Cigarette smoke exposure attenuates cytokine production by mouse alveolar macrophages

HIV-1 infection impairs alveolar macrophage immune function and renders patients susceptible to pneumonia by poorly understood mechanisms. Alveolar macrophage maturation and function depends on granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which is produced and secreted by the alveolar epithelium. Macrophages respond to GM-CSF through the GM-CSF receptor (GM-CSFR), which has a binding subunit (GM-CSFRalpha) and a signaling subunit (GM-CSFRbeta). In this study, we measured GM-CSFR expression and alveolar macrophage function in a transgene HIV-1 rat model (NL4-3Delta gag/pol); this construct bears a pro-virus with gag and pol deleted, but other HIV-1-related proteins, such as gp120 and Tat, are expressed, and the rats develop an AIDS-like phenotype as they age. We first determined that HIV-1-transgenic expression selectively decreased alveolar macrophage expression of GM-CSFRbeta and impaired bacterial phagocytosis in vitro. Next, we examined the role of zinc (Zn) deficiency as a potential mechanism underlying these effects, and determined that HIV-1-transgenic rats have significantly lower levels of Zn in the alveolar space and macrophages. To test the direct effect of Zn deficiency on macrophage dysfunction, we treated rat alveolar macrophage cell line with a Zn chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridyl-methyl) ethylenediamine, and this decreased GM-CSFRbeta expression and phagocytosis. In parallel, treatment with Zn acetate in vitro for 48 hours restored intracellular Zn levels and phagocytic function in alveolar macrophages from HIV-1-transgenic rats. Taken together, these data suggest that pulmonary Zn deficiency could be one of the mechanisms by which chronic HIV-1 infection impairs alveolar macrophage immune function and renders these individuals susceptible to serious lung infections.     

Levamisole causes differential cytokine expression by elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from normal C57B1/6J mice were examined in vitro for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production. Macrophages from mice administered a single oral dose of levamisole (3 mg/kg) 1 to 4 days prior to macrophage harvest demonstrated a twofold enhancement of IL-1 production compared to vehicle-treated mice. In contrast, IL-6 production and TNF production by the same macrophages were inhibited up to 36 and 62%, respectively, compared to production by macrophages harvested from vehicle-treated mice. Similar results were observed when IL-1 production and TNF production were followed in peritoneal exidate cells directly stimulated with levamisole in vitro. The ex vivo LPS-stimulated IL-1 production was enhanced 4 days after macrophage elicitation, whereas TNF and IL-6 production returned to baseline by 72 h after macrophage recruitment and augmentation. No evidence could be found for the presence of inhibitors of TNF or IL-6. The specificity of the IL-1, IL-6, and TNF bioactivities was demonstrated by neutralization with specific antisera. Immunoprecipitation studies of supernatants from biosynthetically labeled macrophages also revealed augmented IL-1 production and decreased IL-6 and TNF, indicating that levamisole may have affected cytokine production at the translational level. Kinetics studies revealed that ex vivo release of IL-6 and TNF by macrophages from levamisole-dosed mice was delayed compared to production of these cytokines by macrophages harvested from mice given vehicle only. The results may explain, in part, the reported ability of levamisole to ameliorate cases of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by affecting the relative levels of cytokines produced by macrophages recruited to sites of injury, which are associated with inflammation and acute-phase protein synthesis.     

P13K在细胞外基质分泌细胞因子表达中的作用

目的 探讨纤维连接蛋白(FN)、Ⅰ型胶原蛋白(Col Ⅰ)两种细胞外基质(ECM)成分对被动致敏的人气道平滑肌细胞(HASMCs)免疫功能的影响及磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(PDK)在此调控中的作用.方法 将HASMCs接种于FN、Col Ⅰ包被的培养板和空白培养板中,用10%哮喘患者血清被动致敏HASMCs,以10%非哮喘者血清为对照,在加入血清前用PDK抑制剂(LY294002)预处理HASMCs 30 min.采用RT-PCR法检测HASMCs RANTES(regulated upon activation.normal T cell ex-pressed and secreted)、Eotaxin、TGF·β1 mRNA表达;ELISA法测定HASMCs培养上清中RANTES、Eotax-in、TGF-β1蛋白水平.结果 与单纯对照血清组比较,单纯哮喘血清组、对照血清+FN组、对照血清+Col Ⅰ组HASMCs RANTES、Eotaxin、TGF-β1 mRNA和HASMCs培养上清中蛋白的表达均增高(P<0.05).哮喘血清+FN、哮喘血清+Col Ⅰ处理HASMC后,RANTES、Eotaxin、TGF-β1mRNA和HASMCs培养上清中蛋白的表达均高于单纯哮喘血清组,且LY294002干预后上述各指标均下降(P<0.05).结论 细胞外基质对被动致敏的HASMCs免疫功能具有调控作用,PI3可能参与细胞外基质对被动致敏的HASMCs的免疫功能调控.     

