Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Selectins”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against conserved epitopes of P-selectin (CD62P).

P-selectin (CD62P) is an adhesion molecule expressed on the activated endothelium and activated platelets that is involved in the initial attachment of leukocytes to inflamed vascular endothelium. Blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and P-selectin-deficient mice have shown that P-selectin is a potential target in anti-inflammatory therapy. Most mAbs against P-selectin do not bind to conserved epitopes, including the ligand-binding region, since P-selectin from mammalian species shares high amino acid sequence homology. The aim of this study was to generate a novel panel of anti-P-selectin mAbs against the conserved epitopes present in several animal species. To produce these mAbs, P-selectin-deficient mice were immunized with a pre-B-cell line transfected with human P-selectin cDNA. Twelve mouse mAbs that recognize human P-selectin were obtained. Individual mAbs that bound to human, rat, mouse, rabbit and pig activated platelets were characterized by flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry, adhesion assays and immunoprecipitation. Four of these mAbs (P-sel.KO.2.3, P-sel.KO.2.4, P-sel.KO.2.7 and P-sel.KO.2.12) cross-reacted with human, rat and mouse P-selectin. Another three mAbs (P-sel.KO.2.2, P-sel.KO.2.11 and P-sel.KO.2.12) blocked the attachment of HL60 cells to P-selectin-transfected COS cells, demonstrating that these mAbs inhibit P-selectin-mediated adhesion. MAb cross-blocking experiments showed that these three mAbs bind to very close and overlapping epitopes. An ELISA assay using mAbs P-sel.KO.2.3 and P-sel.KO.2.12 was designed to measure soluble rat, mouse and human P-selectin. These anti-P-selectin mAbs are unique since they recognize common epitopes conserved during mammalian evolution and they may be useful for studying P-selectin function in inflammatory models in various species.

Animals↗

An activated L-selectin mutant with conserved equilibrium binding properties but enhanced ligand recognition under shear flow.

Selectins mediate the initial tethering and rolling of leukocytes on vessel walls. Adhesion by selectins is a function of both ligand recognition at equilibrium and mechanical properties of the selectin-ligand bond under applied force. We describe an EGF domain mutant of L-selectin with profoundly augmented adhesiveness over that of native L-selectin but conserved ligand specificity. This mutant, termed LPL, was derived by a substitution of the EGF-like domain of L-selectin with the homologous domain from P-selectin. The mutant bound soluble carbohydrate L-selectin ligand with affinity comparable with that of native L-selectin but interacted with all surface-bound ligands much more readily than native L-selectin, in particular under elevated shear flow. Tethers mediated by both native and mutant L-selectin exhibited similar lifetimes under a range of shear stresses, but the rate of bond formation by the mutant was at least 10-fold higher than that of native L-selectin toward distinct L-selectin ligands. Enhanced rate of bond formation by the mutant was associated with profoundly stronger rolling interactions and reduced dependence of rolling on a threshold of shear stress. This is the first demonstration that the EGF domain can modulate the binding of the lectin domain of a selectin to surface-immobilized ligands under shear flow without affecting the equilibrium properties of the selectin toward soluble ligands.

Animals↗

Mutational analysis of the membrane-proximal cleavage site of L-selectin: relaxed sequence specificity surrounding the cleavage site.

