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Polarized expression and function of the costimulatory molecule CD58 on human intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) can process foreign protein antigens and display antigenic peptides to CD4(+) T lymphocytes via HLA class II molecules. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the second, or costimulatory, signal provided by IECs. METHODS: We investigated surface expression of the costimulatory molecules CD58 (LFA-3), CD80 (B7-1), and CD86 (B7-2) by using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and vectorial biotinylation. Antibodies specific for CD58, CD80, and CD86 were used in blocking experiments to assess the role of these molecules in providing a costimulatory signal to CD4(+) T cells by IECs. RESULTS: CD58, but not CD80 or CD86, was observed to be expressed constitutively on both native IECs and in the IEC lines T84 and HT-29. The surface expression of CD58 was highly polarized and restricted to the basolateral surface of the cell. Antibodies against CD58, but not CD80 or CD86, inhibited the stimulation of CD4(+) T-cell proliferation mediated by IECs. CONCLUSIONS: CD58 is expressed by polarized IECs in a topologically restricted manner at the region of T-cell contact and can function as a costimulatory molecule in HLA class II-mediated antigen presentation.

Antibodies↗

Transport of the organic cations gonyautoxin 2/3 epimers, a paralytic shellfish poison toxin, through the human and rat intestinal epitheliums.

The aim of this work is to study the mechanisms involved in gonyautoxins (GTXs) intestinal absorption. For this purpose, we studied the transport of GTX 2/3 epimers by intestinal epithelial cell lines (IEC-6 and Caco-2) cultured on polycarbonate filters. Specific transport was calculated by subtracting from the flux of GTX 2/3 measured at 37 degrees C that occurring at 4 degrees C, this being an indication of transcellular transport. The transcellular apical-to-basolateral (A-B) flux in Caco-2 cell monolayers, was greater than that in the opposite direction, suggesting the involvement of an active transport system favoring the absorption of the toxin. However, in IEC-6 cells the transcellular basolateral-to-apical (B-A) specific transport of the toxin was greater than that in the opposite direction. The A-B and B-A fluxes were, respectively, 127 +/- 26 and 205 +/- 23 nmol/min, suggesting the presence of a prevalent secretive process of the toxin in IEC-6 cells. The A-B transport of GTX 2/3 epimers in Caco-2 cells, but not in IEC-6 cells, was partially Na(+)-dependent and significantly inhibited by adenosine. TEA and verapamil in both Caco-2 and IEC-6 cells failed to affect the A-B and B-A transport of GTX 2/3 epimers. Cyanine in IEC-6 cells, but not in Caco-2 cells, increased the A-B flux of the toxin, suggesting the involvement of the organic cation transporter in the absorption of GTX 2/3 epimers. The mitochondrial energetic uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol significantly inhibited the A-B and the B-A transport in both cell lines. In conclusion, IEC-6 cells secrete actively the toxins, whereas Caco-2 cells were found to absorb the toxins in a process that was inhibited in the presence of adenosine and the absorption was dependent of Na(+).

Adenosine↗

Effect of intestinal epithelial cell cytokines on mucosal B-cell IgA secretion: enhancing effect of epithelial-derived IL-6 but not TGF-beta on IgA+ B cells.

A variety of cell types may be involved in the regulation of IgA secretion at the intestinal mucosa. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) are known to have the capacity to secrete several cytokines which may exert an important regulatory effect on local immunoglobulin secretion by mucosal B cells. In this study, we have determined the effect of secreted cytokines from the rat non-transformed IEC-6 cell line on IgA secretion by IgA+ mesenteric lymph node B cells. Four day IEC-6 cell culture supernatants (SN) were found to enhance lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated IgA secretion by 3-fold and this enhancement was determined to be due to IEC-derived IL-6. Interestingly, IEC-derived TGF-beta as well as recombinant human latent TGF-beta1 were found to have no effect on IgA secretion by the IgA+ B cells suggesting that these cells may be insensitive to the latent form of this cytokine. Finally, the addition of a culture SN from a 5 h culture of isolated normal rat IEC which contained high levels of IL-6 also greatly enhanced IgA secretion by LPS stimulated IgA+ B cells. These results suggest that the IEC may be an important source of IL-6 to enhance local mucosal IgA+ B cell responses.

