Effects of the very late adhesion molecule 4 antagonist WAY103 on human peripheral blood eosinophil vascular cell adhesion molecule 1-dependent functions

BACKGROUND: Eosinophil infiltration to the lung in allergic inflammation can be initiated by the tethering of circulating cells through very late adhesion molecule 4 (VLA-4; alpha4beta1, CD49d/CD29) to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expressed on pulmonary vascular endothelium. Small-molecule VLA-4 antagonists have been proposed as a therapeutic mechanism to prevent eosinophil infiltration in asthma; however, they might affect other eosinophil functions. OBJECTIVE: The small-molecule VLA-4 antagonist (2S)-3-(4-Dimethylcarbamoyloxyphenyl)-2-{[(4R)-5,5-dimethyl-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4 sulfonyl)thiazolidine-4-carbonyl]amino}propionic acid (WAY103) was assessed for its effects on eosinophil VLA-4-dependent functions, including adhesion, migration, respiratory burst, and degranulation. METHODS: Human peripheral blood eosinophils were preincubated with WAY103, anti-alpha4, and/or anti-beta2 integrin mAbs and then assessed for adhesion to recombinant VCAM-1, intercellular adhesion molecule 1, and endothelial cell monolayers. Transmigration was measured by using human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell monolayers and Transwell filters. Superoxide anion generation was determined by means of cytochrome C reduction and degranulation by means of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin release. RESULTS: WAY103 inhibition of eosinophil adhesion to recombinant VCAM-1 was dose dependent (63% inhibition with 100 nM WAY103, P < .04) and comparable with inhibition caused by anti-alpha4 mAb (60.1% inhibition). Although pretreatment with WAY103 also decreased eosinophil adhesion to TNF-alpha plus IL-4-activated human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell monolayers, it did not prevent eosinophil transendothelial migration in response to RANTES. Finally, WAY103 inhibited VCAM-1-stimulated superoxide generation but enhanced cytokine-activated eosinophil-derived neurotoxin degranulation. CONCLUSION: Although small-molecule VLA-4 antagonists, such as WAY103, might reduce eosinophil adhesion, this approach might not be sufficient to eliminate this cell from in vivo allergic airway inflammatory participation and could even promote specific cell activation.     

Regulation of acute graft-versus-host disease by human umbilical cord blood derived stromal cells in haploidentical stem cell transplantation in mice through very late activation antigen-4

Human umbilical cord blood derived stromal cells (hUCBDSCs), a novel resource isolated by our laboratory, have been shown to exert an immunologic regulation. Very late activation antigen-4 (VLA-4) has been associated with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism by in vitro co-cultured splenocytes of donor mice with hUCBDSCs and in haploidentical stem cell transplantation in mice with acute GVHD. Both hUCBDSCs and human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) elicited decreased lymphocyte expression of VLA-4, but this decrease was stronger with hUCBDSCs than with hBMSCs (p<0.05). Cotransplantation of bone marrow with hUCBDSCs significantly decreased the expression of VLA-4 compared with control mice (p<0.05). A significant reduction of VLA-4 labeling in the target organs of GVHD was evident in haploidentical mice cotransplanted with hUCBDSCs. Our study shows that hUCBDSCs may protect mouse recipients of haploidentical stem cell transplantation from aGVHD via downregulating the expression of VLA-4.     

Platelets promote eosinophil adhesion of patients with asthma to endothelium under flow conditions