L-selectin expression is regulated in part by membrane-proximal cleavage from the cell surface of leukocytes and L-selectin-transfected cells. The downregulation of L-selectin from the surface of neutrophils is speculated to be a process involved in the adhesion cascade leading to neutrophil recruitment to sites of inflammation. We previously reported that L-selectin is cleaved between Lys321 and Ser322 in a region that links the second short consensus repeat (SCR) and the transmembrane domain. We demonstrate that replacing this cleavage domain of L-selectin with the corresponding region of E-selectin prevents L-selectin shedding, as judged by inhibiting the generation of the 68-kD soluble and 6-kD transmembrane cleavage products of L-selectin. Unexpectedly, we found that point mutations of the cleavage site, as well as mutations of multiple conserved amino acids within the cleavage domain, do not significantly affect L-selectin shedding. However, short deletions of four or five amino acids in the L-selectin cleavage domain inhibit L-selectin downregulation. Mutations that appeared to inhibit L-selectin shedding resulted in higher levels of cell surface expression, consistent with a lack of apparent proteolysis from the cell membrane. One deletion mutant, I327 delta N332, retains the native cleavage site yet inhibits L-selectin proteolysis as well. Restoring the amino acids deleted between I327 and N332 with five alanine residues restores L-selectin proteolysis. Thus, the proteolytic processing of L-selectin appears to have a relaxed sequence specificity at the cleavage site, and it may depend on the physical length or other secondary structural characteristics of the cleavage domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Relation between the serum E-selectin level and the survival rate of patients with resected non-small cell lung cancers.

E-Selectin is an inducible adhesion molecule, which is expressed on cytokine-activated endothelial cells and is thought to interact with cancer cells to initiate metastases. The relationship between serum E-selectin levels and prognoses in 101 patients with resected non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) was studied, and survival curves were compared in relation to E-selectin levels and expression of two carbohydrate antigens, Sialyl Lewisx (SLX) and Sialyl Lewisa (CA19-9), which were immunohistochemically detected in resected specimens in 65 of the 101 cases. The serum E-selectin level on admission was 48.9+/-25.7 ng/ml (mean+/-SD, n=101), and the E-selectin-positive rate was 22.7%, being correlated with the progression of T-factor. The high E-selectin group showed a significantly worse survival rate than the normal E-selectin group. Multivariate analysis confirmed the significant prognostic value of E-selectin. The mean postoperative E-selectin level in 52 cases (36.93 ng/ml) was significantly lower than the preoperative E-selectin level (43.57 ng/ml), indicating that certain NSCLCs might induce the expression of E-selectin. In cases expressing carbohydrate antigens (SLX, CA19-9), the high E-selectin group showed a significantly worse survival curve than the normal E-selectin group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the survival curve between the high and normal E-selectin groups when carbohydrate antigens were negative. These results suggest that patients who have high serum E-selectin levels, especially with carbohydrate antigen-positive NSCLC, might be expected to have poor prognoses.

Adult↗

Visualising E-selectin in the detection and evaluation of inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial E-selectin expression is induced by proinflammatory cytokines and contributes to accumulation of leucocytes in tissues. AIMS: To investigate the role of E-selectin in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: E-selectin expression was assessed in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease by measuring the concentration of circulating soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) using ELISA, by immunohistochemistry of colonic biopsy specimens, and by abdominal immunoscintigraphy after injecting radiolabelled F(ab')2 fragment of a monoclonal anti-E-selectin antibody. The value of scintigraphy using anti-E-selectin was judged by a prospective comparative study of autologous leucocyte scanning and E-selectin antibody scanning in 17 patients with IBD. RESULTS: Circulating sE-selectin was elevated in patients with clinically active disease. Tissue expression of E-selectin was enhanced in patients with active inflammation, with weak or absent expression in inactive disease and healthy controls. In-111 labelled anti-E-selectin scintiscans were compared with Tc-99m labelled leucocyte scans performed 24 hours earlier. Twelve patients had areas of active inflammation on leucocyte scan while 11 patients had positive E-selectin scans. The results of the two scans were concordant in 14 patients, with those positive for both (10/17) showing similar disease localisation and extent. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue E-selectin and circulating sE-selectin are increased during active inflammatory bowel disease. Anti-E-selectin imaging with radiolabelled monoclonal antibody identified areas of inflammation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The technique should prove useful clinically for identifying the site and extent of disease.

Acute Disease↗

Pharmacology of selectin inhibitors in ischemia/reperfusion states.

