Mechanism of inhibition of immunoglobulin G-mediated phagocytosis by monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Mac-1 antigen.

We have investigated the effects of the monoclonal antibodies against the cell surface molecule Mac-1 on C3bi-mediated rosetting and IgG-mediated rosetting and phagocytosis by human peripheral blood monocytes. Highly purified M1/70 F(ab')2, used in the fluid phase, inhibited both monocyte functions. Half-maximal C3bi rosette inhibition occurred at a concentration of 2 nM F(ab')2 M1/70. An equivalent decrease in IgG-mediated rosetting required 10 nM M1/70 F(ab')2, and 50% inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis required 7 nM antibody. Mo-1 F(ab')2 inhibited EC3bi binding with an ID50 of 0.3 nM, whereas 50% decrease in IgG-mediated rosetting required 70 nM of this antibody. OKM1 did not inhibit rosettes of sheep erythrocytes opsonized with IgG antibody (EA) at all. F(ab')2 M1/70 did not affect the binding of monomeric human IgG to monocytes, but did substantially decrease the binding of IgG aggregates. Half-maximal inhibition of aggregated IgG binding at 0 degrees C occurred at 8 nM F(ab')2 M1/70, very close to the concentration that caused equivalent inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis. Aggregated IgG inhibited the binding of radiolabeled M1/70 to monocytes by approximately 40%, suggesting that some, but not all Mac-1 molecules were associated with IgG receptors under these conditions. When cells were allowed to adhere to surfaces coated with M1/70 or Mo-1 F(ab')2, C3bi-mediated rosetting was inhibited, but IgG mediated-phagocytosis was unaffected. Moreover, the dose response of inhibition of phagocytosis by fluid-phase F(ab')2, of anti-Mac-1 monoclonals was similar on monocytes adherent to albumin-coated and antibody-coated surfaces. Kinetic experiments showed that even prolonged incubation of monocytes on M1/70 coated surfaces did not lead to inhibition of EA binding nor did these incubations alter the dose response for inhibition of EA binding by fluid-phase M1/70 F(ab')2. This suggested that not all molecules recognized by M1/70 are freely mobile in the plasma membrane. Indeed, only approximately 60% of 125I-M1/70-biding sites were lost even after 4 h when monocytes were adherent to M1/70-coated surfaces. We conclude that some anti-Mac-1 antibodies can inhibit EA binding because of their epitope specificity, independent of any direct interaction with monocyte Fc receptors. This interference with IgG-Fc receptor-mediated binding and ingestion apparently occurs because of antibody binding to a subpopulation of Mac-1 molecules which are associated with IgG Fc receptors and remain on the apical membrane of monocytes adherent to anti-Mac-1-coated surfaces. We suggest that there may be two functionally distinct molecules on human monocytes recognized by M1/70 and Mo-1 that can be distinguished by their mobility in the plane of the monocyte membrane. The more mobile form of Mac-1 is involved in C3bi rosettes, and does not affect IgG-mediated phagocytosis. The other antigen recognized by M1/70 does not diffuse within the plane of the membrane; ligation of the latter molecule by antibody is associated with inhibition of IgG-mediated phagocytosis.     

Catalase-dependent peroxidative metabolism in the alveolar macrophage during phagocytosis

EVIDENCE FOR THE PRESENCE OF PEROXIDATIVE METABOLISM IN RABBIT ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES (AM) HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS: (a) catalase is present in high concentrations; (b) peroxidase activity could not be detected employing guaiacol as substrate; (c) the irreversible inhibition of AM catalase by aminotriazole served as a detection system for H(2)O(2) and demonstrated increased intracellular H(2)O(2) after phagocytosis; (d) formate oxidation, a marker of catalase-dependent peroxidations, occurs in resting AM and is increased by phagocytosis; (c) measurements of H(2)O(2) accumulation in a dialysate of AM demonstrated twofold increase during phagocytosis; and (f) aminotriazole diminishes O(2) utilization and (14)CO(2) production from labelled glucose and pyruvate. It is concluded that, while catalase-dependent H(2)O(2) metabolism is not essential for particle entry, this pathway represents one of the metabolic pathways stimulated by particle entry in the AM.     

