLA2-XIIA is the only known PLA2 displaying significant bactericidal activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. We examined the antibacterial properties of recombinant human PLA2-IIA and PLA2-XIIA against Helicobacter pylori, a Gram-negative bacterium, in vitro. PLA2-IIA was not bactericidal against H. pylori, whereas PLA2-XIIA effectively killed H. pylori at a concentration of 50 microg/ml but was not bactericidal at concentrations of 0.5 microg/ml and 5 microg/ml.

Synergy between extracellular group IIA phospholipase A2 and phagocyte NADPH oxidase in digestion of phospholipids of Staphylococcus aureus ingested by human neutrophils

Acute inflammatory responses to invading bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus include mobilization of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and extracellular group IIA phospholipase A2 (gIIA-PLA2). Although accumulating coincidentally, the in vitro anti-staphylococcal activities of PMN and gIIA-PLA2 have thus far been studied separately. We now show that degradation of S. aureus phospholipids during and after phagocytosis by human PMN requires the presence of extracellular gIIA-PLA2. The concentration of extracellular gIIA-PLA2 required to produce bacterial digestion was reduced 10-fold by PMN. The effects of added gIIA-PLA2 were greater when present before phagocytosis but even apparent when added after S. aureus were ingested by PMN. Related group V and X PLA2, which are present within PMN granules, do not contribute to bacterial phospholipid degradation during and after phagocytosis even when added at concentrations 30-fold higher than that needed for action of the gIIA-PLA2. The action of added gIIA-PLA2 required catalytically active gIIA-PLA2 and, in PMN, a functional NADPH oxidase but not myeloperoxidase. These findings reveal a novel collaboration between cellular oxygen-dependent and extracellular oxygen-independent host defense systems that may be important in the ultimate resolution of S. aureus infections.

Roles of Group IIA Phospholipase A2 and Complement in Killing of Bacteria by Acute Phase Serum

The complement system is regarded as an important component of the innate defence system against invading bacteria. However, synergistic actions between the complement and the other components of innate immunity are incompletely known. Human group IIA phospholipase A(2) (hGIIA PLA(2)) is an effective antibacterial enzyme in serum of patients with severe bacterial infections. Our aim was to investigate the significance of complement and hGIIA PLA(2) in acute phase serum. Serum samples were collected from patients with acute bacterial infections and from healthy control subjects. We prepared hGIIA PLA(2)-depleted serum by immunoadsorption and inhibited the activity of complement by a specific inhibitor, compstatin. The bactericidal effects of treated and untreated serum were compared by incubating Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in the presence of serum. Acute phase serum effectively killed S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, and depletion of hGIIA PLA(2) significantly reduced the antibacterial effect. Complement had a weak bactericidal effect against L. monocytogenes. We conclude that hGIIA PLA(2) is the major antibacterial factor in human acute phase serum against the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, exceeding complement in efficiency.

[Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2): friends or foes? Are they actors in antibacterial and anti-HIV resistance?]

In this paper the authors update on the deletereous or beneficial roles of human and animal secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2). Although human sPLA2-IIA (inflammatory) was initially thought as a foe because its pathogenic implication in sepsis, multiorganic failure or other related syndromes, recent data indicates its role in in the antiinfectious host resistance. Thus, sPLA2-IIA exhibits potent bactericidal activities against gram-negative and gram-positive (in this case, together with other endogenous inflammatory factors) bacteria. Surprisingly, human sPLA-IIA does not show in vitro anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity, whilst several sPLA2-IA isolated from bee and serpent venons do it: this is the case for crotoxin, a sPLA2-IA isolated from the venon of Crotalus durissus terrificus (sPLA2-Cdt). The mechanism for the in vitro anti-HIV activity of sPLA2-Cdt (inhibition of Gag p24) appears to be related to the ability of the drug to desestabilize ancorage (heparans) and fusion (cholesterol) receptors on HIV target cells.

