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Intracellular cytokine profile of cord and adult blood monocytes.

Cord blood (CB) transplantations are associated with low graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). The pathophysiology of GVHD involves interaction and activation of different cell types, as lymphocytes and monocytes, and results in a cascade of cytokine production. After antigen or mitogen stimulation, CB monocytes release lower levels of cytokines than adult blood (AB) monocytes. In this study, the detection of intracellular IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha produced by monocytes was evaluated in response to tuberculin PPD to investigate whether the reduced capacity of CB monocytes to secrete cytokines could be related to an impaired functional activity and to a particular phenotypic profile. Results showed that the percentage of CD64(+)monocytes producing intracellular IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha was significantly lower in CB and that the phenotypic profile of CB monocytes producing these cytokine (CD64(+)CD14(+)) was different to that of AB monocytes (CD64(+)CD14(+), CD64(+)CD33(+) and CD64(+) CD45RO(+)). These results suggest that the lower capacity of CB monocyte populations to produce IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha might be due to a functional immaturity of CB monocytes at the cellular level as reflected by the different phenotypic profile of CB monocytes.

Cytokines↗

Differential responsiveness of cord and adult blood monocytes to hepatocyte growth factor.

Monocytes as antigen-presenting cells play an important role in host defence. There are several cytokines affecting monocyte function. We demonstrate that both adult and cord blood monocytes constitutively express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, MET. HGF significantly down-regulated MET expression of adult blood monocytes, compared with cord blood monocytes, when cultured either in RPMI-1640 containing 10% FBS or serum-free medium. Surface levels of MET correlated with c-met mRNA levels both in adult and cord blood when cultured. MET expression was down-regulated by treating with actinomycin D or cycloheximide. HGF stimulated DNA synthesis of adult monocytes, but not cord blood. HGF enhanced antigen-presenting capacity of adult blood monocytes but not cord blood monocytes. HGF up-regulated HLA class I expression in adult monocytes but not in cord blood monocytes. The current results suggest that the failure of cord blood monocytes to respond to HGF may be responsible, in large part, for their functional immaturity.

Adult↗

Maturation of macrophages from peripheral blood monocytes in Kawasaki disease: immunocytochemical and immunoelectron microscopic study.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is regarded as a cytokine-associated disorder. Despite intensive investigation into the etiology of KD, this remains unclear, although monocytes and macrophages are thought to play an important role. We examined peripheral blood monocytes using a monoclonal antibody, PM-2K, which recognizes mature macrophages but not monocytes. This study was conducted in 12 patients with KD, three patients with sepsis and 12 control subjects. Approximately 8% of whole peripheral blood monocytes from patients with acute KD were observed to be PM-2K positive. Approximately 15-20% of peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes from these patients were positive for PM-2K antibody (as determined by immunoelectron microscopy). PM-2K-positive monocytes had significantly fewer numbers of intracytoplasmic peroxidase-positive granules than monocytes from control subjects. In contrast, PM-2K-negative monocytes from patients with acute KD had a significantly greater number of peroxidase-positive granules in the cytoplasm than in those from controls. Monocytes from patients with sepsis displayed PM-2K immunocytochemical staining, similar to that in monocytes from patients with KD. These results suggest that during the acute stage of KD, monocytes partly differentiate into macrophages in the peripheral circulation.

Cellular Senescence↗

Functional immaturity of cord blood monocytes as detected by impaired response to hepatocyte growth factor.

BACKGROUND: Monocytes as antigen-presenting cells play an important role in host defense and transplantation. However, there are little reports on cord blood monocytes, and the role of monocytes in cord blood transplantation is largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: There are several cytokines affecting monocyte function. These include interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We investigated the effect of these cytokines on antigen-presenting capacity (APC) of cord and adult blood monocytes. Using either mononuclear cells or purified CD4+ T cells as responder cells, HGF enhanced APC of adult monocytes most effectively among these cytokines. In contrast, cord blood monocytes failed to respond to HGF. As HLA, costimulatory and adhesion molecules may affect APC function, we examined these antigens of monocytes following HGF stimulation. The HGF upregulated integrin alpha5 subunit (CD49e) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) was expressed in adult blood monocytes, but not in cord blood. In kinetic studies, HGF downregulated c-met protein/HGF receptor expression of adult monocytes in lower concentrations and at shorter incubation time as compared with that of cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that impaired response of cord blood monocytes to HGF may be responsible, in large part, for their functional immaturity.

