In vivo exit of c-kit+/CD49d(hi)/beta7+ mucosal mast cell precursors from the bone marrow following infection with the intestinal nematode Trichinella spiralis

Mast Cells Modulate the Immune Response and Redox Status of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Induced Venom Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of Androctonus autralis hector (Aah) scorpion venom involved cellular and molecular mechanisms resulting in multi-organ dysfunction. However, little is reported about the effects of venom on the gastrointestinal axis. Mast cells (MCs) are known to play a crucial role in modulating immune response of the gut. This study aims to investigate the involvement of this cell type in venom-induced gastric and intestinal disorders in a time course (3 and 24h). The obtained results revealed that Aah scorpion venom induced inflammatory cell infiltration as shown by the increase of the myeloperoxidase and eosinophil peroxidase activities. Overexpression of the c-kit receptor (CD117) severely imbalanced the redox status with depletion of antioxidant systemic accompanied by gastrointestinal tissue damage. Moreover, an increased level of lactate dehydrogenase in the serum was correlated with tissue injuries. Pharmacological inhibition of MCs targeting tyrosine kinase (TK) reduces the generation of reactive oxygen species and normalizes catalase, and gluthation S-transferase activities to their physiological levels. In addition, histopathological alterations were restored after pretreatment with c-kit receptor inhibitor associated with a considerable reduction of MC density. Interestingly, obtained results indicate that MCs might be involved in gastric modulation and intestinal inflammation through c-kit signaling following sub-cutaneous Aah venom injection.

Germ-Free Mice Exhibit Mast Cells With Impaired Functionality and Gut Homing and Do Not Develop Food Allergy

Background: Mucosal mast cells (MC) are key players in IgE-mediated food allergy (FA). The evidence on the interaction between gut microbiota, MC and susceptibility to FA is contradictory.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that commensal bacteria are essential for MC migration to the gut and their maturation impacting the susceptibility to FA.

Methods: The development and severity of FA symptoms was studied in sensitized germ-free (GF), conventional (CV), and mice mono-colonized with L. plantarum WCFS1 or co-housed with CV mice. MC were phenotypically and functionally characterized.

Results: Systemic sensitization and oral challenge of GF mice with ovalbumin led to increased levels of specific IgE in serum compared to CV mice. Remarkably, despite the high levels of sensitization, GF mice did not develop diarrhea or anaphylactic hypothermia, common symptoms of FA. In the gut, GF mice expressed low levels of the MC tissue-homing markers CXCL1 and CXCL2, and harbored fewer MC which exhibited lower levels of MC protease-1 after challenge. Additionally, MC in GF mice were less mature as confirmed by flow-cytometry and their functionality was impaired as shown by reduced edema formation after injection of degranulation-provoking compound 48/80. Co-housing of GF mice with CV mice fully restored their susceptibility to develop FA. However, this did not occur when mice were mono-colonized with L. plantarum.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that microbiota-induced maturation and gut-homing of MC is a critical step for the development of symptoms of experimental FA. This new mechanistic insight into microbiota-MC-FA axis can be exploited in the prevention and treatment of FA in humans.

Intestinal mast cells and their function

Mast cells develop from the CD34⁺ precursor cells in bone marrow, are activated in the gut, and can release a variety of bioactive mediators, including histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and tryptase. They play a crucial role in intestinal innate and adaptive immunity because of their diverse secretory granules and unique mature characteristics. Many studies have shown that a variety of intestinal diseases have close relationship with mast cells, especially inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal allergic diseases, which has attracted extensive attention. In this paper, we review the function and mechanism of intestinal mast cells and their role in the treatment of related clinical diseases.

Tie2 Signaling Enhances Mast Cell Progenitor Adhesion to Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) through α4β1 Integrin

Mast cell (MC) activation contributes considerably to immune responses, such as host protection and allergy. Cell surface immunoreceptors expressed on MCs play an important role in MC activation. Although various immunoreceptors on MCs have been identified, the regulatory mechanism of MC activation is not fully understood. To understand the regulatory mechanisms of MC activation, we used gene expression analyses of human and mouse MCs to identify a novel immunoreceptor expressed on MCs. We found that Tek, which encodes Tie2, was preferentially expressed in the MCs of both humans and mice. However, Tie2 was not detected on the cell surface of the mouse MCs of the peritoneal cavity, ear skin, or colon lamina propria. In contrast, it was expressed on mouse bone marrow–derived MCs and bone marrow MC progenitors (BM-MCps). Stimulation of Tie2 by its ligand angiopoietin-1 induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Tie2 in MEDMC-BRC6, a mouse embryonic stem cell-derived mast cell line, and enhanced MEDMC-BRC6 and mouse BM-MCp adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) through α4β1 integrin. These results suggest that Tie2 signaling induces α4β1 integrin activation on BM-MCps for adhesion to VCAM-1.

