IL-4 regulates MEK expression required for lysophosphatidic acid-mediated chemokine generation by human mast cells

Possible Involvement of Lysophospholipids in Severe Asthma as Novel Lipid Mediators

In severe asthma, symptoms are unstable despite intensive treatment based on high doses of inhaled corticosteroids and on-demand use of oral corticosteroids. Although, recently, various biological agents related to Th2 cytokines have been added to intensive controller medications for severe asthma, a significant progress has not been observed in the management for symptoms (dyspnea, wheezing and cough). Medical treatment focused on Type 2 inflammation is probably insufficient to maintain good long-term management for severe asthma. Airway eosinophilia and decreased reversibility in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) are listed as major predictors for exacerbation-prone asthma. However, it is generally considered that asthma is complex and heterogeneous. It is necessary to establish precision medicine using treatable traits based on a multidimensional approach related to asthma. Since phospholipids generate lysophospholipids and arachidonic acid by phospholipases, lysophospholipids can be associated with the pathogenesis of this disease via action on smooth muscle, endothelium, and epithelium in the airways. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are increased in bronchoalveolar fluid after allergen challenge. LPA, LPC, and S1P recruit eosinophils to the lungs and cause β2-adrenergic desensitization. LAP and S1P cause contraction and hyperresponsiveness in airway smooth muscle. Moreover, lysophosphatidylserine and S1P are associated with the allergic reaction related to IgE/FcεRI in mast cells. Lysophospholipid action is probably comprised of corticosteroid resistance and is independent of Type 2 inflammation, and may be corelated with oxidative stress. Lysophospholipids may be a novel molecular target in advancing the management and treatment of asthma. This review discusses the clinical relevance of lysophospholipids in asthma.

Lipid-orchestrated paracrine circuit coordinates mast cell maturation and anaphylaxis through functional interaction with fibroblasts

Interaction of mast cells (MCs) with fibroblasts is essential for MC maturation within tissue microenvironments, although the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. Through a phenotypic screening of >30 mouse lines deficient in lipid-related genes, we found that deletion of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor LPA1, like that of the phospholipase PLA2G3, the prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) synthase L-PGDS, or the PGD2 receptor DP1, impairs MC maturation and thereby anaphylaxis. Mechanistically, MC-secreted PLA2G3 acts on extracellular vesicles (EVs) to supply lysophospholipids, which are converted by fibroblast-derived autotaxin (ATX) to LPA. Fibroblast LPA1 then integrates multiple pathways required for MC maturation by facilitating integrin-mediated MC-fibroblast adhesion, IL-33-ST2 signaling, L-PGDS-driven PGD2 generation, and feedforward ATX-LPA1 amplification. Defective MC maturation resulting from PLA2G3 deficiency is restored by supplementation with LPA1 agonists or PLA2G3-modified EVs. Thus, the lipid-orchestrated paracrine circuit involving PLA2G3-driven lysophospholipid, eicosanoid, integrin, and cytokine signaling fine-tunes MC-fibroblast communication, ensuring MC maturation.

Expression of Transcriptional Factors of T Helper Differentiation (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and FOXP3), MIF Receptors (CD44, CD74, CXCR2, 4, 7), and Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in PBMC from Control Subjects and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

INTRODUCTION

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) plays a pivotal role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous research indicates that MIF can trigger the expression of cytokine profiles associated with Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both RA patients and control subjects (CS). Despite these, few studies to date precisely elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved. The present study aimed to associate the expression of Th differentiation TF (T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt) with MIF receptors (CD44, CD74, CXCR2, 4, 7) and Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in PBMC from CS and RA patients.

METHOD

PBMC from both groups was cultured for 24 h. The expression of the canonical and non-canonical MIF receptors and the TF was determined by flow cytometry. Additionally, multiplex bead analysis was employed to assess the levels of cytokines in the culture supernatants. The findings revealed that T CD4+ lymphocytes in the CS group exhibited a heightened expression of CD74 (p<0.05), whereas RA patients displayed an elevated expression of CXCR7 (p<0.001). Furthermore, T CD4+ lymphocytes from RA patients exhibited greater expression of GATA3, RORγt, and FOXP3, along with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to the CS group (p<0.001).

RESULT

These results indicate that CD74 is more prominently expressed in PBMC from the CS group, whereas CXCR7 is more expressed in PBMC from RA patients.

CONCLUSION

We also noted an increased secretion of Th17 profile cytokines in RA, potentially influenced by the activation of FOXP3 via CD74 and RORγt through CXCR7 using the endocytic pathway.

Efficacy Comparison of LPA2 Antagonist H2L5186303 and Agonist GRI977143 on Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma in BALB/c Mice

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an intercellular lipid mediator, is increased in the bronchoalveolar fluids of patients with asthma after allergen exposure. LPA administration exaggerates allergic responses, and the type 2 LPA receptor (LPA₂) has been reported as a therapeutic target for asthma. However, results with LPA₂ agonist and antagonist along with LPA₂ gene deficient mice have been controversial and contradictory. We compared the effects of LPA₂ antagonist (H2L5186303) and agonist (GRI977143) in a single experimental protocol of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma by treating drugs before antigen sensitization or challenge. H2L5186303 showed strong suppressive efficacy when administered before OVA sensitization and challenge, such as suppression of airway hyper responsiveness, inflammatory cytokine levels, mucin production, and eosinophil numbers. However, GRI977143 showed significant suppression when administered before an OVA challenge. Increases in eosinophil and lymphocyte counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, Th2 cytokine levels, inflammatory scores, and mucin production were differentially ameliorated by the two drugs. The results demonstrate the multiple roles of LPA₂ in asthmatic responses. We suggest that the development of LPA₂ antagonists would achieve better therapeutic efficacy against asthma than agonists.