Adult↗

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulates monocyte adhesion to glomerular endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. Atherogenic lipoproteins [for example, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL (ox-LDL)] have been shown to stimulate glomerular monocyte chemoattractants involved in monocyte infiltration. However, the role of LDL and ox-LDL in the early monocyte adhesion to glomerular endothelial cells (ECs) and associated intracellular signaling mechanisms are not clearly understood. METHODS: In this study, we examined the effect of LDL and ox-LDL on intracellular signaling mechanisms associated with monocyte adhesion to glomerular ECs and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. RESULTS: Ox-LDL, but not LDL, stimulated EC ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion. Ox-LDL elevated protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity, and the preincubation of ECs with specific PTK inhibitors blocked ox-LDL-induced ICAM-1 message and monocyte adhesion. Whereas experimental maneuvers that inhibit either protein kinase C activation (by PKC depletion or with inhibitors) or Gi-protein-mediated pathways (pertussis toxin sensitive) had no effect on ox-LDL-induced monocyte adhesion and ICAM-1 expression. cAMP-elevating compounds did not induce ICAM-1 or monocyte adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that ox-LDL, by stimulating monocyte adhesion to the glomerular endothelium, may regulate monocyte infiltration within the glomerulus, supporting an early pathobiological role for atherogenic lipoproteins in glomerular injury. The results suggest that the activation of specific PTK and associated signaling may, at least in part, play a critical role in ox-LDL-mediated endothelial-monocyte interaction-related events. The data suggest that the interventions aimed at modifying associated intracellular signaling events within the glomerulus may provide potential therapeutic modalities in monocyte/macrophage-mediated glomerular disease.

Animals↗

beta(2)-Microglobulin modified with advanced glycation end products delays monocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: A local inflammatory reaction to beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)m) amyloid deposits by monocytes/macrophages is a characteristic histologic feature of dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Since beta(2)m modified with advanced glycation end products (AGE-beta(2)m) is a major constituent of amyloid in DRA, we tested the hypothesis that AGE-beta(2)m affects apoptosis and phenotype of human monocytes. METHODS: Human peripheral blood monocytes were incubated with or without in vitro-derived AGE-beta(2)m, and their viability, extent of apoptosis, morphology, and function examined over the subsequent four days. RESULTS: AGE-modified but not unmodified beta(2)m significantly delayed spontaneous apoptosis of human peripheral blood monocytes in adherent and nonadherent cultures. The effect of AGE-beta(2)m on monocytes apoptosis was time- and dose-dependent and was attenuated by a blocking antibody directed against the human AGE receptor (RAGE). There was no difference in effect between AGE-beta(2)m and that of AGE-modified human serum albumin. Culture of monocytes with AGE-beta(2)m did not alter membrane expression of Fas or Fas ligand. Monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m underwent substantial changes in morphology similar to those observed when monocytes differentiate into macrophages. The cultured cells increased in size and vacuolization, and their content of beta-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase increased by 5- to 10-fold at day 4. Expression of the monocyte--macrophage membrane antigens HLA-DR, CD11b, and CD11c also increased at day 4. Although exhibiting phenotypic characteristics of macrophages, monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m functioned differently than macrophages cultured with serum. Superoxide production in response to phorbol myristic acetate was maintained in monocytes cultured with AGE-beta(2)m, but declined with time in cells cultured with serum. Constitutive synthesis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increased in monocytes cultured for four to six days with AGE-beta(2)m. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support a novel role for AGE-modified proteins such as AGE-beta(2)m that may contribute to the development of a local inflammatory response, with predominant accumulation of monocytes/macrophages, in DRA.

Antibodies↗

Monocyte adhesion to mesangial matrix modulates cytokine and metalloproteinase production.