Recently, the selectin family of glycoprotein adhesion molecules (P-selectin, E-selectin, and L-selectin) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of inflammatory disease states. The selectins modulate the early adhesive interactions between circulating neutrophils and the endothelium. Both P-selectin and E-selectin can be expressed on the surface of endothelial cells following stimulation by a number of inflammatory mediators. In contrast, L-selectin is constitutively expressed on the surface of neutrophils at very high levels. In addition, neutrophils also express ligands for the endothelial selectins, including the carbohydrate sialyl Lewis(x) and the high-affinity ligand P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1, which facilitate neutrophil-endothelial interactions. Selectins have been extensively investigated in ischemia/reperfusion injury states. The study of selectin involvement in ischemia/reperfusion injury has been facilitated by the development of highly specific selectin antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies, carbohydrates, small molecule inhibitors, and soluble forms of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1. This article reviews the results of current studies of selectin antagonists in experimental models of ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Animals↗

L-selectin facilitation of metastasis involves temporal induction of Fut7-dependent ligands at sites of tumor cell arrest.

Hematogenous carcinoma metastasis is supported by aggregated platelets and leukocytes, forming tumor cell emboli. Early tumor cell-platelet interactions can be mediated by P-selectin binding to tumor cell surface ligands and this process is blocked by heparin. We previously showed that L-selectin deficiency also attenuates experimental metastasis. However, the mechanisms and timing of L-selectin action remained unknown. Here, we study how L-selectin facilitates establishment of pulmonary metastatic foci in syngeneic mice by using experimental metastasis to time events following entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream. Although L-selectin deficiency did not affect platelet aggregation or initial tumor cell embolization, the association of leukocytes with tumor cells was reduced and tumor cell survival was diminished 24 hours later. Temporal inhibition of L-selectin by a function-blocking antibody reduced metastasis. Moreover, although selectin blockade by heparin 6 to 18 hours after tumor cell injection was synergistic with P-selectin deficiency in reducing metastasis, there was no further effect in L-selectin-deficient animals. Thus, heparin apparently works at these time points primarily by blocking L-selectin. Endogenous L-selectin ligands were concomitantly induced adjacent to established intravascular tumor cell emboli in a similar time window when leukocytes were also present. Metastasis was attenuated in mice missing these induced endogenous L-selectin ligands due to fucosyltransferase-7 deficiency. Thus, L-selectin facilitation of metastasis progression involves leukocyte-endothelial interactions at sites of intravascular arrest supported by local induction of L-selectin ligands via fucosyltransferase-7. These data provide the first explanation for how leukocyte L-selectin facilitates tumor metastasis.

Animals↗

Platelet P-selectin facilitates atherosclerotic lesion development.

P-selectin is an adhesion molecule expressed on activated platelets and endothelium. It is known to play an important role in atherosclerosis. P-selectin also circulates in plasma in a soluble form (sP-selectin), which induces procoagulant microparticle formation. We investigated the role of platelet versus endothelial P-selectin in generating sP-selectin and in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions in the apolipoprotein E (apoE)-deficient mouse model. For this we transplanted apoE(-/-)P-selectin(-/-) and apoE(-/-)P-selectin(+/+) lethally irradiated mice with bone marrow of either genotype. Seven months after transplantation, we determined from the chimeric animals that the majority of circulating sP-selectin was of endothelial origin. Thus, in atherosclerosis, the procoagulant sP-selectin reflects endothelial rather than platelet activation. We found that endothelial P-selectin was crucial for the promotion of atherosclerotic lesion growth because in its absence only relatively small lesions developed. However, platelet P-selectin also contributed to the lesion development because lesions in wild-type recipients receiving transplants with wild-type platelets were 30% larger than those receiving P-selectin-deficient platelets (P <.008) and were more frequently calcified (80% versus 44%). In comparison with P-selectin wild-type animals, absence of either endothelial or platelet P-selectin inhibited migration of smooth muscle cells into the lesion. Thus, in addition to endothelium, platelets and their P-selectin also actively promote advanced atherosclerotic lesion development.

Animals↗

ADAM-17-independent shedding of L-selectin.