Type 3 innate lymphoid cell depletion is mediated by TLRs in lymphoid tissues of simian immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) type 3, also known as lymphoid tissue inducer cells, plays a major role in both the development and remodeling of organized lymphoid tissues and the maintenance of adaptive immune responses. HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection causes breakdown of intestinal barriers resulting in microbial translocation, leading to systemic immune activation and disease progression. However, the effects of HIV/SIV infection on ILC3 are unknown. Here, we analyzed ILC3 from mucosal and systemic lymphoid tissues in chronically SIV-infected macaques and uninfected controls. ILC3 cells were defined and identified in macaque lymphoid tissues as non-T, non-B (lineage-negative), c-Kit(+)IL-7Rα(+) (CD117(+)CD127(+)) cells. These ILC3 cells highly expressed CD90 (∼ 63%) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor and produced IL-17 (∼ 63%), IL-22 (∼ 36%), and TNF-α (∼ 72%) but did not coexpress CD4 or NK cell markers. The intestinal ILC3 cell loss correlated with the reduction of total CD4(+) T cells and T helper (Th)17 and Th22 cells in the gut during SIV infection (P < 0.001). Notably, ILC3 could be induced to undergo apoptosis by microbial products through the TLR2 (lipoteichoic acid) and/or TLR4 (LPS) pathway. These findings indicated that persistent microbial translocation may result in loss of ILC3 in lymphoid tissues in SIV-infected macaques, further contributing to the HIV-induced impairment of gut-associated lymphoid tissue structure and function, especially in mucosal tissues.

Changes in Epithelial Barrier Function in Response to Parasitic Infection: Implications for IBD Pathogenesis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mast cells [MCs] are implicated in epithelial barrier alterations that characterize inflammatory and functional bowel disorders. In this study, we describe mast cell proteinases [chymases and tryptases] and tight junction [TJ] proteins kinetics in a rat model of postinfectious gut dysfunction.

METHODS

Jejunal tissues of control and -infected rats were used. Inflammation-related changes in MCs and the expression of TJ-related proteins were evaluated by immunostaining and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Epithelial barrier function was assessed in vitro (Ussing chambers) and in vivo.

RESULTS

After infection, intestinal inflammation was associated with a generalized overexpression of MC chymases, peaking between Days 6 and 14. Thereafter, a mucosal MC hyperplasia and a late increase in connective tissue MC counts were observed. From Day 2 post-infection, TJ proteins occludin and claudin-3 expression was down-regulated whereas the pore-forming protein claudin-2 was overexpressed. The expression of proglucagon, precursor of the barrier-enhancing factor glucagon-like peptide-2, was reduced. These changes were associated with an increase in epithelial permeability, both in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Proteinases expression and location of mucosal and connective tissue MCs indicate a time-related pattern in the maturation of intestinal MCs following infection. Altered expression of TJ-related proteins is consistent with a loss of epithelial tightness, and provides a molecular mechanism for the enhanced epithelial permeability observed in inflammatory conditions of the gut.

Maturation of mast cell progenitors to mucosal mast cells during allergic pulmonary inflammation in mice

In contrast to resident constitutive mast cells (CMCs), mucosal MCs (MMCs) appear in the lung and trachea of sensitized mice only following inhalation challenge. We monitored the influx and maturation of MCs by their expression of Kit, FcɛRI, β7-integrin and side scatter (SSC) by flow cytometry. Influx of MC progenitors (MCps) (FcɛRI(lo), Kit(int), β7(hi), and SSC(lo)) peaks 1 day after challenges and subsides to baseline by day 7 after challenge. The mature MMCs appear as a distinct population on day 7 and peak at day 14 with higher SSC and FcɛRI expression, but lower β7 and Kit expression. A distinct transitional population is present between 1 and 7 days after challenge. Maturation occurs more rapidly in the trachea. The resident tracheal CMCs had higher SSC, FcɛRI, and Kit and lower β7-integrin expression than the MMCs. By histology, the MMCs follow similar kinetics to the flow cytometry-identified mature MMCs and are notably persistent for >42 days. Steroid treatment reduced inflammation and MCp influx but had no effect on established MMCs. Thus, changes in SSC, FcɛRI, and Kit together with the expression of αE/α4:β7-integrins characterizes the development of induced MMCs from MCps and distinguishes them from resident CMCs in the trachea and large airways.

Mast cell function: a new vision of an old cell

Since first described by Paul Ehrlich in 1878, mast cells have been mostly viewed as effectors of allergy. It has been only in the past two decades that mast cells have gained recognition for their involvement in other physiological and pathological processes. Mast cells have a widespread distribution and are found predominantly at the interface between the host and the external environment. Mast cell maturation, phenotype and function are a direct consequence of the local microenvironment and have a marked influence on their ability to specifically recognize and respond to various stimuli through the release of an array of biologically active mediators. These features enable mast cells to act as both first responders in harmful situations as well as to respond to changes in their environment by communicating with a variety of other cells implicated in physiological and immunological responses. Therefore, the critical role of mast cells in both innate and adaptive immunity, including immune tolerance, has gained increased prominence. Conversely, mast cell dysfunction has pointed to these cells as the main offenders in several chronic allergic/inflammatory disorders, cancer and autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes the current knowledge of mast cell function in both normal and pathological conditions with regards to their regulation, phenotype and role.