Regulation by endogenous interferon of virus-induced cytokine gene expression in mouse macrophages.

In macrophages from inbred mice the magnitude of the interferon (IFN) response to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) infection is under genetic control of the locus If-1, with C57BL/6 carrying the 'high-producer' allele If-1h whereas BALB/c have the 'low-producer' allele If-1l. The IFN produced consists of 90% IFN-beta and there are 10-fold differences between macrophages from If-1h and If-1l mice. Recently, we observed that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is coinduced by NDV in macrophages and seems to be under the same genetic control. Noninduced macrophages have been shown to secrete low amounts of antiviral activity endogenously when cultured in the presence of the macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). Here, we report that the amount of this endogenous IFN varies between macrophages from different mouse strains. Macrophages from BALB/c were found to secrete 5-10 times more endogenous IFN compared to C57BL/6. The antiviral activity could be identified as IFN-beta. Interestingly, we observed that endogenous IFN specifically down-regulates NDV-induced IFN and IL-6 production. Preculture of BALB/c macrophages in M-CSF plus anti-IFN-beta to neutralize the biological effects of the endogenous IFN provoked a 30- to 50-fold increase in NDV-induced cytokine production, resulting in a nearly complete abrogation of the genetically determined difference since the same treatment only caused a 6-fold increase in C57BL/6 macrophages following NDV infection. This increase in cytokine gene expression was specific for NDV and marked by a strong additional activation of IFN-alpha genes. Addition of mouse recombinant IFN-alpha 4 to anti-IFN-beta-treated macrophages for 18 h prior to NDV infection down-regulated again IFN gene expression and reestablished the genetic differences between macrophages from If-1h and If-1l mice.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Age related decline in cytoplasmic spreading of mouse peritoneal macrophages

Peritoneal macrophages fron NZB, C3H/f and CBA/H mice are examined for age-related changes in cytoplasmic spreading. A significant reduction in the ability to spread on antigen-antibody complex coated glass was observed with age for macrophages from all three strains. A significant decline in spreading on uncoated glass was also seen in NZB and C3H/f macrophages. The age-related decline in cytoplasmic spreading was strain-dependent and appeared to correlate with differences in lifespan.     

Synthetic surfactant (Exosurf) inhibits endotoxin-stimulated cytokine secretion by human alveolar macrophages.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) are inflammatory cytokines produced by alveolar macrophages (AMs) and implicated in sepsis-related adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Preliminary findings from clinical trials suggest that aerosolized delivery of the synthetic surfactant Exosurf (Burroughs Wellcome Co.) reduces mortality in patients with sepsis-induced ARDS. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of Exosurf on inflammatory cytokine secretion from AMs in vitro. AMs were obtained from normal nonsmoking adult volunteers. Secreted TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays in 24 h culture fluids of AMs. Exosurf inhibited LPS-stimulated TNF, IL-1, and IL-6 secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. IL-8 secretion was not affected by Exosurf under these conditions. However, if AMs were preincubated for 24 h in media and then LPS-stimulated, IL-8 secretion was inhibited by Exosurf. Regulation of IL-8 production may differ from TNF, IL-1, and IL-6. Unstimulated cytokine secretion was not affected by any of the tested concentrations of Exosurf. The inhibitory effect of Exosurf on endotoxin-induced cytokine secretion by human AMs suggests that Exosurf may modulate inflammatory cytokine production in the lung.     