The actin-regulatory protein Hem-1 is essential for alveolar macrophage development

Hematopoietic protein-1 (Hem-1) is a hematopoietic cell–specific actin-regulatory protein. Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in the NCKAP1L gene encoding Hem-1 have recently been found to result in primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) in humans, characterized by recurring respiratory infections, asthma, and high mortality. However, the mechanisms of how Hem-1 variants result in PID are not known. In this study, we generated constitutive and myeloid cell–specific Nckap1l-KO mice to dissect the importance of Hem-1 in lung immunity. We found that Hem-1–deficient mice accumulated excessive surfactant and cell debris in airways (pulmonary alveolar proteinosis) due to impaired development of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and reduced expression of the AM differentiation factor Pparg. Residual Hem-1–deficient AMs shifted to a proinflammatory phenotype, and Hem-1–deficient neutrophils and monocytes failed to migrate normally. Myeloid cell–specific Hem-1–deficient mice exhibited increased morbidity following influenza A virus or Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. These results provide potential mechanisms for how LOF variants in Hem-1 result in recurring respiratory diseases.     

烟雾吸入性损伤大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞吞噬功能与炎症消散关系研究

目的 :探讨烟雾吸入性损伤大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞吞噬功能与炎症消散关系。方法 :建立大鼠烟雾吸入损伤模型后于伤后 2、6、12、2 4h及 2、3、4、5d各时相点动态观察 (1)肺泡巨噬细胞体外对鸡红细胞吞噬功能 ;(2 )肺泡巨噬细胞体内对凋亡中性粒细胞吞噬功能。结果 :(1)致伤后 2～ 6h肺泡巨噬细胞对鸡红细胞吞噬率、吞噬指数下降 ,12h后逐渐恢复正常 ,2～ 5d仍保持较高的吞噬功能。 (2 )肺泡巨噬细胞对凋亡中性粒细胞吞噬在伤后 2h即开始逐渐升高 ,2 4h达峰值 ,然后逐渐下降。结论 :(1)烟雾吸入伤早期 (2～ 6h)肺泡巨噬细胞吞噬功能受损害 ,然后逐渐恢复正常 ,并保持较高吞噬活性 ,它有利于清除异物、细菌等。 (2 )肺内中性粒细胞发生凋亡 ,然后被巨噬细胞吞噬参与了恢复期肺内炎症消散的过程     

Normal rabbit alveolar macrophages. I. The phagocytosis of tubular myelin

Normal rabbit alveolar macrophages are engorged with large, dense inclusions which contain whorls of myelin figures, suggesting an exogenous source of polar lipids in their diet. One contributory source of such lipids is surfactant, since macrophages were seen ingesting tubular myelin and vacuoles containing remnants of it were found in the cytoplasm. Thus, as indicated previously in kinetic studies, it appears that alveolar macrophages participate in the turnover of surfactant. However, the relative importance of the macrophage in comparison to other pathways of surfactant removal remains to be determined. It is also noteworthy that although tubular myelin and myelin figures were abundant in the fixative used to wash out the lungs, bacteria were not found in it or in the macrophages. Thus, removal of obsolete surfactant may prove to be one of the mojor endocytic functions of alveolar macrophages.     

Gender differences in protein kinase G-mediated vasorelaxation of rat aorta

Although gender and oestrogen treatment influence production of the vasorelaxant, NO, their influence on factors downstream in the NO signal-transduction pathway, specifically protein kinase G (PKG), remains unknown. We aimed to study the influence of sex hormones on PKG, along with the endothelial modulation of these effects, in rat thoracic aortic rings in two separate groups, control male and female rats and ovariectomized female rats after treatment with oestrogen or vehicle. Vessel preparations were preconstricted with phenylephrine (0.1 microM). Constrictions were greater in male than female aortas. This differential effect was attenuated by endothelium removal, addition of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 1 microM) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 100 microM), supporting the role of NO in maintenance of basal relaxation and vascular tone in females. We have examined the relative activity of the specific PKG subtypes 1 alpha and 1 beta in vascular smooth muscle, based on relaxation of rat aortas by two cGMP analogues with different selectivity, beta-phenyl-l-N(2)-ethano-8-bromo-cGMP (8-Br-PET-cGMP) and 8-(2-aminophenylthio)cGMP (8-APT-cGMP). 8-Br-PET-cGMP was more potent than 8-APT-cGMP in both sexes, suggesting that PKG 1 alpha is the primary subtype involved in vasorelaxation. The gender differences in PKG activity were examined based on relaxation responses in male and female rat aortas. Both 8-Br-PET-cGMP and 8-APT-cGMP were more potent in aortas from male than female rats. In further studies on the endothelial modulation of relaxation with 8-APT-cGMP, the differential gender-vasorelaxation response was negated by endothelium removal and addition of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ (1 microM), but not by the NOS inhibitor L-NMMA (100 microM), suggesting that an endothelial-dependent factor other than NO may be responsible for the observed differential PKG-mediated vasorelaxation between the sexes. To further investigate oestrogen influence on PKG, treated female rats were studied. Contrary to our hypothesis, in the presence of 1 microM ODQ, there were no differences in either the phenylephrine constriction, or the relaxation with 8-APT-cGMP from either sham-operated, vehicle-treated or oestrogen-treated ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, female rat aortas have greater basal NO production compared with males. Relaxant responses to PKG activation are greater in aortas from male compared with female rats. These findings suggest hormonal regulation of PKG; however, oestrogen treatment of ovariectomized rats did not affect PKG activity, suggesting factors other than oestrogen may be responsible for the gender differences noted in this study.     