During the late-phase asthmatic response, eosinophils migrate to the bronchial tissue and cause severe damage. In this study we compared in vivo primed eosinophils from patients with allergic asthma with eosinophils from healthy control subjects in their adhesion behavior to tumor necrosis factor-alpha-activated endothelium under flow conditions (0.8 dyn/cm2). More eosinophils from patients with asthma adhered to activated endothelium, compared with cells from healthy control subjects (1,237 +/- 126 versus 887 +/- 94 cells/mm2, respectively). In the presence of blocking antibodies directed against very late antigen-4 and E-selectin, the residual binding of the cells of individuals with allergic asthma was significantly higher than that of the healthy control subjects (353 +/- 64 versus 123 +/- 31 cells/mm2, respectively, P < 0.02). In addition, secondary tethering or formation of clusters of the eosinophils of patients with allergic asthma was significantly increased compared with the healthy control subjects (cluster indices 1.8 +/- 0.3 versus 0.8 +/- 0.2, respectively, P < 0.05). Because patient cells showed an enhanced interaction with platelets during the perfusions, the role of P-selectin on platelets was investigated. Blocking antibodies directed against P-selectin reduced the enhanced binding and clustering of eosinophils of patients with allergic asthma. We conclude that P-selectin-bearing platelets contribute to secondary tethering processes of eosinophils to activated endothelium. Therefore, platelets might play an important role in the chronic inflammatory processes of these patients.     

Reduced intracellular oxidative metabolism promotes firm adhesion of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes to vascular endothelium under flow conditions

The interaction of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) with the vascular endothelium and their subsequent extravasation to the tissues is a key step during different physiological and pathological processes. In certain of these pathologies the oxygen tension becomes very low, leading to reduced cellular oxidative status. To evaluate the effect of lowering the intracellular redox status in the interaction of PMN with the endothelium, exposure to hypoxic conditions as well as treatment with different antioxidant agents was carried out. PMN exposure to hypoxia enhanced β₂ integrin-dependent adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1-coated surfaces, concomitant with a decrease in the intracellular redox status of the cell. As occurs with hypoxia, treatment with antioxidants produced a decrease in the oxidation state of PMN. These agents enhanced adhesion of PMN to human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and this effect was also mediated by β₂ integrins LFA-1 and Mac-1. Adhesion studies under defined laminar flow conditions showed that the antioxidant treatment induced an enhanced adhesion mediated by β₂ integrins with a decrease in the fraction of PMN rolling on TNF-α-activated endothelial cells. The up-regulated PMN adhesion was correlated to an increase in the expression and activation of integrin Mac-1, without loss of L-selectin surface expression. Altogether, these results demonstrate that a reduction in the intracellular oxidative state produces an enhanced β₂ integrin-dependent adhesion of PMN to stimulated endothelial cells under conditions of flow.     

不同来源的树突状细胞对扩增脐血NKT的影响

目的 比较不同来源的DC对扩增脐血NKT的影响.方法 分别以外周血和脐血为来源诱生DC,在α-Galcer和IL-2的联合刺激下,对脐血中的NKT进行扩增.用流式细胞检测技术分析不同来源DC的表型区别,并对它们扩增的NKT细胞(TCR Va24 TCR Vβ11 )进行鉴定.结果 在14 d的培养时间里,由PB-Dc参与的TCR Vαβ NKT细胞的扩增量占淋巴细胞的(20.8±5.25)%,是原来的(8.22±2.75)×102倍;而由CB-DC参与的TCR Vαβ NKT为(11.26±5.63)%,是原来的(4.66±2.12)×102倍;未加DC组,单用α-Galcer和IL-2,NKT的最终扩增量也达到了(10.84±4.00)%.3组较原来都呈现显著性扩增(P＜0.01),其中以PB-DC参与的NKT扩增组效率最高(P＜0.001).经流式检测,PB来源的DC,其表面CDld表达明显高于CB来源的DC(P＜0.001),而共刺激分子则较脐血DC低.结论 α-Galeer对NKT细胞有特异地扩增功能;NKT的扩增效率与DC细胞之间有着密切的关联,以外周血为来源的DC,其协同刺激脐带血NKT的扩增功能较脐血DC强.     