Search for potent modulators of cytokine production by macrophages

We compared the effects of Tamerit, Polyoxidony, and Licopid on spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor by mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The test preparations were equally potent in stimulating nonactivated cells. Licopid produced a costimulatory effect on macrophages primed with endotoxin. Tamerit in different doses suppressed cytokine production by cells. Polyoxidony in low doses activated, but in high doses suppressed this process.Translated from Byulleten Eksperimentalnoi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 138, No. 9, pp. 293–295, September, 2004     

Search for potent modulators of cytokine production by macrophages

We compared the effects of Tamerit, Polyoxidony, and Licopid on spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor by mouse peritoneal macrophagesin vitro. The test preparations were equally potent in stimulating nonactivated cells. Licopid produced a costimulatory effect on macrophages primed with endotoxin. Tamerit in different doses suppressed cytokine production by cells. Polyoxidony in low doses activated, but in high doses suppressed this process. Translated fromByulleten’ Eksperimental’noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 138, No. 9, pp. 293–295, September, 2004     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis PPE25 and PPE26 proteins expressed in Mycobacterium smegmatis modulate cytokine secretion in mouse macrophages and enhance mycobacterial survival

PPE25 and PPE26, the Mycobacterium tuberculosis proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) family proteins, are members of the M. tuberculosis ESX-5 system associated with virulence of M. tuberculosis. To investigate the roles of PPE25 and PPE26 during M. tuberculosis infection, we expressed them in non-pathogenic fast-growing Mycobacterium smegmatis, respectively, and used these recombinant strains to infect ANA-1 macrophages and BALB/c mice. We observed that both PPE25 and PPE26 enhanced survival of M. smegmatis in ANA-1 macrophages, and prolonged the persistence of M. smegmatis in mouse tissues. M. smegmatis-expressed PPE25 and PPE26 induced a significantly higher level of TNF-α and a slightly higher amount of IL-1β, which was found to be mediated by the NF-κB, ERK and p38 pathways in ANA-1 macrophages. In addition, M. smegmatis-expressed PPE26 inhibited synthase of inducible nitric oxide and induced stronger cell necrosis. In summary, our data suggest that PPE25 and PPE26 enhance non-pathogenic M. smegmatis to survive in ANA-1 macrophages and persistence in mice, modify expression of multiple cytokines and affect host cell necrosis. Our results could help to understand the complex interactions between the host and M. tuberculosis.     

Swine dust induces cytokine secretion from human epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages

Exposure to swine dust causes airway inflammation with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and inflammatory cells in nasal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in healthy subjects. Earlier studies have suggested that lipopolysaccharides (LPS) might be an important proinflammatory factor in swine dust. Since respiratory epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages are target cells for the inhaled dust, we therefore compared the release of proinflammatory cytokines from normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE), an epithelial cell line (A549) and from human alveolar macrophages obtained from BALF from healthy subjects in vitro after incubation with dust collected in swine houses or LPS. Swine dust or LPS was added to the wells with A549 cells or macrophages and incubated for 8 h at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg/ml. NHBE cells were incubated with swine dust at a concentration of 25, 50 or 100 μg/ml or with LPS at a concentration of 50 or 100 μg/ml and incubated for 24 h. The supernatants were collected, centrifuged, and IL-6, IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production was measured using an ELISA method and expressed per 10⁶ cells. Swine dust and LPS caused a dose-dependant increase of IL-6 production in NHBE cells, swine dust being more potent than LPS. In A549 cells, only swine dust, but not LPS caused an increase of IL-6 production. Neither swine dust nor LPS induced IL-1β or TNF-α release from A549 cells. Both swine dust and LPS caused a dose-dependent increase of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in alveolar macrophages. Swine dust which contained 2.2 (0.2) ng endotoxin/100 μg swine dust (0.02‰) was almost as potent as LPS in inducing cytokine release from alveolar macrophages in vitro. We conclude that both epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages have the capability to contribute to the release of proinflammatory cytokines following exposure to swine dust. Some agent(s) other than LPS in the dust contribute to the marked airway inflammatory reaction.     

Changes in cytokine and nitric oxide secretion by rat alveolar macrophages after oral administration of bacterial extracts.

Oral administration of the bacterial immunomodulator Broncho-Vaxom (OM-85), a lysate of eight bacteria strains commonly causing respiratory disease, has been shown to enhance the host defence of the respiratory tract. In this study we examined the effect of orally administered (in vivo) OM-85 on stimulus-induced cytokine and nitric oxide secretion by rat alveolar macrophages in vitro. The results show that alveolar macrophages isolated from OM-85-treated rats secreted significantly more nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and IL-1 beta upon in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), whereas, in contrast, LPS-induced IL-6 secretion was significantly lower. The observed effects of in vivo OM-85 treatment on stimulus-induced cytokine secretion in vitro are not due to a direct effect of OM-85 on the cells, because in vitro incubation of alveolar macrophages with OM-85 did not result in altered activity, nor did direct intratracheal instillation of OM-85 in the lungs of rats result in altered alveolar macrophage activity in vitro. It is hypothesized that oral administration of OM-85 leads to priming of alveolar macrophages in such a way that immune responses are non-specifically enhanced upon stimulation. The therapeutic action of OM-85 may therefore result from an enhanced clearance of infectious bacteria from the respiratory tract due to increased alveolar macrophage activity.     

