A novel monocyte chemotactic factor that connects innate immunity and acquired immunity

A monocyte chemotactic factor was separated from rheumatoid arthritis synovium, and identified as a homo-dimer of S19 ribosomal protein. When S19 protein was treated with the plasma transglutaminase, an inter-molecular isopeptide bond was formed between Lys122 and Gln137, and the chemotactic activity appeared. The S19 protein dimer caused chemotaxis via the receptor on monocytes to C5a, the complement C5-derived chemotactic factor. This dimer antagonized the C5a receptor on neutrophils. This dimer was released from apoptotic cells, and functioned in the phagocytic clearance of these cells by recruiting circulating monocytes. After engulfment, the macrophages moved to regional lymph nodes, and presented apoptotic cell-derived antigens to T cells. T cells proliferated and activated B cells, and eventually the IgM antibody response was observed. Cooperation between the innate immune response and the acquired response would induce an effective host defense primarily against viral infection.