人脐血和外周血内皮祖细胞的分离培养和鉴定

背景：国内外有关内皮祖细胞的分离培养和鉴定方面的文章很多,但是人脐血和外周血内皮祖细胞的鉴别方面文章不多。 目的：从人脐血和外周血中分离出内皮祖细胞,并对其进行培养和鉴定。 方法：选取密度梯度离心法从脐血和外周血中分离获得单个核细胞,按照1× 10⁶/cm²的浓度种植于预先铺有纤维连接蛋白的培养板中,用含血管内皮生长因子的M199培养基进行诱导培养。 结果与结论：人脐血和外周血中存在内皮祖细胞,浓度梯度离心联合贴壁筛选获得的单个核细胞在血管内皮生长因子的诱导培养下可分化成内皮祖细胞,内皮祖细胞表达CD34、CD133、CD105、KDR和CD31,能吞噬乙酰化低密度脂蛋白,结合荆豆凝集素1,它们可作为体外分选内皮祖细胞的标志。     

Effects of human recombinant interleukin 5 and 3 on the differentiation of cord blood-derived eosinophils and basophils

When mononuclear cells from umbilical-cord blood were cultured for 3 weeks, low concentrations of interleukin 3 supported the preferential growth of basophils, with eosinophils comprising a smaller proportion. These basophils contained 0.15-0.3 microgram histamine per 10(6) cells, and released histamine by the IgE-dependent and -independent stimuli. Interleukin 5 increased the number and proportion of eosinophils in a dose-dependent manner without affecting the proliferation of other cell types in the interleukin 3-supplemented cultures. These cultured eosinophils could be activated by platelet-activating factor.     

Activation antigen expression on human T cells. I. Analysis by two-colour flow cytometry of umbilical cord blood, adult blood and lymphoid tissue

Activation antigens (actags) were detected on T cells at low levels of intensity by carefully defining negative cells with a panel of control antibodies. The mean percentage of blood T cells from healthy volunteers that expressed actags were 22% (CD25), 54% (CD26), 38% (CD38), 12% (CD54), 6% (CD69) and 21% (HLA-DR). The variability of actag expression detected by this sensitive method was determined on healthy volunteers by repeated estimation over a year. The percentage of T cells expressing CD25 and CD26 varied no more than repeated estimation of the CD4 T cell subset, whereas other actags showed greater variability. The antigen density of these actags on T cells was determined in relation to CD4 antigen density, and for most actags ranged from 10% to 75% of the level of CD4 antigen density except for CD7 and HLA-DR, which could exceed that of CD4. Different degrees of actag expression characterized T cells from different blood and lymphoid tissues. CD26, CD38 and CD45RA were universally expressed in cord blood at higher antigen density than adult blood. This immature pattern was consistent with recent thymic emigration. CD25, CD45RO, CD54 and HLA-DR progressively increased from cord blood through adult blood to lymphoid tissues, consistent with antigen-driven activation, whereas CD26 and CD45RA decreased. CD69, a very early activation antigen, abruptly increased in lymphoid tissue, exceeding CD25 by two-to-three-fold and suggesting a pre-activation state that may not involve commitment to antigen-driven proliferation. CD7 and CD38 expression was higher in cord blood and lymphoid tissue than in adult blood, indicating both an antigen-independent and -dependent up-regulation.     

CD99 (E2) up-regulates alpha4beta1-dependent T cell adhesion to inflamed vascular endothelium under flow conditions

CD99/E2 is an integral transmembrane protein which forms, together with Xga, a distinct family whose genes are located in the pseudoautosomal region. The number of T cells that firmly bound to vascular endothelial cells under physiological shear stress increased 2-14-fold upon CD99 stimulation, and bound cells became much more resistant to detachment forces and spread. T cell arrest occurred within 1 min and was dependent on the alpha4beta1-VCAM-1 pathway. In contrast, the alphaLbeta2-ICAM-1 pathway remained unactivated. This was observed with T cell lines and with activated peripheral blood lymphocytes, and was limited within the resting peripheral CD4+ T cells to the memory subset, while virgin cells were unaffected. This discloses a stepwise regulation of the T cell extravasation cascade.     