Inflammation and Its Correlates in Regenerative Wound Healing: An Alternate Perspective

Objective: The wound healing response may be viewed as partially overlapping sets of two physiological processes, regeneration and wound repair with the former overrepresented in some lower species such as newts and the latter more typical of mammals. A robust and quantitative model of regenerative healing has been described in Murphy Roths Large (MRL) mice in which through-and-through ear hole wounds in the ear pinna leads to scarless healing and replacement of all tissue through blastema formation and including cartilage. Since these mice are naturally autoimmune and display many aspects of an enhanced inflammatory response, we chose to examine the inflammatory status during regenerative ear hole closure and observed that inflammation has a clear positive effect on regenerative healing. Approach: The inflammatory gene expression patterns (Illumina microarrays) of early healing ear tissue from regenerative MRL and nonregenerative C57BL/6 (B6) strains are presented along with a survey of innate inflammatory cells found in this tissue type pre and postinjury. The role of inflammation on healing is tested using a COX-2 inhibitor. Innovation and Conclusion: We conclude that (1) enhanced inflammation is consistent with, and probably necessary, for a full regenerative response and (2) the inflammatory gene expression and cell distribution patterns suggest a novel mast cell population with markers found in both immature and mature mast cells that may be a key component of regeneration.

Mast cell progenitors: origin, development and migration to tissues

Mast cells in tissues are developed from mast cell progenitors emerging from the bone marrow in a process highly regulated by transcription factors. Through the advancement of the multicolor flow cytometry technique, the mast cell progenitor population in the mouse has been characterized in terms of surface markers. However, only cell populations with enriched mast cell capability have been described in human. In naïve mice, the peripheral tissues have a constitutive pool of mast cell progenitors. Upon infections in the gut and in allergic inflammation in the lung, the local mast cell progenitor numbers increase tremendously. This review focuses on the origin and development of mast cell progenitors. Furthermore, the evidences for cells and molecules that govern the migration of these cells in mice in vivo are described.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell activation during chronic dermatitis provoked by constitutively active aryl-hydrocarbon receptor driven by Keratin 14 promoter

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) activate aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Because PAHs are known as a risk factor for allergic diseases, PAH-induced AhR activation is expected to be involved in the development of the pathology. We previously generated transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active AhR (AhR-CA) under the control of Keratin 14 (K14) promoter (AhR-CA mouse). The mice develop chronic dermatitis with immune imbalance toward Th2 predominance, indicating that the AhR activation driven by K14 promoter provokes allergic response. Because hematopoietic cells actively participate in the development of allergic inflammation, it is important to understand the hematopoietic status under allergic conditions. To clarify how the K14 promoter-driven AhR activation influences hematopoiesis, we analyzed bone marrow and spleen of AhR-CA mice. We verified that AhR-CA was expressed in keratinocytes and thymic epithelial cells but not in hematopoietic cells. The AhR-CA mice with full-blown dermatitis exhibited leukocytosis and skewed differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells toward granulocyte-monocyte lineages. They also showed a significant expansion of short-term hematopoietic stem cells and multipotent progenitors and a subtle reduction in long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs). Their spleens were enlarged and abundantly accumulated hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. AhR-CA mice at the early stage of dermatitis did not show leukocytosis or splenomegaly but exhibited the granulocyte-monocyte skewing and the reduction in LT-HSCs. Thus, AhR activation driven by K14 promoter already alters the hematopoietic differentiation and reduces LT-HSCs at the initial stage of dermatitis development. These results suggest that nonhematopoietic exposure to PAHs triggers allergic response and concomitantly affects hematopoiesis.

Tetraspanins in mast cells

Mast cells (MC) are key mediators of the immune system, most prominently known for their role in eliciting harmful allergic reactions. Mast cell mediator release (e.g. by degranulation) is triggered by FcεRI recognition of antigen – IgE complexes. Until today no therapeutic targeting of this and other mast cell activation pathways is established. Among possible new candidates there are tetraspanins that have been described on MC already several years ago. Tetraspanins are transmembrane proteins acting as scaffolds, mediating local clustering of their interaction partners, and thus amplify their activities. More recently, tetraspanins were also found to exert intrinsic receptor functions. Tetraspanins have been found to be crucial components of fundamental biological processes like cell motility and adhesion. In immune cells, they not only boost the effectiveness of antigen presentation by clustering MHC molecules, they are also key players in all kinds of degranulation events and immune receptor clustering. This review focuses on the contribution of tetraspanins clustered with FcεRI or residing in granule membranes to classical MC functions but also undertakes an outlook on the possible contribution of tetraspanins to newly described mast cell functions and discusses possible targets for drug development.