BACKGROUND: Monocytes migrate into the glomerular mesangium during acute inflammatory renal disease, differentiate into macrophages, and may play a key role in the development and progression of glomerular scarring. Treatment strategies that inhibit monocyte infiltration ameliorate glomerular injury in animal models. Mesangial matrix contains several potential monocyte-binding domains that may contribute to monocyte entrapment and modulate cell activation. METHODS: Adhesion of peripheral blood-derived monocytes to matrix synthesized by human mesangial cells and to individual matrix proteins was assessed by colorimetry of nuclear staining with crystal violet. Monoclonal antibodies were used to identify the cell-surface integrins and matrix ligands involved. Monocyte proliferation was assessed by 3H-thymidine incorporation and cytokine production using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Secretion of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors was determined by zymography and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Monocytes bound to matrix synthesized by mesangial cells. Prestimulation of mesangial cells with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) enhanced matrix fibronectin content (P < 0.001) and monocyte binding (P < 0.001). Blocking antibodies to fibronectin, as well as to the integrins very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) and VLA-5, reduced monocyte adhesion to mesangial matrix by approximately 50%. Incubation of monocytes with matrix, fibronectin, laminin and collagen IV enhanced production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-alpha and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) when compared to cells incubated in plastic wells. However, there was no apparent difference in proliferation rate and no change in production of metalloproteinase inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Monocyte activation within the glomerulus may be mediated by binding to mesangial matrix components, particularly fibronectin. Matrix-mediated activation enhances production of inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes.

Cell Adhesion↗

Comparative analysis of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA in peripheral CD4 lymphocytes and monocytes after long treatment with HAART.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of total and integrated HIV-1 DNA load in CD4 lymphocytes and monocytes of patients undergoing HAART treatment for at least 2 years. METHODS: CD4 lymphocytes were isolated by subjecting monocyte-depleted blood samples to immune-purging carried out with M-450 Dynabeads. Monocytes were separated by blood through a combined procedure of cell adherence to dishes and complement induced immune lysis with anti-CD3 Mab. HIV DNA in CD4 lymphocytes and monocytes was quantified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based limit dilution assay with two PCR protocols, specific for total (LTR PCR) and integrated (Alu PCR) forms of HIV DNA. The replication competence of the provirus harboured in monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and adherent monocytes was assayed by measuring HIV-1 p24 antigen produced by in-vitro cultures established with these cells. RESULTS: The CD4 lymphocytes of all patients contained a consistent number of HIV DNA copies. Most patients were also positive for HIV DNA in monocytes. The Alu PCR analysis detected, integrated provirus in CD4 lymphocytes of 9 patients and in the monocytes of only three. Four patients had replication-competence virus in their PBL. The monocytes of all patients did not produce virus in vitro. CONCLUSION: The HIV infection of CD4 lymphocytes and monocytes is maintained even after HAART related, apparent, and durable suppression of viral replication. We suggest that the viral persistent infection of monocytes may play a role in maintaining the residual HIV activity found in patients undergoing HAART.

Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active↗

Increased monocyte nuclear factor-kappaB activation and tumor necrosis factor production in alcoholic hepatitis.

Increased tumor necrosis factor-a activity has been reported in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and is implicated in its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms of increased tumor necrosis factor-a activity in alcoholic hepatitis. Monocyte nuclear factor-kB activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, monocyte tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA was semi-quantitatively assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and tumor necrosis factor-a in monocyte culture supernatants was measured. There was significantly greater spontaneous nuclear factor-kB activity in the monocytes of 6 patients with alcoholic hepatitis as compared with that in the monocytes of control subjects. There was spontaneous tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA and tumor necrosis factor-a release from the monocytes of patients with alcoholic hepatitis but not from the monocytes of normal subjects. Endotoxin increased nuclear factor-kB activity and induced tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA and tumor necrosis factor-a release from normal subjects' monocytes. Endotoxin further increased nuclear factor-kB activity, tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA, and tumor necrosis factor-a release from the monocytes of patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Supershift assays indicate that the monocyte nuclear factor-kB activation involves the p50 and p65 subunits. Dysregulated tumor necrosis factor-a metabolism in alcoholic hepatitis monocytes is associated with increased nuclear factor-kB activity and tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA expression.

Adult↗

Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in monocyte recruitment under flow conditions.

