Subcellular distribution and mobilization of MAC-1 (CD11b/CD18) in neonatal neutrophils

The CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) heterodimeric surface glycoprotein contributes to a broad range of adherence-dependent neutrophil inflammatory functions. Previous investigations have indicated that diminished expression or regulation of Mac-1 may underlie abnormalities of stimulated adhesion and chemotaxis of neonatal neutrophils in vitro and inflammatory deficits in human neonates. To define the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to these findings, we compared the distribution and translocation of Mac-1 in subcellular fractions of neonatal and adult neutrophils before and after chemotactic stimulation. The total cell content of Mac-1 and the proportions of Mac-1 in beta fractions (vitamin B12 binding protein-rich granules), pre-gamma fractions (gelatinase-rich granules), or gamma fractions (plasma membrane) of neonatal neutrophils were comparable with those of adult neutrophils. However, after stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP; 10 nmol/L, 37 degrees C, 15 minutes), neonatal neutrophils demonstrated (1) diminished translocation of Mac-1 from pre-gamma fractions (P less than .05), and (2) diminished surface expression of Mac-1 (P less than .05), as compared with healthy adult neutrophils. As shown in enzymatic and immunochemical assays, neonatal cells contained significantly (P less than .01) diminished levels of neutrophil gelatinase. In response to FMLP (0.1 to 10 nmol/L, 37 degrees C, 15 minutes), neonatal suspensions also released significantly (P less than .001) less gelatinase, as compared with adult neutrophil suspensions. These observations demonstrate that diminished mobilization of Mac-1 from gelatinase-rich granular pools in neonatal neutrophils is associated with abnormal surface expression of this glycoprotein after chemotactic stimulation. This abnormality may contribute, in part, to abnormal migratory properties of neonatal neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli.     

Lipopolysaccharide enhances CD11b/CD18 function but inhibits neutrophil aggregation

Human neutrophils are primed in the presence of complexes of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with its serum binding protein (LBP) in a manner dependent on CD14. Cellular consequences of priming include increased responsiveness, the upregulation of surface proteins including the adhesive integrin CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1), the increased binding of certain ligands to CD11b/CD18, and the concurrent shedding of the L-selectin homing receptor. Because expression of both CD11b/CD18 and L-selectin is obligatory for formyl peptide-stimulated neutrophil aggregation in vitro (Simon et al, Blood 82:1097, 1993), we have examined the consequences of bacterial endotoxin on the expression of neutrophil adhesive molecules. We observed that the exposure of neutrophils to LPS/LBP, while enhancing the surface numbers and adhesive function of CD11b/CD18 for latex particles, did not induce aggregation. In contrast, as the LPS/LBP concentration increased (ED50 = 30 ng/mL LPS/LBP), the ability of neutrophils to aggregate decreased in parallel with the shedding of L-selectin. Moreover, when L-selectin adhesive activity was blocked by treatment with Fab fragments of Dreg- 200, aggregation was inhibited to an extent roughly proportional to the available L-selection. Blocking of LPS/LBP with CD14-specific monoclonal antibodies suppressed L-selectin shedding and preserved formyl peptide-stimulated aggregation. Taken together, the data suggest that inhibition of neutrophil aggregation by LPS/LBP is related to the expression of L-selectin via CD14 rather than LPS inhibition of CD11b/CD18 function during cellular stimulation.     

Myeloperoxidase mediates neutrophil activation by association with CD11b/CD18 integrins

Recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) reflects a primary immunological response to invading pathogens and has also emerged as a hallmark of vascular inflammation. One of the principal enzymes released upon PMN activation is myeloperoxidase (MPO), a heme protein that not only generates cytotoxic oxidants but also impacts deleteriously on nitric oxide-dependent signaling cascades within the vasculature. Because MPO also associates with the membrane of PMN, we evaluated whether MPO could also function as an autocrine modulator of PMN activation. The extent of PMN membrane-associated MPO was elevated in patients with acute inflammatory vascular disease compared with healthy individuals. Isolated PMNs bound free MPO by a CD11b/CD18 integrin-dependent mechanism. PMNs exposed to MPO were characterized by increased tyrosine phosphorylation and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Also, nuclear translocation of NFkappaBin PMN was enhanced after incubation with MPO, as was surface expression of CD11b. Binding of PMN to MPO-coated fibronectin surfaces amplified PMN degranulation, as evidenced by increased release of MPO and elastase. MPO also augmented PMN-dependent superoxide (O(2)(*-)) production, which was prevented by anti-CD11b antibodies, but not MPO inhibitors. Collectively, these results reveal that binding of MPO to CD11b/CD18 integrins stimulates PMN signaling pathways to induce PMN activation in a mechanism independent of MPO catalytic activity. These cytokine-like properties of MPO thus represent an additional dimension of the proinflammatory actions of MPO in vascular disease.     