Mast cells generated from patients with atopic eczema have enhanced levels of granule mediators and an impaired Dectin-1 expression

BACKGROUND

The disrupted skin barrier of patients with atopic eczema (AE) might facilitate contact between mast cells (MCs) in the skin and environmental triggers of the disease. One such trigger is the skin-colonizing yeast Malassezia sympodialis (M. sympodialis). In this study, we investigated the interaction of MC with M. sympodialis.

METHODS

Mast cells were generated from peripheral blood CD34(+) progenitor cells of healthy controls (HC) and M. sympodialis-sensitized AE patients. Biopsy specimens were taken from HC and lesional AE skin for immunohistological stainings.

RESULTS

The progenitor-derived MCs expressed the macrophage-inducible C-type lectin receptor Mincle, and exposure of these cells to M. sympodialis induced up-regulation of the mRNA expression of Mincle. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, when compared to HC, the progenitor-derived MCs from AE patients (i) contain more intrinsic granule mediators such as histamine, (ii) exhibit enhanced IL-6 release in response to M. sympodialis exposure, and (iii) have an impaired up-regulation of the fungal recognition receptor Dectin-1. In addition, analysis of skin sections from HC and AE patients revealed MCs as the predominant Dectin-1-expressing cell type in the skin.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that progenitor-derived MCs from AE patients differ from those from HC. Further investigations with skin-derived MCs are necessary to confirm the observed differences which could provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AE.

Mast cell repopulation of the peritoneal cavity: contribution of mast cell progenitors versus bone marrow derived committed mast cell precursors

Background

Mast cells have recently gained new importance as immunoregulatory cells that are involved in numerous pathological processes. One result of these processes is an increase in mast cell numbers at peripheral sites. This study was undertaken to determine the mast cell response in the peritoneal cavity and bone marrow during repopulation of the peritoneal cavity in rats.

Results

Two mast cell specific antibodies, mAb AA4 and mAb BGD6, were used to distinguish the committed mast cell precursor from more mature mast cells. The peritoneal cavity was depleted of mast cells using distilled water. Twelve hours after distilled water injection, very immature mast cells could be isolated from the blood and by 48 hours were present in the peritoneal cavity. At this same time the percentage of mast cells in mitosis increased fourfold. Mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity also reduced the total number of mast cells in the bone marrow, but increased the number of mast cell committed precursors.

Conclusions

In response to mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity, a mast cell progenitor is released into the circulation and participates in repopulation of the peritoneal cavity, while the committed mast cell precursor is retained in the bone marrow.

Scorpion venom and the inflammatory response

Scorpion venoms consist of a complex of several toxins that exhibit a wide range of biological properties and actions, as well as chemical compositions, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics. These venoms are associated with high morbility and mortality, especially among children. Victims of envenoming by a scorpion suffer a variety of pathologies, involving mainly both sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation as well as central manifestations such as irritability, hyperthermia, vomiting, profuse salivation, tremor, and convulsion. The clinical signs and symptoms observed in humans and experimental animals are related with an excessive systemic host inflammatory response to stings and stings, respectively. Although the pathophysiology of envenomation is complex and not yet fully understood, venom and immune responses are known to trigger the release of inflammatory mediators that are largely mediated by cytokines. In models of severe systemic inflammation produced by injection of high doses of venom or venoms products, the increase in production of proinflammatory cytokines significantly contributes to immunological imbalance, multiple organ dysfunction and death. The cytokines initiate a cascade of events that lead to illness behaviors such as fever, anorexia, and also physiological events in the host such as activation of vasodilatation, hypotension, and increased of vessel permeability.

Granulocytes: effector cells or immunomodulators in the immune response to helminth infection?

Granulocytes are effector cells in defence against helminth infections. We review the current evidence for the role of granulocytes in protective immunity against different helminth infections and note that for each parasite species the role of granulocytes as effector cells can vary. Emerging evidence also points to granulocytes as immunomodulatory cells able to produce many cytokines, chemokines and modulatory factors which can bias the immune response in a particular direction. Thus, the role of granulocytes in an immunomodulatory context is discussed including the most recent data that points to an important role for basophils under this guise.

