Expression of ICAM-1, ICAM-2, NCAM-1 and VCAM-1 by human synovial cells exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi in vitro

The interaction of resident tissue cells with migratory inflammatory cells is essential for the recruitment of immune effector cells to inflammatory sites. The sustained expression of adhesion molecules in the synovium of patients with chronic Lyme arthritis seems to contribute to this chronic inflammation. Whether cell adhesion molecules influence the early steps of Borreliosis is unclear. Therefore, we examined the expression of ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1 and NCAM-1 in synovial cells exposed to two different Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strains Geho and B31. The mRNA expression of ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1 and NCAM-1 was not changed in synovial cells exposed to B31. Whereas ICAM-2 and VCAM-1 was upregulated, NCAM-1 mRNA was downregulated and ICAM-1 mRNA was unchanged by strain Geho. The ICAM-1 protein expression on the synovial cell surface was downregulated by both strains. Differential regulation of adhesion molecule mRNA, and subsequent high turnover or elevated shedding from the cell membrane may contribute to early pathogenesis in Lyme arthritis.