Secretory Phospholipase A2

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is a growing family of structurally related, disulfide-rich, low molecular weight, lipolytic enzymes with a His-Asp catalytic dyad. sPLA2s are distributed in a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses, and there are 10 catalytically active sPLA2 isozymes in mammals. Although the structural bases for mammalian sPLA2s have been well documented, their physiological functions are still subject to debate. Individual mammalian sPLA2s have distinct enzymatic properties and display distinct tissue expression patterns, suggesting that each enzyme acts on distinct phospholipid membrane moieties in vivo. In this article, we briefly review our latest understanding of the possible physiological functions of sPLA2s, in keeping with their diverse actions on mammalian and nonmammalian cell membranes.

Acute inflammation increases selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl esters into adrenals of mice overexpressing human sPLA2

The acute-phase protein secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) influences the metabolism of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The adrenals are known to utilize HDL cholesterol as a source of sterols. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that sPLA2 enhances the selective uptake of HDL into the adrenals in response to acute inflammation as a possible physiological role for the sPLA2-HDL interaction. Human sPLA2-transgenic mice, in which sPLA2 expression is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli, were used. Ten hours after induction of the acute-phase response (APR) by injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), plasma levels of HDL cholesterol decreased significantly in sPLA2-transgenic mice (-18%, P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in wild-type mice. The fractional catabolic rates of both 125I-labeled tyraminecellobiose (TC)-HDL and [3H]cholesteryl ether increased significantly in the sPLA2-transgenic mice after induction of the APR (0.18 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.01 pool/h, P < 0.05, and 0.31 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.05 pool/h, P < 0.05, respectively) but remained unchanged in the wild-type mice (0.10 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.22 +/- 0.02 pool/h, respectively). After induction of the APR, in both groups HDL holoparticle uptake by the liver was increased (P < 0.001). sPLA2-transgenic mice had 2.4-fold higher selective uptake into the adrenals after induction of the APR than wild-type mice (156 +/- 6 vs. 65 +/- 5%/ micro g tissue protein, P < 0.001). In summary, upregulation of sPLA2 expression during the APR specifically increases the selective uptake of HDL cholesteryl ester into the adrenals. These data suggest a novel metabolic role for sPLA2: modification of HDL during the APR to promote increased adrenal uptake of HDL cholesteryl ester to serve as source for steroid hormone synthesis.

Role of group IIA phospholipase A2 in rat colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium

Although group IIA phospholipase A(2) has been suggested to be implicated in inflammatory bowel disease, its pathophysiological role in colitis remains unclear. We investigated whether group IIA phospholipase A(2) had pro-inflammatory roles in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in the rat. Secretory phospholipase A(2) activity was markedly increased in the distal colon with two peaks. Strong immunostaining for group IIA phospholipase A(2) was found in subepithelial tissue and lamina propria at early stage and in deeper tissues of the erosion area at later stage. Treatment with a specific group IIA phospholipase A(2) inhibitor, S-3013/LY333013 (methyl[[3-(aminooxoacetyl)-2-ethyl-1-(phenylmethyl)]-1H-indol-4yl]oxy) acetate), reduced erosion area, shortening of colon and colonic inflammation, and strongly inhibited the increase in secretory phospholipase A(2) activity and moderately reduced myeloperoxidase activity in the colon in vivo, while eicosanoid levels were not affected. Marked group IIA phospholipase A(2) expression in the erosion area and the improvement of colitis by the group IIA phospholipase A(2) inhibitor strongly suggest that this enzyme plays pro-inflammatory roles in this colitis model.