Animals↗

Differential glucocorticoid effects on repair mechanisms and NF-kappaB activity in the intestinal epithelium.

Glucocorticoids are effective agents in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, information about their effects on repair mechanisms of the intestinal epithelium is incomplete.Therefore, the aim was to analyse in vitro effects of glucocorticoids on proliferation, restitution, and apoptosis as well as their effects on activity and expression of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, a known regulator of apoptosis and inflammation, in intestinal epithelial cells.Non-transformed rat jejunum epithelial cells (IEC-6) were cultured in the presence and absence of various concentrations of prednisolone and budesonide. IEC-6 cell proliferation was assessed by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Restitution was analysed by an IEC-6 in vitro assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by ELISA and fluorescence microscopy. DNA binding activity and nuclear expression of NF-kappaB was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays and Western blotting, respectively. Prednisolone and budesonide stimulated IEC-6 cell proliferation at low to medium pharmacologic concentrations (prednisolone: 10(-9) to 10(-6) M; budesonide: 10(-11) to 10(-8) M). In contrast, high concentrations (>5 x 10(-5) M) had inhibitory effects on proliferation. 10(-7) M prednisolone and 10(-8) M budesonide increased restitution of IEC-6 cells, whereas high concentrations (10(-4) M) of prednisolone and budesonide decreased restitution. Apoptosis of IEC-6 cells was substantially enhanced by 10(-4) M budesonide; apoptosis was slightly increased by the highest prednisolone concentration used (5 x 10(-4) M). Furthermore, both glucocorticoids inhibited DNA binding activity and nuclear NF-kappaB expression in IEC-6 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. In conclusion, prednisolone and budesonide modulate repair mechanisms of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner and profoundly modulate the inflammatory regulator NF-kappaB.

Animals↗

Regulation and expression of multidrug resistance (MDR) transcripts in the intestinal epithelium.

A paucity of information exists on the regulation of gene expression in the undifferentiated intestine. The intestinal epithelium is one of the few normal tissues expressing the multidrug resistance (MDR) genes that confer the multidrug resistant phenotype to a variety of tumours. Expression of mdr1a has been observed in the primitive rat intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-18. It is hypothesized that characterization of MDR gene expression in IEC-18 cells will provide insight into gene regulation in undifferentiated intestinal cells. A series of hamster mdr1a promoter deletion constructs was studied in IEC-18 and a region with 12-13-fold enhancer activity was identified. This region was shown to function in an orientation- and promoter context-independent manner, specifically in IEC-18 cells. Unexpectedly, Northern probing revealed a greater expression of mdr1b than mdr1a in IEC-18 cells. A quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay was used to compare the relative expression of MDR genes in IEC cells, fetal intestine, and in the undifferentiated and differentiated components of adult intestinal epithelium. MDR transcript levels in IEC cells were found to resemble those of fetal intestine and small intestinal crypts, where a conversion from mixed mdr1a/mdr1b to predominantly mdr1a expression occurs as cells mature. This work describes two contributions to the field of gene regulation in the undifferentiated intestine--first, the initial characterization of a putative mdr1a enhancer region with specificity for primitive intestinal cells and secondly, the first report of mdr1b detection in the intestine and its expression in primitive cell types.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Induced TRPC1 expression sensitizes intestinal epithelial cells to apoptosis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation through Ca2+ influx.

Apoptosis occurs within crypts and at the intestinal luminal surface and plays a critical role in mucosal homoeostasis. NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappaB) is the central regulator of the transcription of genes involved in apoptosis, and its activity is highly regulated in the intestinal mucosa. We have recently demonstrated that TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical-1) is expressed in IECs (intestinal epithelial cells) and functions as a Ca2+ permeable channel activated by Ca2+ store depletion. The present study tests the hypothesis that TRPC1 channels are implicated in the regulation of apoptosis by inhibiting NF-kappaB through the induction of TRPC1-mediated Ca2+ influx in the IEC-6 line. The expression of TRPC1 induced by stable transfection of IEC-6 cells with the wild-type TRPC1 gene (IEC-TRPC1 cells) increased Ca2+ influx after Ca2+ store depletion and repressed NF-kappaB transactivation, which was associated with an increase in susceptibility to apoptosis induced by exposure to TNFalpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) plus CHX (cycloheximide) (TNF-alpha/CHX), or STS (staurosporine). By contrast, the induction of endogenous NF-kappaB activity, by the depletion of cellular polyamines, promoted resistance to apoptosis, which was prevented by the ectopic expression of the IkappaBalpha super-repressor. Furthermore, inhibition of TRPC1 expression by transfection with siRNA (small interfering RNA) targeting TRPC1 (siTRPC1) decreased Ca2+ influx, increased NF-kappaB transactivation, and prevented the increased susceptibility of IEC-TRPC1 cells to apoptosis. Decreasing Ca2+ influx by exposure to a Ca2+-free medium also induced NF-kappaB activity and blocked the increased susceptibility to apoptosis of stable IEC-TRPC1 cells. These results indicate that induced TRPC1 expression sensitizes IECs to apoptosis by inhibiting NF-kappaB activity as a result of the stimulation of Ca2+ influx.

