Tocotrienol is the most effective vitamin E for reducing endothelial expression of adhesion molecules and adhesion to monocytes.

Alpha-tocopherol and its esterified derivatives have been shown to be effective in reducing monocytic-endothelial cell adhesion. However, the effect of alpha-tocotrienol (alpha-T3) has not been characterized. In the present study, using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as the model system, we examined the relative inhibitory effects of alpha-T3 and other vitamin E derivatives on cell surface adhesion molecule expression under TNF-alpha stimulation. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we demonstrated that alpha-T3 markedly inhibited the surface expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in TNF-alpha activated HUVEC in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The optimal inhibition was observed at 25 micromol/l alpha-T3 within 24 h (77+/-5%) without cytotoxicity. In addition, the surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin were also reduced by 40+/-7 and 42+/-5%, respectively. In order to further evaluate the effects of alpha-T3 on the vascular endothelium, we investigated the ability of monocytes to adhere to endothelial cells. Interestingly, a 63+/-3% decrease in monocytic cell adherence was observed. Compared to alpha-tocopherol and alpha-tocopheryl succinate, alpha-T3 displayed a more profound inhibitory effect on adhesion molecule expression and monocytic cell adherence. This inhibitory action by alpha-T3 on TNF-alpha-induced monocyte adhesion was shown to be NF-kappaB dependent and was interestingly reversed with co-incubation with farnesol and geranylgeraniol, suggesting a role for prenylated proteins in the regulation of adhesion molecule expression. In summary, the above results suggest that alpha-T3 is a potent and effective agent in the reduction of cellular adhesion molecule expression and monocytic cell adherence.     

Prolonged E-selectin induction by monocytes potentiates the adhesion of flowing neutrophils to cultured endothelial cells

We investigated the hypothesis that the infiltration of monocytes into inflamed tissue or damaged vessels would induce a secondary accumulation of neutrophils. Confluent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and blood monocytes (0.5 or 0.05 monocytes/endothelial cell) were co-incubated for 4 or 24 h. The adhesion of neutrophils flowing over HUVEC was then analysed by video microscopy. Co-incubation caused up to a 40-fold increase in neutrophil adhesion, dependent upon monocyte/HUVEC ratio and duration of incubation. At the lower monocyte/HUVEC ratio, rolling adhesion alone was induced after 4 h co-incubation; however, the full repertoire of rolling, immobilization and migration of neutrophils was observed at all other combinations of co-culture ratio and exposure time. After maximal stimulation by monocytes, antibody blockade of the neutrophil integrin CD18 inhibited neutrophil arrest and migration and revealed underlying rolling adhesion. Rolling was supported by endothelial E-selectin as demonstrated by the almost total abolition of adhesion by a blocking antibody. In a direct comparison, monocytes, tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were assessed for their ability to induce endothelial expression of E-selectin. E selectin was significantly increased by all agents at 4 h, but monocytes alone were able to maintain high levels of E-selectin expression for 24 h. We conclude that monocytes can induce prolonged neutrophil adhesion and migration by activating endothelial cells and causing expression of E-selectin.     

The effect of carotenoids on the expression of cell surface adhesion molecules and binding of monocytes to human aortic endothelial cells