Inorganic cytoplasmic inclusions in alveolar macrophages. The role of cigarette smoking.

A case of tobacco-associated pulmonary fibrosis, with the results of histological, ultrastructural, and spectrometric analysis is reported. Abnormalities of the alveolar macrophages, which are particularly affected by tobacco inhalation were found. The size of the macrophages was increased and many large, polymorphous inclusions, including fat vacuoles and granular deposits, which were either homogeneous or electron lucent vacuoles, were seen in the cytoplasm. A few laminar structures were observed. All of these lesions are frequently found in cigarette smokers. Still more interesting was the discovery of numerous fiber-, needle-, or laminar-like inclusions that varied in size from 0.2 to more than 2 mu. The digestions of the inclusions with potassium hydroxide confirmed the presence of various metals, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, sulfur, and especially, aluminum, and silicon; these last two elements correspond to the presence of kaolinite in the tissue, as has been previously described, and can be considered as evidence of the use of tobacco.     

Differences in cytokine secretion by intestinal mononuclear cells, peripheral blood monocytes and alveolar macrophages from HIV-infected patients.

Mononuclear cells of the lamina propria (LpMNC), isolated from endoscopically taken biopsies of the large bowel from AIDS patients, were analysed for their ability to secrete tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-1 beta and IL-6. Stimulation of LpMNC from normal controls with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) led to a time- and dose-dependent enhancement of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 secretion. In contrast, PWM stimulation of LpMNC from AIDS patients resulted in only a small increase in TNF-alpha release. Constitutive secretion of IL-1 beta and IL-6 in these patients was already increased to the concentration range of stimulated cells from normal controls and could not be further increased, probably due to maximal in vivo stimulation. Secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 by peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and alveolar macrophages from AIDS patients was elevated with or without stimulation compared with normal controls. Obviously, the regulation of TNF-alpha secretion is dependent on the microenvironment. Since it is known that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) may induce the production of TNF-alpha, the secretion of this cytokine was examined. Release of IFN-gamma was constitutively and under stimulation lowered in LpMNC from AIDS patients compared with normal controls. Addition of IFN-gamma to LpMNC did not result in enhanced TNF-alpha secretion. Our data indicate a defective function of intestinal mononuclear cells in AIDS patients as shown by the diminished TNF-alpha secretion.     

Interleukin-3 enhances cytokine production by LPS-stimulated macrophages

In addition to its hematopoietic activities, interleukin-3 (IL-3) can modulate macrophage functions. We have studied the production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by mouse peritoneal macrophages triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of IL-3. Interleukin-3 at the concentration used (i.e., 100 U/ml) did not induce the production of any cytokines, whereas it enhanced significantly the secretion of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF by LPS-stimulated macrophages. The synergistic activity of IL-3 was observed over a wide range of Escherichia coli or Salmonella enteritidis LPS concentrations. No additive effect was noticed between IL-3 and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), another factor able to enhance LPS-induced IL-1 production. Thus, IL-3 can potentiate the inflammatory response induced by endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria through a potentiation of cytokine production.     

A two step procedure to fractionate mouse testicular macrophages with different cytokine profiles

Cells isolated enzymatically from the interstitial tissue of mouse male gonads are composed of macrophages, Leydig cells, and myofibroblasts. They can be separated on density gradients, either by sedimentation (Ficoll) or flotation (Percoll) into several fractions according to the different buoyant densities of the different cells in the mixture. Macrophages (Fc gamma R+, esterase+) present in cell mixtures can by highly enriched (to 95% purity) in a single step by rosetting with opsonized erythrocytes followed by sedimentation on Lymphoprep. Separate fractions of highly purified (over 95%) macrophages obtained by the successive use of density gradients and rosetting differ significantly in the production of cytokines, e.g. cells from fractions at lower density produce little IL-6, cells from fractions at higher density are poor producers of TNF-alpha, while testicular macrophages (TMf) in intermediate fractions produce significant amounts of both cytokines. These differences may suggest that particular subpopulations of testicular macrophages play different biological roles in the testis.