Biological properties of a granuloma glycoprotein that inhibits macrophage phagocytosis.

The biological activity of a purified glycoprotein inhibitor isolated from mature (42-day) polyvinyl sponge granulomas on macrophage phagocytosis was examined under a variety of in vitro conditions. Its activity was compared with partially purified inhibitor isolated from young (14-day) sponge granulomas. Experiments were conducted to define the mechanism of action of the inhibitor protein, and to differentiate it from other substances known to affect macrophage function. Inhibitor activity was demonstrated in neutral salt-soluble extracts from open wound granulation tissue, guinea pig and NZB/NZW mouse spleen, and acute-phase guinea pig serum. Fresh guinea pig serum and extracts of normal guinea pig tissues did not contain inhibitor material. Immunofluorescent studies demonstrated that the inhibitor was localized in or on a subpopulation of mononuclear cells within the sponge granuloma.     

Silica, hyaluronate, and alveolar macrophage functional differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Silicosis is mediated by macrophages, their soluble mediators, and extracellular matrix molecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of silica and/or hyaluronate (HA) on several alveolar macrophage responses. METHODS: We evaluated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production by radiolabeled precursors, nitric oxide (NO) release by its oxidation product, phagocytic activity by Candida albicans internalization, and the secretion of two fibrogenic cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, by specific assays. RESULTS: Silica significantly reduced GAG secretion, particularly HA secretion. Alone, it decreased Candida uptake; associated with HA, it enhanced the reduction. Silica and Candida reduced NO release, which was not significantly affected when silica- or Candida-exposed cells were also treated with HA. TNF-alpha and TGF-beta activities were stimulated by silica but reduced by HA. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that silica and HA modify alveolar macrophage functional differentiation. Silica- and HA-induced modifications of the microenvironment could determine whether the response proceeds toward healing and repair or toward lung chronic pathology.     

Deficiency of vitamin E in the alveolar fluid of cigarette smokers. Influence on alveolar macrophage cytotoxicity.

Cigarette smoking produces oxidant-mediated changes in the lung important to the pathogenesis of emphysema. Since vitamin E can neutralize reactive oxygen species and prevent peroxidation of unsaturated lipids, it may constitute an important component of the lung's defense against oxidant injury. To better characterize the antioxidant protective role of vitamin E, young asymptomatic smokers and nonsmokers were evaluated by bronchoalveolar lavage before and immediately after a 3-wk course of oral vitamin E (2,400 IU/d). Smoker alveolar fluid at baseline was relatively deficient in vitamin E compared with nonsmoker fluid (3.1 +/- 0.7 ng/ml vs. 20.7 +/- 2.4 ng/ml, P less than 0.005). Although smoker alveolar fluid vitamin E levels increased to 9.3 +/- 2.3 ng/ml after supplementation, the levels remained significantly lower than nonsmoker baseline levels (P less than 0.01). This deficiency was explained, in part, by the increased oxidative metabolism of vitamin E to the quinone form in the lungs of smokers compared with nonsmokers. Although the significance of a lower concentration of alveolar fluid vitamin E is unclear, it may compromise the antioxidant protection afforded by the alveolar fluid as it coats the lung's epithelial surface. The protective role of vitamin E was assessed by cytotoxicity experiments, which demonstrated that the killing of normal rat lung parenchymal cells by smoker alveolar macrophages was inversely related to the vitamin E content of the parenchymal cells. These findings suggest that vitamin E may be an important lower respiratory tract antioxidant, and that the deficiency seen in young smokers may predispose them to an enhanced oxidant attack on their lung parenchymal cells.     