Several large epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between elevated plasma carotenoid levels and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). One proposed mechanism for the beneficial effect of carotenoids is through functional modulation of potentially atherogenic processes associated with the vascular endothelium. To test this, we incubated confluent human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) cultures (passages 4–8) for 24 h with each of the five most prevalent carotenoids in human plasma, which are -carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene, at an approximate concentration of 1 μmol/l. Carotenoids were solubilized in 0.7% (v/v) tetrahydrofuran and incorporated into FBS before adding to cell culture medium. Due to disparate solubilities in aqueous medium, final concentrations of -carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lycopene were 1.7, 1.1, 0.7, 0.9, and 0.3 μmol/l and monolayers accumulated 647, 158, 7, 113, and 9 pmol/mg protein, respectively. Monolayers were then stimulated with IL-1β (5 ng/ml) for 6 h with subsequent determination of cell surface expression of adhesion molecules as measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To assess endothelial cell adhesion to monocytes, IL-1β-stimulated monolayers were incubated for 10 min with ⁵¹Cr-labeled U937 monocytic cells and adhesion determined by isotope counting. Pre-incubation of HAEC with β-carotene, lutein and lycopene significantly reduced VCAM-1 expression by 29, 28, and 13%, respectively. Pre-incubation with β-carotene and lutein significantly reduced E-selectin expression by 38 and 34%, respectively. Pre-treatment with β-carotene, lutein and lycopene significantly reduced the expression of ICAM-1 by 11, 14, and 18%, respectively. While other carotenoids were ineffective, lycopene attenuated both IL-1β-stimulated and spontaneous HAEC adhesion to U937 monocytic cells by 20 and 25%, respectively. Thus, among the carotenoids, lycopene appears to be most effective in reducing both HAEC adhesion to monocytes and expression of adhesion molecules on the cell surface.     

Lactosylceramide recruits PKCalpha/epsilon and phospholipase A2 to stimulate PECAM-1 expression in human monocytes and adhesion to endothelial cells

Despite the importance of platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31) in the adhesion and diapedesis of monocytes/lymphocytes, little is known about the mechanisms by which it is regulated. We explored the role of a glycosphingolipid, lactosylceramide (LacCer), in modulating PECAM-1 expression and cell adhesion in human monocytes. We observed that LacCer specifically exerted a time-dependent increase in PECAM-1 expression in U-937 cells. Maximal increase in PECAM-1 protein occurred after incubation with LacCer for 60 min. LacCer activated PKCalpha and -epsilon by translocating them from cytosol to membrane. This was accompanied by the activation of phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) and the increase of cell adhesion, which were abrogated by chelerythrine chloride, 2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide and 12-(2-cyanoethyl)-6,7,12,13-tetrahydro-13-methyl-5-oxo-5H-indolo(2,3-a)pyrrolo(3,4-c)-carbazole (GO 6976) (PKC inhibitors). Similarly, bromoenol lactone (a Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) inhibitor) and methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (an inhibitor of cytosolic PLA(2) and Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2)) inhibited LacCer-induced PLA(2) activity. Bromophenacyl bromide (a PLA(2) inhibitor) abrogated LacCer-induced PECAM-1 expression, and this was bypassed by arachidonic acid. Furthermore, the arachidonate-induced up-regulation of PECAM-1 was abrogated by indomethacin [a cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 inhibitor] or N-[2-(cyclohexyloxy)-4-nitrophenyl]-methanesulfonamide (a COX-2 inhibitor) but not nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor). In sum, PKCalpha/epsilon are the primary targets for the activation of LacCer. Downstream activation of intracellular Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) and/or cytosolic PLA(2) results in the production of arachidonic acid, which in turn serves as a precursor for prostaglandins that subsequently stimulate PECAM-1 expression and cell adhesion. These findings may be relevant in explaining the role of LacCer in the regulation of PECAM-1 and related pathophysiology.     

蛋白激酶C活性变化影响内皮-单核细胞黏附

目的探讨蛋白激酶C(PKC)激动剂佛波酯(PMA)和抑制剂钙磷酸结合蛋白(Calphostin C)对荷脂ECV304内皮细胞黏附能力影响的机制。方法采用体外培养和直接计数法观察内皮细胞黏附能力变化;PepTag Non-Radioactive Assay法定性定量细胞膜上PKC活性状态;RT-PCR和Western blot检测黏附相关指标细胞间黏附分子-1(ICAM-1)、I-κBα和ezrin表达的变化。结果100nmol/L PMA在激活细胞膜PKC活性的同时,可以与氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)协同增强ICAM-1和ezrin表达,但下调I-κBα的表达,并使内皮-单核细胞的黏附能力增强;300nmol/L Calphostin C基本上可以逆转50μg/ml ox-LDL诱导的酶活化和对ICAM-1、I-κBα和ezrin表达的调节,即PKC活性减弱,ICAM-1和ezrin表达下调,I-κBα表达上调,内皮细胞黏附能力明显降低。结论PMA、Calphostin C→PKC→NF-κB/I-κB→ICAM-1→Adhesion可能是黏附信息传递整合的一条重要途径,而黏附分子→ezrin→细胞骨架途径则可能起到加强内皮-单核细胞间黏附能力的作用。     