Interfacial kinetic and binding properties of the complete set of human and mouse groups I, II, V, X, and XII secreted phospholipases A2

Expression of the full set of human and mouse groups I, II, V, X, and XII secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)s) in Escherichia coli and insect cells has provided pure recombinant enzymes for detailed comparative interfacial kinetic and binding studies. The set of mammalian sPLA(2)s display dramatically different sensitivity to dithiothreitol. The specific activity for the hydrolysis of vesicles of differing phospholipid composition by these enzymes varies by up to 4 orders of magnitude, and yet all enzymes display similar catalytic site specificity toward phospholipids with different polar head groups. Discrimination between sn-2 polyunsaturated versus saturated fatty acyl chains is <6-fold. These enzymes display apparent dissociation constants for activation by calcium in the 1-225 microm range, depending on the phospholipid substrate. Analysis of the inhibition by a set of 12 active site-directed, competitive inhibitors reveals a large variation in the potency among the mammalian sPLA(2)s, with Me-Indoxam being the most generally potent sPLA(2) inhibitor. A dramatic correlation exists between the ability of the sPLA(2)s to hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine-rich vesicles efficiently in vitro and the ability to release arachidonic acid when added exogenously to mammalian cells; the group V and X sPLA(2)s are uniquely efficient in this regard.

Bactericidal properties of human and murine groups I, II, V, X, and XII secreted phospholipases A(2)

Group IIA secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA2) is known to display potent Gram-positive bactericidal activity in vitro and in vivo. We have analyzed the bactericidal activity of the full set of recombinant murine and human groups I, II, V, X, and XII sPLA2s on Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The rank order potency among human sPLA2s against Gram-positive bacteria is group IIA > X > V > XII > IIE > IB, IIF (for murine sPLA2s: IIA > IID > V > IIE > IIC, X > IB, IIF), and only human group XII displays detectable bactericidal activity against the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli. These studies show that highly basic sPLA2s display potent bactericidal activity with the exception of the ability of the acidic human group X sPLA2 to kill Gram-positive bacteria. By studying the Bacillus subtilis and S. aureus bactericidal potencies of a large panel of human group IIA mutants in which basic residues were mutated to acidic residues, it was found that: 1) the overall positive charge of the sPLA2 is the dominant factor in dictating bactericidal potency; 2) basic residues on the putative membrane binding surface of the sPLA2 are modestly more important for bactericidal activity than are other basic residues; 3) relative bactericidal potency tracks well with the ability of these mutants to degrade phospholipids in the bacterial membrane; and 4) exposure of the bacterial membrane of Gram-positive bacteria by disruption of the cell wall dramatically reduces the negative effect of charge reversal mutagenesis on bactericidal potency.

Groups IV, V, and X phospholipases A2s in human neutrophils: role in eicosanoid production and gram-negative bacterial phospholipid hydrolysis

The bacterial tripeptide formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) induces the secretion of enzyme(s) with phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity from human neutrophils. We show that circulating human neutrophils express groups V and X sPLA(2) (GV and GX sPLA(2)) mRNA and contain GV and GX sPLA(2) proteins, whereas GIB, GIIA, GIID, GIIE, GIIF, GIII, and GXII sPLA(2)s are undetectable. GV sPLA(2) is a component of both azurophilic and specific granules, whereas GX sPLA(2) is confined to azurophilic granules. Exposure to fMLP or opsonized zymosan results in the release of GV but not GX sPLA(2) and most, if not all, of the PLA(2) activity in the extracellular fluid of fMLP-stimulated neutrophils is due to GV sPLA(2). GV sPLA(2) does not contribute to fMLP-stimulated leukotriene B(4) production but may support the anti-bacterial properties of the neutrophil, because 10-100 ng per ml concentrations of this enzyme lead to Gram-negative bacterial membrane phospholipid hydrolysis in the presence of human serum. By use of a recently described and specific inhibitor of cytosolic PLA(2)-alpha (group IV PLA(2)alpha), we show that this enzyme produces virtually all of the arachidonic acid used for the biosynthesis of leukotriene B(4) in fMLP- and opsonized zymosan-stimulated neutrophils, the major eicosanoid produced by these pro-inflammatory cells.