Mast Cell–Tumor Interactions: Molecular Mechanisms of Recruitment, Intratumoral Communication and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Tumor Growth

Mast cells (MCs) are tissue-resident immune cells that are important players in diseases associated with chronic inflammation such as cancer. Since MCs can infiltrate solid tumors and promote or limit tumor growth, a possible polarization of MCs to pro-tumoral or anti-tumoral phenotypes has been proposed and remains as a challenging research field. Here, we review the recent evidence regarding the complex relationship between MCs and tumor cells. In particular, we consider: (1) the multifaceted role of MCs on tumor growth suggested by histological analysis of tumor biopsies and studies performed in MC-deficient animal models; (2) the signaling pathways triggered by tumor-derived chemotactic mediators and bioactive lipids that promote MC migration and modulate their function inside tumors; (3) the possible phenotypic changes on MCs triggered by prevalent conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) such as hypoxia; (4) the signaling pathways that specifically lead to the production of angiogenic factors, mainly VEGF; and (5) the possible role of MCs on tumor fibrosis and metastasis. Finally, we discuss the novel literature on the molecular mechanisms potentially related to phenotypic changes that MCs undergo into the TME and some therapeutic strategies targeting MC activation to limit tumor growth.

The roles of autotaxin/lysophosphatidic acid in immune regulation and asthma

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species are present in almost all organ systems and play diverse roles through its receptors. Asthma is an airway disease characterized by chronic allergic inflammation where various innate and adaptive immune cells participate in establishing Th2 immune response. Here, we will review the contribution of LPA and its receptors to the functions of immune cells that play a key role in establishing allergic airway inflammation and aggravation of allergic asthma.

Effects of Sorafenib and Arsenic Trioxide on U937 and KG-1 Cell Lines: Apoptosis or Autophagy?

Objective

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disorder of hemopoietic progenitor cells. The Raf serine/threonine (Ser/Thr) protein kinase isoforms including B-Raf and RAF1, are the upstream in the MAPK cascade that play essential functions in regulating cellular proliferation and survival. Activated autophagy-related genes have a dual role in both cell death and cell survival in cancer cells. The cytotoxic activities of arsenic trioxide (ATO) were widely assessed in many cancers. Sorafenib is known as a multikinase inhibitor which acts through suppression of Ser/Thr kinase Raf that was reported to have a key role in tumor cell signaling, proliferation, and angiogenesis. In this study, we examined the combination effect of ATO and sorafenib in AML cell lines.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, we studied in vitro effects of ATO and sorafenib on human leukemia cell lines. The effective concentrations of compounds were determined by MTT assay in both single and combination treatments. Apoptosis was evaluated by annexin-V FITC staining. Finally, mRNA levels of apoptotic and autophagy genes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Data demonstrated that sorafenib, ATO, and their combination significantly increase the number of apoptotic cells. We found that the combination of ATO and sorafenib significantly reduces the viability of U937 and KG-1 cells. The expression level of selective autophagy genes, ULK1 and Beclin1 decreased but LC3-II increased in U937.

Conclusion

The expression levels of apoptotic and autophagy activator genes were increased in response to treatment. The crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is a complicated mechanism and further investigations seem to be necessary.

Regulation of the pleiotropic effects of tissue-resident mast cells

Mast cells (MCs), which are best known for their detrimental role in patients with allergic diseases, act in a diverse array of physiologic and pathologic functions made possible by the plurality of MC types. Their various developmental avenues and distinct sensitivity to (micro-) environmental conditions convey extensive heterogeneity, resulting in diverse functions. We briefly summarize this heterogeneity, elaborate on molecular determinants that allow MCs to communicate with their environment to fulfill their tasks, discuss the protease repertoire stored in secretory lysosomes, and consider different aspects of MC signaling. Furthermore, we describe key MC governance mechanisms (ie, the high-affinity receptor for IgE [FcεRI]), the stem cell factor receptor KIT, the IL-4 system, and both Ca²⁺- and phosphatase-dependent mechanisms. Finally, we focus on distinct physiologic functions, such as chemotaxis, phagocytosis, host defense, and the regulation of MC functions at the mucosal barriers of the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and skin. A deeper knowledge of the pleiotropic functions of MC mediators, as well as the molecular processes of MC regulation and communication, should enable us to promote beneficial MC traits in physiology and suppress detrimental MC functions in patients with disease.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Although simple in structure, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potent bioactive lipid that profoundly influences cellular signaling and function upon binding to G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6). The majority of circulating LPA is produced by the secreted enzyme autotaxin (ATX). Alterations in LPA signaling, in conjunction with changes in autotaxin (ATX) expression and activity, have been implicated in metabolic and inflammatory disorders including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes our current understanding of the sources and metabolism of LPA with focus on the influence of diet on circulating LPA. Furthermore, we explore how the ATX-LPA pathway impacts obesity and obesity-associated disorders, including impaired glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease.

Novel Inhibitory Effect of a Lysophosphatidic Acid 2 Agonist on Allergen-Driven Airway Inflammation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid signaling molecule associated with asthma pathobiology. LPA elicits its effects by binding to at least six known cell surface G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-6) that are expressed in the lung in a cell type-specific manner. LPA2 in particular has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target in asthma because it appears to transduce inhibitory or cell-protective signals. We studied a novel and specific small molecule LPA2 agonist (2-[4-(1,3-dioxo-1H,3H-benzoisoquinolin-2-yl)butylsulfamoyl] benzoic acid [DBIBB]) in a mouse model of house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation. Mice injected with DBIBB developed significantly less airway and lung inflammation compared with vehicle-treated controls. Levels of lung Th2 cytokines were also significantly attenuated by DBIBB. We conclude that pharmacologic activation of LPA2 attenuates Th2-driven allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. Targeting LPA receptor signaling holds therapeutic promise in allergic asthma.

The autotaxin-LPA axis emerges as a novel regulator of lymphocyte homing and inflammation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid molecule with potent effects on cell growth and motility. Major progress has been made in recent years in deciphering the mechanisms of LPA generation and how it acts on target cells. Most research has been conducted in other disciplines, but emerging data indicate that LPA has an important role to play in immunity. A key discovery was that autotaxin (ATX), an enzyme previously implicated in cancer cell motility, generates extracellular LPA from the precursor lysophosphatidylcholine. Steady-state ATX is expressed by only a few tissues, including high endothelial venules in lymph nodes, but inflammatory signals can upregulate ATX expression in different tissues. In this article, we review current thinking about the ATX/LPA axis in lymphocyte homing, as well as in models of allergic airway inflammation and asthma. New insights into the role of LPA in regulating immune responses should be forthcoming in the near future.

Lysophosphatidic acid triggers mast cell-driven atherosclerotic plaque destabilization by increasing vascular inflammation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive lysophospholipid, accumulates in the atherosclerotic plaque. It has the capacity to activate mast cells, which potentially exacerbates plaque progression. In this study, we thus aimed to investigate whether LPA contributes to plaque destabilization by modulating mast cell function. We here show by an imaging mass spectrometry approach that several LPA species are present in atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequently, we demonstrate that LPA is a potent mast cell activator which, unlike other triggers, favors release of tryptase. Local perivascular administration of LPA to an atherosclerotic carotid artery segment increases the activation status of perivascular mast cells and promotes intraplaque hemorrhage and macrophage recruitment without impacting plaque cell apoptosis. The mast cell stabilizer cromolyn could prevent intraplaque hemorrhage elicited by LPA-mediated mast cell activation. Finally, the involvement of mast cells in these events was further emphasized by the lack of effect of perivascular LPA administration in mast cell deficient animals. We demonstrate that increased accumulation of LPA in plaques induces perivascular mast cell activation and in this way contributes to plaque destabilization in vivo. This study points to local LPA availability as an important factor in atherosclerotic plaque stability.

Current progress in non-Edg family LPA receptor research

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the simplest phospholipid yet possesses myriad biological functions. Until 2003, the functions of LPA were thought to be elicited exclusively by three subtypes of the endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family of G protein-coupled receptors - LPA(1), LPA(2), and LPA(3). However, several biological functions of LPA could not be assigned to any of these receptors indicating the existence of one or more additional LPA receptor(s). More recently, the discovery of a second cluster of LPA receptors which includes LPA(4), LPA(5), and LPA(6) has paved the way for new avenues of LPA research. Analyses of these non-Edg family LPA receptors have begun to fill in gaps to understand biological functions of LPA such as platelet aggregation and vascular development that could not be ascribed to classical Edg family LPA receptors and are also unveiling new biological functions. Here we review recent progress in the non-Edg family LPA receptor research, with special emphasis on the pharmacology, signaling, and physiological roles of this family of receptors. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in Lysophospholipid Research.

Leukotriene Inhibitors in Sinusitis

It has been recognized for many years that leukotrienes play an important role in mediating various effects of the allergic reaction. Recent evidence has shown that they play a role in other diseases including chronic sinusitis, particularly those sub-types involving eosinophils. Leukotrienes can be separated into the fairly well characterized cysteinyl leukotrienes and less well characterized leukotriene B(4). Effects of the leukotrienes are mediated through receptors that are expressed on a variety of cell types and can be modulated based on the inflammatory environment present. The pharmaceutical industry has long been interested in blocking leukotriene action and as such, two approaches have been developed that led to drugs approved for treatment of allergic disease. The most widely used class is the cysteinyl type 1 receptor antagonists, which block binding of the cysteinyl leukotrienes to the cell. The second class is an inhibitor of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme that prevents synthesis of both the cysteinyl leukotrienes and leukotriene B(4). This review will focus on the role that leukotrienes play in chronic sinusitis and consider the rationale for choosing either a leukotriene antagonist or synthesis inhibitor as a treatment option. We will also discuss off-label uses for other medications that might be useful in these diseases as they relate to their ability to modulate leukotriene action.

15-Lipoxygenase 1 interacts with phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein to regulate MAPK signaling in human airway epithelial cells

Epithelial 15-lipoxygenase 1 (15LO1) and activated ERK are increased in asthma despite modest elevations in IL-13. MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK activation is regulated by interactions of Raf-1 with phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1). Epithelial 15LO1 generates intracellular 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15HETE) conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (15HETE-PE). We hypothesized that (i) 15LO1 and its product 15HETE-PE serve as signaling molecules interacting with PEBP1 to activate Raf-1/MEK/ERK and that (ii) this 15LO1-15HETE-PE-regulated ERK activation amplifies IL-4Rα downstream pathways. Our results demonstrate that high epithelial 15LO1 levels correlate with ERK phosphorylation ex vivo. In vitro, IL-13 induces 15LO1, which preferentially binds to PEBP1, causing PEBP1 to dissociate from Raf-1 and activate ERK. Exogenous 15HETE-PE similarly induces dissociation of PEBP1 from Raf-1 independently of IL-13/15LO1. siRNA knockdown of 15LO1 decreases the dissociation of Raf-1 from PEBP1, and the resulting lower ERK activation leads to lower downstream IL-4Rα-related gene expression. Identical protein-protein interactions are observed in endobronchial biopsies and fresh epithelial cells from asthmatics ex vivo. Colocalization of Raf-1 to PEBP1 is low in asthmatic tissue and cells compared with normals, whereas there is striking colocalization of 15LO1 with PEBP1 in asthma. Low 15LO1 levels in normals limit its colocalization with PEBP1. The results confirm a previously unknown signaling role for 15LO1 and its PE-conjugated eicosanoid product in human airway epithelial cells. This pathway enhances critical inflammatory pathways integral to asthma pathogenesis.

Mechanism of sphingosine 1-phosphate- and lysophosphatidic acid-induced up-regulation of adhesion molecules and eosinophil chemoattractant in nerve cells

The lysophospholipids sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) act via G-protein coupled receptors S1P(1-5) and LPA(1-3) respectively, and are implicated in allergy. Eosinophils accumulate at innervating cholinergic nerves in asthma and adhere to nerve cells via intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells were used as an in vitro cholinergic nerve cell model. The G(i) coupled receptors S1P(1), S1P(3), LPA(1), LPA(2) and LPA(3) were expressed on IMR-32 cells. Both S1P and LPA induced ERK phosphorylation and ERK- and G(i)-dependent up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression, with differing time courses. LPA also induced ERK- and G(i)-dependent up-regulation of the eosinophil chemoattractant, CCL-26. The eosinophil granule protein eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) induced ERK-dependent up-regulation of transcription of S1P(1), LPA(1), LPA(2) and LPA(3), providing the situation whereby eosinophil granule proteins may enhance S1P- and/or LPA- induced eosinophil accumulation at nerve cells in allergic conditions.

LPA5 is abundantly expressed by human mast cells and important for lysophosphatidic acid induced MIP-1β release

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid inducing proliferation, differentiation as well as cytokine release by mast cells through G-protein coupled receptors. Recently GPR92/LPA5 was identified as an LPA receptor highly expressed by cells of the immune system, which prompted us to investigate its presence and influence on mast cells.

Principal Findings

Transcript analysis using quantitative real-time PCR revealed that LPA5 is the most prevalent LPA-receptor in human mast cells. Reduction of LPA5 levels using shRNA reduced calcium flux and abolished MIP-1β release in response to LPA.

Conclusions

LPA5 is a bona fide LPA receptor on human mast cells responsible for the majority of LPA induced MIP-1β release.

Molecular modeling of human alkaline sphingomyelinase

Alkaline sphingomyelinase, which is expressed in the human intestine and hydrolyses sphingomyelin, is a component of the plasma and the lysosomal membranes. Hydrolase of sphingomyelin generates ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate that have regulatory effects on vital cellular functions such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The enzyme belongs to the Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase family and it differs in structural similarity with acidic and neutral sphingomyelinase. In the present study we modeled alkaline sphingomyelinase using homology modeling based on the structure of Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase from Xanthomonas axonopodis with which it shares 34% identity. Homology modeling was performed using Modeller9v7. We found that Cys78 and Cys394 form a disulphide bond. Further analysis shows that Ser76 may be important for the function of this enzyme, which is supported by the findings of Wu et al. (2005), that S76F abolishes the activity completely. We found that the residues bound to Zn(2+) are conserved and geometrically similar with the template. Molecular Dynamics simulations were carried out for the modeled protein to observe the effect of Zinc metal ions. It was observed that the metal ion has little effect with regard to the stability but induces increased fluctuations in the protein. These analyses showed that Zinc ions play an important role in stabilizing the secondary structure and in maintaining the compactness of the active site.

Lysophosphatidic acid is a lipid mediator with wide range of biological activities. Biosynthetic pathways and mechanism of action

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator required for maintaining homeostasis of numerous physiological functions and also involved in development of some pathological processes through interactions with G protein-coupled receptors. Recently many data have appeared about the role of this phospholipid in humans, but pathways of LPA biosynthesis and mechanisms of its action remain unclear. This review presents modern concepts about biosynthesis, reception, and biological activity of LPA in humans. Natural and synthetic LPA analogs are considered in the view of their possible use in pharmacology as agonists and/or antagonists of G protein-coupled receptors of LPA.

Treatment of a human papillomavirus type 31b-positive cell line with benzo[a]pyrene increases viral titer through activation of the Erk1/2 signaling pathway

Numerous epidemiological studies have implicated cigarette smoking as a cofactor in the progression to cervical cancer. Tobacco-associated hydrocarbons have been found in cervical mucus, suggesting a possible interaction with human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cells. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a major component of cigarette smoke condensate that has received significant attention due to its ability to induce carcinogenesis. We have previously demonstrated by conventional methods for determining viral titer that high concentrations of BaP increase HPV31b titers within the context of organotypic raft cultures compared with the level for vehicle controls. However, a definitive mechanism for explaining this increase in viral titer was lacking. Here, we show that BaP treatment activates the Ras-Raf-Mek1/2-Erk1/2 signaling pathway. The importance of Erk1/2 pathway activation to the BaP-mediated increase in viral titer was determined by Erk pathway inhibition with multiple Erk1/2 pathway inhibitors. Finally, BaP treatment activated p90RSK and its downstream target CDK1. These data indicate that the Erk1/2 signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating the response to BaP treatment that ultimately leads to increased viral titers.

IL-2 and IL-4 stimulate MEK1 expression and contribute to T cell resistance against suppression by TGF-beta and IL-10 in asthma

The T cell-driven airway inflammation in chronic asthma is uninhibited and sustained. We examined the resistance of T cells from asthmatic patients against suppression by TGF-β, IL-10 and glucocorticoids and explored its signaling mechanism. CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells from allergic asthmatic subjects demonstrated increased TCR-stimulated proliferation as compared with healthy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease controls. This proliferation was resistant to inhibition by TGF-β, IL-10, and dexamethasone and to anergy induction. CD4 T cells from asthmatic patients, but not chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, and healthy subjects, showed increased expression of MEK1, heightened phosphorylation of ERK1/2, and increased levels of c-Fos. IL-2 and IL-4 stimulated the expression of MEK1 and c-Fos and induced T cell resistance. The inhibition of MEK1 reversed, whereas induced expression of c-Fos and JunB promoted T cell resistance against TGF-β- and IL-10-mediated suppression. We have uncovered an IL-2- and IL-4-driven MEK1 induction mechanism that results in heightened ERK1/2 activation in asthmatic T cells and make them resistant to certain inhibitory mechanisms.

Aiming drug discovery at lysophosphatidic acid targets

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1-radyl-2-hydroxy-sn-glycero-3-phosphate) is the prototype member of a family of lipid mediators and second messengers. LPA and its naturally occurring analogues interact with G protein-coupled receptors on the cell surface and a nuclear hormone receptor within the cell. In addition, there are several enzymes that utilize LPA as a substrate or generate it as a product and are under its regulatory control. LPA is present in biological fluids, and attempts have been made to link changes in its concentration and molecular composition to specific disease conditions. Through their many targets, members of the LPA family regulate cell survival, apoptosis, motility, shape, differentiation, gene transcription, malignant transformation and more. The present review depicts arbitrary aspects of the physiological and pathophysiological actions of LPA and attempts to link them with select targets. Many of us are now convinced that therapies targeting LPA biosynthesis and signalling are feasible for the treatment of devastating human diseases such as cancer, fibrosis and degenerative conditions. However, successful targeting of the pathways associated with this pleiotropic lipid will depend on the future development of as yet undeveloped pharmacons.

The role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in mouse mast cell migration in vitro and in vivo

Tissue-resident mast cells (MCs) are important in allergic diseases. In a mouse model of allergic airways inflammation, an increase in peribronchiolar MCs was associated with increased concentrations of the chemokine CCL2 in lung lavage. MC progenitors (MCps) arising in bone marrow (BM) are recruited to tissues by transendothelial migration, and we found that CCL2 is chemotactic for MCps in freshly isolated BM in vitro. Immature, but not mature, BM-derived MCs migrated in response to CCL2 when cultured in IL-3+stem cell factor (SCF) but not when cultured in IL-3 alone. However, the cells under both culture conditions expressed mRNA for CCR2, the receptor for CCL2, and bound the radiolabeled chemokine with similar affinities, highlighting SCF as a key mediator in coupling CCR2 to downstream events, culminating in chemotaxis. Immature BM-derived MCs from IL-3 +SCF cultures, when administered i.v., accumulated at skin sites injected with CCL2 in vivo. MCp recruitment to the allergen-sensitized/challenged lung was significantly reduced in CCR2(-/-) and CCL2(-/-) mouse strains. However, reconstitution studies of sublethally irradiated and BM-reconstituted mice indicated that BM cells and stromal elements could provide CCL2, whereas the CCR2 function resided with stromal elements rather than BM cells. These experiments revealed a new function of SCF in chemokine receptor coupling, but they suggest a complex role of the CCL2/CCR2 axis in recruiting MCps during pulmonary inflammation.

Post-transcriptional regulation of MEK-1 by polyamines through the RNA-binding protein HuR modulating intestinal epithelial apoptosis

MEK-1 [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) kinase-1] is an important signal transducing enzyme that is implicated in many aspects of cellular functions. In the present paper, we report that cellular polyamines regulate MEK-1 expression at the post-transcriptional level through the RNA-binding protein HuR (Hu-antigen R) in IECs (intestinal epithelial cells). Decreasing the levels of cellular polyamines by inhibiting ODC (ornithine decarboxylase) stabilized MEK-1 mRNA and promoted its translation through enhancement of the interaction between HuR and the 3'-untranslated region of MEK-1 mRNA, whereas increasing polyamine levels by ectopic ODC overexpression destabilized the MEK-1 transcript and repressed its translation by reducing the abundance of HuR-MEK-1 mRNA complex; neither intervention changed MEK-1 gene transcription via its promoter. HuR silencing rendered the MEK-1 mRNA unstable and inhibited its translation, thus preventing increases in MEK-1 mRNA and protein in polyamine-deficient cells. Conversely, HuR overexpression increased MEK-1 mRNA stability and promoted its translation. Inhibition of MEK-1 expression by MEK-1 silencing or HuR silencing prevented the increased resistance of polyamine-deficient cells to apoptosis. Moreover, HuR overexpression did not protect against apoptosis if MEK-1 expression was silenced. These results indicate that polyamines destabilize the MEK-1 mRNA and repress its translation by inhibiting the association between HuR and the MEK-1 transcript. Our findings indicate that MEK-1 is a key effector of the HuR-elicited anti-apoptotic programme in IECs.

Lysophosphatidic acid-induced arterial wall remodeling: requirement of PPARgamma but not LPA1 or LPA2 GPCR

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and its ether analog alkyl-glycerophosphate (AGP) elicit arterial wall remodeling when applied intralumenally into the uninjured carotid artery. LPA is the ligand of eight GPCRs and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). We pursued a gene knockout strategy to identify the LPA receptor subtypes necessary for the neointimal response in a non-injury model of carotid remodeling and also compared the effects of AGP and the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone (ROSI) on balloon injury-elicited neointima development. In the balloon injury model AGP significantly increased neointima; however, rosiglitazone application attenuated it. AGP and ROSI were also applied intralumenally for 1h without injury into the carotid arteries of LPA(1), LPA(2), LPA(1&2) double knockout, and Mx1Cre-inducible conditional PPARgamma knockout mice targeted to vascular smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. The neointima was quantified and also stained for CD31, CD68, CD11b, and alpha-smooth muscle actin markers. In LPA(1), LPA(2), LPA(1&2) GPCR knockout, Mx1Cre transgenic, PPARgamma(fl/-), and uninduced Mx1CrexPPARgamma(fl/-) mice AGP- and ROSI-elicited neointima was indistinguishable in its progression and cytological features from that of WT C57BL/6 mice. In PPARgamma(-/-) knockout mice, generated by activation of Mx1Cre-mediated recombination, AGP and ROSI failed to elicit neointima and vascular wall remodeling. Our findings point to a difference in the effects of AGP and ROSI between the balloon injury- and the non-injury chemically-induced neointima. The present data provide genetic evidence for the requirement of PPARgamma in AGP- and ROSI-elicited neointimal thickening in the non-injury model and reveal that the overwhelming majority of the cells in the neointimal layer express alpha-smooth muscle actin.

P2Y6 receptors require an intact cysteinyl leukotriene synthetic and signaling system to induce survival and activation of mast cells

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) induce inflammatory responses through type 1 (CysLT1R) and type 2 (CysLT2R) cys-LT receptors and activate mast cells in vitro. We previously demonstrated that cys-LTs cross-desensitized IL-4-primed primary human mast cells (hMCs) to stimulation with the nucleotide uridine diphosphate (UDP). We now report that hMCs, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (mBMMCs), and the human MC line LAD2 all express UDP-selective P2Y6 receptors that cooperate with CysLT1R to promote cell survival and chemokine generation by a pathway involving reciprocal ligand-mediated cross-talk. Leukotriene (LT) D4, the most potent CysLT1R ligand, and UDP both induced phosphorylation of ERK and prolonged the survival of cytokine-starved hMCs and mBMMCs. ERK activation and cytoprotection in response to either ligand were attenuated by treatment of the cells with a selective P2Y6 receptor antagonist (MRS2578), which did not interfere with signaling through recombinant CysLT1R. Surprisingly, both UDP and LTD4-mediated ERK activation and cytoprotection were absent in mBMMCs lacking CysLT1R and the biosynthetic enzyme LTC4 synthase, implying a requirement for a cys-LT-mediated autocrine loop. In IL-4-primed LAD2 cells, LTD4 induced the generation of MIP-1beta, a response blocked by short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of CysLT1R or P2Y6 receptors, but not of CysLT2R. Thus, CysLT1R and P2Y6 receptors, which are coexpressed on many cell types of innate immunity, reciprocally amplify one another's function in mast cells through endogenous ligands.

Lysophosphatidic acid and autotaxin: emerging roles in innate and adaptive immunity

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) can affect the growth, migration, and activation of many different cell types. Research in this field has recently accelerated due to the molecular cloning of LPA receptors as well as advances in our understanding of LPA metabolism. A major pathway for LPA generation is the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine by the enzyme autotaxin (ATX). Although most research to-date has been conducted in other disciplines (e.g., neurobiology and cardiovascular diseases), emerging data point to an important role for LPA and ATX in regulating immune responses. Here we review current understanding of LPA and ATX in immunity with an emphasis on migration and activation of lymphocytes and dendritic cells. New gene-targeted and transgenic mice, receptor-specific antibodies, and pathway antagonists should rapidly enhance our understanding of this versatile lysolipid in immune responses in the near future.

Targeting human mast cells expressing g-protein-coupled receptors in allergic diseases

The G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest known group of integral membrane receptor proteins and are the most common targets of pharmacotherapy. Mast cells (MCs) have been reported to play an important role in allergic diseases, such as urticaria and bronchial asthma. There is an increasing body of clinical evidence that MCs are recruited into allergic reactions by non-IgE-dependent mechanisms. Human MCs are activated and secrete histamine in response to neuropeptides, such as substance P and somatostatin, mediated by a GPCR, MRGX2. The microenvironment surrounding MCs in their resident tissues is likely to contain multiple factors that modify antigen-dependent MC activation. MCs express various GPCRs, and since the function of human MCs is modulated by various GPCR ligands, such as adenosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate, which are present in high levels in the bronchial alveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic patients, the GPCRs expressed on MCs may play an important role in human allergic diseases. The GPCRs expressed on MCs may serve as drug targets for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Aging impairs the unfolded protein response to sleep deprivation and leads to proapoptotic signaling

Protein misfolding, accumulation, and aggregation characterize many aging-related diseases. Protein aggregates do not accumulate in unstressed cells primarily because of the existence of competent cellular "quality control" machinery. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a major part of this quality control system. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER causes ER stress and activates a signaling pathway called the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR limits protein load by upregulating ER chaperones such as Ig binding protein (BiP)/glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and by attenuating protein translation through eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2alpha) phosphorylation. Acute sleep deprivation (6 h) in young mice leads to induction of the UPR with upregulation of BiP/GRP78 and attenuation of protein translation. We demonstrate here that aging impairs this adaptive response to sleep deprivation. Aged mice do not display an increase in BiP expression with acute sleep deprivation. In addition, there is decreased basal expression of BiP/GRP78 in aged mice. There is a decline in eIF2alpha phosphorylation in aged mouse cerebral cortex that is associated with higher levels of GADD34 (growth arrest and DNA damage 34) and proapoptotic proteins such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein and activated caspase-12, suggesting that young animals possess an efficient ER adaptive response that declines with aging.

Mast cell cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide prevents invasive group A Streptococcus infection of the skin

Mast cells (MC) express cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides that act as broad-spectrum antibiotics and influence the immune defense of multiple epithelial surfaces. We hypothesized that MC help protect against skin infection through the expression of cathelicidin. The susceptibility of MC-deficient mice (Kit Wsh(-/-)) to invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) was compared with control mice. Following s.c. injection of GAS, MC-deficient mice had 30% larger skin lesions, 80% more lesional bacteria, and 30% more spleens positive for bacteria. In contrast to results obtained when GAS was injected into skin, no significant differences were noted between MC-deficient mice and control mice after GAS was applied topically, indicating that MC activity is most important after barrier penetration. To determine whether these differences were due to MC expression of cathelicidin, MC-deficient mice were reconstituted with MC derived from either wild-type or cathelicidin-deficient (Camp(-/-)) mice and challenged with GAS. Forty-eight hours after bacterial injection, mice that did not receive MC had an average lesion size of 200 mm(2), mice reconstituted with wild-type MC showed lesions comparable to control mice (25 mm(2)), while mice reconstituted with Camp(-/-) MC showed an average lesion size of 120 mm(2). Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) analysis of cathelicidin peptide purified from mast cells defined this as a unique 28-aa peptide. Combined, these results show that MC confer defense against Gram-positive bacterial infection in the skin, a function mediated in part by the expression of a unique cathelicidin peptide.

SWAP-70 regulates mast cell FcepsilonRI-mediated signaling and anaphylaxis

Mast cells, perhaps best known by their ability to trigger allergic reactions after stimulation through the FcepsilonRI, express the unusual phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent, Rac-binding protein SWAP-70. Here, we show that the IgE-mediated passive cutaneous and the systemic anaphylactic responses are strongly reduced in SWAP-70(-/-) mice. Cultured SWAP-70(-/-) immature bone marrow mast cells (BMMC) are also impaired in FcepsilonRI-mediated degranulation, which can be restored by expression of exogenous wild-type SWAP-70, but less so if a phosphatidylinositol trisphosphate (PIP(3)) binding mutant is expressed. SWAP-70 itself supports inositol-3-phosphate and PIP(3) production, the latter indicating a potential feedback from SWAP-70 towards PI3K. FcepsilonRI-stimulated transcription and release of cytokines is controlled by SWAP-70. Key FcepsilonRI signal transduction events like activation of LAT by phosphorylation, activation of Akt/PKB and of p38 MAP kinase are reduced in SWAP-70(-/-) BMMC, but ERK is strongly hyperactivated. Some requirements for SWAP-70 were apparent only under limited-strength signaling conditions. We suggest that SWAP-70 defines a new element of efficient mast cell activation upon FcepsilonRI signaling, important for the control of mast cell-dependent anaphylaxis.

Distinct roles of sphingosine kinases 1 and 2 in human mast-cell functions

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is now emerging as a potent lipid mediator produced by mast cells that contributes to inflammatory and allergic responses. In contrast to its weak effect on degranulation of murine mast cells, S1P potently induced degranulation of the human LAD2 mast-cell line and cord blood-derived human mast cells (hMCs). S1P also stimulated production and secretion of cytokines, TNF-alpha and IL-6, and markedly enhanced secretion of a chemokine, CCL2/MCP-1, important modulators of inflammation. S1P is produced in mast cells by the 2 sphingosine kinases, SphK1 and SphK2. SphK1 but not SphK2 plays a critical role in IgE/Ag-induced degranulation, migration toward antigen, and CCL2 secretion from hMCs, as determined by specifically down-regulating their expression. However, both isoenzymes were required for efficient TNF-alpha secretion. Taken together, our data suggest that differential formation of S1P by SphK1 and SphK2 has distinct and important actions in hMCs.

G protein-coupled receptors and the modification of FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell activation

By releasing multiple pro-inflammatory mediators upon activation, mast cells are critical effector cells in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation. The traditional viewpoint of antigen-dependent mast cell activation is that of a Th(2)-driven process whereby antigen-specific IgE molecules are produced by B cells followed by binding of the IgE to high affinity IgE receptors (FcepsilonRI) expressed on mast cells. Subsequent antigen-dependent aggregation of the FcepsilonRI initiates an intracellular signalling cascade that culminates in mediator release. Mast cell responses, including cell growth, survival, chemotaxis, and cell adhesion, however, can also be regulated by other receptors expressed on mast cells. Furthermore, FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell mediator release can be significantly modified by ligation of specific classes of these receptors. One such class of receptors is the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). In this review, we describe how sub-populations of GPCRs can either enhance or inhibit FcepsilonRI-mediated mast cell activation depending on the particular G protein utilized for relaying signalling. Furthermore, we discuss the potential mechanisms whereby the signalling responses utilized by the FcepsilonRI for mast cell activation are influenced by those initiated by GPCRs to produce these diverse responses.

CysLT2 receptors interact with CysLT1 receptors and down-modulate cysteinyl leukotriene dependent mitogenic responses of mast cells

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys-LTs) induce inflammation through 2 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CysLT(1) and CysLT(2), which are coexpressed by most myeloid cells. Cys-LTs induce proliferation of mast cells (MCs), transactivate c-Kit, and phosphorylate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Although MCs express CysLT(2), their responses to cys-LTs are blocked by antagonists of CysLT(1). We demonstrate that CysLT(2) interacts with CysLT(1), and that knockdown of CysLT(2) increases CysLT(1) surface expression and CysLT(1)-dependent proliferation of cord blood-derived human MCs (hMCs). Cys-LT-mediated responses were absent in MCs from mice lacking CysLT(1) receptors, but enhanced by the absence of CysLT(2) receptors. CysLT(1) and CysLT(2) receptors colocalized to the plasma membranes and nuclei of a human MC line, LAD2. Antibody-based fluorescent lifetime imaging microscopy confirmed complexes containing both receptors based on fluorescence energy transfer. Negative regulation of CysLT(1)-induced mitogenic signaling responses of MCs by CysLT(2) demonstrates physiologically relevant functions for GPCR heterodimers on primary cells central to inflammation.

Mast cells and eicosanoid mediators: a system of reciprocal paracrine and autocrine regulation

When activated by specific antigen, complement, or other transmembrane stimuli, mast cells (MCs) generate three eicosanoids: prostaglandin (PG)D(2), leukotriene (LT)B(4), and LTC(4), the parent molecule of the cysteinyl leukotrienes (cysLTs). These diverse lipid mediators, which are generated from a single cell membrane-associated precursor, arachidonic acid, can initiate, amplify, or dampen inflammatory responses and influence the magnitude, duration, and nature of subsequent immune responses. PGD(2) and cysLTs, which were originally recognized for their bronchoconstricting and vasoactive properties, also serve diverse and pivotal functions in effector cell trafficking, antigen presentation, leukocyte activation, matrix deposition, and fibrosis. LTB(4) is a powerful chemoattractant for neutrophils and certain lymphocyte subsets. Thus, MCs can contribute to each of these processes through eicosanoid generation. Additionally, MCs express G-protein-coupled receptors specific for cysLTs, LTB(4), and another eicosanoid, PGE(2). Each of these receptors can regulate MC functions in vivo by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This review focuses on the biologic functions for MC-associated eicosanoids, the regulation of their production, and the mechanisms by which eicosanoids may regulate MC function in host defense and disease.

Cutting Edge: Interleukin 4-Dependent Mast Cell Proliferation Requires Autocrine/Intracrine Cysteinyl Leukotriene-Induced Signaling

Reactive mastocytosis (RM) in epithelial surfaces is a consistent Th2-associated feature of allergic disease. RM fails to develop in mice lacking leukotriene (LT) C4 synthase (LTC4S), which is required for cysteinyl leukotriene (cys-LT) production. We now report that IL-4, which induces LTC4S expression by mast cells (MCs), requires cys-LTs, the cys-LT type 1 receptor (CysLT1), and Gi proteins to promote MC proliferation. LTD4 (10-1000 nM) enhanced proliferation of human MCs in a CysLT1-dependent, pertussis toxin-sensitive manner. LTD4-induced phosphorylation of ERK required transactivation of c-kit. IL-4-driven comitogenesis was likewise sensitive to pertussis toxin or a CysLT1-selective antagonist and was attenuated by treatment with leukotriene synthesis inhibitors. Mouse MCs lacking LTC4S or CysLT1 showed substantially diminished IL-4-induced comitogenesis. Thus, IL-4 induces proliferation in part by inducing LTC4S and cys-LT generation, which causes CysLT1 to transactivate c-kit in RM.

Effects of Trichinella spiralis infection on intestinal pathology in mice lacking interleukin-4 (IL-4) or intestinal trefoil factor (ITF/TFF3)

The nematode Trichinella spiralis induces pathological changes in the small intestine of the host, which are known to be controlled by immune and inflammatory mediators. The detail of this control has still to be completely understood. Mice deficient in interleukin 4 (IL-4) or in intestinal trefoil factor/trefoil family factor 3 (ITF/TFF3) were infected with T. spiralis and the resultant changes in the intestinal mucosa followed by quantifying numbers of mucosal mast cells, goblet cells, Paneth cells and by monitoring structural changes in villus length and crypt depth. Mice lacking IL-4 were unable to mount a normal protective response to infection, such that worm survival was increased. These mice failed to mount a mucosal mast cell response, but did make goblet cell and Paneth cell responses comparable to normal controls. Mice lacking ITF/TFF3 similarly made normal levels of goblet cell and Paneth cell responses. They also underwent profound changes in mucosal architecture, with marked villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia. These results are discussed in relation to known patterns of T cell and cytokine control of protective immunity to T. spiralis. They suggest that increased numbers of goblet cell and Paneth cell are not, by themselves, required for protective immunity. ITF/TFF3 appears not to influence cellular responses and does not alter parasite-induced pathological changes in the small intestine.

Lysophospholipids as mediators of immunity

Lysophospholipids (LPLs) are lipid-derived signaling molecules exemplified by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Originally identified as serum-associated growth factors, these mediators now are known to signal through a family of diverse G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Virtually all cells that participate in the immune response express multiple receptors for LPLs. The development of antibody reagents that recognize the receptors for each LPL and the derivation of receptor-selective agonists and receptor-null mouse strains have provided insights into the widely diverse functions of LPLs in immune responses, particularly the role of S1P in lymphocyte trafficking. This review focuses on the biology of the LPLs as these molecules relate to functional regulation of immune cells in vitro and to the regulation of integrated immune responses in vivo.

Human mast cells express multiple EP receptors for prostaglandin E2 that differentially modulate activation responses

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) blocks mast-cell (MC)-dependent allergic responses in humans but activates MCs in vitro. We assessed the functions of the EP receptors for PGE2 on cultured human MCs (hMCs). hMCs expressed the EP3, EP2, and EP4 receptors. PGE2 stimulated the accumulation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and suppressed both Fc epsilonRI-mediated eicosanoid production and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) generation. PGE2 also caused phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), exocytosis, and production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), as well as leukotriene C4 (LTC4) when protein kinase A (PKA) was inhibited. An EP3 receptor-selective agonist, AE-248, mimicked PGE2-mediated ERK phosphorylation, exocytosis, and eicosanoid formation. Selective agonists of both EP2 and EP4 receptors (AE1-259-01 and AE-329, respectively) stimulated cAMP accumulation. No selective agonist, alone or in combination, was as effective as PGE2. AE-248, AE1-259-01, and AE-329 all inhibited Fc epsilonRI-mediated TNF-alpha generation, while AE1-259-01 blocked eicosanoid production. PGE2 caused the expression of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) by a pathway involving PKA and ERK. Thus, while PGE2 activates MCs through EP3 receptors, it also counteracts Fc epsilonRI-mediated eicosanoid production through EP2 receptors and PKA, and blocks cytokine transcription. These functions explain the potency of PGE2 as a suppressor of early- and late-phase allergic responses.