The function of CCR3 on mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells in vitro

The mechanisms governing the population of tissues by mast cells are not fully understood, but several studies using human mast cells have suggested that expression of the chemokine receptor CCR3 and migration to its ligands may be important. In CCR3-deficient mice, a change in mast cell tissue distribution in the airways following allergen challenge was reported compared with wild-type mice. In addition, there is evidence that CCR3 is important in mast cell maturation in mouse. In this study, bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were cultured and CCR3 expression and the migratory response to CCR3 ligands were characterized. In addition, BMMCs were cultured from wild-type and CCR3-deficient mice and their phenotype and migratory responses were compared. CCR3 messenger RNA was detectable in BMMCs, but this was not significantly increased after activation by immunoglobulin E (IgE). CCR3 protein was not detected on BMMCs during maturation and expression could not be enhanced after IgE activation. Resting and IgE-activated immature and mature BMMCs did not migrate in response to the CCR3 ligands eotaxin- 1 and eotaxin-2. Comparing wild-type and CCR3-deficient BMMCs, there were no differences in mast cell phenotype or ability to migrate to the mast cell chemoattractants leukotriene B4 and stem cell factor. The results of this study show that CCR3 may not mediate mast cell migration in mouse BMMCs in vitro. These observations need to be considered in relation to the findings of CCR3 deficiency on mast cells in vivo.

Increased differentiation of dermal mast cells in mice lacking the Mpl gene

Thrombopoietin interactions with its receptor, Mpl, play an important role in the regulation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we report that the mast cell restricted progenitor cells (MCP) and the mast cell precursors in the bone marrow of wild-type mice express Mpl on their surface. Furthermore, targeted deletion of the Mpl gene in mice decreases the number of MCP while increasing the number of mast cell precursors present in the marrow and spleen. It also increases the number of mast cells present in the dermis, in the peritoneal cavity, and in the gut of the mice. In addition, serosal mast cells from Mpl(null) mice have a distinctive differentiation profile similar to that expressed by wild-type dermal mast cells. These results suggest that not only does ligation of thrombopoietin with the Mpl receptor exert an effect at the mast cell restricted progenitor cell level, but also plays an unexpected yet important role in mast cell maturation.

IgE influences the number and function of mature mast cells, but not progenitor recruitment in allergic pulmonary inflammation

Studies performed using cultured cells indicate that IgE functions not only to trigger degranulation of mast cells following allergen exposure, but also to enhance their survival. Such an influence of IgE on mast cell homeostasis during allergic responses in vivo has not been established. In this study, we show that inhalation of Aspergillus fumigatus extract in mice induced a dramatic rise in IgE accompanied by an increase in airway mast cells. These had an activated phenotype with high levels of FcepsilonRI. Plasma mast cell protease-1 was also increased, indicating an elevated systemic mast cell load. In addition, enhanced levels of IL-5 and eosinophils were observed in the airway. Both mast cell expansion and activation were markedly attenuated in IgE(-/-) animals that are incapable of producing IgE in response to A. fumigatus. The recruitment of eosinophils to the airways was also reduced in IgE(-/-) mice. Analyses of potential cellular targets of IgE revealed that IgE Abs are not required for the induction of mast cell progenitors in response to allergen, but rather act by sustaining the survival of mature mast cells. Our results identify an important role for IgE Abs in promoting mast cell expansion during allergic responses in vivo.

Mast cells: multifaceted immune cells with diverse roles in health and disease

Mast cells were discovered more than 100 years ago and until recently, have been considered renegades of the host with the sole purpose of perpetuating allergy. The discovery of mast cell-deficient mice that could be reconstituted with mast cells (the so called "mast cell knock-in" mice) has allowed the study of the in vivo functions of mast cells and revealed several new facets of these cells. It is now evident that mast cells have a much broader impact on many physiological and pathologic processes. Mast cells, particularly through their dynamic interaction with the nervous system, have been implicated in wound healing, tissue remodeling, and homeostasis. Perhaps the most progress has been made in our understanding of the role of mast cells in immunity outside the realm of allergy, and host defense. Mast cells play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, including immune tolerance. Greater insight into mast cell biology has prompted studies probing the additional consequences of mast cell dysfunction, which reveal a central role for mast cells in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Here, we review recent developments in the study of mast cells, which present a complex picture of mast cell functions.

The effectors responsible for gastrointestinal nematode parasites, Trichinella spiralis, expulsion in rats

Helper T (Th2) cells type 2 have a central role in host protective responses to gastrointestinal nematode parasite, Trichinella spiralis infection, but the actual effector mechanisms involved in parasite expulsion are still uncertain. Recent evidences suggest that mast cell recruitment and activation may associate with parasite elimination from host intestines in mice. On the other hand, IgE production may induce defensive responses to primary infection with the helminth in rats. The differences of host effector mechanisms to the same experimental infections might disturb our understanding of the host protective mechanisms to gastrointestinal nematode parasite infection. In order to redefine these differences, we investigated in detail the relationship between intestinal immune responses and worm expulsion following T. spiralis infection among several rat strains including mutants. As a result, there were significant correlations of parasite expulsion with mast cell hyperplasia in addition to serum IgE level. Moreover, mast cell-deficient and dysfunction rats showed delayed worm elimination from their gut. Therefore, the present study suggests that mast cells should also be one of the prominent effector cells involved in T. spiralis parasite expulsion in rats as well as mice.