L-selectin is expressed by leukocytes and facilitates their adhesion under flow along the walls of blood vessels. As do a variety of membrane proteins, L-selectin undergoes ectodomain shedding. Using approaches that monitor full-length L-selectin in short-term assays, it has been determined that L-selectin shedding is defective in tumor necrosis factor alpha-converting enzyme (ADAM-17)-deficient cells. In this study, we examined the steady-state levels of L-selectin on ADAM-17-deficient cells using a monoclonal antibody to the cytoplasmic region of L-selectin, which allows for the detection of total L-selectin (full-length and the membrane-associated cleavage fragment). We demonstrate that ADAM-17-deficient cells generate a 6-kDa transmembrane fragment of L-selectin. Although inducible L-selectin shedding by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation was not observed by these cells in short-term assays, basal turnover did occur, resulting in the production of soluble L-selectin, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. L-selectin turnover was greatly increased upon ADAM-17 reconstitution. Truncating the juxtamembrane region of L-selectin blocked ADAM-17-independent shedding as did a hydroxymate metalloprotease inhibitor. Together, these findings demonstrate that a metalloprotease activity separate from ADAM-17 can use the cleavage domain of L-selectin. We speculate that separate proteolytic mechanisms of L-selectin shedding may regulate distinct antiadhesive mechanisms, such as inducible shedding for the rapid dissociation of cell-cell interactions and constitutive shedding for the homeostatic maintenance of high serum levels of soluble L-selectin, a potential adhesion buffer.

ADAM Proteins↗

The relationship between concentrations of circulating soluble E-selectin and clinical, pathological, and biological features in patients with breast cancer.

Increasing evidence suggests that E-selectin contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. E-selectin may increase tumoral angiogenesis and the adhesion of tumoral cells to endothelial cells at distant sites. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between concentrations of circulating soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) and clinical, pathological, and biological features in patients with breast cancer (BC). Concentrations of sE-selectin were analyzed by an ELISA method in sera from 113 patients with metastatic BC, 30 patients with primary inflammatory BC, 105 patients with primary noninflammatory BC, and 42 healthy controls. These concentrations were analyzed in terms of the clinical and pathological features of the tumors as well as in terms of the concentrations of serum inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, interleukin 1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha), the response to chemotherapy or hormone therapy, and the survival duration. Tumoral angiogenesis was also assessed in 68 patients with primary noninflammatory BC who had had primary surgery. The mean concentration of sE-selectin in the metastatic BC group was significantly higher than the mean concentration found in the healthy control group (33.5 versus 21.8 ng/ml; P < 0.01). In metastatic BC, the mean concentration of sE-selectin was significantly higher in patients with liver metastasis than in patients without liver metastasis (55.3 versus 26.0 ng/ml; P < 10(-5). The univariate analysis showed that high concentrations of sE-selectin were associated with reduced overall survival (P < 0.05), but this probably reflected the association between high concentrations of sE-selectin and liver metastasis. In patients with primary noninflammatory BC, a negative correlation was found between sE-selectin concentrations and the tumoral microvessel count (r = -0.47; P = 10(-4). In patients with primary inflammatory or noninflammatory BC, no correlation was found between concentrations of sE-selectin and tumor size, lymph node involvement, response to chemotherapy or hormone therapy, and survival. No correlation was found between the concentrations of sE-selectin and serum inflammatory parameters in any of the patient groups. This study suggests that in patients with metastatic BC, levels of sE-selectin are higher in the presence of liver metastasis. In patients with primary BC, high concentrations seem to be associated with reduced tumoral angiogenesis. Although several studies have previously demonstrated that the expression of cell surface E-selectin enhances the metastatic process, the shedding of sE-selectin in circulation may be considered a mechanism of inhibition of tumor progression.

Adult↗

X-ray-induced P-selectin localization to the lumen of tumor blood vessels.