庆大霉素雾化吸入对重型颅脑损伤大鼠AM吞噬功能的影响

目的研究庆大霉素雾化吸入对重型颅脑损伤(severeheadinjury,SHI)大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞(alveolarmacrophage,AM)吞噬功能的影响。方法采用大鼠颅脑局部气压冲击伤模型,将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、对照组和实验组。正常组不予任何处理,观察24h处死动物。对照组动物创伤后给予单纯生理盐水雾化吸入。实验组动物创伤后给予生理盐水+庆大霉素4万U雾化吸入。分别于1、3、7d处死动物,用支气管肺泡灌洗获取标本。用白色念珠菌法观察AM的吞噬率。结果实验组AM吞噬率为(0.415±0.089),在7d时明显低于对照组(0.560±0.075),P<0.001。结论庆大霉素长期雾化吸入可降低AM吞噬率。     

庆大霉素雾化吸入对重型颅脑损伤大鼠AM吞噬功能的影响

目的研究庆大霉素雾化吸入对重型颅脑损伤(severe head injury,SHI)大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞(alveolar macrophage,AM)吞噬功能的影响.方法采用大鼠颅脑局部气压冲击伤模型,将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、对照组和实验组.正常组不予任何处理,观察24h处死动物.对照组动物创伤后给予单纯生理盐水雾化吸入.实验组动物创伤后给予生理盐水+庆大霉素4万U雾化吸入.分别于1、3、7 d处死动物,用支气管肺泡灌洗获取标本.用白色念珠菌法观察AM的吞噬率.结果实验组AM吞噬率为(0.415±0.089),在7 d时明显低于对照组(0.560±0.075),P＜0.001.结论庆大霉素长期雾化吸入可降低AM吞噬率.     

Comparison of live human neutrophil and alveolar macrophage elastolytic activity in vitro. Relative resistance of macrophage elastolytic activity to serum and alveolar proteinase inhibitors.

Elastin is an extracellular matrix protein critical to the normal structure and function of human lung. Recently reported data indicate that live human alveolar macrophages can degrade purified elastin in vitro. In this study, we directly compared the elastolytic activity of alveolar macrophages with that of human neutrophils. In the absence of proteinase inhibitors, human neutrophils degrade much more elastin than do human alveolar macrophages. However, macrophages cultured in 10% human serum and in contact with purified 3H-elastin degraded 4.7 micrograms elastin/10(6) cells per 24 h, as compared to less than 1 microgram/10(6) cells/24 h for neutrophils. We observed a similar pattern when the two cells were cultured in human alveolar fluid. We determined that the relative resistance of macrophage elastolytic activity to serum or alveolar proteinase inhibitors was not simply due to phagocytosis of substrate by the larger macrophages. Live macrophages as well as neutrophils degrade 125I-elastin coupled to noningestible sepharose beads. Again in serum-free media, neutrophils degraded eight-fold more elastin than macrophages but only macrophages degraded sepharose-coupled elastin in the presence of 10% serum. Because of these findings, we compared the enzymatic mechanisms of elastin breakdown by macrophages with that of neutrophils. Macrophage elastolytic activity is largely (65-80%) due to a cysteine proteinase(s), at least part of which is Cathepsin B. Approximately half of the cysteine proteinase activity appeared to be expressed at or near the cell surface. These experiments defined two enzymatically distinct pathways of elastin breakdown by human inflammatory cells: the classic, neutrophil derived soluble elastase(s) that is sensitive to serum and alveolar proteinase inhibitors, and a macrophage-mediated pathway that is largely cell associated and relatively resistant to inhibitors. The function of the two pathways depends on the relative excess or deficiency of soluble inhibitors. At inflammatory sites rich in proteinase inhibitors, tissue macrophages may degrade more extracellular matrix elastin than neutrophils. In smokers without antiproteinase deficiency, pulmonary macrophages, which are known to be increased in number, may be the more important cause of elastin breakdown and emphysema.     

Modulation of alveolar macrophage-driven fibroblast proliferation by alternative macrophage mediators.