脐血来源间充质干细胞可抑制异体T细胞的反应

目的 研究脐血间充质干细胞(HUCB-MSCs)对异体T细胞的抑制作用.方法 体外培养HUCB-MSCs,流式细胞术测表面标记;取正常人外周血,免疫磁珠分离CＤ３+T细胞,将分离的CD3+T与HUCB-MSCs 1:1混合培养5d,PHA刺激或不刺激,采用3H-TdR掺入法观察T细胞增殖,ELISA方法检测细胞因子,流...     

rIL-2对人脐带血淋巴细胞和成人外周血淋巴细胞亚群的诱导活化作用

目的比较分析ｒＩＬ－２刺激对人脐带血和成人外周血淋巴细胞亚群及功能的影响。方法利用流式细胞技术对脐带血和成人外周血淋巴细胞亚群进行检测，用ｔ检验做统计学分析。结果新鲜未刺激的脐带血淋巴细胞在发育和功能方面均比成人外周血幼稚；两者对ｒＩＬ－２刺激的反应明显不同，脐带血的变化主要表现为ＣＤ４＋和ＣＤ８＋细胞亚群的成熟和记忆功能增强，即由ＣＤ４５ＲＡ＋向ＣＤ４５ＲＯ＋细胞转化，而成人外周血淋巴细胞主要为ＣＤ３３－ＣＤ１６＋的ＮＫ细胞比例增加和ＣＤ４＋和ＣＤ８＋细胞亚群的ＣＤ２５＋细胞比例增加，而ＣＤ４５ＲＡ＋和ＣＤ４５ＲＯ＋细胞亚群无明显变化。结论人脐带血和成人外周血淋巴细胞无论在构成还是对ｒＩＬ－２刺激的反应均不同     

Cell cycling status of human cord blood CD34+ cells during ex vivo expansion is related to the level of very late antigen expression

Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), which binds to the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, is an integrin molecule known to be modulated during mobilization of CD34+ cells, and to be involved in signaling the mobilization stimuli. On the hypothesis that cell cycling status might be different depending on the level of VLA-4 expression, we investigated the DNA contents of human cord blood CD34+ cells during ex vivo expansion by recombinant human thrombopoietin and flt3-ligand with simultaneous measurement of surface VLA-4 at the 1st and 4th week. During this ex vivo expansion, expression of VLA-4 increased and almost all cells became VLA-4+ until the 4th day of culture. Expression of VLA-4 was maintained in the major population of the cultured cells until the 4th week. The cells in S/G2/M phase were greater in number in VLA-4 high fraction than in VLA-4 low fraction (n=4, p<.001). Furthermore, the fraction of cells in S/G2/M phase increased as the expression of VLA-4 became higher. These results suggest that cord blood CD34+ cells expressing high levels of VLA-4 have more proliferative activities.     

Combined analysis of intracellular signalling and immunophenotype of human peripheral blood basophils by flow cytometry: a proof of concept

BACKGROUND: The signal transduction pathways and control mechanisms involved in IgE-mediated basophil activation remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether basophilic intracellular signal transduction and immunophenotype can be analysed simultaneously by flow cytometry. METHODS: Basophils in whole blood were stimulated with anti-IgE and latex antigen at various concentrations and during different time courses. Phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as a representative of the intracellular signal transduction pathway and surface expression of CD63 was assessed simultaneously flow cytometrically. The effect of pre-incubation with IL-3 was assessed. RESULTS: Stimulation of the basophils with anti-IgE and allergen induces a rapid phosphorylation of p38 MAPK that peaks between 1 and 5 min and returns to baseline levels after 60 min. In contrast, CD63 up-regulation demonstrates a maximal but more continuous expression that peaks approximately 5 min later than phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Specific inhibition of p38 MAPK reduced or almost completely abrogated up-regulation of CD63. Pre-incubation of the basophils with IL-3 produces a rapid p38 MAPK phosphorylation over basal levels, but this was weaker and shorter than for anti-IgE stimulation. Pre-incubation of the basophils with IL-3 did not potentiate anti-IgE-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and did affect spontaneous or IgE-mediated CD63 up-regulation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the proof that the flow cytometer allows an integrated analysis of basophilic intracellular signalling and immunophenotyping. Owing to its technical simplicity, the low number of cells required and rapid analysis, the technique seems promising for use in the clinic as a diagnostic tool or to monitor therapy. CAPSULE SUMMARY: This study is the first to provide evidence for a combined analysis of basophilic intracellular signalling and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Owing to its technical simplicity, the low number of cells required and rapid analysis, the technique seems promising for use in the clinic as a diagnostic tool or to monitor therapy.     