P-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule that is sequestered in Weibel-Palade storage reservoirs within the vascular endothelium and alpha granules in platelets. P-selectin is rapidly translocated to the vascular lumen after tissue injury to initiate the adhesion and activation of platelets and leukocytes. We studied the histological pattern of P-selectin expression in irradiated tumor blood vessels. We observed that P-selectin was localized within the endothelium of tumor vessels prior to treatment. At 1-6 h following irradiation, P-selectin was mobilized to the lumen of blood vessels. To determine whether radiation-induced vascular lumen localization of P-selectin was tumor type specific or species specific, we studied tumors in rats, C3H mice, C57BL6 mice, and nude mice. P-selectin localization to the vascular lumen was present in all tumors and all species studied. Irradiated intracranial gliomas showed P-selectin localization to the vascular lumen within 1 h, whereas blood vessels in normal brain showed no P-selectin staining in the endothelium and no localization to the irradiated vascular lumen. Radiation-induced P-selectin localization to the vascular lumen increased in time-dependent manner, until 24 h after irradiation. P-selectin in platelets may account for the time-dependent increase in staining within the vascular lumen after irradiation. We therefore used immunohistochemistry for platelet antigen GP-IIIa to differentiate between endothelial and platelet localization of P-selectin. We found that GP-IIIa staining was not present at 1 h after irradiation, but it increased at 6 and 24 h. P-selectin localization to the vascular lumen at 6-24 h was, in part, associated with platelet aggregation. These findings indicate that radiation-induced P-selectin staining in the vascular lumen of neoplasms is associated with aggregation of platelets. Radiation-induced localization of P-selectin to the vascular lumen is specific to the microvasculature of malignant gliomas and is not present in the blood vessels of the irradiated normal brain.

Animals↗

Varied levels of reactivity by different E-selectin/Fc constructs with cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)(+) CD4(+) T cells.

T cells utilize the vascular adhesion molecule E-selectin to enter inflamed skin. T cells identified by the mAb HECA-452 [cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA) T cells] are enriched in E-selectin ligand expressing cells. However, the proportion of CLA(+) T cells reactive with an E-selectin/Fc chimeric construct, as determined by flow cytometry, can vary considerably between studies. One important variable in these studies has been the E-selectin/Fc chimera used to assess ligand expression. We therefore compared the reactivity of mouse, rat, and human E-selectin/Fc from the same widely used commercial source with peripheral blood CLA(+) CD4(+) T cells, neutrophils, and the promyelocytic cell line HL-60 by flow cytometry and by shear flow assays. We observed that the binding activities of the different E-selectin/Fc chimeras were considerably different. Mouse E-selectin/Fc demonstrated the highest binding activity with human neutrophils and HL-60 cells by both assay approaches, whereas human E-selectin/Fc demonstrated the lowest binding activity. In addition, mouse E-selectin/Fc binding increased essentially in a linear manner with increasing expression of CLA by CD4(+) T cells, whereas human and rat E-selectin/Fc binding occurred with only a subset of CLA(+) CD4(+) T cells. We conclude that there is substantial variability in the reactivity of different E-selectin/Fc constructs, thus caution should be used when assessing E-selectin ligand expression with these reagents. For instance, the discordance in expression of CLA and E-selectin ligands by T cells may in part be due to the E-selectin/Fc construct being used.

Animals↗

Identification of L-selectin binding heparan sulfates attached to collagen type XVIII.

L-selectin is a C-type lectin expressed on leukocytes that is involved in both lymphocyte homing to the lymph node and leukocyte extravasation during inflammation. Known L-selectin ligands include sulfated Lewis-type carbohydrates, glycolipids, and proteoglycans. Previously, we have shown that in situ detection of different types of L-selectin ligands is highly dependent on the tissue fixation protocol used. Here we use this knowledge to specifically examine the expression of L-selectin binding proteoglycans in normal mouse tissues. We show that L-selectin binding chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans are present in cartilage, whereas L-selectin binding heparan sulfate proteoglycans are present in spleen and kidney. Furthermore, we show that L-selectin only binds a subset of renal heparan sulfates, attached to a collagen type XVIII protein backbone and predominantly present in medullary tubular and vascular basement membranes. As L-selectin does not bind other renal heparan sulfate proteoglycans such as perlecan, agrin, and syndecan-4, and not all collagen type XVIII expressed in the kidney binds L-selectin, this indicates that there is a specific L-selectin binding domain on heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains. Using an in vitro L-selectin binding assay, we studied the contribution of N-sulfation, O-sulfation, C5-epimerization, unsubstituted glucosamine residues, and chain length in L-selectin binding to heparan sulfate/heparin glycosaminoglycan chains. Based on our results and the accepted model of heparan sulfate domain organization, we propose a model for the interaction of L-selectin with heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains. Interestingly, this opens the possibility of active regulation of L-selectin binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans, e.g. under inflammatory conditions.