Total cell content of CR3 (CD11b/CD18) and LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) in neonatal neutrophils: relationship to gestational age

Neonatal neutrophils (PMN) exhibit a well-documented defect in chemotaxis that is associated with several abnormalities of PMN structure and function, including deficient surface expression of CR3 (CD11b/CD18), a critical adhesion molecule, on chemoattractant- activated PMN. We recently documented that deficient surface expression of CR3 on stimulated neonatal PMN is due principally to a deficiency in total cell content of CR3. In the current studies, we tested the hypothesis that total cell CR3 content of PMN is even more profoundly deficient in premature infants and that PMN CR3 content is directly related to gestational age. A sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for CR3 showed that PMN lysates from term neonates ( > or = 37 weeks gestation) contain about 60% of adult PMN levels of CR3, whereas PMN from premature infants (range of 27 to 36 weeks gestation) contained a mean of about 30%, ranging from 10% to 48% (P < .001 for term [n = 6] v premature [n = 11] by unpaired t-test). When the relationship between total cell CR3 and gestational age (n = 15) was analyzed, the correlation coefficient was .94 by linear regression, and the Spearman rank correlation was significant with P < .001. PMN content of LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) was similarly measured for 14 neonates. Term neonates were equivalent to adults in LFA-1 content of their PMN (99.4% +/- 3.2% of paired adult values, n = 6), whereas prematures (28 to 36 weeks gestation) were deficient, overall (69.1% +/- 10.4%, n = 8, P = .035). Below 35 weeks gestation, LFA-1 values ranged from 26% to 65% of paired adult control values, but no infant of > or = 35 weeks gestation had PMN LFA-1 content that was less than 85% of its adult control. We concluded that CR3 total cell content is more profoundly deficient in premature than in term neonates, that at birth there is a direct relationship between PMN CR3 content and gestational age, and that LFA-1 is deficient only in prematures less than 35 weeks of gestational age. Below 30 weeks gestation, CR3 content of PMN approached that seen in genetic deficiency of the CD18 family of leukocyte integrins, or type 1 leukocyte adhesion deficiency, underscoring the severity of this host impairment in very early preterm neonates.     

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and the urokinase receptor (CD87) form a functional unit on monocytic cells

The leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and the urokinase receptor (uPAR, CD87) mediate complementary functions in myelomonocytic cells. Both receptors promote degradation of fibrin(ogen) and also confer adhesive properties on cells because Mac-1 and uPAR bind fibrin and vitronectin, respectively. Staining of lung biopsy specimens from patients with acute lung injury indicated that fibrin and vitronectin colocalize at exudative sites in which macrophages bearing these receptors accumulate. Because of the parallel roles and physical proximity of Mac-1 and uPAR, the capacity of these receptors to functionally interact was explored. Induction of Mac-1 and uPAR expression on monocytic cell lines by transforming growth factor- beta 1 and 1.25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 conferred urokinase and uPAR-dependent adhesion to vitronectin, which was further promoted by engagement of Mac-1. Vitronectin attachment promoted subsequent Mac-1-mediated fibrinogen degradation threefold to fourfold. In contrast, enhancement of uPAR occupancy by exogenous urokinase or receptor binding fragments thereof inhibited Mac-1 function. Addition of urokinase progressively inhibited Mac-1-mediated fibrinogen binding and degradation (maximal inhibition, 91% +/- 14% and 72% +/- 15%, respectively). Saturation of uPAR with urokinase also inhibited binding of the procoagulant Mac-1 ligand, Factor X. These inhibitory effects of uPAR were reproduced in fresh monocytes, cultured monocytic cells, and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with both human Mac-1 and human uPAR. These data show that the procoagulant and fibrinolytic potential of monocytic cells is co-ordinately regulated by ligand binding to both Mac-1 and uPAR and identify uPAR as a regulator of integrin function. Vitronectin- enhanced fibrin(ogen) turnover by Mac-1 may operate as a salvage pathway in the setting of urokinase and plasmin inhibitors to promote clearance of the provisional matrix and subsequent healing.     