Animals↗

Epithelial cells respond to proteolytic and non-proteolytic detachment by enhancing interleukin-6 responses.

Intestinal inflammatory disease or infection often results in the loss of the epithelial layer as a result mainly of the action of proteases, including the leucocyte serine proteinases (neutrophil elastase), lysosomal cathepsins and the matrix metalloproteinases from recruited inflammatory cells. Previous studies have shown that bronchial or intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) can respond to proteolytic attack by producing cytokines. In this study, we have determined the effect of protease treatment on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) production by IEC lines. Both neutrophil elastase and trypsin treatment induced elevated levels of mRNA for IL-6 in rat IEC-6 cells. Non-proteolytic detachment of the IEC-6 cells also induced elevated levels of IL-6 mRNA, suggesting that the effect was not caused by a specific protease or degradation product, but probably by an effect on cell shape or cell detachment. Similar results were seen with the IEC-18 cell line. Trypsin treatment of the IEC-6 cells also enhanced unstimulated and IL-1 beta costimulated IL-6 secretion, but not MCP-1 secretion or mRNA levels. Finally, nuclear levels of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-beta (C/EBP-beta) were rapidly enhanced after proteolytic detachment of the IEC-6 cells, suggesting a mechanism for the enhancement of IL-6 mRNA responses. These data indicate that epithelial cells can respond to proteolytic attack or cell detachment by producing IL-6, a cytokine with several anti-inflammatory and antiprotease effects, which may be important in moderating the loss of the epithelial layer by its effects on nearby epithelial or inflammatory cells.

Animals↗

Implication of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand in inflammatory intestinal epithelial lesions.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Few data exist on the molecular events causing intestinal epithelial destruction during inflammatory processes, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this work, we analyzed the potential implication of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in these inflammatory lesions. METHODS: TRAIL and TRAIL-receptor expression were analyzed in normal, inflammatory ileum/colon and human intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines (HIEC), Caco-2, and HT-29 using RNase protection assay, real-time and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. TRAIL-induced activation of NF-kappaB was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Caspase-recruitment domain (CARD)15 expression and interleukin-(IL)8 production were studied by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was monitored using Annexin-V/caspase-3 assays. RESULTS: Normal mature IEC expressed low TRAIL levels, whereas, in inflammatory lesions, TRAIL messenger RNA and protein were markedly up-regulated in IEC and lamina propria lymphocytes at levels comparable with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. Interferon-gamma and TNF-alpha potently induced TRAIL in IEC. In vitro analyses revealed a dual biologic effect of TRAIL on HIEC: Under noninflammatory conditions, TRAIL up-regulated via nuclear factor-kappaB CARD15 and IL-8, whereas, under inflammatory conditions, TRAIL became a potent inducer of apoptosis in HIEC, which was confirmed ex vivo using ileal organ cultures. TNF-alpha markedly increased the expression of the proapoptotic receptor TRAIL-R2. TRAIL-induced IEC apoptosis required a functional caspase cascade. CONCLUSIONS: TRAIL is a new inflammatory mediator implicated in the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial barrier functions. TRAIL is highly up-regulated in IEC in inflammatory ileum and colon. It may augment in an auto-/paracrine fashion the elimination of IEC via apoptosis.

Animals↗

IKK beta and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt participate in non-pathogenic Gram-negative enteric bacteria-induced RelA phosphorylation and NF-kappa B activation in both primary and intestinal epithelial cell lines.