Chemokines such as the monocyte chemol attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) convert monocyte rolling to firm arrest under physiological flow conditions via integrin activation and simultaneously activate phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K). Here we used adenoviral gene transfer and biochemical inhibitors to manipulate PI3K-dependent pathways in human monocytes. In in vitro lipid kinase assays from purified human monocytes, we showed that MCP-1 activates the "classical" PI3Kalpha pathway and not PI3Kgamma, a PI3K isoform thought to be activated only by the betagamma complex of heterotrimeric G proteins. The activity of PI3Kalpha in purified human monocytes was evident within 30 s. MCP-1-induced monocyte arrest was significantly inhibited both by wortmannin (n = 4; p < 0.01) and LY294002 (n = 4; p < 0.01) with restoration of the rolling phenotype (p < 0.05 for both inhibitors, compared with rolling of control monocytes after MCP-1 treatment). To test the hypothesis that activation of PI3K is sufficient to induce monocyte adhesion, we transduced the monocytic THP-1 cell line with a recombinant adenovirus (Ad) carrying a constitutively active mutant of PI3K (Ad.BD110). We examined the ability of these cells to adhere to human vascular endothelium (HUVEC) transduced with adenoviruses carrying E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and VCAM-1. Under flow conditions, ICAM-1- and VCAM-1-dependent firm adhesion of Ad.BD110-transduced THP-1 cells was enhanced compared with THP-1 cells infected with control Ad (n = 4; p < 0.01 for both). Adhesion augmented by constitutive PI3K activation was entirely abrogated by pretreatment with wortmannin (n = 3; p < 0.01). In contrast, a constitutively active Akt construct had no effect on THP-1 adhesion (n = 3; p = NS). We conclude that PI3K activation is necessary and sufficient to enhance monocytic adhesion under physiological flow conditions. BD110-expressing THP-1 cells should provide a useful tool for identifying the signaling pathways downstream of PI3K that are necessary for monocyte recruitment relevant to a variety of human vascular pathologies.

Cell Line↗

Localization of GPI-80, a beta2-integrin-associated glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol anchored protein, on strongly CD14-positive human monocytes.

Human monocyte/macrophage systems are extremely heterogeneous. Although many attempts have been made to define monocyte subpopulations, few antigens distinguish them. We previously reported that GPI-80, a novel glycosylphosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored protein that is expressed mainly on human neutrophils regulates neutrophil adherence and migration, and that GPI-80 is expressed on monocytes. In this study, we examined the precise distribution of GPI-80-positive monocytes using flow cytometry. Using anti-CD14 and anti-CD16 mAbs, almost all GPI-80-bearing monocytes belong to the strongly CD14-positive monocyte subpopulation. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis of GPI-80 and other monocyte markers revealed that GPI-80 expression was high in CD11b-, CD32-, and CD64-positive monocytes. In contrast, GPI-80 expression was low in HLA-DQ-positive monocytes. These results suggest that almost all GPI-80 positive monocytes belong to a monocyte subpopulation that is superior in phagocytosis and reactive oxygen production, but inferior in antigen presentation. GPI-80 may be a useful antigen for classifying monocytes into subpopulations.

Amidohydrolases↗

Relative efficacy of human monocytes and dendritic cells as accessory cells for T cell replication.

Monocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies (7) were used to compare the efficacy of monocytes and dendritic cells as accessory or stimulator cells for human T cell replication. Both unfractionated and plastic-adherent mononuclear cells were first treated with a cytolytic antimonocyte antibody that kills greater than 95% of monocytes but not dendritic cells. When tested as stimulators of the mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) and of oxidative mitogenesis (the proliferation of T cells modified with sodium periodate), the monocyte-depleted cells had normal or enhanced stimulatory capacity. Monocyte-depleted mononuclear cells also proliferated normally to soluble antigens (Candida albicans, tetanus toxoid), even under limiting conditions of cell dose, antigen dose, and culture time. Adherent blood mononuclear cells were next separated into monocyte-enriched and -depleted components using fluoresceinated antimonocyte antibody and the cell sorter. The depleted fraction (less than 2% monocytes by esterase staining and by cytology) contained the dendritic cells and exhibited at least 75% of the accessory activity. The monocyte-rich fraction (approximately 97% esterase positive) stimulated the MLR and oxidative mitogenesis weakly, and was comparable in potency to nonadherent cells. Cell-specific antibodies and complement were also used to prepare dendritic cells that were thoroughly depleted of monocytes and lymphocytes. The dendritic cells (70-80% pure) were potent stimulators of the allogeneic MLR, syngeneic MLR, and tetanus toxoid response, being active at stimulator to responder ratios of 1:100 or less. Taken together with previous studies (1, 2), these experiments indicate that the dendritic cell is the major stimulator of T cell replication in man. The contribution of class II products of the major histocompatibility complex (7) was then evaluated with a new monoclonal, 9.3F10. Accessory function was dramatically inhibited if cells bearing class II antigens were killed with 9.3F10 and complement, or if class II molecules were blocked by the addition of 9.3F10 Fab to the culture medium. The expression of 9.3F10 class II products was therefore studied on purified monocytes and dendritic cells. Most if not all cells in both populations reacted with 9.3F10, and each population exhibited approximately 150,000 125I-Fab 9.3F10 binding sites per cell. Since Ia+ dendritic cells are active accessory cells, but Ia+ monocytes are not, class II products are necessary but not sufficient for the stimulation of T cell proliferation in man.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Monocyte migration to arthritis in the rat utilizes both CD11/CD18 and very late activation antigen 4 integrin mechanisms.