The intestinal epithelium: sensors to effectors in nematode infection

The role of the intestinal epithelium as part of the physical barrier to infection is well established alongside its central roles in food absorption, sensing nutrients, and water balance. Nematodes are one of the most common types of pathogen to dwell in the intestine. This article reviews recent data that have identified crucial roles for intestinal epithelial cells in sensing these kinds of pathogens and initiating innate responses, which qualitatively influence adaptive immune responses against them. Moreover, it is now clear that the epithelium itself--in addition to the cells that lie within it--are key to many of the protective mechanisms that result in expulsion of these large multicellular parasites from the intestine. An understanding of the IEC and intraepithelial leukocyte response is crucial to both development of mucosal vaccines, and the mechanisms that underlie the emerging use of intestinal dwelling helminths for therapeutic treatments of inflammatory and autoimmune disease.

Innate immune response mechanisms in the intestinal epithelium: potential roles for mast cells and goblet cells in the expulsion of adult Trichinella spiralis

SUMMARYGastrointestinal infection with the nematode Trichinella spiralis is accompanied by a rapid and reversible expansion of the mucosal mast cell and goblet cell populations in the intestinal epithelium, which is associated with the release of their mediators into the gut lumen. Both goblet cell and mast cell hyperplasia are highly dependent on mucosal T-cells and augmented by the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. However, the contribution of both mast and goblet cells, and the mediators they produce, to the expulsion of the adults of T. spiralis is only beginning to be elucidated through studies predominantly employing T. spiralis-mouse models. In the present article, we review the factors proposed to control T. spiralis-induced mucosal mast cell (MMC) and goblet cell differentiation in the small intestine, and focus on some key MMC and goblet cell effector molecules which may contribute to the expulsion of adult worms and/or inhibition of larval development.

Thrombopoietin inhibits murine mast cell differentiation

We have recently shown that Mpl, the thrombopoietin receptor, is expressed on murine mast cells and on their precursors and that targeted deletion of the Mpl gene increases mast cell differentiation in mice. Here we report that treatment of mice with thrombopoietin or addition of this growth factor to bone marrow-derived mast cell cultures severely hampers the generation of mature cells from their precursors by inducing apoptosis. Analysis of the expression profiling of mast cells obtained in the presence of thrombopoietin suggests that thrombopoietin induces apoptosis of mast cells by reducing expression of the transcription factor Mitf and its target antiapoptotic gene Bcl2.

Clonogenic mast cell progenitors and their excess numbers in chimeric BALB/c mice with inactivated GATA-1

In agar cultures of marrow cells from adult female BALB/c chimeric GATA-1(Plt13/+) mice, a high frequency of unusual dispersed colonies was noted. Analysis showed that these were colonies of mast cells and that mast cell colony-forming cells (progenitors) could be detected in clonal cultures of adult marrow, neonatal marrow, or fetal liver if the combined stimulus of stem cell factor and interleukin-3 was used. Mast cell progenitors were in active cell cycle and showed an extensive capacity for self-generation. Mast cell colonies both from control GATA-1(+/+) mice and GATA-1(Plt13/+) mice could generate growth factor-dependent cloned cell lines that grew for >18 months. Surprisingly, the majority of the excessive numbers of mast cell progenitors in chimeric GATA-1(Plt13/+) mice were transcribing the inactive Plt13 allele of GATA-1, suggesting that GATA-1 normally acts to restrict the emergence of committed mast cell progenitors. In sharp contrast, all eosinophil progenitors in these mice were transcribing the normal GATA-1 allele. No excess tissue mast cells were observed in GATA-1(Plt13/+) mice, suggesting that the excess mast cell progenitors in these mice might be generating mast cells with a defective in vivo proliferative or tissue homing capacity.

Aberrant mucosal mast cell protease expression in the enteric epithelium of nematode-infected mice lacking the integrin alphavbeta6, a transforming growth factor-beta1 activator

Infection of mice with the nematode Trichinella spiralis triggers recruitment and differentiation of intraepithelial intestinal mucosal mast cells expressing mouse mast cell protease 1 (Mcpt-1), which contributes to expulsion of the parasite. Expression of Mcpt-1 is transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-dependent in vitro. TGF-beta1, which is secreted within tissues as a biologically inactive complex with latency-associated peptide, requires extracellular modification to become functionally active. The integrin-alpha(nu)beta(6) mediates local activation of TGF-beta(1) in association with epithelia. Using T. spiralis-infected beta(6)(-/-) mice, we show accumulation of mucosal mast cells in the lamina propria of the small intestine with minimal recruitment into the epithelial compartment. This was accompanied by a coordinate reduction in expression of both Mcpt-1 and -2 in the jejunum and increased tryptase expression, whereas Mcpt-9 became completely undetectable. In contrast, the cytokine stem cell factor, a regulator of mast cell differentiation and survival, was significantly up-regulated in T. spiralis-infected beta(6)(-/-) mice compared with infected beta(6)(+/+) controls. Despite these changes, beta(6)(-/-) mice still appeared to expel the worms normally. We postulate that compromised TGF-beta(1) activation within the gastrointestinal epithelial compartment is a major, but not the only, contributing factor to the observed changes in mucosal mast cell protease and epithelial cytokine expression in beta(6)(-/-) mice.