The neutrophil: function and regulation in innate and humoral immunity

The neutrophil is a critical effector cell in humoral and innate immunity and plays vital roles in phagocytosis and bacterial killing. Discussed here are the neutrophil components necessary for these processes and the diseases in which these components are either lacking or dysfunctional, illustrating that normal neutrophil function is vital for health.

Group IIA phospholipase A2 mediates lung injury in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion

OBJECTIVE

To assess the mechanistic role of group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the process of local and distant organ injury after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion produces lung injury by a mechanism that involves PLA2 activation, but it is unclear which isozyme is responsible for this phenomenon. Group IIA PLA2, one of the secreted forms of PLA2, is known to play a pivotal role in a variety of inflammatory reactions.

METHODS

Rats underwent 45 minutes of superior mesenteric artery occlusion in the presence and absence of pretreatment with group IIA PLA2 inhibitor, S-5920/LY315920Na (20 mg/kg, subcutaneously, 30 minutes before clamping). At 2 hours of reperfusion, intestinal and lung leak was assessed by 125I-albumin tissue/blood ratio, and liver injury was estimated by serum alanine aminotransferase. PLA2 activities in tissues and sera were quantitated by phosphatidyl-glycerol/sodium cholate mixed micelle assay. PLA2 activities in tissues were also measured after in vitro preincubation with EDTA, S-5920/LY315920Na, or antirat group IIA PLA2 antibody.

RESULTS

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion provoked intestinal leak, liver injury, and lung leak, whereas tissue PLA2 activity was decreased in the intestine, unchanged in the liver, and increased in the lung. Serum PLA2 activities were increased in the portal and systemic circulation during ischemia. Pretreatment with S-5920/LY315920Na eliminated PLA2 activities in all tissues and sera and only abolished lung leak. The in vitro experiment revealed that most of the intestinal and lung PLA2 activities were inhibited by EDTA, S-5920/LY315920Na, and antirat group IIA PLA2 antibody, but hepatic PLA2 activity was not.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion appears to produce lung injury by a mechanism that involves group IIA PLA2 activation. Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion is likely to promote intestinal and hepatic injury independent of group IIA PLA2.

Resistance of transgenic mice expressing human group II phospholipase A2 to Escherichia coli infection

Group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a newly recognized antibacterial acute-phase protein. Recently we observed that transgenic mice expressing group II PLA2 (PLA2(+) mice) were able to resist experimental Staphylococcus aureus infection by killing the bacteria, as indicated by improved survival and by the small numbers of live bacteria in their tissues (V. J. O. Laine, D. S. Grass, and T. J. Nevalainen, J. Immunol. 162:7402-7408, 1999). To establish the role of group II PLA2 in Escherichia coli infection, the host responses of PLA2(+) mice and their PLA2-deficient C57BL/6J littermates (PLA2(-) mice) were studied after intraperitoneal administration of E. coli. The levels of group II PLA2 in sera of PLA2(+) mice increased after the administration of E. coli, and the concentration of group II PLA2 correlated significantly with the catalytic activity of PLA2 in serum. PLA2(+) mice showed lower rates of mortality and less bacterial growth in peritoneal lavage fluid, blood, and spleen and liver tissues than PLA2(-) mice. Unlike the observations with staphylococcal infection, serum and peritoneal lavage fluid did not inhibit the growth of E. coli in vitro. The results indicate that expression of the group II PLA2 transgene improves the host defense of mice against E. coli infection.

Protection by Group II Phospholipase A2 Against Staphylococcus aureus

Group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is an enzyme that has marked antibacterial properties in vitro. To define the role of group II PLA2 in the defense against Staphylococcus aureus, we studied host responses in transgenic mice expressing human group II PLA2 and group II PLA2-deficient C57BL/6J mice in experimental S. aureus infection. After the administration of S. aureus, the transgenic mice showed increased expression of group II PLA2 mRNA in the liver and increased concentration of group II PLA2 in serum, whereas the PLA2-deficient mice completely lacked the PLA2 response. Expression of human group II PLA2 resulted in reduced mortality and improved the resistance of the mice by killing the bacteria as indicated by low numbers of live bacteria in their tissues. Human group II PLA2 was responsible for the bactericidal activity of transgenic mouse serum. These results suggest a possible role for group II PLA2 in the innate immunity against S. aureus infection.