Expression of MAC-1 (CD11b) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with an unfavorable prognosis

There is evidence to suggest, that cellular adhesion molecules and receptors could play a role in leukemia, e.g., through altered adhesive qualities of leukemic blasts. We have studied the expression of the beta2-integrin Mac-1 (CD11b) on mononuclear cells in 48 patients with AML at first diagnosis by flow cytometry using a direct fluorescein-conjugated antibody. A case was defined as positive if more than 20% of the cells expressed Mac-1. Within the FAB types, we observed a high expression rate in cases with M5 (100% MAC-1+ cases, 73% MAC-1+ cells), M4 (75% MAC-1+ cases, 48% MAC-1+ cells) and in cases with FAB-M1 with 71% MAC-1+ cases and 29% MAC-1+ cells. Separating our patients' cohort in cytogenetic risk groups, we could detect significant higher proportions of MAC-1+, cases (88% vs. 27%, P = 0.005) and cells (51% vs. 16%, P = 0.015) with poor cytogenetic risk compared to the favorable risk group. For clinical evaluations only patients treated according to the protocols of the German AML Cooperative Group (AML-CG) were included (n = 29, cases with AML-M3 were excluded). More MAC-1+ cases and cells were found in the "non-responders" group (n = 8) compared to the "responders" group (n = 24). We can conclude that AML cases with high MAC-1 expression are characterized by a worse prognosis. Evaluation of MAC-1 expression in AML might therefore contribute clinically important data with respect to develop new therapies that influence the interactions between integrins like MAC-1 on leukemic cells and endothelial or immunoreactive cells.     

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) is crucial for effective Fc receptor-mediated immunity to melanoma

Antibody-reliant destruction of tumor cells by immune effector cells is mediated by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, in which Fc receptor (FcR) engagement is crucial. This study documents an important role for the beta(2) integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) in FcR-mediated protection against melanoma. CD11b-deficient mice, those that lack Mac-1, were less protected by melanoma-specific monoclonal antibody TA99 than wild-type (WT) mice. Significantly more lung metastases and higher tumor loads were observed in Mac-1(-/-) mice. Histologic analyses revealed no differences in neutrophil infiltration of lung tumors between Mac-1(-/-) and WT mice. Importantly, Mac-1(-/-) phagocytes retained the capacity to bind tumor cells, implying that Mac-1 is essential during actual FcR-mediated cytotoxicity. In summary, this study documents Mac-1 to be required for FcR-mediated antimelanoma immunity in vivo and, furthermore, supports a role for neutrophils in melanoma rejection.     

Differential expression of CD11b/CD18 (Mo1) and myeloperoxidase genes during myeloid differentiation

During the course of differentiation of early human myeloid cells toward monocytes and granulocytes, cell surface expression of the cell adhesion molecule, CD11b/CD18 (Mo1) increases dramatically and expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a bacteriocidal enzyme, decreases markedly. Using the inducible promyelocytic cell line HL-60 as a model, we studied the mRNA expression of these genes. Differentiation of these cells along both a monocytic and a granulocytic pathway demonstrated that the mRNA levels of the two subunits of CD11b/CD18 increased in a pattern temporally and quantitatively similar to the increase in cell surface expression of this heterodimer. In contrast, the expression of MPO mRNA decreased in a temporal and quantitative pattern similar to the known decrease in MPO protein during differentiation, suggesting that regulation of these myeloid-specific proteins may occur at the level of mRNA expression. These findings have important implications with regard to the nature of the block in differentiation in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and the regulation of myeloid gene expression.     

Erythromycin inhibits beta2-integrins (CD11b/CD18) expression, interleukin-8 release and intracellular oxidative metabolism in neutrophils