Pathways of murine mast cell development and trafficking: tracking the roots and routes of the mast cell

The appreciation of the role of the mast cell (MC) in inflammatory processes has expanded dramatically during the last decade. Many of these processes, especially more prolonged responses, are accompanied by an increase in the number of MCs, and much of this increase is likely because of recruitment of immature progenitors with subsequent maturation under the control of the tissue microenvironment. We have begun to identify many of the cell-surface molecules that control this influx and have traced the development of these cells back to their hematopoietic roots. This development proceeds along the myelomonocytic pathway with distinct intermediates having been identified in both bone marrow and spleen. The expression of alpha4beta7 integrins has played a prominent role in this process, as it helped identify a bipotent basophil MC precursor in the spleens of C57BL/6 mice. This integrin also controls basal influx into the intestine and, along with alpha4beta1 integrins, plays a critical role in recruitment to inflamed lungs. Investigation of chemokines and chemokine receptors in these processes led to the identification of a dual role for the murine interleukin-8 receptor CXCR2. This alpha-chemokine receptor affects MC progenitor trafficking by its expression by MC progenitors and by its expression on stromal cells, likely endothelium, affecting trafficking to both intestine under basal conditions and lung during inflammatory recruitment.

Role of thrombopoietin in mast cell differentiation

Mast cells are important elements of the body response to foreign antigens, being those represented either by small molecules (allergic response) or harbored by foreign microorganisms (response to parasite infection). These cells derive from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells present in the marrow. However, in contrast with most of the other hematopoietic lineages, mast cells do not differentiate in the marrow but in highly vascularized extramedullary sites, such as the skin or the gut. Mast cell differentiation in the marrow is activated as part of the body response to parasites. We will review here the mast cell differentiation pathway and what is known of its major intrinsic and extrinsic control mechanisms. It will also be described that thrombopoietin, the ligand for the Mpl receptor, in addition to its pivotal rule in the control of thrombocytopoiesis and of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell proliferation, exerts a regulatory function in mast cell differentiation. Some of the possible implications of this newly described biological activity of thrombopoietin will be discussed.

New and emerging roles for mast cells in host defence

Mast cells are highly effective sentinel cells, found close to blood vessels and especially common sites of potential infection, such as the skin, airways and gastrointestinal tract. Mast cells participate actively in the innate immune responses to many pathogens through a broad spectrum of mediators that can be selectively generated. They also have a role as innate effector cells in enhancing the earliest processes in the development of acquired immune responses. Studies of bacterial and parasitic models have revealed mast cell dependent regulation of effector cell recruitment, mucosal barrier function and lymph node hypertrophy. An important role for mast cells in viral infection is also implied by several in vivo and in vitro studies. There are multiple direct and indirect pathways by which mast cells can be selectively activated by pathogens including Toll-like receptors, co-receptors and complement component receptors. Understanding the mechanisms and scope of the contribution of mast cells to host defence will be crucial to regulating their activity therapeutically.

Integrin alphaIIbbeta3 induces the adhesion and activation of mast cells through interaction with fibrinogen

Integrin alphaIIb, a well-known marker of megakaryocyte-platelet lineage, has been recently recognized on hemopoietic progenitors. We now demonstrate that integrin alphaIIbbeta3 is highly expressed on mouse and human mast cells including mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells, peritoneal mast cells, and human cord blood-derived mast cells, and that its binding to extracellular matrix proteins leads to enhancement of biological functions of mast cells in concert with various stimuli. With exposure to various stimuli, including cross-linking of FcepsilonRI and stem cell factor, mast cells adhered to extracellular matrix proteins such as fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor in an integrin alphaIIbbeta3-dependent manner. In addition, the binding of mast cells to fibrinogen enhanced proliferation, cytokine production, and migration and induced uptake of soluble fibrinogen in response to stem cell factor stimulation, implicating integrin alphaIIbbeta3 in a variety of mast cell functions. In conclusion, mouse and human mast cells express functional integrin alphaIIbbeta3.

Developmental checkpoints of the basophil/mast cell lineages in adult murine hematopoiesis

Basophils and mast cells, which are selectively endowed with the high-affinity IgE receptor and mediate a range of adaptive and innate immune responses, have an unknown developmental relationship. Here, by evaluating the expression of the beta7 integrin, a molecule that is required for selective homing of mast cell progenitors (MCPs) to the periphery, we identified bipotent progenitors that are capable of differentiating into either cell type in the mouse spleen. These basophil/mast cell progenitors (BMCPs) gave rise to basophils and mast cells at the single-cell level and reconstituted both mucosal and connective tissue mast cells. We also identified the basophil progenitor (BaP) and the MCP in the bone marrow and the gastrointestinal mucosa, respectively. We further show that the granulocyte-related transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) plays a primary role in the fate decision of BMCPs, being expressed in BaPs but not in MCPs. Thus, circulating basophils and tissue mast cells share a common developmental stage at which their fate decision might be controlled principally by C/EBPalpha.