Tissue fibrosis results, in part, from an interaction between growth regulatory molecules released by mononuclear phagocytes and fibroblasts. In the chronic interstitial lung disorders, alveolar macrophages, the mononuclear phagocytes of the lung, are known to spontaneously release two growth factors for fibroblasts, fibronectin and alveolar macrophage-derived growth factor (AMDGF) that together stimulate nonreplicating lung fibroblasts to divide. In addition to these two primary growth promoting signals, alveolar macrophages are able to release other mediators that may have a potential role in modulating lung fibroblast replication in response to these primary signals, including interferon gamma (IFN gamma), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin 1 (IL-1). To evaluate this possibility, we examined the effect of each of these other mediators on lung fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF in serum-free, defined medium. IFN gamma had no effect on fibroblast replication. In contrast, PGE2 resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF with 50% of the maximum inhibition observed at a PGE2 concentration of less than 10 ng/ml. IL-1, while not active as a primary growth promoting signal, at concentrations of 4-10 U/ml, augmented fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF by 10 to 15%. Temporally, the growth augmenting effect of IL-1 occurred early in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These data indicate that lung fibroblast replication in response to two of the primary growth promoting signals spontaneously released by alveolar macrophages in the interstitial lung disorders, while uninfluenced by IFN gamma, can be inhibited by PGE2 and modestly augmented by IL-1. Understanding the relevant fibroblast growth modulatory signals within the alveolar microenvironment in the chronic interstitial disorders may lead to rational therapeutic strategies designed to interrupt the fibrotic process.     

Isolation and chemical characterization of a granuloma glycoprotein that inhibits macrophage phagocytosis.

A saline soluble glycoprotein isolated from 14- and 42-day polyvinyl sponge granulomas was shown to depress in vitro phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages. The glycoprotein had no effect on polymorphonuclear phagocytosis. Chemical and physical characterization of the inhibitor protein obtained from mature (42-day) granulomas developed in guinea pigs indicated that the protein had a molecular weight of 48,500 and an isoelectric point of 5.3. It was homogeneous when examined in three polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoretic buffer systems. The carbohydrate and amino acid content of the protein are reported. The chemical and physical characteristics of the inhibitor protein suggest that it is of nonserum origin. It is postulated that the glycoprotein inhibitor from chronic granulation tissue may participate in regulation of mononuclear phagocyte (macrophage) function within a local inflammatory focus.     

Immunoglobulin G-induced single ionic channels in human alveolar macrophage membranes.

While it is well known that the engagement of IgG Fc receptors on the macrophage surface triggers a number of cellular responses, including particle ingestion, secretion, and respiratory burst activity, the mechanism of signal transmission following ligand binding remains poorly understood. To acquire more data in this area, we studied the electrical properties of the macrophage membrane and its response to oligomeric immunoglobulin G (IgG) using the patch-clamp technique on human alveolar macrophages that were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage and maintained in short-term tissue culture. The results showed that cell resting potentials, as determined from whole-cell tight seal recordings, increased from -15 mV on the day of plating to -56 mV after the first day in culture and remained stable at this hyperpolarized level. Macrophages revealed an input resistance of 3.3 G omega, independent of age in culture. Extracellular application of heat-aggregated human IgG to cells voltage-clamped at -70 mV resulted in peak inward currents of approximately 470 pA. We identified an IgG-dependent, nonselective channel in both cell-attached and isolated membrane patches, with a unitary conductance of approximately 350 pS and a predominant subconductance level of 235 pS in symmetrical NaCl solutions. Single channel open times were observed to be in the range of seconds and, in addition, were dependent upon membrane voltage. Channel opening involved transitions between a number of kinetic states and subconductance levels. Channel events recorded in cell-attached patches showed characteristic exponential relaxations, which implied a variation in membrane potential as a result of a single ion channel opening. These data suggest that the IgG-dependent nonselective cation channel that we have characterized may provide the link between Fc receptor engagement and subsequent cellular activation.     

Abstract no.: 4 Effect of statins on macrophage activation after platelet phagocytosis

Aims:  It has been suggested that the atypical antipsychotic drug clozapine might be helpful in the development of new antiglaucoma agents, since it combines lowering of the intra-ocular pressure after topical instillation with vasodilation. However, the vasoactive influence of clozapine on ocular blood vessels has never been analysed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether clozapine has direct vasodilatory effects in isolated bovine retinal arteries (BRA) and to characterise pharmacologically the mechanisms involved.
Methods:  Retinal arteries were isolated from bovine eyes and mounted in a wire-myograph for isometric tension recording. Concentration-response curves were generated by cumulative addition of clozapine (1 nM to 10 μM) to the organ bath.
Results:  Clozapine elicited a concentration-dependent relaxation of the BRA. Removal of the endothelium of the BRA, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N^ϖ-nitro-L-arginine and inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase with ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one) significantly attenuated the clozapine-response, whereas cyclo-oxygenase inhibition with indomethacin had no influence. The Ca²⁺ channel activator Bay k8644, the nonselective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonist methiothepin and the adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(p-sulfophenyl) theophylline also failed in affecting the clozapine-induced relaxations.
Conclusion:  Clozapine clearly relaxes bovine retinal arteries in a direct way. Endothelium-derived NO is involved in this response. However, prostanoids, calcium entry blockade, 5-HT₇ receptor stimulation and adenosine receptor stimulation all seem to be not involved.     