Macrolides have therapeutic benefits on chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Thus, macrolides are supposed to have variable biological effects apart from antimicrobial activity. Neutrophil adherence and influx with oxidants and cytokines production implicates involvement in airway inflammation. To investigate whether erythromycin (EM) affects neutrophil activity in vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated neutrophils were continuously incubated for 4 h in the absence or presence of increasing doses of EM from 1 microg ml(-1) to 100 microg ml(-1) in the last 2 h. Leukocyte adhesion molecules Mac-1 and intracellular H2O2(DCFH) were determined by flowcytometric assay. IL-8 and TNFalpha in supernatant was measured by ELISA method. The expression of Mac-1 and mean intracellular DCF fluorescence intensity (DCFH) of neutrophils significantly increased after stimulation with LPS. Pretreatment with EM significantly decreased LPS induced Mac-1 expression on neutrophils compared with LPS stimulation only. EM alone (100 microg ml(-1)) also decreased Mac-1 expression on neutrophils. EM significantly reduced the LPS-increased DCFH. EM alone (100 microg ml(-1)) also caused a decrease in DCFH. Increasing doses of EM also significantly decreased the IL-8 released by LPS-stimulated neutrophils. In conclusion, EM exerts a direct effect on the neutrophils by downregulating the expression of beta2-integrin on neutrophils, thus leading to a decrease in the intracellular H2O2, as well as the production of IL-8. Our conclusion provides an explanation for the clinical efficacy of erythromycin in neutrophil-mediated airway inflammation.     

Sequential binding of CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 defines neutrophil capture and stable adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule-1

The relative contributions of CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 to the dynamics and strength of neutrophil adhesion to intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1-transfected cells were examined over the time course of chemotactic stimulation. Suspensions of neutrophils and transfectants were sheared in a cone-plate viscometer, and formation of heterotypic aggregates was measured by 2-color flow cytometry. The 2-body collision theory was used to compute adhesion efficiency, defined as the proportion of collisions between neutrophils and target cells that resulted in capture. ICAM-1 surface density and shear rate both regulated adhesion efficiency. Target cells expressing approximately 1000 ICAM-1 sites/microm(2) (I(low)) were captured with an efficiency of 0.15 at 100 s(-1), which decreased to zero at 300 s(-1). At 8-fold higher ICAM-1 expression (I(high)) corresponding to levels measured on interleukin-1-stimulated endothelium, efficiency was 0.3 at 100 s(-1) and remained above background to 900 s(-1). Shear alone was sufficient for CD11a/CD18-mediated adhesion to ICAM-1, and stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine boosted capture efficiency through CD11a/CD18 by 4-fold. In comparison, CD11b/CD18 supported one third of this efficiency, but was necessary for aggregate stability over several minutes of shear and at shear stresses exceeding 5 dyne/cm(2). Hydrodynamics influenced capture efficiency predominantly through the collisional contact duration, predicted to be approximately 9 milliseconds for successful capture of I(low) and 4 milliseconds for I(high). The implication is that an increase in ICAM-1 from resting levels to those on inflamed endothelium effectively increases the permissible shear in which capture through beta(2)-integrins may occur. Neutrophil adhesion to ICAM-1 appears to be a cooperative and sequential process of CD11a-dependent capture followed by CD11b-mediated stabilization.     

Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) is essential for Fc receptor-mediated neutrophil cytotoxicity and immunologic synapse formation

Receptors for human immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA initiate potent cytolysis of antibody (Ab)-coated targets by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Mac-1 (complement receptor type 3, CD11b/CD18) has previously been implicated in receptor cooperation with Fc receptors (FcRs). The role of Mac-1 in FcR-mediated lysis of tumor cells was characterized by studying normal human PMNs, Mac-1-deficient mouse PMNs, and mouse PMNs transgenic for human FcR. All PMNs efficiently phagocytosed Ab-coated particles. However, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) was abrogated in Mac-1(-/-) PMNs and in human PMNs blocked with anti-Mac-1 monoclonal Ab (mAb). Mac-1(-/-) PMNs were unable to spread on Ab-opsonized target cells and other Ab-coated surfaces. Confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy revealed a striking difference in immunologic synapse formation between Mac-1(-/-) and wild-type PMNs. Also, respiratory burst activity could be measured outside membrane-enclosed compartments by using Mac-1(-/-) PMNs bound to Ab-coated tumor cells, in contrast to wild-type PMNs. In summary, these data document an absolute requirement of Mac-1 for FcR-mediated PMN cytotoxicity toward tumor targets. Mac-1(-/-) PMNs exhibit defective spreading on Ab-coated targets, impaired formation of immunologic synapses, and absent tumor cytolysis.     