黄花倒水莲皂苷C抑制单核-内皮细胞黏附作用及其机制研究

目的研究黄花倒水莲皂苷C(RC)对氧化型低密度脂蛋白(ox-LDL)诱导的单核-内皮细胞黏附的抑制作用及其机制。方法应用HPLC和ELISA法分别测定人单核细胞培养液中的非对称二甲基精氨酸(ADMA)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平;检测单核内皮细胞黏附率。结果ox-LDL(100mg/L)孵育24 h能显著增加单核-内皮细胞的黏附率以及细胞上清夜中ADMA [(1．91±0．10)μmol/L]和TNF-α[(130．23±3．55)ng/L]的水平;预处理RC(1、3、10μmol/L)4 h能抑制ox-LDL诱导的单核-内皮细胞黏附率增加[(226±18)、(203±13)、(186±15)个/高倍视野]及ADMA[(0．69±0．06)、(0．65±0．01)、(0．55±0．07)μmol/L]和TNF-α[(150．02±6．06)、(87．08±8．12)、(80．24±3．65)ng/L]释放增加,且呈浓度依赖性。结论RC对ox-LDL诱导的单核-内皮细胞黏附有抑制作用,其作用与降低ADMA和TNF-α水平有关。     

Tibolone inhibits leukocyte adhesion molecule expression in human endothelial cells

Tibolone is a synthetic steroid with mixed estrogenic and progestogenic/androgenic activity used for post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Since its cardiovascular effects are still not clear, and no data have been published on possible direct actions on the vessel wall, we studied the effects of tibolone and its metabolites on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of leukocyte adhesion molecules on human endothelial cells. Tibolone and its two estrogenic 3alpha-OH and 3beta-OH metabolites, but not the progestogenic/androgenic Delta(4)-isomer, concentration-dependently decreased LPS-induced vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 protein expression. This effect was estrogen receptor dependent, since it was completely blocked by the pure estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182780. Furthermore, only tibolone, the 3alpha-OH and the 3beta-OH metabolites decreased endothelial expression of E-selectin, while none of the compounds changed the levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1. These findings were associated with parallel changes in mRNA levels for the three adhesion molecules. Our data show that tibolone and its estrogenic metabolites exert direct actions on the vascular wall, decreasing the expression of endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules, thus producing potentially important direct anti-atherogenic effects.     

Influence of L1-CAM expression of breast cancer cells on adhesion to endothelial cells

Purpose

Expression of the adhesion molecule L1-CAM (L1) has been shown to correlate with early recurrence in breast cancer. Here, we investigated whether L1-CAM expression of breast cancer cells might influence adherence to human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMEC) and thus promote metastasis.

Methods

MDA-MB231-Fra2 breast cancer cells that express high levels of L1-CAM (L1_high cells) were stably transfected to generate clones with strong L1-CAM downregulation. Adhesion to activated HPMEC was studied in dynamic cell flow and static assays. Potential binding partners on endothelial cells were identified by blocking experiments and adhesion assays after coating of the flow channels with recombinant proteins.

Results

Adhesion of L1_high cells to activated HPMEC was significantly higher compared to L1l_ow clones under flow conditions. Blocking experiments and adhesion assays with recombinant proteins identified activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) or L1 itself, but not ICAM-1, as potential binding partners on endothelial cells. E-selectin blocking antibodies strongly diminished the adherence of breast cancer cells irrespective of their L1-CAM expression.