髓磷脂碱性蛋白促进单个核细胞对内皮细胞的粘附效应

目的：探讨ＭＢＰ对外周血单个核细胞（ＰＢＭＮＣ）与人脐静脉内皮细胞（ＨＵＶＥＣ）粘附性的影响,以揭示中枢神经系统（ＣＮＳ）炎症时ＰＢＭＮＣ进入ＣＮＳ的可能原因。方法：用细胞粘附试验,研究ＰＢＭＮＣ与ＨＵＶＥＣ的粘附性,用细胞免疫化学法、ＦＡＣＳ分别观察ＶＣＡＭ－１和ＩＣＡＭ－１的表达。结果：ＭＢＰ活化的ＰＢＭＮＣ与ＭＢＰ刺激的ＰＢＭＮＣ培养上清作用的ＨＵＶＥＣ的粘附性较对照有显著提高。ＩＣＡＭ＿１     

Surface-aminated electrospun nanofibers enhance adhesion and expansion of human umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Interaction between hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and their extra cellular matrix components is an integral part of the signaling control for HSPC survival, proliferation and differentiation. We hypothesized that both substrate topographical cues and biochemical cues could act synergistically with cytokine supplementation to improve ex vivo expansion of HSPCs. In this study, we compared the ex vivo expansion of human umbilical cord blood CD34⁺ cells on unmodified, hydroxylated, carboxylated and aminated nanofibers and films. Results from 10-day expansion cultures showed that aminated nanofiber mesh and film were most efficient in supporting the expansion of the CD34⁺CD45⁺ cells (195-fold and 178-fold, respectively), as compared to tissue culture polystyrene (50-fold, p<0.05). In particular, aminated nanofiber meshes supported a higher degree of cell adhesion and percentage of HSPCs, as compared to aminated films. SEM imaging revealed the discrete colonies of cells proliferating and interacting with the aminated nanofibers. This study highlights the potential of a biomaterials approach to influence the proliferation and differentiation of HSPCs ex vivo.     

The reactivity of dispersed human lung mast cells and peripheral blood basophils to acetylcholine]

To clarify the relation between human lung mast cells and parasympathetic nerve function as well as IgE mediated allergic reactions, highly purified dispersed human lung mast cells were obtained by using the techniques of scissors dispersion, enzymatic treatment, percoll centrifugation and exclusion of adherent cells. The reactivity to acetylcholine was examined by observing the histamine release of purified mast cells. Moreover, peripheral blood basophils, which have many functional similarities with mast cells, were also examined in the same manner. The following results were obtained; 1) Histamine was significantly released from dispersed human lung mast cells at a final concentration of 10(-5) M acetylcholine (p less than 0.05); the peak of histamine release was 10(-4) M of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine had the additional effect of releasing histamine in response to anti-IgE. Histamine release was partially inhibited by 10(-5) M atropine. 2) Basophils had no response to acetylcholine. These results suggest that human lung mast cells play an important role in the defensive mechanism as an effector cell of acetylcholine-mediated autonomic nerve system as well as IgE-mediated allergic reaction.     