Cell-wall determinants of the bactericidal action of group IIA phospholipase A2 against Gram-positive bacteria

We have shown previously that a group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is responsible for the potent bactericidal activity of inflammatory fluids against many Gram-positive bacteria. To exert its antibacterial activity, this PLA2 must first bind and traverse the bacterial cell wall to produce the extensive degradation of membrane phospholipids (PL) required for bacterial killing. In this study, we have examined the properties of the cell-wall that may determine the potency of group IIA PLA2 action. Inhibition of bacterial growth by nutrient deprivation or a bacteriostatic antibiotic reversibly increased bacterial resistance to PLA2-triggered PL degradation and killing. Conversely, pretreatment of Staphylococcus aureus or Enterococcus faecium with subinhibitory doses of beta-lactam antibiotics increased the rate and extent of PL degradation and/or bacterial killing after addition of PLA2. Isogenic wild-type (lyt+) and autolysis-deficient (lyt-) strains of S. aureus were equally sensitive to the phospholipolytic action of PLA2, but killing and lysis was much greater in the lyt+ strain. Thus, changes in cell-wall cross-linking and/or autolytic activity can modulate PLA2 action either by affecting enzyme access to membrane PL or by the coupling of massive PL degradation to autolysin-dependent killing and bacterial lysis or both. Taken together, these findings suggest that the bacterial envelope sites engaged in cell growth may represent preferential sites for the action and cytotoxic consequences of group IIA PLA2 attack against Gram-positive bacteria.

Identification of a coelomic mitogenic factor in Eisenia foetida earthworm

Coelomic fluid of earthworms Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta, Annelida) exerts a mitogenic activity on murine splenocytes. Total coelomic fluid was subjected to size-exclusion chromatography and a semi-purified mitogenic fraction (fraction 5) was isolated and further characterized. Both coelomic fluid and the semi-purified fraction 5 block concanavalin A (ConA)-induced spleen cell proliferation but exert a synergistic effect on LPS-triggered spleen cell proliferation. Using a polyclonal antiserum neutralizing the mitogenic activity of the semi-purified fraction 5, a 60-kDa component was identified and named CMF (coelomic mitogenic factor). CMF was found to bind ConA which could account for its ability to inhibit ConA-induced spleen cell proliferation. CMF is present in the coelomic fluid as a trimer of a 20-kDa protein. N-terminal amino acid sequence of monomeric CMF reveals partial sequence homology with phospholipase A2 (PLA2). Moreover, CMF-enriched coelomic fluid fraction 5 exerts phospholipase activity comparable with that of bovine pancreatic PLA2. Our results suggest that coelomic fluid of E. foetida contains a ubiquitous PLA2-like enzyme which might be involved in immune reactions in earthworms such as anti-bacterial mechanisms.

Phospholipases A2 in gastric juice of Helicobacter pylori--positive and negative individuals

Gastric juice is known to have phospholipase A2 catalytic activity. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has been reported to produce phospholipase A2, which is believed to hydrolyse the protective layer of gastric mucosal phospholipids and to promote mucosal damage. The current study aimed at identifying secretory phospholipase A2 subtypes (pancreatic group I phospholipase A2 and synovial-type group II phospholipase A2) in gastric juice and their relation to the presence of H. pylori in gastric mucosal biopsies in the same individuals. Gastric juice was collected from 29 individuals during gastroscopy. Biopsies were taken from the antrum and body of the stomach to determine the H. pylori status. We found catalytically active phospholipase A2 and both group I and group II phospholipases A2 in the gastric juice samples. The catalytic activity and the mass concentrations of group I and group II phospholipases A2 correlated significantly with the pH value in gastric juice. The gastric juice of H. pylori positive individuals did not contain higher amounts of phospholipases A2 than the juice of H. pylori negative individuals. Rather, the mass concentration of group II phospholipase A2 in gastric juice seemed to be somewhat lower in individuals with H. pylori infection than in uninfected individuals. The results of the current study show that both group I and group II phospholipases A2 are present in gastric juice. The main sources of phospholipases A2 in gastric juice are probably other than H. pylori.