Conclusions

Our experiments indicate that L1-CAM expression on breast cancer cells can promote adherence to activated endothelial cells by binding to endothelial L1-CAM or ALCAM. This mechanism might lead to increased metastasis and a poor prognosis in L1-CAM-positive carcinomas in vivo. Therefore, L1-CAM might be a suitable therapeutic target in breast cancers with a high L1-CAM expression.     

Aurintricarboxylic acid upregulates the thrombomodulin expression of endothelial cells and peripheral blood monocytes

Thrombomodulin has a central role in the regulation of coagulation through its ability to promote generation of the potent anticoagulant, activated protein C. Aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA) has been reported to inhibit platelet function by blocking von Willebrand factor binding to platelet glycoprotein Ib and to impede thrombosis development in vivo. In the present study, we demonstrated a novel antithrombotic effect of ATA. The surface thrombomodulin expression of endothelial cells and peripheral blood monocytes was upregulated by ATA in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. ATA also increased the mRNA level of endothelial thrombomodulin in a dose-dependent manner. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (50 ng/ml) or lipopolysaccharide (20 microg/ml) downregulated the expression of endothelial thrombomodulin. Blocking of nuclear factor-kappaB by parthenolide effectively inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced thrombomodulin downregulation of endothelial cells. ATA increased endothelial thrombomodulin expression that was downregulated by TNF-alpha or lipopolysaccharide, in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of small G proteins of the Rho family by the Clostridium difficile toxin B-1,0643 did not increase thrombomodulin expression of endothelial cells, and ATA did not activate Rac1 in endothelial cells. These findings provide, at least in part, a novel platelet-independent mechanism of ATA that may explain the demonstrated antithrombotic efficacy of ATA.     

Adenosine prevents neutrophil adhesion to human endothelial cells after hypoxia/reoxygenation

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil adhesion to vascular endothelium has been implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury after ischaemia/reperfusion (IR) and the "no-reflow" phenomenon. Adenosine and sodium-nitroprusside (SNP) have been used clinically to ameliorate this injury. We set out to establish a human cellular model for the study of IR and to evaluate the effects of adenosine and SNP on neutrophil adhesion in vitro. METHODS: Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to hypoxia (5% CO2, 95% N2) or normoxia (room air, 5% CO2) for 2 h, followed by reoxygenation for 30 min (IR condition). Human neutrophils were then added together with adenosine (50 microM), SNP (10 microM) or no additive (control). After incubation for 1 h, neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells was quantified via automated cell counts. The experiment was repeated with the adenosine treatment alone, with and without the addition of the adenosine A2A receptor blocker ZM-241385. RESULTS: Compared with baseline neutrophil adhesion after normoxia, hypoxia followed by reoxygenation increased adhesion to 189+/-43% (p=0.01), but this effect was prevented by the addition of adenosine (109+/-17%, p=NS compared to control conditions). SNP did not affect the increased adhesion caused by hypoxia (166+/-25%, p=NS). The addition of ZM-241385 did not inhibit the effect of adenosine on neutrophil adhesion after hypoxia/reoxygenation. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of human endothelial cells to hypoxia/reoxygenation causes increased neutrophil adhesion. This effect is prevented by adenosine, but not mediated by the A2A receptor. SNP does not prevent neutrophil adhesion after IR in vitro.     

Modulation by high glucose of adhesion molecule expression in cultured endothelial cells