Animals↗

E- and P-selectins synergistically inhibit bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

The development of bleomycin-induced lung injury, which is a model of pulmonary fibrosis, results from inflammatory cell infiltration, a process highly regulated by the expression of multiple adhesion molecules. Therefore, bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis was examined in E-selectin-/- mice, P-selectin-/- mice, and E-selectin-/- mice treated with anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (mAb) in comparison of wild-type mice. E-selectin-/- mice treated with anti-P-selectin mAb exhibited augmented lung fibrosis histologically, increased lung collagen deposition, and increased mortality compared to wild-type mice. Furthermore, lung interferon-gamma mRNA expression decreased in E-selectin-/- mice treated with anti-P-selectin mAb relative to wild-type mice, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 mRNA expression increased in these mice. Similar changes were observed in E-selectin-/- mice, albeit to a lesser extent than those treated with anti-P-selectin mAb. Remarkably, flow cytometric analysis revealed that the frequency of interferon-gamma-producing natural killer T (NKT) cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage was decreased in E-selectin-/- mice and E-selectin-/- mice treated with anti-P-selectin mAb compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, the majority of NKT cells expressed high levels of CXCR3, suggesting that NKT cell infiltration is also dependent on CXCR3 expression. These results suggest that E- and P-selectins synergistically inhibit lung fibrosis by promoting the recruitment of NKT cells.

Animals↗

Lectin and epidermal growth factor domains of P-selectin at physiologic density are the recognition unit for leukocyte binding.

P-selectin is an integral membrane glycoprotein on stimulated platelets and endothelial cells that serves as a receptor for leukocytes. To estimate the density of P-selectin in membranes necessary to support adhesion, we incorporated purified P-selectin at varying concentrations into phospholipid bilayers that encapsulated glass microspheres. Maximal binding of these lipospheres to HL60 cells, a P-selectin ligand-expressing cell line, was approached at a P-selectin density of about 100 molecules per microns 2; half-maximal binding was observed at about 50 to 60 molecules per microns 2. Compatible results were obtained with P-selectin expressed on Chinese hamster ovary cells. The P-selectin density on stimulated platelets was estimated to be 150 to 200 molecules/microns 2. To identify the domains of P-selectin required for HL60 cell binding, chimeras of P-selectin and L-selectin were stably expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and clones that expressed the chimeras at the estimated physiologic density were selected. Chimeras containing the P-selectin lectin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains or the lectin, EGF, and short consensus repeats bound HL60 cells equivalently, but a chimera containing the P-selectin lectin domain alone bound HL60 cells much less well. These results indicate that at a physiologically relevant P-selectin density on membrane surfaces, the lectin, and EGF domains of P-selectin are together required for optimal leukocyte binding.

Animals↗

Heparin oligosaccharides bind L- and P-selectin and inhibit acute inflammation.