The beta-tail domain (betaTD) regulates physiologic ligand binding to integrin CD11b/CD18

Crystallographic and electron microscopy studies revealed genuflexed (bent) integrins in both unliganded (inactive) and physiologic ligandbound (active) states, suggesting that local conformational changes are sufficient for activation. Herein we have explored the role of local changes in the contact region between the membrane-proximal beta-tail domain (betaTD) and the ligand-binding betaA domain of the bent conformation in regulating interaction of integrin CD11b/CD18 (alphaMbeta2) with its physiologic ligand iC3b. We replaced the betaTD CD loop residues D658GMD of the CD18 (beta2) subunit with the equivalent D672SSG of the beta3 subunit, with AGAA or with NGTD, expressed the respective heterodimeric receptors either transiently in epithelial HEK293T cells or stably in leukocytes (K562), and measured their ability to bind iC3b and to conformation-sensitive mAbs. In the presence of the physiologic divalent cations Ca(2+) plus Mg(2+) (at 1 mM each), the modified integrins showed increased (in HEK293) or constitutive (in K562) binding to iC3b compared with wild-type receptors. K562 expressing the betaTD-modified integrins bound in Ca(2+)Mg(2+) to the betaA-directed high-affinity reporter mAb 24 but not to mAb KIM127, a reporter of the genu-straightened state. These data identify a role for the membrane proximal betaTD as an allosteric modulator of integrin activation.     

alpha-Chain phosphorylation of the human leukocyte CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) integrin is pivotal for integrin activation to bind ICAMs and leukocyte extravasation

The promiscuous CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) integrin has important roles in regulating many immunologic functions such as leukocyte adhesion and emigration from the bloodstream via interactions with the endothelial ligands ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, iC3b-mediated phagocytosis, and apoptosis. However, the mechanisms for Mac-1 inside-out activation have remained poorly understood. Phosphorylation of integrin cytoplasmic domains is emerging as an important mechanism of regulating integrin functions. Here, we have studied phosphorylation of human CD11b, which takes place on the cytoplasmic Ser1126 in neutrophils. We show that mutation of the serine phosphorylation site leads to inability of Mac-1 to become activated to bind the cellular ligands ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. However, CD11b-mutant cells are fully capable of binding other studied CD11b ligands (ie, iC3b and denatured BSA). Activation epitopes expressed in the extracellular domain of the integrin and affinity for soluble ICAM ligands were decreased for the mutated integrin. Additionally, the mutation resulted in inhibition of chemokine-induced migration in a transendothelial assay in vitro and significantly reduced the accumulation of intravenously administered cells in the spleen and lungs of Balb/c mice. These results characterize a novel selective mechanism of Mac-1-integrin activation, which mediates leukocyte emigration from the bloodstream to the tissues.     

Simultaneous mobilization of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) and formyl peptide chemoattractant receptors in human neutrophils.

Mobilization of a distinct subset of specific granules provides a physiologically important mechanism to recruit Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) from an intracellular pool to the external surface of the neutrophil plasma membrane, where the functionally active heterodimer mediates several adherence-dependent processes that are crucial for adequate host defense and cellular inflammatory responses. We observed similar characteristics for translocation of Mac-1 and neutrophil formyl peptide receptors (FPR) and hypothesize that the readily accessible pools of both Mac-1 and FPR are colocalized within this specific granule subset. Plasma membrane levels of both FPR (assessed with 3H-FMLP) and Mac-1 (assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis of fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]-Mo-1-labeled cells) were markedly downregulated in cells prepared at low temperature from blood cooled to 4 degrees C immediately after removal from the circulation. Levels of both FPR and Mac-1 remained low on cells held at 4 degrees C. Upon warming, spontaneous upregulation of Mac-1 and FPR occurred with similar kinetics and temperature dependency. Translocation of both Mac-1 and FPR was markedly potentiated by exposure of cells to either fluoride ion (which has been shown by others to specifically elicit exocytosis of gelatinase-rich and vitamin B-12 binding protein-poor granules) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a cytokine that markedly potentiates the neutrophils' host defense capabilities. Levels of both FPR and Mac-1 on F-- or GM-CSF-treated neutrophils exceeded those present on cells incubated at 37 degrees C for extended time intervals, indicating that stimulated translocation may involve mobilization of an additional granule subset. Scatchard analysis showed that only low-affinity FPR were translocated during spontaneous and stimulus-dependent upregulation. To directly compare FPR levels on the surface of cells displaying varying levels of Mac-1 within a single cell suspension, cells were labeled with FITC-Mo-1 and sorted into subpopulations based on fluorescence intensity. After sorting, the individual populations were held at 4 degrees C to prevent further spontaneous upregulation, concentrated by centrifugation, and assayed for FPR levels. Under a variety of conditions, FPR levels correlated with Mac-1 (CD11b) expression on cell populations selected on the basis of CD11b fluorescence intensity. Analysis of subcellular fractions obtained from disrupted neutrophils before and after upregulation provided additional support for the hypothesis that Mac-1 and FPR are colocalized within a readily accessible subset of neutrophil granules.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Inhibition of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) enhances tumor response to radiation by reducing myeloid cell recruitment