Pathogenic and enteroinvasive bacteria have been shown to trigger the I kappa B/NF-kappa B transcriptional system and proinflammatory gene expression in epithelial cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of the commensal Gram-negative Bacteroides vulgatus-induced NF-kappa B signal transduction in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). We report that B. vulgatus induced interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 degradation, I kappa B alpha phosphorylation/degradation, RelA and Akt phosphorylation, as well as NF-kappa B DNA binding and NF-kappa B transcriptional activity in rat non-transformed IEC-6 cells. B. vulgatus- but not interleukin-1 beta-mediated NF-kappa B transcriptional activity was inhibited by dominant negative (dn) toll-like receptor 4. Of importance, B. vulgatus induced I kappa B alpha phosphorylation/degradation and IKK alpha/beta and RelA phosphorylation in primary IEC derived from germ-free or mono-associated HLA-B27 transgenic and wild type rats, demonstrating the physiological relevance of non-pathogenic bacterial signaling in IEC. Adenoviral delivery of dn IKK beta or treatment with wortmannin inhibited B. vulgatus-induced endogenous RelA Ser-536 and GST-p65TAD (Ser-529/Ser-536) phosphorylation as well as NF-kappa B transcriptional activity in IEC-6 cells, suggesting a critical role of IKK beta and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt in bacteria-induced RelA phosphorylation and NF-kappa B activation. Interestingly, B. vulgatus-induced I kappa B alpha degradation and NF-kappa B transcriptional activity in IEC transwell cultures were inhibited in the presence of lymphocytes. We propose that non-pathogenic B. vulgatus activates the NF-kappa B signaling pathway through both I kappa B degradation and RelA phosphorylation but that immune cells mediate tolerance of IEC to this commensal bacteria.

Animals↗

Allogeneic lymphocyte proliferation stimulated by small intestine-derived epithelial cells.

It has been more difficult to prevent intestinal allograft rejection than rejection of other solid organ transplants. Epithelial cells in the small intestine have the potential to actively participate in graft rejection because they constitutively express MHC class II antigens. The present study examined the ability of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) to stimulate allogeneic T cells in vitro using one-way MLC. IEC from jejunum and ileum of ACI rats (RT1a) were used as the stimulator cells; purified T lymphocytes from Lewis rats (RT11) were used as the responder cells. Freshly isolated IEC were poor stimulators of naive allogeneic T lymphocytes. However, IEC induced a strong proliferation of primed allogeneic T lymphocytes, and this response could be blocked by anti-MHC class II mAb (OX-4). IEC stimulated a vigorous proliferation of naive T cells when co-cultured with (1) macrophages syngeneic with responder T lymphocytes, (2) supernatants of LPS-stimulated macrophages, or (3) a combination of IL-1 and IL-6. We conclude that MHC class II positive IEC require soluble costimulatory factors to fully activate naive allogeneic T cells. Immune stimulation by enterocytes may be one of the reasons why it is so difficult to prevent intestinal allograft rejection. Strategies that block interactions among IEC, macrophages, and lymphocytes may reduce the immunogenicity of small bowel transplants.

Animals↗

Differential early interactions between Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and two other pathogenic Salmonella serovars with intestinal epithelial cells.