Inhibition of macrophage activation and phagocytosis by a novel NF-kappaB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin.

Previously, we designed and synthesized a new NF-kappaB inhibitor, dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ). In the present research we looked into the effect of DHMEQ on the activation of macrophages, especially on the phagocytotic activity of cells of the mouse macrophage-like cell line RAW264.7. DHMEQ inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NF-kappaB activation by inhibiting its nuclear translocation from the cytoplasm. It also inhibited the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production induced by LPS and interferon-gamma. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) we showed DHMEQ to inhibit LPS-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-12, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and TNF-alpha. Furthermore, DHMEQ also inhibited the phagocytosis of fluorescently labeled Escherichia coli by RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS or IL-1beta, thus being the first evidence for the involvement of NF-kappaB in the regulation of phagocytosis by use of this inhibitor. Deletion of p65 by siRNA also inhibited the phagocytosis. DHMEQ inhibited the LPS-induced but not IL-1beta-induced phagocytosis of glass beads, indicating that activation of not only NF-kappaB but also Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) is essential for the phagocytosis of E. coli. Previously we found that DHMEQ inhibited type 2 collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis and the growth of various human carcinomas in mice. It is thus likely that inhibition of macrophage activation is involved in the mechanism of these anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities of DHMEQ in mice.     

sEH promotes macrophage phagocytosis and lung clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have potent antiinflammatory properties. Hydrolysis of EETs by soluble epoxide hydrolase/ epoxide hydrolase 2 (sEH/EPHX2) to less active diols attenuates their antiinflammatory effects. Macrophage activation is critical to many inflammatory responses; however, the role of EETs and sEH in regulating macrophage function remains unknown. Lung bacterial clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae was impaired in Ephx2-deficient (Ephx2^–/–) mice and in mice treated with an sEH inhibitor. The EET receptor antagonist EEZE restored lung clearance of S. pneumoniae in Ephx2^–/– mice. Ephx2^–/– mice had normal lung Il1b, Il6, and Tnfa expression levels and macrophage recruitment to the lungs during S. pneumoniae infection; however, Ephx2 disruption attenuated proinflammatory cytokine induction, Tlr2 and Pgylrp1 receptor upregulation, and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrates 1 and 2 (Rac1/2) and cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42) activation in PGN-stimulated macrophages. Consistent with these observations, Ephx2^–/– macrophages displayed reduced phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae in vivo and in vitro. Heterologous overexpression of TLR2 and peptidoglycan recognition protein 1 (PGLYRP1) in Ephx2^–/– macrophages restored macrophage activation and phagocytosis. Human macrophage function was similarly regulated by EETs. Together, these results demonstrate that EETs reduced macrophage activation and phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae through the downregulation of TLR2 and PGLYRP1 expression. Defining the role of EETs and sEH in macrophage function may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for bacterial diseases.     

In vivo activation of macrophage C3 receptors for phagocytosis

We assessed the effects of exposure to immune complexes in vivo on macrophages' Fc receptor function and C3 receptor function. Peritoneal macrophages from mice injected intraperitoneally with immune complexes were markedly impaired in their ability to phagocytize via their Fc receptors but had acquired the ability to phagocytize via their C3 receptors. In vivo activation of macrophages' C3 receptors for phagocytosis required T lymphocytes, because macrophages from athymic mice could not be activated by injection of immune complexes. The requirement for both T lymphocytes and immune complexes for activation of macrophages' C3 receptors in vivo is identical to the requirements for activation of macrophages' C3 receptors in vitro, suggesting that the mechanisms we have identified for activation of these receptors in vitro are the same mechanisms by which the receptors are activated for phagocytosis in vivo. The susceptibility of macrophages' Fc receptors to blockade by immune complexes and the activation of their C3 receptors for phagocytosis in a milieu containing immune complexes suggest that it may be macrophages' C3 receptors, not their Fc receptors, that are primarily responsible for promoting phagocytosis of opsonized microorganisms in immune hosts.