Despite recent advances in radiotherapy, loco-regional failures are still the leading cause of death in many cancer patients. We have previously reported that bone marrow-derived CD11b⁺ myeloid cells are recruited to tumors grown in irradiated tissues, thereby restoring the vasculature and tumor growth. In this study, we examined whether neutralizing CD11b monoclonal antibodies could inhibit the recruitment of myeloid cells into irradiated tumors and inhibit their regrowth. We observed a significant enhancement of antitumor response to radiation in squamous cell carcinoma xenografts in mice when CD11b antibodies are administered systemically. Histological examination of tumors revealed that CD11b antibodies reduced infiltration of myeloid cells expressing S100A8 and matrix metalloproteinase-9. CD11b antibodies further inhibited bone marrow-derived cell adhesion and transmigration to C166 endothelial cell monolayers and chemotactic stimuli, respectively, to levels comparable to those from CD11b knockout or CD18 hypomorphic mice. Given the clinical availability of humanized CD18 antibodies, we tested two murine tumor models in CD18 hypomorphic or CD11b knockout mice and found that tumors were more sensitive to irradiation when grown in CD18 hypomorphic mice but not in CD11b knockout mice. When CD18 hypomorphism was partially rescued by reconstitution with the wild-type bone marrow, the resistance of the tumors to irradiation was restored. Our study thus supports the rationale of using clinically available Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) antibodies as an adjuvant therapy to radiotherapy.     

Impaired transendothelial migration by neonatal neutrophils: abnormalities of Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18)-dependent adherence reactions

In order to evaluate the functions of lymphocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1) (CD11a/CD18) and Mac-1 (CD11b/CD18) on neonatal neutrophils, we examined neutrophil adhesion to and migration through human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers in vitro. Transendothelial migration of adult neutrophils was greatly enhanced by preincubation of HUVEC with interleukin-1 (IL-1). This migration was significantly inhibited by monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against LFA-1 (CD11a) and Mac-1 (CD11b) subunits. Migration of neonatal neutrophils was markedly diminished compared to adult neutrophils, and MoAbs against LFA-1 further reduced migration. In contrast, anti-Mac-1 MoAb was not inhibitory. Adhesion of adult neutrophils was significantly enhanced by prestimulation of HUVEC with IL-1, and was significantly inhibited by MoAbs against LFA-1. Adhesion of neonatal neutrophils was near adult levels and comparably inhibited by anti-LFA-1 MoAb. In addition, adhesion of neonatal and adult neutrophils to purified ICAM-1 in artificial planar membranes was comparable and almost completely inhibited by anti-LFA-1 MoAb. Chemotactic stimulation induced Mac-1-dependent adhesion of adult neutrophils to endothelial cells, purified intercellular adherence molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and protein-coated glass. In marked contrast, adhesion of neonatal neutrophils to these substrates was not significantly increased by chemotactic stimulation. These findings indicate that diminished transendothelial migration by neonatal neutrophils is related to abnormal interactions of Mac-1 with ICAM-1 and possibly other endothelial ligands. These functional deficits may contribute to impaired inflammation and infectious susceptibility in human neonates.     