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (hereafter referred to as S. typhi) is a host-restricted pathogen that adheres to and invades the distal ileum and subsequently disseminates to cause typhoid fever in humans. However, S. typhi appears to be avirulent in small animals. In contrast, other pathogenic salmonellae, such as S. enterica serovars Typhimurium and Dublin (S. typhimurium and S. dublin, respectively), typically cause localized gastroenteritis in humans but have been used as models for typhoid fever because these organisms cause a disease in susceptible rodents that resembles human typhoid. In vivo, S. typhi has been demonstrated to attach to and invade murine M cells but is rapidly cleared from the Peyer's patches without destruction of the M cells. In contrast, invasion of M cells by S. typhimurium is accompanied by destruction of these M cells and subsequently sloughing of the epithelium. These data have furthered our view that the early steps in the pathogenesis of typhoidal and nontyphoidal Salmonella serovars are distinct. To extend this concept, we have utilized an in vitro model to evaluate three parameters of initial host-pathogen interactions: adherence of three Salmonella serovars to human and murine small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines, the capacity of these salmonellae to invade IECs, and the ability of the bacteria to induce interleukin-6 (IL-6) in these cell lines as a measure of host cell activation and the host acute-phase response. The results demonstrate that S. typhi adheres to and invades human small IECs better than either S. typhimurium or S. dublin. Interestingly, invA and invE null mutants of S. typhi are able neither to adhere to nor to invade IECs, unlike S. typhimurium invA and invE mutants, which adhere to but cannot invade IECs. S. typhi also induces significantly greater quantities of IL-6 in human small IEC lines than either of the other two Salmonella serovars. These findings suggest that differential host cytokine responses to bacterial pathogens may play an important role in the pathological sequelae that follow infection. Importantly, S. typhimurium did not induce IL-6 in murine IECs. Since S. typhimurium infection in mice is often used as a model of typhoid fever, these findings suggest that, at least in this case, the mouse model does not reflect the human disease. Taken together, our studies indicate that (i) marked differences occur in the initial steps of S. typhi, S. typhimurium, and S. dublin pathogenesis, and (ii) conclusions about S. typhi pathogenesis that have been drawn from the mouse model of typhoid fever should be interpreted conservatively.

Animals↗

The innate immune modulators staphylococcal complement inhibitor and chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus are located on beta-hemolysin-converting bacteriophages.

Two newly discovered immune modulators, chemotaxis inhibitory protein of Staphylococcus aureus (CHIPS) and staphylococcal complement inhibitor (SCIN), cluster on the conserved 3' end of beta-hemolysin (hlb)-converting bacteriophages (betaC-phis). Since these betaC-phis also carry the genes for the immune evasion molecules staphylokinase (sak) and enterotoxin A (sea), this 8-kb region at the 3' end of betaC-phi represents an innate immune evasion cluster (IEC). By PCR and Southern analyses of 85 clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains and 5 classical laboratory strains, we show that 90% of S. aureus strains carry a betaC-phi with an IEC. Seven IEC variants were discovered, carrying different combinations of chp, sak, or sea (or sep), always in the same 5'-to-3' orientation and on the 3' end of a betaC-phi. From most IEC variants we could isolate active bacteriophages by mitomycin C treatment, of which lysogens were generated in S. aureus R5 (broad phage host). All IEC-carrying bacteriophages integrated into hlb, as was measured by Southern blotting of R5 lysogens. Large quantities of the different bacteriophages were obtained by mitomycin C treatment of the lysogens, and bacteriophages were collected and used to reinfect all lysogenic R5 strains. In total, five lytic families were found. Furthermore, phage DNA was isolated and digested with EcoR1, revealing that one IEC variant can be found on different betaI-phis. In conclusion, the four human-specific innate immune modulators SCIN, CHIPS, SAK, and SEA form an IEC that is easily transferred among S. aureus strains by a diverse group of beta-hemolysin-converting bacteriophages.

3' Flanking Region↗

Developing standards for institutional ethics committees: lessons from The Netherlands.

This article presents standards for setting up and educating institutional ethics committees (IECs). These standards are based on experiences in the Netherlands, where IECs have been established in a large number of health care institutions. Though the IEC has become a generally accepted institution within Dutch health care, there are concerns over its effectiveness regarding the improving of the moral quality of clinical decision making. Health care practitioners and members of IECs too, experience a gap between the IEC and the reality of the clinical environment. At this moment, there is interest in developing programmes which educate practitioners in moral issues and how to deal with them, using the method of a structured debate on the ward. The IEC will not be made obsolete by this development, but can play a guiding role in the implementation of such programmes. Current concerns are the lack of patient representation in the Dutch IEC, and the loss of contact with the local community of health care practitioners because of the merger of hospitals into bodies similar to UK National Health Service (NHS) trusts.

Ethics Committees, Clinical↗

Morphogenic protein epimorphin protects intestinal epithelial cells from oxidative stress by the activation of EGF receptor and MEK/ERK, PI3 kinase/Akt signals.