Summary We evaluated the influence of high ambient glucose on cellular expression of adhesion molecules, known to mediate endothelial interaction of leucocytes and monocytes. Paired cultures of individual isolates of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were studied by fluorescence activated cell sorter analysis after exposure to 30 vs 5 mmol/l glucose. Incubation of HUVECs for 24 h in 30 mmol/l glucose increased ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1; 116.4±16.9% of control, p 0.05), but not PECAM (platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule) expression, compared to cultures kept in 5 mmol/l glucose. Long-term exposure (13±1 days) of HUVECs to 30 mmol/l glucose increased expression of ICAM-1 to 122.5±32.2% (p<0.002) and reduced that of PECAM to 86.9±21.3% vs the respective control culture in 5 mmol/l glucose (p<0.02). Stimulation of confluent HUVECs, kept in 30 vs 5 mmol/l glucose for 13±1 days, with 20 U/ ml interleukin-1 for 24 h (ICAM-1) and 4 h (endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule 1) resulted in reduced ICAM-1 (84.8±27.0%, p<0.05) and endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 (87.6±22.4%, p<0.05) expression vs control cells, while that of PECAM (t: 24 h) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (t: 16 h) remained unchanged. In conclusion, it appears that differences in expression of adhesion molecules on HUVECs in response to high glucose reflects endothelial glucose toxicity, which may also induce endothelial dysfunction in diabetes.Abbreviations HUVECs Human umbilical vein endothelial cells - ICAM-1 intercellular adhesion molecule-1 - PECAM platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule - ELAM-1 endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 - VCAM-1 vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 - IL-1 interleukin-1 - FACS fluorescence activated cell sorter - FCS fetal calf serum - PBS phosphate buffered saline     

Adenosine receptor-mediated adhesion of endothelial progenitors to cardiac microvascular endothelial cells

Intracoronary delivery of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) is an emerging concept for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Enhancement of EPC adhesion to vascular endothelium could improve cell retention within targeted organs. Because extracellular adenosine is elevated at sites of ischemia and stimulates neovascularization, we examined the potential role of adenosine in augmenting EPC retention to cardiac microvascular endothelium. Stimulation of adenosine receptors in murine embryonic EPCs (eEPCs) and cardiac endothelial cells (cECs) rapidly, within minutes, increased eEPC adhesion to cECs under static and flow conditions. Similarly, adhesion of human adult culture-expanded EPCs to human cECs was increased by stimulation of adenosine receptors. Furthermore, adenosine increased eEPC retention in isolated mouse hearts perfused with eEPCs. We determined that eEPCs and cECs preferentially express functional A1 and A2B adenosine receptor subtypes, respectively, and that both subtypes are involved in the regulation of eEPC adhesion to cECs. We documented that the interaction between P-selectin and its ligand (P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1) plays a role in adenosine-dependent eEPC adhesion to cECs and that stimulation of adenosine receptors in cECs induces rapid cell surface expression of P-selectin. Our results suggest a role for adenosine in vasculogenesis and its potential use to stimulate engraftment in cell-based therapies.     

Comparative expression profiling in primary and immortalized endothelial cells: changes in gene expression in response to hydroxy methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition.

Immortalized cell lines offer significant logistical advantages over primary cells when used for in-vitro studies. Immortalized cells may, however, exhibit important differences relative to their primary cell counterparts. In this study, microarrays were used to make a genome-wide comparison between primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and EA.hy926, an immortalized HUVEC cell line, in their baseline properties and in their response to inhibition of the mevalonate pathway with an inhibitor of hydroxy methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (statin). HUVECs and EA.hy926 were incubated with control medium, atorvastatin, mevalonate, or a combination of atorvastatin and mevalonate for 24 h. Gene expression profiles were obtained in duplicates using Affymetrix Human Genome U133A 2.0 arrays (Santa Clara, California, USA). Probe-sets were selected according to the following criteria: a twofold or greater increase/decrease in atorvastatin-treated cells compared with untreated cells; a twofold or greater reversal of the effect of atorvastatin by combined treatment with atorvastatin and mevalonate; no significant change in gene expression in cells treated with mevalonate alone compared with untreated cells. Most genes that were expressed by untreated HUVECs, were also expressed by untreated EA.hy926 cells. EA.hy926 cells, however, constitutively expressed a large number of additional genes, many of which were related to cell cycle control and apoptosis. Atorvastatin induced differential expression (> or = twofold) of 103 genes in HUVECs (10 up, 93 down) and 466 genes in EA.hy926 cells (198 up, 268 down). Applying the above selection criteria, thrombomodulin and tissue plasminogen activator were up-regulated in both cell types, whereas, connective tissue growth factor, thrombospondin-1, and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 were down-regulated. In conclusion, EA.hy926 cells retain most of the characteristics of endothelial cells under baseline conditions as well as after treatment with atorvastatin. It is necessary, however, to carefully select and validate changes in genes that are the focus of studies when using EA.hy926 cells. While this cell line is highly useful in studies on some genes, including genes encoding molecules involved in regulating thrombohemorrhagic homeostasis, they appear to be less suited for studies focused on other genes, particularly those involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis.     