Neutrophil migration into indomethacin induced rat small intestinal injury is CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 co-dependent

BACKGROUND: Neutrophils may exacerbate intestinal inflammatory diseases through secretion of proteolytic enzymes and reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates. AIMS: To define the mechanisms involved in neutrophil infiltration into the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory disease inflamed intestine to develop strategies to regulate this process. METHODS: The small intestinal epithelium of (15 mg/kg) indomethacin treated rats was examined for cytokine mRNA. The kinetics of neutrophil accumulation into the gastrointestinal tract (including lumen contents) of inflamed rats was determined using radiolabelled (111In) neutrophils injected intravenously followed by a three hour migration period. To determine which adhesion molecules were critical for migration, rats were also injected with function blocking monoclonal antibodies to the beta2 (CD11/CD18) integrins. RESULTS: Interleukin 1beta, interleukin 1 receptor II, tumour necrosis factor alpha, and monocyte inflammatory peptide 2 but not monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 mRNA were detected in the epithelium within hours of indomethacin injection. Neutrophils were detectable in the small intestine and intestinal lumen by six hours and continued to accumulate until 48 hours post indomethacin injection. Neutrophil accumulation in the intestine was essentially blocked by anti-CD18, and partially blocked by either anti-CD11a or CD11b antibody treatment. Migration into the intestinal lumen was reduced by anti-CD11b. CONCLUSIONS: The small intestinal epithelium acts as one source of cytokines with properties important in the recruitment of neutrophils. In turn, neutrophil migration into the indomethacin inflamed small intestine is mediated by CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18.     

Complement receptor type three (CD11b/CD18) of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes recognizes fibrinogen.

Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) have previously been shown to bind to aggregates of fibrin and to fibrinogen-coated surfaces. During their interactions with fibrinogen-coated surfaces, PMN make such close contact with the surface that a portion of the secreted elastase activity is protected from macromolecular protease inhibitors in the surrounding medium. Here we show that the receptor on PMN that mediates this interaction is complement receptor type 3 (CR3; CD11b/CD18), a molecule previously identified as a receptor for the complement protein fragment C3bi. Monoclonal antibodies against CR3 that block the binding of C3bi also block the binding of PMN to fibrinogen-coated surfaces and the formation of a protected compartment. The region of fibrinogen recognized by CR3 lies at the carboxyl terminus of the gamma chain, since peptides based on this sequence effectively inhibit the binding of PMN to fibrinogen-coated surfaces. These peptides also block the binding of C3bi-coated erythrocytes to CR3, thus indicating that a single binding site is used for binding both C3bi and fibrinogen. Sequence analysis shows strong structural similarity between this region of fibrinogen and other known ligands of CR3. These studies thus indicate that CR3 functions as a receptor not only for C3bi but also for fibrinogen.     

Monoclonal antibodies to leukocyte integrins CD11a/CD18 and CD11b/CD18 or intercellular adhesion molecule-1 inhibit chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophil transendothelial migration in vitro.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is present on the endothelium and binds to one or more members of the CD11/CD18 family of leukocyte surface integrins. To assess the role of these molecules in mediating chemotaxis of neutrophils across the endothelium, an in vitro model consisting of monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) grown on amniotic connective tissue was used. Neutrophils placed on the apical sides of these cultures migrated across the endothelium in response to chemoattractants added basally. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 on the neutrophils inhibited this migration by 52% +/- 11%, 29% +/- 19%, and 90% +/- 7%, respectively. An MoAb to ICAM-1 inhibited transendothelial chemotaxis of the leukocytes by 55% +/- 16%. Inhibition was mediated by binding of the MoAb to ICAM-1 on the HUVEC, rather than by any direct effect of the antibody on the neutrophils. When used in combination, MoAbs to CD11a and to CD11b inhibited migration in a nearly additive fashion. A similar additive effect was observed when MoAbs to CD11b and to ICAM-1 were used together. In contrast, MoAbs to CD11a and to ICAM-1 produced no more inhibition when used in combination than when added singly. These results show that ICAM-1, CD11a/CD18, and CD11b/CD18 all participate in controlling migration of neutrophils across endothelial monolayers in response to chemotactic agents.     

TNF-α induces spreading of B-CLL via the CD11C/CD18 molecule

Activation of malignant B cells can lead to extensive morphological changes of these cells. A combination of PMA and TNF-α can induce adherence of purified B-CLL cells, which acquire a dendritic cell-like appearance. This phenomenon that we have termed spreading, is accompanied by upregulation of expression of both β1 and β2 integrin molecules. Spreading was inhibited by the addition of antibodies against CD18 or CD11c. In other B cell malignancies (HCL and NHL), morphological changes could be induced by PMA in the absence of TNF-α. Culturing in the presence of prednisolone resulted in an inhibition of spreading, most likely mediated via a down regulation of CD18 and CD11c expression. These data indicate that the CD11c/CD18 complex might be important for the adhesive properties of B cells. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.