Initial attachment of leukocytes to the vessel wall at sites of inflammation is supported by a family of carbohydrate-binding adhesion molecules called the selectins. Selectin ligands include sialyl-Lewis x (sLex, Neu5Ac alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4[Fuc alpha 1-3]GlcNAc--) and related structures. We report here that defined heparin oligosaccharides interact with the selectins. Heparin chains containing four or more monosaccharide residues inhibited the function of L- and P-selectin, but not E-selectin, in vitro. In a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measuring inhibition of solution-phase selectin-Ig fusion proteins (selectin-Ig) binding to immobilized bovine serum albumin-sLex neoglycoprotein, a heparin-derived tetrasaccharide mixture inhibited 50% of L- and P-selectin-Ig binding (IC50) at 200 +/- 40 mumol/L and 850 +/- 110 mumol/L, respectively. A single hexasulfated tetrasaccharide (delta UA2S alpha 1-4GlcNS6S alpha 1-4IdoA2S alpha 1-4GlcNS6S) was particularly active against L- and P-selectin-Ig (IC50 = 46 +/- 5 mumol/L and 341 +/- 24 mumol/L). By comparison, the tetrasaccharide sLex was not inhibitory at concentrations up to 1 mmol/L. In cell adhesion assays, heparin tetrasaccharides reduced binding of neutrophils to COS cells expressing P-selectin but not to COS cells expressing E-selectin. They also blocked colon cancer cell adhesion to L- and P-selectin but not E-selectin. In a model of acute inflammation, intravenously administered heparin tetrasaccharides diminished influx of neutrophils into the peritoneal cavities of thioglycollate-treated mice. We conclude that heparin oligosaccharides, including non-anticoagulant tetrasaccharides, are effective L- and P-selectin inhibitors in vitro and have anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.

Acute Disease↗

Selectin polymorphisms and perinatal morbidity in low-birthweight infants.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown an association between altered expression of selectins and premature birth, early sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. AIM: To investigate the possible link between functional polymorphisms of the E-, P- and L-selectin genes and perinatal morbidity. METHODS: We compared the genotype distribution of the E-selectin Ser128Arg, P-selectin Thr715Pro and L-selectin Pro213Ser polymorphisms in 125 low-birthweight singleton infants with those of 156 healthy term neonates. We also analysed the association of genotype with risk of sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. RESULTS: We found no association between E-selectin or P-selectin polymorphisms and premature birth, nor did we find any association between E-selectin or P-selectin and early postnatal sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Carriers of the 213Ser L-selectin allele were found to be more prevalent in low-birthweight infants, particularly in those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We found no association between the L-selectin polymorphism and early postnatal sepsis. CONCLUSION: Our results underline the importance of L-selectin in perinatal pathology, but further studies are needed to evaluate the alteration of L-selectin levels in carriers of the 213Ser allele and their possible contribution to premature birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia↗

Threshold levels of fluid shear promote leukocyte adhesion through selectins (CD62L,P,E)

Leukocyte adhesion through L-selectin to peripheral node addressin (PNAd, also known as MECA-79 antigen), an L-selectin ligand expressed on high endothelial venules, has been shown to require a minimum level of fluid shear stress to sustain rolling interactions (Finger, E.B., K.D. Puri, R. Alon, M.B. Lawrence, V.H. von Andrian, and T.A. Springer. 1996. Nature (Lond.). 379:266-269). Here, we show that fluid shear above a threshold of 0.5 dyn/cm2 wall shear stress significantly enhances HL-60 myelocyte rolling on P- and E-selectin at site densities of 200/microm2 and below. In addition, gravitational force is sufficient to detach HL-60 cells from P- and E-selectin substrates in the absence, but not in the presence, of flow. It appears that fluid shear-induced torque is critical for the maintenance of leukocyte rolling. K562 cells transfected with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, a ligand for P-selectin, showed a similar reduction in rolling on P-selectin as the wall shear stress was lowered below 0.5 dyn/cm2. Similarly, 300.19 cells transfected with L-selectin failed to roll on PNAd below this level of wall shear stress, indicating that the requirement for minimum levels of shear force is not cell type specific. Rolling of leukocytes mediated by the selectins could be reinitiated within seconds by increasing the level of wall shear stress, suggesting that fluid shear did not modulate receptor avidity. Intravital microscopy of cremaster muscle venules indicated that the leukocyte rolling flux fraction was reduced at blood centerline velocities less than 1 mm/s in a model in which rolling is mediated by L- and P-selectin. Similar observations were made in L-selectin-deficient mice in which leukocyte rolling is entirely P-selectin dependent. Leukocyte adhesion through all three selectins appears to be significantly enhanced by a threshold level of fluid shear stress.

Animals↗