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression by interaction between monocytes and vascular endothelial cells

There is accumulating evidence of complicated interactions among vascular cells, i.e. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and monocytes/macrophages, in the regulation of vascular function and remodeling. We have investigated the mechanisms responsible for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression by interactions between monocytes and vascular endothelial cells. THP-1 cells (human monocytic cell line) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cocultured. MMP-1 levels in the culture medium were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Collagenolytic activity in the culture medium was measured by fluorescence labeled-collagen digestion. Immunohistochemistry using an anti-MMP antibody was carried out to determine which types of cell produce MMP-1. The addition of THP-1 cells to HUVECs for 48 h induced increases in MMP-1 levels and collagenolytic activity, which were 5- and 2-fold relative to those of HUVECs alone, respectively. A separate coculture experiment revealed that direct contact of THP-1 cells and HUVECs contributed to enhanced MMP-1 production in the cocolture. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that both types of cell produce MMP-1 in the coculture. Neutralizing anti-interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor- alpha antibodies inhibited MMP-1 production by the coculture. The Src kinase and MEK inhibitors significantly inhibited MMP-1 production by the coculture. Coculture of THP-1 cells and HUVECs induced significant increases in Src and mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activities. Enhanced MMP-1 expression induced by monocyte-endothelial cell interactions may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture.     

T-cell adhesion to endothelial cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Summary To investigate the pathogenesis of the lymphopenia in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we examined the adhesion of these T cells to endothelial cells (EC). T cells from 10 lymphopenic patients with active SLE showed significantly reduced adhesion to unstimulated and interleukin-1 (IL-1)-stimulated human EC monolayers when compared with T cells from age, sex, and race matched normal control individuals. Percentage decreases from control values () in the measured percentage of T cells adherent to unstimulated and IL-1-stimulated EC were 36.4% (P<0.025) and 34.0% (P<0.005), respectively. Percentage adhesion of phorbol ester-treated T cells of SLE patients was also reduced compared with similarly treated T cells of control patients; the decrease was 22.8% (P<0.025). No abnormality was detected in the adhesion to EC of T cells from patients with asthma who were receiving corticosteroids, suggesting that the abnormality in the SLE T cells was related to the disease process itself. The reduced adhesion of the circulating T cells may be a consequence of the withdrawal from the blood of more strongly adherent cells in the course of the inflammatory response. The loss of strongly adherent lymphocytes may contribute to the lymphopenia of SLE.     

Tick modulation of the in-vitro expression of adhesion molecules by skin-derived endothelial cells

As a tick feeds, its saliva induces innate and acquired immune responses in the host, including leucocyte infiltration into the bite site. Tick salivary glands produce molecules, however, that counteract many host defences against blood feeding. The effects of salivary-gland extracts (SGE) of Dermacentor andersoni and Ixodes scapularis on the expression of various adhesion molecules [E-selectin, P-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)] by the sEND.1 cell line (which is based on cells from the subcutaneous tissue of mice) have now been investigated in vitro. The effects were found to differ with the tick species. The SGE of D. andersoni significantly down-regulated the expression of ICAM-1, whereas a similar extract prepared from I. scapularis significantly reduced the expression of P-selectin and VCAM-1. Tick salivary proteins therefore appear to have direct effects on adhesion-molecule expression, in addition to their previously established roles in down-regulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate endothelial cells. It remains unclear exactly how the reduction of adhesion-molecule expression in the host's endothelial cells benefits the feeding tick but it may alter leucocyte migration to the bite site and/or reduce antigen presentation by the endothelial cells. It may also modulate the interactions between the host's leucocytes and any tick-borne pathogens, during initial infection of the endothelium.