Elevated group II phospholipase A2 mass concentration in serum and colonic mucosa in Crohn's disease

Group II phospholipase A2 has been proposed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases. This enzyme has also been linked to host defence mechanisms against bacteria. The current study aimed at measuring the mass concentrations of group II phospholipase A2 in serum and colonic mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease of different severity and of appropriate control patients without any inflammatory disease. The activity of the disease was determined by clinical factors (the simple index score) and endoscopic and histological scoring. The mass concentration of group II phospholipase A2 was measured by a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. The mass concentrations of group II phospholipase A2 in serum and colonic mucosa were significantly higher both in patients with active and inactive Crohn's disease when compared with controls. There was statistically significant difference in the mass concentration of group II phospholipase A2 in colonic mucosa but not in serum between inactive and active Crohn's disease. The current results indicate that the mass concentration of group II phospholipase A2 is increased in serum and colonic mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease and that the latter is associated with the degree of the inflammatory activity in the intestinal wall. These results support the idea that group II phospholipase A2 is involved in the local and generalised pathological processes of Crohn's disease.

Mobilization of potent plasma bactericidal activity during systemic bacterial challenge. Role of group IIA phospholipase A2

Extracellular mobilization of Group IIA 14-kD phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in glycogen-induced rabbit inflammatory peritoneal exudates is responsible for the potent bactericidal activity of the inflammatory fluid toward Staphylococcus aureus (1996. J. Clin. Invest. 97:250-257). Because similar levels of PLA2 are induced in plasma during systemic inflammation, we have tested whether this gives rise to plasma bactericidal activity not present in resting animals. Baboons were injected intravenously (i.v.) with a lethal dose of Escherichia coli and plasma or serum was collected before and at hourly intervals after injection. After infusion of bacteria, PLA2 levels in plasma and serum rose > 100-fold over 24 h to approximately 1 microg PLA2/ml. Serum collected at 24 h possessed potent bactericidal activity toward S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and encapsulated E. coli not exhibited by serum collected from unchallenged animals. Bactericidal activity toward S. aureus and S. pyogenes was nearly completely blocked by a monoclonal antibody to human Group IIA PLA2 and addition of purified human Group IIA PLA2 to prechallenge serum conferred potent antistaphylococcal and antistreptococcal activity equal to that of the 24 h post-challenge serum. PLA2-dependent bactericidal activity was enhanced approximately 10x by factor(s) present constitutively in serum or plasma. Bactericidal activity toward encapsulated E. coli was accompanied by extensive bacterial phospholipid degradation mediated, at least in part, by the mobilized Group IIA PLA2 but depended on the action of other bactericidal factors in the 24-h serum. These findings further demonstrate the contribution of Group IIA PLA2 to the antibacterial potency of biological fluids and suggest that mobilization of this enzyme during inflammation may play an important role in host defense against invading bacteria.

Role of the bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein in host defence

Much has been learned recently about the structure and function of 55 kDa bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), a member of a genomically conserved lipid-interactive protein family. Analysis of BPI fragments and the crystal structure of human BPI have established that BPI consists of two functionally distinct domains: a potently antibacterial and anti-endotoxin amino-terminal domain (approximately 20 kDa) and a carboxy-terminal portion that imparts opsonic activity to BPI. A recombinant amino-terminal fragment (rBPI21) protects animals against the effects of Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin. In man, rBPI21 is nontoxic and non-immunogenic and is in Phase II/III clinical trials with apparent therapeutic benefit.