脐带血和成人外周血TCR Vγ和Vδ亚家族的分布和克隆性研究

目的探讨脐带血和健康成人外周血TCR Vγ和Vδ基因谱系的分布情况及克隆性特点。方法利用RT-PCR法检测16例脐带血和10例健康成人外周血单个核细胞TCRVγ(Ⅰ～Ⅲ)和Vδ(1～8)各亚家族的表达,了解各亚家族的分布和利用情况;阳性的PCR产物进一步经荧光素标记和基因扫描分析其CDR3长度,了解T细胞的克隆性。2例成人胸腺组织作为对照。结果脐带血T细胞的Vγ基因表达主要集中在VγⅠ和VγⅡ,而Vδ基因则平均表达(4.63±1.03)个亚家族,主要集中在Vδ1、2、3、8中表达。健康成人外周血T细胞除了1例不表达VγⅢ之外,其余均表达全部Vγ基因,而在Vδ基因中则平均表达(3.6±0.52)个亚家族,并以Vδ1、2和3为多见,Vδ4和Vδ5未能在外周血中检测到,而Vδ5和Vδ8的表达则明显低于脐带血(P=0.009,P=0.001);2例成人胸腺组织表达除Vδ4和Vδ6之外的其他Vγ和Vδ亚家族。基因扫描显示16例脐带血中有1例在VγⅠ和5例分别在Vδ2、Vδ4和Vδ6中出现寡克隆性,10例成人外周血中有9例在不同亚家族中出现克隆性T细胞,其余均呈多克隆性。结论脐带血TCRVγ和Vδ亚家族T细胞和健康成人外...     

Regulation of the very late antigen-4-mediated adhesive activity of normal and nonreleaser basophils: roles for Src, Syk, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

Normal human basophils express the integrin, VLA-4, and cross-linking their high-affinity IgE receptor, FcepsilonRI, increases their VLA-4-dependent adhesion to VCAM-1-transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Here we show that the FcepsilonRI-mediated up-regulation of normal basophil VLA-4 adhesion is abolished by the Src inhibitor, PP1, the Syk inhibitor, ER-27319, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin. PP1, but not ER-27319 or wortmannin, also reduces basal adhesion and adhesion stimulated by chemotactic peptide, by Ca(++) ionophores, and by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Nonreleaser basophils (the consistently Syk-deficient, variably Lyn-deficient, severely degranulation-impaired cells found in about 10% of donors) share the PP1 phenotype of lowered basal adhesion, no FcepsilonRI-mediated adhesion up-regulation, and reduced adhesive responses to chemoattractant ionophores and PMA. These results implicate Src kinases in the control of basal VLA-4 activity and place Syk and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the pathway linking FcepsilonRI cross-linking to VLA-4 up-regulation. Both Src and Syk-regulated components of adhesion may be impaired in nonreleaser basophils.     

Stroke-induced migration of human umbilical cord blood cells: time course and cytokines

The therapeutic window for treatment of individuals after stroke is narrow, regardless of the treatment regime; extension of this window would provide a major therapeutic advance. In prior reports, we demonstrated significant improvements in the behavioral defects of rats that received human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) cells 24 h after a middle cerebral arterial occlusion. These effects paralleled the recruitment of these cells to the site of tissue damage. While the administration of HUCB cells 24 h after stroke was effective, the optimal time to administer these cells after stroke has not been established. Here, we investigated the migration of HUCB cells to ischemic tissue extracts. After ischemic assault, brain tissue was homogenized, and the supernatants were assayed for their ability to attract HUCB mononuclear cells as well as for levels of several cytokines. We demonstrate increased migratory activity of HUCB cells toward the extracts harvested at 24-72 h after stroke. The extracts possessed increased levels of certain cytokines and chemokines, suggesting their participation in HUCB cell migration. The results from this study are promising in that the current 3-h therapeutic window for the treatment of stroke victims, using approved anticoagulant treatment, may be extended with the use of HUCB cell therapy 24-72 h post stroke. Last, the chemokines present in the supernatant provide a sound starting point to start examining the mechanisms responsible for the in vivo migration of HUCB cells after the induction of stroke.