Epimorphin is a mesenchymal protein that regulates morphogenesis of epithelial cells. Our preliminary study suggested a novel function of epimorphin in enhancing survival of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). Oxidative stress leads to cell injury and death and is suggested to be a key contributor to pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. This study was conducted to determine whether epimorphin protects IEC from oxidative stress. Rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 was cultured with epimorphin (10 and 20 mug/ml), and the life span of IEC was assessed. The mean life span of IEC-6 cells was prolonged 1.9-fold (P < 0.0006) by treatment with epimorphin. We then examined the epimorphin signaling pathways. Epimorphin phosphorylated epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, activated the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3) kinase/Akt pathways, phosphorylated Bad, and induced Bcl-X(L) and survivin. Hydrogen peroxide (1 mM) induced cell death in 92% of IEC-6 cells, but epimorphin dramatically diminished (88.7%) cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.0001). This protective effect of epimorphin was significantly attenuated by inhibitors of MEK and PI3 kinase (P < 0.0001) or EGF receptor-neutralizing antibody (P = 0.0007). In wound assays, the number of migrated cells in the wound area decreased (72.5%) by treatment with 30 muM hydrogen peroxide, but epimorphin increased the number of migrated cells 3.18-fold (P < 0.0001). These results support a novel function of epimorphin in protecting IEC from oxidative stress. This anti-oxidative function of epimorphin is dramatic and is likely mediated by the activation of EGF receptors and the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and PI3 kinase/Akt signaling pathways and through the induction of anti-apoptotic factors.

Animals↗

Progastrin1-80 stimulates growth of intestinal epithelial cells in vitro via high-affinity binding sites.

Proliferation and carcinogenesis of the large intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) cells is significantly increased in transgenic mice that overexpress the precursor progastrin (PG) peptide. It is not known if the in vivo growth effects of PG on IEC cells are mediated directly or indirectly. Full-length recombinant human PG (rhPG(1-80)) was generated to examine possible direct effects of PG on IEC cells. Surprisingly, rhPG (0.1-1.0 nM) was more effective than the completely processed gastrin 17 (G17) peptide as a growth factor. Even though IEC cells did not express CCK(1) and CCK(2) receptors (-R), fluorescently labeled G17 and Gly-extended G17 (G-Gly) were specifically bound to the cells, suggesting the presence of binding proteins other than CCK(1)-R and CCK(2)-R on IEC cells. High-affinity (K(d) = 0.5-1.0 nM) binding sites for (125)I-rhPG were discovered on IEC cells that demonstrated relative binding affinity for gastrin-like peptides in the order PG >or= COOH-terminally extended G17 >or= G-Gly > G17 > *CCK-8 (* significant difference; P < 0.05). In conclusion, our studies demonstrate for the first time direct growth effects of the full-length precursor peptide on IEC cells in vitro that are apparently mediated by the high-affinity PG binding sites that were discovered on these cells.

Amino Acids↗

IL-10 protects mouse intestinal epithelial cells from Fas-induced apoptosis via modulating Fas expression and altering caspase-8 and FLIP expression.

We have previously shown that the absence of Fas/Fas ligand significantly reduced tissue damage and intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis in an in vivo model of T cell-mediated enteropathy. This enteropathy was more severe in IL-10-deficient mice, and this was associated with increased serum levels of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha and an increase in Fas expression on IECs. In this study, we investigated the potential of IL-10 to directly influence Fas expression and Fas-induced IEC apoptosis. Mouse intestinal epithelial cell lines MODE-K and IEC4.1 were cultured with IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, or anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb) in the presence or absence of IL-10. Fas expression and apoptosis were determined by FACScan analysis of phycoerythrin-anti-Fas mAb staining and annexin V staining, respectively. Treatment with a combination of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induced significant apoptosis. Anti-Fas mAb alone did not induce much apoptosis unless cells were pretreated with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. These IECs constitutively expressed low levels of Fas, which significantly increased by preincubation of the cells with IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Treatment with cytokine or cytokine plus anti-Fas mAb increased apoptosis, which correlated with a decreased Fas-associated death domain IL-1-converting enzyme-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) level, increased caspase-8 activity, and subsequently increased caspase-3 activity. IL-10 diminished both cytokine- and anti-Fas mAb-induced apoptosis, and this was correlated with decreased cytokine-induced Fas expression, increased FLIP, and decreased caspase-8 and caspase-3 activity. In conclusion, IL-10 modulated cytokine induction of Fas expression on IEC cell lines and regulated IEC susceptibility to TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and Fas-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that IL-10 directly modulates IEC responses to T cell-mediated apoptotic signals.