Mast cells, which interact with Escherichia coli, up-regulate genes associated with innate immunity and become less responsive to Fc(epsilon)RI-mediated activation

Mast cells, which are associated with T helper cell type 2-dependent inflammation, have now been implicated in the innate immune response. To further characterize how mast cells are programmed to respond to infectious organisms, we used expression profiling using DNA microarray analysis of gene expression by human mast cells (huMC) during ingestion of Escherichia coli and examined immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation. Analysis of data revealed that specific groups of genes were modulated, including genes encoding transcription factors, cell signaling molecules, cell cycle regulators, enzymes, cytokines, novel chemokines of the CC family, adhesion molecules, and costimulatory molecules. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis confirmed the production of tumor necrosis factor and the chemokines CC chemokine ligand (CCL)-1/I-309, CCL-19/macrophage-inflammatory protein-3beta (MIP-3beta), and CCL-18/MIP-4; flow cytometry confirmed the up-regulation of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1, the integrin CD49d, and CD80. Coincubation with E. coli down-regulated Fc receptor for IgE I (FcepsilonRI) expression and FcepsilonRI-mediated huMC degranulation. These data are consistent with the concept that bacterial exposure directs mast cell responses toward innate immunity and away from IgE-mediated effects.

Rapidly changing perspectives about mast cells at mucosal surfaces

Mast cells (MCs) are major effector cells of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic inflammation. However, it has become increasingly clear that they also play important roles in diverse physiological and pathological processes. Recent advances have focused on the importance of MCs in both innate and adaptive immune responses and have fostered studies of MCs beyond the myopic focus on allergic reactions. MCs possess a variety of surface receptors and may be activated by inflammatory mediators, IgE, IgG, light chains, complement fragments, proteases, hormones, neuropeptides, and microbial products. Following activation, they produce a plethora of pro-inflammatory mediators and participate in inflammatory reactions in many organs. This review focuses on the role of MCs in inflammatory reactions in mucosal surfaces with particular emphasis on their role in respiratory and gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Leukotriene B4, an activation product of mast cells, is a chemoattractant for their progenitors

Mast cells are tissue-resident cells with important functions in allergy and inflammation. Pluripotential hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow give rise to committed mast cell progenitors that transit via the blood to tissues throughout the body, where they mature. Knowledge is limited about the factors that release mast cell progenitors from the bone marrow or recruit them to remote tissues. Mouse femoral bone marrow cells were cultured with IL-3 for 2 wk and a range of chemotactic agents were tested on the c-kit(+) population. Cells were remarkably refractory and no chemotaxis was induced by any chemokines tested. However, supernatants from activated mature mast cells induced pronounced chemotaxis, with the active principle identified as leukotriene (LT) B(4). Other activation products were inactive. LTB(4) was highly chemotactic for 2-wk-old cells, but not mature cells, correlating with a loss of mRNA for the LTB(4) receptor, BLT1. Immature cells also accumulated in vivo in response to intradermally injected LTB(4). Furthermore, LTB(4) was highly potent in attracting mast cell progenitors from freshly isolated bone marrow cell suspensions. Finally, LTB(4) was a potent chemoattractant for human cord blood-derived immature, but not mature, mast cells. These results suggest an autocrine role for LTB(4) in regulating tissue mast cell numbers.

Hematopoietic cells regulate the angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis

Hematopoietic cells (HCs) promote blood vessel formation by producing various proangiogenic cytokines and chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases. We injected mouse colon26 colon cancer cells or human PC3 prostate adenocarcinoma cells into mice and studied the localization of HCs during tumor development. HCs were distributed in the inner tumor mass in all of the tumor tissues examined; however, the localization of HCs in the tumor tissue differed depending on the tumor cell type. In the case of colon26 tumors, as the tumor grew, many mature HCs migrated into the tumor mass before fine capillary formation was observed. On the other hand, although very few HCs migrated into PC3 tumor tissue, c-Kit+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells accumulated around the edge of the tumor. Bone marrow suppression induced by injection of anti-c-Kit neutralizing antibody suppressed tumor angiogenesis by different mechanisms according to the tumor cell type: bone marrow suppression inhibited the initiation of sprouting angiogenesis in colon26 tumors, while it suppressed an increase in the caliber of newly developed blood vessels at the tumor edge in PC3 tumors. Our findings suggest that HCs are involved in tumor angiogenesis and regulate the angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis.