Acute induction of human IL-8 production by intestinal epithelium triggers neutrophil infiltration without mucosal injury

AIM

Neutrophil migration in the intestine depends on chemotaxis of neutrophils to CXC chemokines produced by epithelial cells. The goal of this project was to determine if acute induction of a CXC chemokine gradient originating from intestinal epithelial cells is sufficient to induce neutrophil influx into intact intestinal tissue.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The authors developed a double transgenic mouse model with doxycycline induced human IL-8 expression restricted to intestinal epithelial cells. Doxycycline treatment of double transgenic mice for three days resulted in a 50-fold increase in the caecal IL-8 concentration and influx of neutrophils into the lamina propria. Although neutrophils entered the paracellular space between epithelial cells, complete transepithelial migration was not observed. Doxycycline treatment also increased the water content of the caecal and colonic stool, indicating dysfunctional water transport. However, the transmural electrical resistance was not decreased. Neutrophils recruited to the intestinal epithelium did not show evidence of degranulation and the epithelium remained intact as judged by histology.

CONCLUSIONS

This conditional transgenic model of chemokine expression provides evidence that acute induction of IL-8 in the intestinal epithelium is sufficient to trigger neutrophil recruitment to the lamina propria, but additional activation signals are needed for full activation and degranulation of neutrophils, mucosal injury, and complete transepithelial migration.

The role of CD47 in neutrophil transmigration. Increased rate of migration correlates with increased cell surface expression of CD47

CD47, a cell surface glycoprotein, plays an important role in modulating neutrophil (PMN) migration across endothelial and epithelial monolayers. Here we show that anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) delay PMN migration across collagen-coated filters or T84 epithelial monolayers toward the chemoattractant formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine (fMLP). Despite delayed transmigration by anti-CD47 mAbs, the numbers of PMN migrating across in either condition were the same as in the presence of control non-inhibitory mAbs. Cell surface labeling and immunoprecipitation demonstrated upregulation of CD47 to the PMN cell surface with kinetics similar to those of the transmigration response. Subcellular fractionation studies revealed redistribution of CD47 from intracellular compartments that co-sediment with secondary granules to plasma membrane-containing fractions after fMLP stimulation. Experiments performed to investigate potential signaling pathways revealed that inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation with genistein reversed the anti-CD47-mediated PMN migration delay, whereas inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase only partially reversed anti-CD47 effects that correlated with a rapid increase in PMN cell surface CD47. Analysis of the contribution of epithelial-expressed CD47 to PMN transmigration revealed that PMN migration across CD47-deficient epithelial monolayers (CaCO2) was significantly increased after stable transfection with CD47. These results suggest that cell surface CD47 and downstream tyrosine phosphorylation signaling events regulate, in part, the rate of PMN migration during the inflammatory response.

CD98-mediated links between amino acid transport and beta 1 integrin distribution in polarized columnar epithelia

In non-polarized cells, CD98 has been shown to both influence beta(1) integrins and heterodimerize with LAT-2, which confers amino acid transport capability on the LAT-2/CD98 heterodimer. Since LAT-2 is most heavily expressed in intestine and CD98 associates with the beta(1) integrin splice form selectively found in such epithelia, we investigated the relationship and polarity of these proteins using the intestinal epithelial model Caco2-BBE. CD98 was found to selectively coimmunoprecipitate with both LAT-2 and beta(1) integrin, and, logically, all three proteins were polarized to the same (basolateral) domain. Furthermore, expression of CD98 in polarized epithelia lacking human CD98 (MDCK cells) disrupted beta(1) integrin surface distribution and cytoskeletal architecture, suggesting that CD98 can influence integrin function. Expression of a CD98 mutant lacking the specific residues conferring LAT-2 binding similarly affected cells, confirming that the latter effect was not due to LAT-2 sequestration. Use of CD98 truncation mutants suggest that a 10-amino acid domain located at the putative cytoplasmic tail/transmembrane domain interface was necessary and sufficient to induce the phenotype change. We conclude that the CD98/LAT-2 amino acid transporter is polarized to the same domain on which beta(1) integrin resides. CD98 appears to associate with beta(1) integrin and, in doing so, may influence its function as revealed by disruption of the outside-in signaling that confers cytoskeletal organization. Furthermore, such findings suggest a link between classic transport events and a critical element of barrier function: integrin-mediated influences on cytoskeletal organization.

Cutting edge: bacterial flagellin activates basolaterally expressed TLR5 to induce epithelial proinflammatory gene expression

Flagellin, the structural component of bacterial flagella, is secreted by pathogenic and commensal bacteria. Flagellin activates proinflammatory gene expression in intestinal epithelia. However, only flagellin that contacts basolateral epithelial surfaces is proinflammatory; apical flagellin has no effect. Pathogenic Salmonella, but not commensal Escherichia coli, translocate flagellin across epithelia, thus activating epithelial proinflammatory gene expression. Investigating how epithelia detect flagellin revealed that cell surface expression of Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) conferred NF-kappaB gene expression in response to flagellin. The response depended on both extracellular leucine-rich repeats and intracellular Toll/IL-1R homology region of TLR5 as well as the adaptor protein MyD88. Furthermore, immunolocalization and cell surface-selective biotinylation revealed that TLR5 is expressed exclusively on the basolateral surface of intestinal epithelia, thus providing a molecular basis for the polarity of this innate immune response. Thus, detection of flagellin by basolateral TLR5 mediates epithelial-driven inflammatory responses to Salmonella.

Colonic epithelial hPepT1 expression occurs in inflammatory bowel disease: transport of bacterial peptides influences expression of MHC class 1 molecules

BACKGROUND & AIMS

hPepT1 is an intestinal epithelial apical membrane transporter responsible for uptake of di/tripeptides (including bacterial derived proinflammatory n-formyl peptides). hPepT1 expression normally has a strict axial gradient-highest in the proximal small intestine with no expression in the colon.

METHODS

Small intestinal-like cells (Caco2-BBE), and colonic-like cells (HT29-Cl.19A), and colonic mucosa from diseased and control patients were used in the present study.

RESULTS

hPepT1 expression occurs aberrantly in the colon with chronic ulcerative colitis (6 patients) and Crohn's disease (4 patients), but not in normal colon (4 patients) or colon with microscopic colitis (4 patients). To model expression of hPepT1 by colonic-like cells in inflamed states, we stably transfected HT29-Cl.19A cells with a modified hPepT1 tagged on the N-terminus with green fluorescence protein. Analysis of transfected cells revealed that: GFP-hPepT1 protein, like the natural protein, is targeted to the apical plasma membrane. In addition, the tagged protein retains the capability of di/tripeptide absorption, and the expression of the tagged protein by HT29-Cl.19A cells permits absorption of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), as occurs in hPepT1 expressing Caco2-BBE cells. fMLP uptake by colonic cells expressing GFP-hPepT1 specifically enhances major histocompatibility complex class I surface expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These data collectively indicate that, in some states of chronic inflammation, hPepT1 may be anomolously expressed in the colon. Further, transport of fMLP by hPepT1 potentially stimulates expression of key accessory immune molecule, MHC-1.

Neutrophil-epithelial crosstalk at the intestinal lumenal surface mediated by reciprocal secretion of adenosine and IL-6

Adenosine is formed in the intestinal lumen during active inflammation from neutrophil-derived 5' AMP. Using intestinal epithelial cell line T84, we studied the effect of adenosine on the secretion of IL-6, a proinflammatory cytokine involved in neutrophil degranulation and lymphocyte differentiation. Stimulation of T84 monolayers with either apical or basolateral adenosine induces A2b receptor-mediated increase in IL-6 secretion, which is polarized to the apical (luminal) compartment. In addition, Salmonella typhimurium, TNF-alpha, and forskolin, known inducers of IL-6 secretion in intestinal epithelial cells, also stimulate IL-6 secretion into the apical compartment. We show that IL6 promoter induction by adenosine occurs through cAMP-mediated activation of nuclear cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). We also show that IL-6 released in the luminal (apical) compartment achieves a sufficient concentration to activate neutrophils (from which the adenosine signal originates), since such IL-6 is found to induce an intracellular [Ca(++)] flux in neutrophils. We conclude that adenosine released in the intestinal lumen during active inflammation may induce IL-6 secretion, which is mediated by cAMP/CREB activation and occurs in an apically polarized fashion. This would allow sequential activation of neutrophil degranulation in the lumen -- a flow of events that would, in an epithelium-dependent fashion, enhance microbicidal activity of neutrophils as they arrive in the intestinal lumen.

Neutrophil transepithelial migration: regulation at the apical epithelial surface by Fc-mediated events

Neutrophil (PMN) transepithelial migration is a major effector of epithelial defense in inflammatory diseases involving mucosal surfaces. However, major receptor-ligand interactions between epithelial cells and PMN remain incompletely characterized. To better define the molecular events involved in PMN interactions with epithelial cells, we produced a monoclonal antibody called g82 that inhibited PMN transepithelial migration in the physiological basolateral-to-apical direction. The g82 antigen localized to the apical surface of human colonic epithelium and was significantly upregulated under inflammatory conditions. Immunoprecipitation revealed two polypeptides of M(r) 207 and 32 kDa. F(ab')(2) fragments from g82 IgG had no effect on transmigration, suggesting Fc dependence. Further experiments confirmed dependence on the PMN Fc receptor CD32A and that the observed effects were secondary to a failure of PMN to detach from the apical epithelial surface. These Fc-mediated events were epitope specific since binding, isotype-matched antibodies did not affect detachment. These results identify a new mechanism for retention of PMN at the apical epithelial surface following transepithelial migration. This pathway may be important in pathogen clearance and mucosal pathophysiology associated with autoimmunity.

Clostridium difficile toxins disrupt epithelial barrier function by altering membrane microdomain localization of tight junction proteins

The anaerobic bacterium Clostridium difficile is the etiologic agent of pseudomembranous colitis. C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB are UDP-glucosyltransferases that monoglucosylate and thereby inactivate the Rho family of GTPases (W. P. Ciesla, Jr., and D. A. Bobak, J. Biol. Chem. 273:16021-16026, 1998). We utilized purified reference toxins of C. difficile, TcdA-10463 (TcdA) and TcdB-10463 (TcdB), and a model intestinal epithelial cell line to characterize their influence on tight-junction (TJ) organization and hence to analyze the mechanisms by which they contribute to the enhanced paracellular permeability and disease pathophysiology of pseudomembranous colitis. The increase in paracellular permeability induced by TcdA and TcdB was associated with disorganization of apical and basal F-actin. F-actin restructuring was paralleled by dissociation of occludin, ZO-1, and ZO-2 from the lateral TJ membrane without influencing the subjacent adherens junction protein, E-cadherin. In addition, we observed decreased association of actin with the TJ cytoplasmic plaque protein ZO-1. Differential detergent extraction and fractionation in sucrose density gradients revealed TcdB-induced redistribution of occludin and ZO-1 from detergent-insoluble fractions constituting "raft-like" membrane microdomains, suggesting an important role of Rho proteins in maintaining the association of TJ proteins with such microdomains. These toxin-mediated effects on actin and TJ structure provide a mechanism for early events in the pathophysiology of pseudomembranous colitis.

Negative regulation of epithelium-neutrophil interactions via activation of CD44

Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) migration across epithelia is a common feature of active inflammation. Given the suggested role of carbohydrates in this process, we examined the receptor CD44. The standard CD44 isoform was expressed at the cell surface of PMN. PMN migration across model polarized intestinal epithelia was reduced (by 60%) if the CD44 receptor was activated by either a specific antibody (clone IM7) or the natural soluble ligand, hyaluronic acid. This inhibitory effect following receptor activation occurred with both basolateral-to-apical- and apical-to-basolateral-directed migration. The anti-CD44 antibody similarly reduced PMN migration through filters in the absence of epithelia, while preincubation of the antibody with the epithelium did not alter subsequent PMN transepithelial migration. These data suggest that PMN, rather than epithelial, CD44 is responsible for these effects. A similar inhibitory effect of anti-CD44 antibody was also observed on migration of intraepithelial lymphocytes. The molecular mechanism involved in such negative signaling following CD44 activation may include modulation of outside-in cell signaling. While neither the anti-CD44 antibody nor CD44 ligand affected PMN mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+), both led to increased adenylate cyclase activity, an inhibitory signal for PMN migration. Together, these results suggest that CD44 of PMN may potentially serve as a negative regulator of leukocyte migration across biological surfaces such as columnar epithelia.

Cryptdin-3 induces novel apical conductance(s) in Cl- secretory, including cystic fibrosis, epithelia

Opening of anion-conductive pathways in apical membranes of secretory cells lining mucosal surfaces is a critical step in salt and water secretion and, thus, hydration of sites including airway and intestine. In intestine, Paneth cells are positioned at the base of the secretory gland (crypt) and release defensin peptide, in mice termed cryptdins, into the crypt lumen. Because at least some defensins have been shown to form anion-conductive channels in phospholipid bilayers, we tested whether these endogenous antimicrobial peptides could act as soluble inducers of channel-like activity when applied to apical membranes. To directly evaluate the possibility of cryptdin-3-mediated apical anion conductance (G(ap)), we have utilized amphotericin B to selectively permeabilize basolateral membranes of electrically tight monolayers of polarized human intestinal secretory epithelia (T84 cells), thus isolating the apical membrane for study. Cryptdin-3 induces G(ap) that is voltage independent (deltaG(ap) = 1.90 +/- 0.60 mS/cm2) and exhibits ion selectivity contrasting to that elicited by forskolin or thapsigargin (for cryptdin-3, Cl- = gluconate; for forskolin and thapsigargin, Cl- >> gluconate). We cannot exclude the possibility that the macroscopic current induced by cryptdin could be the sum of cation and Cl- currents. Cryptdin-3 induces a current in basolaterally permeabilized epithelial monolayers derived from airway cells harboring the deltaF508 mutation of cystic fibrosis (CF; deltaG(ap) = 0.80 +/- 0.06 mS/cm2), demonstrating that cryptdin-3 restores anion secretion in CF cells; this occurs independently of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator channel. These results support the idea that cryptdin-3 may associate with apical membranes of Cl--secreting epithelia and self-assemble into conducting channels capable of mediating a physiological response.

Characterization of epithelial chemoattractants for human intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although homing of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) into intestinal epithelia seems to be guided by signals from epithelia, little is known concerning functional epithelial-derived chemoattractants for IEL.

METHODS

Epithelial chemoattractants for IEL were analyzed using chemotaxis chamber system, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and in situ hybridization using human epithelial lines and IEL lines.

RESULTS

Epithelial-conditioned media induced IEL chemotaxis, and this activity was markedly enhanced by prestimulation of epithelia with interferon-(IFN)-gamma. This chemotaxis (stimulation +) was significantly inhibited by neutralizing antibodies to IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) or to monokine induced by IFN-gamma (MIG). Furthermore, while high amounts of IP-10 and MIG were detected in epithelial-conditioned media after IFN-gamma stimulation, equivalent concentrations of recombinant IP-10 and MIG reproduced IEL chemotaxis. Production of IP-10 and MIG in fresh epithelial cells was supported by in situ hybridization and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lastly, fresh human IEL constitutively expressed CXCR-3 (the common receptor for IP-10 and MIG), and fresh IEL also exhibited chemotaxis to by rIP-10, rMIG, and epithelial-conditioned media.

CONCLUSIONS

Epithelial cells produce chemoattractants for IEL, and such chemokine production is regulated by proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma. IP-10 and MIG may serve as potentially important epithelial chemokines for IEL, especially under inflammatory conditions.

Salmonella typhimurium translocates flagellin across intestinal epithelia, inducing a proinflammatory response

This study investigated whether soluble paracrine factors mediated Salmonella-induced IL-8 expression in polarized model intestinal epithelia. We found that the basolateral media of model epithelia that had been apically infected with Salmonella typhimurium for a short period (10 minutes) could activate IL-8 secretion in virgin model epithelia, demonstrating that a proinflammatory factor (PIF) was indeed present. Initial characterization found that PIF was a heat-stable protein with a molecular mass of about 50 kDa that acts on the basolateral, but not apical, surface of model intestinal epithelia to elicit IL-8 secretion. PIF was not present in the media of model epithelia stimulated with other inducers of IL-8 secretion (TNF-alpha or carbachol) but was present in S. typhimurium supernatants, indicating PIF is of bacterial origin. PIF was purified from bacterial culture supernatants by anion/cation exchange chromatography and SDS-PAGE and found by using microsequencing to be the protein flagellin. In support of this finding, flagellin-deficient S. typhimurium mutants did not secrete detectable levels of PIF (i.e., a bioactivity that induced IL-8 secretion when placed basolaterally on model epithelia). Furthermore, viable flagellin-deficient mutant organisms (fliC/fljB and flhD) failed to elicit IL-8 secretion when added apically to model intestinal epithelia. These findings indicate that translocation of flagellin across epithelia, subsequent to apical epithelial-S. typhimurium interaction, is likely a major means of activating a mucosal inflammatory response.

Transepithelial resistance can be regulated by the intestinal brush-border Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3

Initiation of intestinal Na(+)-glucose cotransport results in transient cell swelling and sustained increases in tight junction permeability. Since Na(+)/H(+) exchange has been implicated in volume regulation after physiological cell swelling, we hypothesized that Na(+)/H(+) exchange might also be required for Na(+)-glucose cotransport-dependent tight junction regulation. In Caco-2 monolayers with active Na(+)-glucose cotransport, inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange with 200 microM 5-(N,N-dimethyl)- amiloride induced 36 +/- 2% increases in transepithelial resistance (TER). Evaluation using multiple Na(+)/H(+) exchange inhibitors showed that inhibition of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) isoform was most closely related to TER increases. TER increases due to NHE3 inhibition were related to cytoplasmic acidification because cytoplasmic alkalinization with 5 mM NH(4)Cl prevented both cytoplasmic acidification and TER increases. However, NHE3 inhibition did not affect TER when Na(+)-glucose cotransport was inhibited. Myosin II regulatory light chain (MLC) phosphorylation decreased up to 43 +/- 5% after inhibition of Na(+)/H(+) exchange, similar to previous studies that associate decreased MLC phosphorylation with increased TER after inhibition of Na(+)-glucose cotransport. However, NHE3 inhibitors did not diminish Na(+)-glucose cotransport. These data demonstrate that inhibition of NHE3 results in decreased MLC phosphorylation and increased TER and suggest that NHE3 may participate in the signaling pathway of Na(+)-glucose cotransport-dependent tight junction regulation.

Noninvasive in vivo analysis of human small intestinal paracellular absorption: regulation by Na+-glucose cotransport

Activation of intestinal Na+-glucose cotransport increases paracellular movement of inert tracers in cultured monolayers, isolated rodent intestinal mucosae, and in rodents in vivo. However, not all studies have demonstrated comparable effects on human intestinal paracellular absorption. We sought to assess the effects of Na+-glucose cotransport on paracellular absorption in human beings using a simple noninvasive assay. Study subjects drank six 200-ml doses of test solution, composed of 0.8% w/v creatinine (sufficient to overwhelm endogenous creatinine) in 277 mM glucose or mannitol and urine was collected. Intestinal creatinine absorption is paracellular. Once absorbed, creatinine is cleared into the urine. Therefore, urinary creatinine recovery reflects intestinal paracellular creatinine absorption. Total urinary creatinine recovery was 55% +/- 4% of creatinine ingested with glucose and 38% +/- 9% of creatinine ingested with mannitol (p < 0.001). Thus, intestinal paracellular absorption of creatinine is increased by the presence of luminal glucose. Our results are consistent with in vivo human regulation of mucosal permeability by Na+-glucose cotransport.

Molecular physiology and pathophysiology of tight junctions. IV. Regulation of tight junctions by extracellular stimuli: nutrients, cytokines, and immune cells

The epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract forms a regulated, selectively permeable barrier between luminal contents and the underlying tissue compartments. Permeability across the epithelium is, in part, determined by the rate-limiting barrier of the paracellular pathway-the most apical intercellular junction referred to as the tight junction (TJ). The TJ is composed of a multiprotein complex that affiliates with the underlying apical actomyosin ring. TJ structure and function, and therefore epithelial permeability, are influenced by diverse physiological and pathological stimuli; here we review examples of such stimuli that are detected at the cell surface. For example, luminal glucose induces an increase in paracellular permeability to small molecules. Similarly, but by other means, cytokines and leukocytes in the vicinity of the epithelium also regulate TJ structure and paracellular permeability by influencing the TJ protein complex and/or its association with the underlying actin cytoskeleton.

Prokaryotic regulation of epithelial responses by inhibition of IkappaB-alpha ubiquitination

Epithelia of the vertebrate intestinal tract characteristically maintain an inflammatory hyporesponsiveness toward the lumenal prokaryotic microflora. We report the identification of enteric organisms (nonvirulent Salmonella strains) whose direct interaction with model human epithelia attenuate synthesis of inflammatory effector molecules elicited by diverse proinflammatory stimuli. This immunosuppressive effect involves inhibition of the inhibitor kappaB/nuclear factor kappaB (IkappaB/NF-kappaB) pathway by blockade of IkappaB-alpha degradation, which prevents subsequent nuclear translocation of active NF-kappaB dimer. Although phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha occurs, subsequent polyubiquitination necessary for regulated IkappaB-alpha degradation is completely abrogated. These data suggest that prokaryotic determinants could be responsible for the unique tolerance of the gastrointestinal mucosa to proinflammatory stimuli.

Constitutive and regulated secretion of secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor by human intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Epithelial cells participate in immune regulation and mucosal integrity by generating a range of biologically active mediators. In the intestine, little is known about the potential endogenous anti-inflammatory molecules. Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is a major serine proteinase inhibitor, a potent antibiotic, and thus a potential anti-inflammatory molecule, although it is not known if it is secreted by intestinal epithelial cells.

METHODS

We show, by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, the presence of SLPI messenger RNA in human model intestinal epithelial cell lines (Caco2-BBE, T84, and HT29-Cl.19A) and human jejunum and colon biopsy specimens. The polymerase chain reaction product was cloned and sequenced and is identical to that of SLPI isolated previously from the human parotid gland.

RESULTS

As analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the constitutive secretion of SLPI occurs in a markedly polarized manner toward the apical surface and is enhanced by inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1beta (approximately 3.5-fold increase over control value). SLPI release is also stimulated by activation of protein kinase C isoenzymes, but not by activation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate- or Ca(2+)-regulated signaling molecules. SLPI protein is detectable in intestinal lavage fluids collected from normal adult humans. Recombinant SLPI attenuates digestive enzyme (trypsin)- or leukocyte proteinase (elastase)-induced permeability alteration of a model epithelia in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SLPI exhibits an antibacterial activity against at least one major intestinal pathogen, Salmonella typhimurium. In contrast, SLPI does not influence epithelial barrier integrity as assessed by transepithelial conductance measurements or electrogenic ion transport.

CONCLUSIONS

These results establish that human intestinal epithelium expresses and apically secretes SLPI, a molecule that may significantly contribute to the protection against attack from inflammatory cells and digestive enzymes, as well as against microbial infection.

Polarity of A2b adenosine receptor expression determines characteristics of receptor desensitization

It is not known if, in polarized cells, desensitization events can be influenced by the domain on which the receptor resides. Desensitization was induced by 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA) and was quantitated by measurement of short-circuit current (I(sc)) in response to adenosine. NECA added to either the apical or basolateral compartments rapidly desensitized receptors on these respective domains. Although apical NECA had no effect on the basolateral receptor stimulation, basolateral NECA induced a complete desensitization of the apical receptor. We hypothesized that desensitization of apical receptor by basolateral desensitization could relate to a trafficking step in which A2b receptor is first targeted basolaterally upon synthesis and transported to the apical surface via vesicular transport/microtubules. Because desensitization is associated with downregulation of receptors, apical adenosine receptor can thus be affected by basolateral desensitization. Both low temperature and nocodazole inhibited I(sc) induced by apical and not basolateral adenosine.

IN CONCLUSION

1) a single receptor subtype, here modeled by the A2b receptor, differentially desensitizes based on the membrane domain on which it is expressed, 2) agonist exposure on one domain can result in desensitization of receptors on the opposite domain, 3) cross-domain desensitization can display strict polarity, and 4) receptor trafficking may play a role in the cross-desensitization process.

Tight junctions are membrane microdomains

Tight junctions (TJ) of polarized epithelial cells regulate barrier function at mucosal surfaces. Structural proteins of TJs include hyperphosphorylated occludin (HO) and the peripheral membrane protein, ZO-1. Since TJs are dynamically regulated, and lipid-modified signal transduction proteins localize to TJs, we considered the possibility that the TJ itself is composed of microdomains with unique structure. Differential detergent extraction and isopycnic sucrose density gradients were utilized to isolate TJ-enriched membranes from a polarized intestinal epithelial cell line, T84. Here we report that major pools of hyperphosphorylated occludin (HO) and ZO-1 are found in raft-like membrane microdomains with characteristics of the previously described detergent-insoluble glycolipid rafts (DIGs). Properties of such gradient fractions included Triton X-100 (TX-100) insolubility, light scattering at 600 nm, buoyant density of approximately 1.08 g/cm(3) and increased cholesterol content compared to high density fractions. Similar results were obtained using natural epithelium. Unlike the TJ proteins HO and ZO-1, other basolateral transmembrane proteins including E-cadherin, c-met and β 1 integrin were not increased in DIG-like fractions. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed coprecipitation of a pool of occludin with caveolin-1, a scaffolding protein abundant in DIGs. Coprecipitation results were supported by immunofluorescence and immunogold labeling studies demonstrating caveolin-1 localization in the apical membrane and focal colocalization with occludin in TJs. TJ disassembly by calcium chelation resulted in displacement of TJ proteins from the ‘raft-like’ compartment. Our findings suggest that raft-like compartments play an important role in the spatial organization of TJs and probably in regulation of paracellular permeability in epithelial cells.

Adhesion molecules expressed on homing lymphocytes in model intestinal epithelia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The development of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) requires the movement of lymphocytes into the epithelial compartment (i.e., IEL homing). The rules governing and the biologic consequences of IEL homing are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to examine the adhesion molecules involved in IEL homing and the phenotypic alteration of lymphocytes as a consequence of homing.

METHODS

We previously developed an in vitro IEL homing model consisting of human IEL cell lines and a polarized monolayer of human intestinal epithelial T84 cells. Homing capacity of lymphocytes was assessed by measuring their migration into epithelial monolayers, and phenotypic analysis was performed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In this model, approximately 30% of lymphocytes moved into the epithelial monolayer, regardless of the lymphocyte concentration. Flow cytometric screening of adhesion molecules revealed that homed lymphocytes expressed high levels of integrin alphaXbeta2 and alphaEbeta7 and low levels of alpha4beta7 compared with non-homed lymphocytes. In addition, subpopulations sorted as alphaXbeta2(high) or alphaEbeta7(high) independently showed greater homing capacities. After homing, alphaEbeta7 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on homed lymphocytes were significantly up-regulated, which was consistent with their high expression observed on freshly isolated human IELs. The up-regulation of alphaEbeta7 (but not ICAM-1) was completely dependent on epithelial-derived transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1). The expression of alphaXbeta2 was observed on a small population of freshly isolated human IELs, and was markedly induced by stimulation. Also, epithelial-derived TGF-beta1 down-regulated the alphaXbeta2 expression (an event likely to occur after homing).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate a relationship between IEL alphaXbeta2 and alphaEbeta7 expression and homing into intestinal epithelia. We also show that phenotypic alteration of IELs is induced by close interaction with intestinal epithelia as a consequence of homing.

Salmonella typhimurium induces epithelial IL-8 expression via Ca(2+)-mediated activation of the NF-kappaB pathway

Interactions between the enteric pathogen Salmonella typhimurium and the luminal surface of the intestine provoke an acute inflammatory response, mediated in part by epithelial cell secretion of the chemokine IL-8 and other proinflammatory molecules. This study investigated the mechanism by which this pathogen induces IL-8 secretion in physiologically polarized model intestinal epithelia. IL-8 secretion induced by both the prototypical proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and S. typhimurium was NF-kappaB dependent. However, NF-kappaB activation and IL-8 secretion induced by S. typhimurium, but not by TNF-alpha, was preceded by and required an increase in intracellular [Ca(2+)]. Additionally, agonists that increased intracellular [Ca(2+)] by receptor-dependent (carbachol) or independent (thapsigargin, ionomycin) means also induced IL-8 secretion. Furthermore, the ability of S. typhimurium mutants to induce IkappaB-alpha degradation, NF-kappaB translocation, and IL-8 transcription and secretion correlated precisely with their ability to induce an intracellular [Ca(2+)] increase in model intestinal epithelia, but not with their ability to invade these cells. Finally, S. typhimurium, but not TNF-alpha, induced a Ca(2+)-dependent phosphorylation of IkappaB-alpha. These results indicate that S. typhimurium-induced activation of NF-kappaB-dependent epithelial inflammatory responses proceeds by a Ca(2+)-mediated activation of an IkappaB-alpha kinase. These observations raise the possibility that pharmacologic intervention of the acute inflammatory response can be selectively matched to the specific class of initiating event.

PKC-dependent regulation of transepithelial resistance: roles of MLC and MLC kinase

The mechanisms by which protein kinase C (PKC) activation results in increased transepithelial resistance (TER) are unknown [G. Hecht, B. Robinson, and A. Koutsouris. Am. J. Physiol. 266 (Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 29): G214-G221, 1994]. We have previously shown that phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain of myosin II (MLC) is associated with decreases in TER and have suggested that contraction of the perijunctional actomyosin ring (PAMR) increases tight junction (TJ) permeability [J. R. Turner, B. K. Rill, S. L. Carlson, D. Carnes, R. Kerner, R. J. Mrsny, and J. L. Madara. Am. J. Physiol. 273 (Cell Physiol. 42): C1378-C1385, 1997]. We therefore hypothesized that PKC activation alters TER via relaxation of the PAMR. Activation of PKC by the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a progressive dose-dependent increase in TER that was apparent within 15 min (111% of controls) and maximal within 2 h (142% of controls). Similar increases were induced by a diacylglycerol analog, and the effects of both PMA and the diacylglycerol analog were prevented by the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I. PMA treatment caused progressive decreases in MLC phosphorylation, by 12% at 15 min and 41% at 2 h. Phosphorylation of MLC kinase (MLCK) increased by 64% within 15 min of PMA treatment and was stable over 2 h (51% greater than that of controls). Thus increases in MLCK phosphorylation preceded decreases in MLC phosphorylation. These data suggest that PKC regulates TER via decreased phosphorylation of MLC, possibly due to inhibitory phosphorylation of MLCK. The decreased phosphorylation of MLC likely reduces PAMR tension, leading to decreased TJ permeability.

LXA4, aspirin-triggered 15-epi-LXA4, and their analogs selectively downregulate PMN azurophilic degranulation

The eicosanoid lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is biosynthesized in vivo by cells present at inflammatory sites and appears to be an endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator. Further, in the presence of aspirin, the 15-epimer of LXA4 (15-epi-LXA4) is biosynthesized and may mediate some of aspirin's desirable bioactions. LXA4, 15-epi-LXA4, and their stable analogs inhibit inflammation in established animal models, indicating that these compounds may be useful for treating inflammatory disease states. To investigate the cellular mechanisms by which these lipid mediators downregulate inflammation, we investigated whether these eicosanoids could influence receptor-mediated degranulation of human neutrophils, an event thought to play a major causative role in several inflammatory disease states. LXA4, 15-epi-LXA4, and their stable analogs potently (IC50 < 1 nM) and selectively downregulated neutrophil release of azurophilic granule contents but did not affect other neutrophil secretory functions. Thus the cellular basis of action of these natural off-switches to inflammation appears to involve downregulation of neutrophil azurophilic granule release.

Orchestration of neutrophil movement by intestinal epithelial cells in response to Salmonella typhimurium can be uncoupled from bacterial internalization

Intestinal epithelial cells respond to Salmonella typhimurium by internalizing this pathogen and secreting, in a polarized manner, an array of chemokines which direct polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) movement. Notably, interleukin-8 (IL-8) is secreted basolaterally and directs PMN through the lamina propria, whereas pathogen-elicited epithelial chemoattractant (PEEC) is secreted apically and directs PMN migration across the epithelial monolayer to the intestinal lumen. While most studies of S. typhimurium pathogenicity have focused on the mechanism by which this bacterium invades its host, the enteritis characteristically associated with salmonellosis appears to be more directly attributable to the PMN movement that occurs in response to this pathogen. Therefore, we sought to better understand the relationship between S. typhimurium invasion and epithelial promotion of PMN movement. First, we investigated whether S. typhimurium becoming intracellular was necessary or sufficient to induce epithelial promotion of PMN movement. Blocking S. typhimurium invasion by preventing, with cytochalasin D, the epithelial cytoskeletal rearrangements which mediate internalization did not reduce the epithelial promotion of PMN movement. Conversely, bacterial attainment of an intracellular position was not sufficient to induce model epithelia to direct PMN transmigration, since neither basolateral invasion by S. typhimurium nor apical internalization of an invasion-deficient mutant (achieved by inducing membrane ruffling with epidermal growth factor) induced this epithelial cell response. These results indicate that specific interactions between the apical surface of epithelial cells and S. typhimurium, rather than simply bacterial invasion, mediate the epithelial direction of PMN transmigration. To further investigate the means by which S. typhimurium induces epithelia to direct PMN movement, we investigated whether the same signaling pathways regulate secretion of IL-8 and PEEC. IL-8 secretion, but not PEEC secretion, was activated by phorbol myristate acetate and blocked by an inhibitor (mg-132) of the proteosome which mediates NF-kappabeta activation. Further, secretion of IL-8, but not PEEC, was activated by an entry-deficient (HilDelta) S. typhimurium mutant or by basolateral invasion of a wild-type strain. Together, these results indicate that distinct signaling pathways mediate S. typhimurium invasion, induction of IL-8 secretion, and induction of PEEC secretion in model intestinal epithelia.

hPepT1-mediated epithelial transport of bacteria-derived chemotactic peptides enhances neutrophil-epithelial interactions

Intestinal epithelial cells express hPepT1, an apical transporter responsible for the uptake of a broad array of small peptides. As these could conceivably include n-formyl peptides, we examined whether hPepT1 could transport the model n-formylated peptide fMLP and, if so, whether such cellular uptake of fMLP influenced neutrophil-epithelial interactions. fMLP uptake into oocytes was enhanced by hPepT1 expression. In addition, fMLP competitively inhibited uptake of a known hPepT1 substrate (glycylsarcosine) in hPepT1 expressing oocytes. hPepT1 peptide uptake was further examined in a polarized human intestinal epithelial cell line (Caco2-BBE) known to express this transporter. Epithelial monolayers internalized apical fMLP in a fashion that was competitively inhibited by other hPepT1 recognized solutes, but not by related solutes that were not transported by hPepT1. Fluorescence analyses of intracellular pH revealed that fMLP uptake was accompanied by cytosolic acidification, consistent with the known function of hPepT1 as a peptide H+ cotransporter. Lumenal fMLP resulted in directed movement of neutrophils across epithelial monolayers. Solutes that inhibit hPepT1-mediated fMLP transport decreased neutrophil transmigration by approximately 50%. Conversely, conditions that enhanced the rate of hPepT1-mediated fMLP uptake (cytosolic acidification) enhanced neutrophil-transepithelial migration by approximately 70%. We conclude that hPepT1 transports fMLP and uptake of these peptide influences neutrophil-epithelial interactions. These data (a) emphasize the importance of hPepT1 in mediating intestinal inflammation, (b) raise the possibility that modulating hPepT1 activity could influence states of intestinal inflammation, and (c) provide the first evidence of a link between active transepithelial transport and neutrophil-epithelial interactions.

Migration of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes into a polarized epithelial monolayer

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are a phenotypically distinct population of lymphocytes that reside in mucosal epithelia, below the intercellular tight junctions. Although adhesive functions of this population have been previously studied, relatively little is known about IEL migration from the microvasculature into the epithelium. We demonstrated that cultured human IEL were capable of migration into polarized epithelial cells in vitro, where they assumed a subjunctional position, identical to that observed in vivo. The migration was rapid and efficient and was directionally polarized, such that IEL migrated into epithelial monolayers from the basolateral, but not the apical, aspect. After a 4-h period of residence, up to one-half of the IEL then exited the monolayer basolaterally. Migration was partially inhibited by pertussis toxin, suggesting a potential mechanism for IEL migration by chemokine receptor-mediated signaling. The conditions and ligand pairs used in IEL migration were different from those for neutrophils, another cell type known to migrate through epithelia. This system may serve as a model for microenvironmental homing of IEL into the epithelium.

Distinct Ca2+- and cAMP-dependent anion conductances in the apical membrane of polarized T84 cells

Monolayers of the human colonic epithelial cell line T84 exhibit electrogenic Cl- secretion in response to the Ca2+ agonist thapsigargin and to the cAMP agonist forskolin. To evaluate directly the regulation of apical Cl- conductance by these two agonists, we have utilized amphotericin B to permeabilize selectively the basolateral membranes of T84 cell monolayers. We find that apical anion conductance is stimulated by both forskolin and thapsigargin but that these conductances are differentially sensitive to the anion channel blocker DIDS. DIDS inhibits thapsigargin-stimulated responses completely but forskolin responses only partially. Furthermore, the apical membrane anion conductances elicited by these two agonists differ in anion selectivity (for thapsigargin, I- > Cl-; for forskolin, Cl- > I-). However, the DIDS-sensitive component of the forskolin-induced conductance response exhibits anion selectivity similar to that induced by thapsigargin (I- > Cl-). Thus forskolin-induced apical anion conductance comprises at least two components, one of which has features in common with that elicited by thapsigargin.

Ganglioside structure dictates signal transduction by cholera toxin and association with caveolae-like membrane domains in polarized epithelia

In polarized cells, signal transduction by cholera toxin (CT) requires apical endocytosis and retrograde transport into Golgi cisternae and perhaps ER (Lencer, W.I., C. Constable, S. Moe, M. Jobling, H.M. Webb, S. Ruston, J.L. Madara, T. Hirst, and R. Holmes. 1995. J. Cell Biol. 131:951-962). In this study, we tested whether CT's apical membrane receptor ganglioside GM1 acts specifically in toxin action. To do so, we used CT and the related Escherichia coli heat-labile type II enterotoxin LTIIb. CT and LTIIb distinguish between gangliosides GM1 and GD1a at the cell surface by virtue of their dissimilar receptor-binding B subunits. The enzymatically active A subunits, however, are homologous. While both toxins bound specifically to human intestinal T84 cells (Kd approximately 5 nM), only CT elicited a cAMP-dependent Cl- secretory response. LTIIb, however, was more potent than CT in eliciting a cAMP-dependent response from mouse Y1 adrenal cells (toxic dose 10 vs. 300 pg/well). In T84 cells, CT fractionated with caveolae-like detergent-insoluble membranes, but LTIIb did not. To investigate further the relationship between the specificity of ganglioside binding and partitioning into detergent-insoluble membranes and signal transduction, CT and LTIIb chimeric toxins were prepared. Analysis of these chimeric toxins confirmed that toxin-induced signal transduction depended critically on the specificity of ganglioside structure. The mechanism(s) by which ganglioside GM1 functions in signal transduction likely depends on coupling CT with caveolae or caveolae-related membrane domains.

Pathogen-induced chemokine secretion from model intestinal epithelium is inhibited by lipoxin A4 analogs

Enteric pathogens induce intestinal epithelium to secrete chemokines that direct movement of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Mechanisms that might downregulate secretion of these proinflammatory chemokines and thus contain intestinal inflammation have not yet been elucidated. The antiinflammatory activities exhibited by the arachidonate metabolite lipoxin A4 (LXA4) suggests that this eicosanoid, which is biosynthesized in vivo at sites of inflammation, might play such a role. We investigated whether chemokine secretion could be regulated by stable analogs of LXA4. Monolayers of T84 intestinal epithelial cells were infected with Salmonella typhimurium, which elicits secretion of distinct apical (pathogen-elicited epithelial chemoattractant) and basolateral (IL-8) chemokines. Stable analogs of LXA4 inhibited S. typhimurium-induced (but not phorbol ester-induced) secretion of both IL-8 and pathogen-elicited epithelial chemoattractant. LXA4 stable analogs did not alter bacterial adherence to nor internalization by epithelia, indicating that LXA4 stable analogs did not block all signals that Salmonella typhimurium activates in intestinal epithelia, but likely led to attenuation of signals that mediate chemokine secretion. Inhibition of S. typhimurium-induced IL-8 secretion by LXA4 analogs was concentration- (IC50 approximately 1 nM) and time-dependent (maximal inhibition approximately 1 h). As a result of these effects, LXA4 stable analogs inhibited the ability of bacteria-infected epithelia to direct polymorphonuclear leukocyte movement. These data suggest that LXA4 and its stable analogs may be useful in downregulating active inflammation at mucosal surfaces.

Regulation of the movement of solutes across tight junctions

The intercellular tight junction is the rate-limiting barrier in the paracellular pathway for permeation by ions and larger solutes. A variety of widely used electrical and flux approaches are used in the analyses of solute permeation through this pathway; however, each has limitations in practice. It is now clear that solute permeation across tight junctions is dynamically regulated by intracellular events with a common effector mechanism apparently tied to the cytoskeleton. These pathways, which regulate tight junction solute permeability, are targets that produce epithelial barrier dysfunction in a variety of disease states. However, regulation of solute permeation across the junctional barrier may also represent a potential means to improve bioavailability of orally administered bioactive solutes.

Identification of a human enterocyte lipoxin A4 receptor that is regulated by interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon gamma and inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced IL-8 release

Epithelial cells of the alimentary tract play a central role in mucosal immunophysiology. Pathogens and/or agonists that interact with mucosal surfaces often elicit epithelial responses that upregulate inflammation. Therefore, it was of interest to explore potential epithelial targeted antiinflammatory signals. Here we identified and sequenced a human enterocyte lipoxin (LX) A4 [5(S), 6(R),15(S)-trihydroxy-7,9,13-trans-11-cis eicosatetraenoic acid] receptor, and demonstrate that transcription of this receptor was controlled by cytokines, of which lymphocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-13 and interferon gamma were the most potent. When lipoxins and LXA4 stable analogs were evaluated for enterocyte functional as well as immune responses, lipoxins sharply inhibited TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 release but did not alter either barrier function or agonist-stimulated chloride secretion. 15R/S-methyl-LXA4 and 16-phenoxy-LXA4 each attenuated (IC50 approximately 10 nM) IL-8 release. Cyclooxygenase (COX) II is emerging as an important component in wound healing and proliferation in intestinal epithelia and when acetylated by acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) initiates the biosynthesis of a LXA4 receptor ligand. We therefore determined whether colonic cell lines (HT-29 Cl.19A, Caco-2, or T84) express the COX II isozyme. Results for RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that COX I as well as an IL-1beta- and TNF-alpha-inducible COX II are expressed in HT-29 Cl.19A. In addition, aspirin-treated enterocytes generated 15R-HETE, a precursor of 15-epi-LXA4 biosynthesis, whose potent bioactions were mimicked by the stable analog 15R/S-methyl-LXA4. Taken together, these results identify an endogenous pathway for downregulating mucosal inflammatory events and suggest a potential therapeutic benefit for LXA4 stable analogs.

Apical secretion of a pathogen-elicited epithelial chemoattractant activity in response to surface colonization of intestinal epithelia by Salmonella typhimurium

Modeling Salmonella-epithelial cell interaction in vitro has led to the realization that epithelial cells are crucial in orchestrating neutrophil (PMN) responses, in part by stimulating basolateral release of epithelial chemokines, including IL-8. However, such basolaterally released chemokines, while likely important in orchestration of PMN movement across the subepithelial matrix, are unlikely to be responsible for the final step of transepithelial migration of PMN and entry into the apical compartment. We now show that S. typhimurium attachment to T84 cell apical epithelial membranes induces polarized apical secretion of a pathogen-elicited epithelial chemoattractant (PEEC) bioactivity. Experiments employing semipurified PEEC indicate that it is released in a polarized apical fashion and is sufficient to explain the observed final step of transepithelial migration of PMN induced by Salmonella-apical membrane interaction. By preliminary physical characterization and profiles of PMN activation, PEEC appears to be a novel PMN chemotactic bioactivity. This 1- to 3-kDa nominal molecular mass chemokine-like bioactivity directly stimulates PMN via a pertussis toxin-sensitive receptor and elicits a Ca2+ signal. While these latter features are shared by most other chemokines, analysis of PEEC-elicited PMN activation reveals that, unlike these other agonists, PEEC, even at saturating concentrations, elicits chemotactic activity in the absence of stimulation of superoxide production and/or release of primary and/or secondary granules. These data suggest that the apically released PEEC activity appears to represent a novel epithelial-derived chemoattractant that directs PMN movement across epithelial monolayers.

Review article: Pathobiology of neutrophil interactions with intestinal epithelia

Neutrophil-epithelial interactions were modelled using polarized T84 cells and ligands were identified through observations of beta2-integrin dependence in patients with chronic granulomatious disease. Interactions between neutrophils and the apical membrane of crypt cells were analysed using HPLC and an in vitro model with T84 monolayers colonized by Salmonella typhimurium was used to assess neutrophil movement across the epithelium. The decline in transepithelial resistance following movement of neutrophils across the epithelial monolayer may have been due to an interaction between neutrophils and ligand ICAM-1 in which the neutrophils move along the paracellular pathway of epithelial cells. Cell surface polarity may influence these neutrophil-epithelial interactions which influence Cl secretion. These studies revealed that only strains produced in vivo were able to induce neutrophil transmigration in the in vitro model and may be indicative of new progressive therapies for inflammatory bowel disease.

Neutrophil migration across model intestinal epithelia: monolayer disruption and subsequent events in epithelial repair

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acute inflammation of the intestine is associated with transepithelial migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and epithelial wounds that rapidly reseal. The aim of this study was to determine mechanisms by which such PMN-induced epithelial wounds reseal.

METHODS

Epithelial wound closure was modeled in vitro using T84 intestinal epithelial cells and PMNs. Wound closure was analyzed by confocal microscopy and by determination of barrier function. Wounds were highlighted by apical labeling with antibody to a basolaterally restricted ligand, beta1-integrin.

RESULTS

High-density PMN transepithelial migration for 70-110 minutes produced multifocal epithelial wounds that were 1-120 microm in diameter and markedly diminished epithelial barrier function that returned to baseline within 12-20 hours. Large wound closure was initiated by cell flattening and extension of F-actin/vinculin/paxillin-enriched lamellipodia at the leading edge. As wounds became small (approximately <30 microm), epithelial cells at the wound edges assumed columnar phenotype with poorly formed or absent lamellipodia. Apical localized circumferential, dense F-actin/myosin II rings were found to encircle such wounds, suggesting final closure by a sphincter-like contraction.

CONCLUSIONS

These data model mucosal repair in acute inflammatory conditions and, for the first time, show sequential early and late mechanisms by which epithelial discontinuities repair.

Physiological regulation of epithelial tight junctions is associated with myosin light-chain phosphorylation

Tight junctions serve as the rate-limiting barrier to passive movement of hydrophilic solutes across intestinal epithelia. After activation of Na+-glucose cotransport, the permeability of intestinal tight junctions is increased. Because previous analyses of this physiological tight junction regulation have been restricted to intact mucosae, dissection of the mechanisms underlying this process has been limited. To characterize this process, we have developed a reductionist model consisting of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells transfected with the intestinal Na+-glucose cotransporter, SGLT1. Monolayers of SGLT1 transfectants demonstrate physiological Na+-glucose cotransport. Activation of SGLT1 results in a 22 +/- 5% fall in transepithelial resistance (TER) (P < 0.001). Similarly, inactivation of SGLT1 by addition of phloridzin increases TER by 24 +/- 2% (P < 0.001). The increased tight junction permeability is size selective, with increased flux of small nutrient-sized molecules, e.g., mannitol, but not of larger molecules, e.g., inulin. SGLT1-dependent increases in tight junction permeability are inhibited by myosin light-chain kinase inhibitors (20 microM ML-7 or 40 microM ML-9), suggesting that myosin regulatory light-chain (MLC) phosphorylation is involved in tight junction regulation. Analysis of MLC phosphorylation showed a 2.08-fold increase after activation of SGLT1 (P < 0.01), which was inhibited by ML-9 (P < 0.01). Thus monolayers incubated with glucose and myosin light-chain kinase inhibitors are comparable to monolayers incubated with phloridzin. ML-9 also inhibits SGLT1-mediated tight junction regulation in small intestinal mucosa (P < 0.01). These data demonstrate that epithelial cells are the mediators of physiological tight junction regulation subsequent to SGLT1 activation. The intimate relationship between tight junction regulation and MLC phosphorylation suggests that a critical step in regulation of epithelial tight junction permeability may be myosin ATPase-mediated contraction of the perijunctional actomyosin ring and subsequent physical tension on the tight junction.

Induction of epithelial chloride secretion by channel-forming cryptdins 2 and 3

Salt and water secretion from intestinal epithelia requires enhancement of anion permeability across the apical membrane of Cl- secreting cells lining the crypt, the secretory gland of the intestine. Paneth cells located at the base of the small intestinal crypt release enteric defensins (cryptdins) apically into the lumen. Because cryptdins are homologs of molecules known to form anion conductive pores in phospholipid bilayers, we tested whether these endogenous antimicrobial peptides could act as soluble inducers of channel-like activity when applied to apical membranes of intestinal Cl- secreting epithelial cells in culture. Of the six peptides tested, cryptdins 2 and 3 stimulated Cl- secretion from polarized monolayers of human intestinal T84 cells. The response was reversible and dose dependent. In contrast, cryptdins 1, 4, 5, and 6 lacked this activity, demonstrating that Paneth cell defensins with very similar primary structures may exhibit a high degree of specificity in their capacity to elicit Cl- secretion. The secretory response was not inhibited by pretreatment with 8-phenyltheophyline (1 microM), or dependent on a concomitant rise in intracellular cAMP or cGMP, indicating that the apically located adenosine and guanylin receptors were not involved. On the other hand, cryptdin 3 elicited a secretory response that correlated with the establishment of an apically located anion conductive channel permeable to carboxyfluorescein. Thus cryptdins 2 and 3 can selectively permeabilize the apical cell membrane of epithelial cells in culture to elicit a physiologic Cl- secretory response. These data define the capability of cryptdins 2 and 3 to function as novel intestinal secretagogues, and suggest a previously undescribed mechanism of paracrine signaling that in vivo may involve the reversible formation of ion conductive channels by peptides released into the crypt microenvironment.

Proteolytic activation of cholera toxin and Escherichia coli labile toxin by entry into host epithelial cells. Signal transduction by a protease-resistant toxin variant

Cholera and Escherichia coli heat-labile toxins (CT and LT) require proteolysis of a peptide loop connecting two major domains of their enzymatic A subunits for maximal activity (termed "nicking"). To test whether host intestinal epithelial cells may supply the necessary protease, recombinant rCT and rLT and a protease-resistant mutant CTR192H were prepared. Toxin action was assessed as a Cl- secretory response (Isc) elicited from monolayers of polarized human epithelial T84 cells. When applied to apical cell surfaces, wild type toxins elicited a brisk increase in Isc (80 microA/cm2). Isc was reduced 2-fold, however, when toxins were applied to basolateral membranes. Pretreatment of wild type toxins with trypsin in vitro restored the "basolateral" secretory responses to "apical" levels. Toxin entry into T84 cells via apical but not basolateral membranes led to nicking of the A subunit by a serine-type protease. T84 cells, however, did not nick CTR192H, and the secretory response elicited by CTR192H remained attenuated even when applied to apical membranes. Thus, T84 cells express a serine-type protease(s) fully sufficient for activating the A subunits of CT and LT. The protease, however, is only accessible for activation when the toxin enters the cell via the apical membrane.

Surface expression, polarization, and functional significance of CD73 in human intestinal epithelia

During active intestinal inflammation polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) transmigrate into the lumen and release 5'-AMP (J. Clin. Invest. 1993. 91:2320-2325). 5'-AMP is converted to adenosine by the apical epithelial surface with subsequent activation of electrogenic Cl- secretion (the basis of secretory diarrhea) via apical A2b adenosine receptors (J. Biol. Chem. 1995. 270:2387-2394). Using a polarized human intestinal epithelial monolayer (T84), we now characterize the basis of the observed conversion of 5'-AMP to adenosine required for this paracrine signaling pathway. An inhibitor of the ecto-5'-nucleotidase CD73, alpha, beta-methylene ADP (AOPCP), inhibited epithelial Cl- secretory responses to 5'-AMP, but not to authentic adenosine. Confocal immunofluorescent microscopy revealed CD73 to be surface expressed on both model and natural human intestinal epithelia. Expression was about sixfold greater on the apical cell surface as assessed biochemically by selective cell surface biotinylation, and morphologically by immunofluorescence. Treatment with phosphotidylinositol specific-phospholipase C (PI-PLC) released 95% of apical CD73, indicating that the intestinal CD73 possesses a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. Neither adenosine nor 5'-AMP stimulation induced intact T84 cells to shed surface CD73. The bulk of apical CD73 ( approximately 60%) was released from the cell surface by treatment with 1% Triton X-100 (TX-100) at 4 degrees C, but such release was not affected by pretreatment with ligand or by prior, antibody-mediated cross-linking of CD73. Subsequent analyses showed that the subpool of CD73 released by TX-100 at 4 degrees C was not truly solubilized, but rather represented TX-100-induced release of CD73-containing membrane fragments. These membrane fragments displayed light density on sucrose gradients characteristic of detergent insoluble glycosphingolipid-rich membrane domains (DIGs)/ caveolae, were solubilized by n-octyl glucoside (NOG, 1%) at 4 degrees C, and contained caveolin. These data indicate that human intestinal epithelia express CD73, which is apically polarized and targeted to microdomains with DIGs/caveolae characteristics. CD73 likely participates in translating paracrine, PMN-derived 5'-AMP signals to the authentic effector adenosine. These studies define CD73 as central to PMN-mediated intestinal Cl- secretion, the major directacting mechanism by which PMN induce intestinal epithelial Cl- secretion.

Unmasking of intestinal epithelial lateral membrane beta1 integrin consequent to transepithelial neutrophil migration in vitro facilitates inv-mediated invasion by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

Idiopathic intestinal disease states characterized by active inflammation associated with transepithelial migration of neutrophils may, paradoxically, be associated with an increased risk of infection by enteric pathogens. Although the specific ligands with which various intestinal pathogens associate remain largely unknown, it is thought that many reside on the basolateral membrane. For example, beta1 integrin, a basolateral membrane protein, mediates the specific interaction between epithelial cells and the inv gene product (invasin) on the surface of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Our observations indicate that neutrophil migration across model T84 cell intestinal epithelia produced transient separation of epithelial cells at sites of neutrophil migration, resulting in microdiscontinuities that remained unsealed for several hours. We hypothesized that such sites of microdiscontinuities would yield a potential route for luminal pathogens to gain access to basolateral ligands and, thus, provide a window of risk for enteric infection. The surface biotinylation and fluorescence localization studies reported here revealed that, as in natural intestinal epithelia, beta1 integrin was strictly polarized to the basolateral membrane in confluent T84 monolayers. However, the transient microdiscontinuities resulting from neutrophil migration permitted access to beta1 integrin from the apical reservoir. Coincident with such basolateral exposure of beta1 integrin, monolayers became susceptible to invasion by Y. pseudotuberculosis. Fluorescence localization indicated that Y. pseudotuberculosis selectively associated with monolayers at sites where small discontinuities resulting from neutrophil transmigration were found. An increased risk for Y. pseudotuberculosis infection was specifically related to exposure of beta1 integrin (normally concealed by tight junctions) to the apical compartment, as Y. pseudotuberculosis cells lacking the inv gene were unable to invade following neutrophil transepithelial migration. Following closure of the microdiscontinuities associated with neutrophil migration, a small pool of beta1 integrin remained apically localized, presumably due to incomplete repolarization. However, this small apical pool of beta1 integrin was insufficient to support a detectable increased risk of Yersinia infection. Together, these observations indicate that by transiently perturbing monolayer continuity, neutrophil transepithelial migration is associated with a window of risk in which luminal pathogens can access basolateral ligands such as beta1 integrin.

Intestinal epithelial restitution. Involvement of specific laminin isoforms and integrin laminin receptors in wound closure of a transformed model epithelium

Disruptions in the mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal tract reseal by epithelial cell migration, a process termed restitution. We examined the involvement of laminin isoforms and their integrin receptors in restitution using the intestinal epithelial cell line T84. T84 cells express primarily laminins 5, 6, and 7 as indicated by immunostaining using laminin subunit-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A MAb (BM2) specific for the laminin alpha 3 subunit, a component of laminins 5, 6, and 7, completely inhibited the closure of mechanical wounds in T84 monolayers. Confocal microscopy using MAbs BM2 (laminin alpha 3 subunit) and 6F12 (laminin beta 3 subunit) revealed that laminin-5 is deposited in a basal matrix that extends into the wound. The MAbs 4E10 (laminin beta 1 subunit) and C4 (laminin beta 2 subunit) stained the lateral membranes between T84 cells. This staining was enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. Because T84 cells stained faintly with MAbs 4C7 (laminin alpha 1 subunit) and with MAbs 4F11 and 1B4 (laminin alpha 2 subunit), we suggest that expression of laminins 6 and 7 is enhanced in response to wounding. The alpha 3 beta 1 integrin and the alpha 6-containing integrins function in wound closure because MAbs specific for the beta 1 integrin subunit (MAb13), the alpha 3 subunit (IVA5), and the alpha 6 subunit (2B7) potently inhibited T84 migration into wounds. Immunofluorescence using UMA9, a beta 4-integrin-specific MAb, revealed that alpha 6 beta 4 integrin exists in a Triton-X-100-insoluble structure at the basal surface and that the staining of this structure is enhanced in cells adjoining wounds. In addition, a Triton-X-100-soluble pool of alpha 6 beta 4, as well as alpha 3 beta 1 and presumably alpha 6 beta 1, was found along lateral surfaces of T84 cells. On flattened cells adjoining wounds, staining for these integrins was distributed diffusely, suggesting a redistribution that accompanies cell migration. Taken together, these data suggest that wound-induced epithelial cell migration is a finely tuned process that is dependent upon the regulated function and localization of specific laminins and their integrin receptors.

Na:K:2Cl cotransporter (NKCC) of intestinal epithelial cells. Surface expression in response to cAMP

During intestinal chloride secretion, epithelial uptake of salts is accomplished largely by a bumetanide-sensitive Na:K:2Cl cotransporter designated here as NKCC. Using monoclonal antibodies directed against NKCC from the human crypt epithelial cell line, T84, we define its surface localization as a function of cotransporter activation. Immunoelectron microscopy, confocal localization, and selective surface biotinylation studies revealed that the 195-kDa NKCC protein is polarized to the basolateral domain. Following immunoprecipitation, several polypeptides coprecipitated with the 195-kDa cotransporter including two prominent proteins of molecular mass 160 and 130 kDa. Immunoblotting with three distinct anti-NKCC monoclonal antibodies in conjunction with deglycosylation experiments suggested that the 160- and 130-kDa bands represented novel proteins unrelated to the cotransporter. Stimulation of T84 monolayers with cAMP agonists, a condition which elicits chloride secretion and leads to microfilament-dependent NKCC activation, did not significantly increase the number of bumetanide-binding sites and only marginally increased surface expression of the 195-kDa cotransporter available for surface biotinylation. In contrast, cAMP agonist stimulation increased the surface expression of the coprecipitating 160- and 130-kDa proteins approximately 6-fold. The increase in surface 160- and 130-kDa proteins was attenuated by phalloidin preloading the cells, a condition which also prevents activation of NKCC without influencing the activity of other membrane transporters participating in chloride secretion. These studies define the polarized distribution of the NKCC protein on intestinal epithelia, indicate that NKCC may be associated with two other previously unidentified membrane proteins and such association is influenced by the F-actin cytoskeleton.

New insights on molecular pathways utilized by salmonella species in cell binding

Salmonella infections are a principal source of gastroenteritis and enteric fever in a variety of animals, including humans. An essential step in the development of Salmonella pathogenesis is the entry of bacteria into non-phagocytic cells, including those that line the intestinal epithelium. As a consequence of specific cues from the host intestinal micro-environment, Salmonella entry into the intestinal epithelium is the product of a multistep process that culminates in host cell membrane ruffling, and subsequent bacterial uptake. The events that trigger the internalization event appear to require an array of bacterial secreted proteins, exemplified by the formation of bacterial surface appendages (invasomes) which are important for the induction of host-cell signal transduction pathways that lead to membrane ruffling. In addition, during intestinal disease states induced by Salmonella typhimurium, transepithelial migration of neutrophils rapidly follows attachment of the bacteria to the epithelial membrane. Current evidence indicates that the intestinal epithelium plays a key role in orchestrating the inflammatory response to surface attached S. typhimurium. In this review, we explore current insights on the molecular pathways utilized by Salmonella spp. in cell binding that are important not only in the processes of Salmonella internalization but also in the generation of signals which lead to active states of intestinal inflammation.

Expression and polarization of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 on human intestinal epithelia: consequences for CD11b/CD18-mediated interactions with neutrophils

BACKGROUND

Epithelial dysfunction and patient symptoms in inflammatory intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease correlate with migration of neutrophils (PMN) across the intestinal epithelium. In vitro modeling of PMN transepithelial migration has revealed distinct differences from transendothelial migration. By using polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), PMN transepithelial migration has been shown to be dependent on the leukocyte integrin CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), but not on CD11a/CD18 (LFA-1). Since intercellular adhesion molecule-I (ICAM-1) is an important endothelial counterreceptor for these integrins, its expression in intestinal epithelia and role in PMN-intestinal epithelial interactions was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A panel of antibodies against different domains of ICAM-1, polarized monolayers of human intestinal epithelia (T84), and natural human colonic epithelia were used to examine the polarity of epithelial ICAM-1 surface expression and the functional role of ICAM-1 in neutrophil-intestinal epithelial adhesive interactions.

RESULTS

While no surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected on unstimulated T84 cells, interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) elicited a marked expression of ICAM-1 that selectively polarized to the apical epithelial membrane. Similarly, apically restricted surface expression of ICAM-1 was detected in natural human colonic epithelium only in association with active inflammation. With or without IFN gamma pre-exposure, physiologically directed (basolateral-to-apical) transepithelial migration of PMN was unaffected by blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to ICAM-1. In contrast, PMN migration across IFN gamma-stimulated monolayers in the reverse (apical-to-basolateral) direction was inhibited by anti-ICAM-1 antibodies. Adhesion studies revealed that T84 cells adhered selectively to purified CD11b/CD18 and such adherence, with or without IFN gamma pre-exposure, was unaffected by ICAM-1 mAb. Similarly, freshly isolated epithelial cells from inflamed human intestine bound to CD11b/CD18 in an ICAM-1-independent fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that ICAM-1 is strictly polarized in intestinal epithelia and does not represent a counterreceptor for neutrophil CD11b/CD18 during physiologically directed transmigration, but may facilitate apical membrane-PMN interactions after the arrival of PMN in the intestinal lumen.

IFN-gamma modulates CD1d surface expression on intestinal epithelia

In vivo, epithelial cells that line the intestine are intimately associated with lymphocytes, termed intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (iIEL). A putative ligand for iIEL on intestinal epithelial cells is CD1d, and recent studies demonstrate a surface form of this molecule exists on intestinal epithelia. At present, it is not known whether CD1d expression is regulated by cytokines in the intestinal microenvironment. Thus we examined the impact of relevant cytokines on CD1d at the level of mRNA and cell surface expression. Using a sensitive whole cell enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we assessed the impact of relevant cytokines on CD1d expression on intestinal epithelial cell lines. We were readily able to detect CD1d on the surface of T84 cells, a cryptlike intestinal epithelial cell line. Epithelial cell exposure to human recombinant interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) resulted in increased CD1d expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of CD1d cDNA revealed a time-dependent induction after exposure to IFN-gamma. This IFN-gamma effect on CD1d expression was cytokine specific and was evident with epithelial cell lines other than T84, including Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. Finally, we were not able to detect significant surface expression of CD1a, CD1b, or CD1c on intestinal epithelial cell lines in the presence or absence of relevant cytokines. These results indicate that CD1d cell surface protein and cellular mRNA, like other major histocompatibility complex-related molecules, is cytokine regulated in intestinal epithelial cell lines.