Animals↗

IL-22 is increased in active Crohn's disease and promotes proinflammatory gene expression and intestinal epithelial cell migration.

IL-22 is produced by activated T cells and signals through a receptor complex consisting of IL-22R1 and IL-10R2. The aim of this study was to analyze IL-22 receptor expression, signal transduction, and specific biological functions of this cytokine system in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). Expression studies were performed by RT-PCR. Signal transduction was analyzed by Western blot experiments, cell proliferation by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay and Fas-induced apoptosis by flow cytometry. IEC migration was studied in wounding assays. The IEC lines Caco-2, DLD-1, SW480, HCT116, and HT-29 express both IL-22 receptor subunits IL-22R1 and IL-10R2. Stimulation with TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and LPS significantly upregulated IL-22R1 without affecting IL-10R2 mRNA expression. IL-22 binding to its receptor complex activates STAT1/3, Akt, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK MAP kinases. IL-22 significantly increased cell proliferation (P = 0.002) and phosphatidylinsitol 3-kinase-dependent IEC cell migration (P < 0.00001) as well as mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, IL-8, and human beta-defensin-2. IL-22 had no effect on Fas-induced apoptosis. IL-22 mRNA expression was increased in inflamed colonic lesions of patients with Crohn's disease and correlated highly with the IL-8 expression in these lesions (r = 0.840). Moreover, IL-22 expression was increased in murine dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. IEC express functional receptors for IL-22, which increases the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and promotes the innate immune response by increased defensin expression. Moreover, our data indicate intestinal barrier functions for this cytokine-promoting IEC migration, which suggests an important function in intestinal inflammation and wound healing. IL-22 is increased in active Crohn's disease and promotes proinflammatory gene expression and IEC migration.

Cell Movement↗

Characterization of type I and type II insulin-like growth factor receptors in an intestinal epithelial cell line.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin stimulate DNA and protein synthesis in IEC-6 cells (an intestinal epithelial cell line) grown in a chemically defined medium. IGF-I stimulates proliferation of IEC-6 cells at a lower concentration (ED50 = 1.6 nM) than either insulin or IGF-II. To gain insight into the mechanisms by which IGFs stimulate IEC-6 cell growth, we have examined the characteristics of specific IGF receptors on IEC-6 cells. Binding of 125I-IGF-I and 125I-IGF-II to IEC-6 monolayers was analyzed by incubation with various concentrations (0.2 nM to 0.5 microM) of radiolabeled IGFs for 16 h at 3 C. Scatchard plots of 125I-IGF-I binding were linear, suggesting a single class of binding sites with KD = 3.1 +/- 0.35 nM and Bmax = 50.7 +/- 6 fmol/10(6) cells. IGF-II was potent in displacing 125I-IGF-I (KI = 8.1 +/- 0.85 nM), but insulin had little effect. Affinity cross-linking with 125I-IGF-I followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed three bands with Mr of 270,000, 245,000, and 133,000, and the major band was the 133,000 species. Labeling of the 133,000 and 270,000 bands was greater than or equal to 80% inhibited by 10(-7) M unlabeled IGF-I, less potently inhibited by IGF-II and not at all by insulin. These results suggest that the 133,000 band represents the alpha-subunit of the type I IGF receptor. Scatchard plots of 125I-IGF-II binding to IEC-6 cell monolayers were curvilinear, suggesting two classes of binding sites: high affinity, low capacity sites, KD = 0.87 +/- 0.08 nM and Bmax = 28 +/- 2.5 fmol/10(6) cells; low affinity, high capacity sites, KD = 60 = +/- 8.8 nM and Bmax = 1780 +/- 230 fmol/10(6) cells. Neither IGF-I nor insulin was effective in inhibiting 125I-IGF-II binding. Affinity cross-linking with 125I-IGF-II labeled predominantly a 245,000 band, suggesting that this species is the type II receptor. A band with Mr 131,000 was barely detectable with 125I-insulin. These results indicate that IEC-6 cells have abundant quantities of the type I and II IGF receptors and few insulin receptors, suggesting that the mitogenic effect of IGFs is mediated through the type I IGF receptor.

Binding, Competitive↗