In human and experimental models of arthritis, blood monocytes migrate into the inflamed synovium and joint space. The mechanisms required for monocyte migration across the vascular endothelium in joints is poorly defined. Radiolabeled rat blood monocytes were used to measure monocyte migration to the inflamed joints of rats with adjuvant arthritis, and the role of monocyte adhesion molecules was analyzed. Monocyte accumulation in the inflamed joints was maximal 14-21 d after immunization with adjuvant, when arthritis had fully developed. Blocking mAbs to lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1), Mac-1, and very late activation antigen 4 (VLA-4) were used to evaluate the role of these integrins in the migration. Migration to the joints was not inhibited by treatment of the animals with mAb to LFA-1, Mac-1, or VLA-4 alone, and was partially (50%) inhibited in only the most arthritic joint, the talar joint, by the combination of mAb to LFA-1 plus Mac-1. In contrast, this combination inhibited migration to dermal inflammation induced by C5ades Arg, endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and polyinosine-cytosine by 60-70%. When mAbs to LFA-1 and VLA-4 were combined, migration to all the inflamed joints was strongly inhibited (80-98%, depending on the joint). Treatment with the combination of the three mAbs to LFA-1, Mac-1, and VLA-4 completely eliminated monocyte migration to all joints and dermal inflammation. The results show that 51Cr blood monocytes can be used to quantify monocyte migration to arthritic joints in the rat. LFA-1 alone or VLA-4 alone is sufficient to mediate most of this migration, and either LFA-1 or VLA-4 is required for monocyte migration to joint inflammation. These results indicate that both the VLA-4 and LFA-1 integrins should be therapeutic targets for suppression of monocyte infiltration of joints in arthritis.

Animals↗

Role of CCR8 and other chemokine pathways in the migration of monocyte-derived dendritic cells to lymph nodes.

Studying the influence of chemokine receptors (CCRs) on monocyte fate may reveal information about which subpopulations of monocytes convert to dendritic cells (DCs) and the migration pathways that they use. First, we examined whether prominent CCRs on different monocyte subsets, CCR2 or CX3CR1, mediated migration events upstream of the accumulation of monocyte-derived DCs in lymph nodes (LNs). Monocytes were labeled and traced by uptake of latex microspheres in skin. Unexpectedly, neither CCR2 nor CX3CR1 were required. However, absence of CCR2 led to an increased labeling of the minor Gr-1int monocyte population, and the number of latex+ DCs that emigrated to LNs was correspondingly increased. Characterization of Gr-1int monocytes revealed that they selectively expressed CCR7 and CCR8 mRNA in blood. CCR7 and CCR8 pathways were used by monocyte-derived DCs during mobilization from skin to LNs. The role of CCR8 in emigration from tissues also applied to human monocyte-derived cells in a model of transendothelial trafficking. Collectively, the data suggest that Gr-1int monocytes may be most disposed to become a lymphatic-migrating DCs. When these monocyte-derived DCs exit skin to emigrate to LNs, they use not only CCR7 but also CCR8, which was not previously recognized to participate in migration to LNs.

Animals↗

Signal transduction in LPS-activated aged and young monocytes.

Aged monocytes, that is, monocytes purified from the blood of donors > or =65 years of age, when compared with young monocytes, that is, monocytes purified from the blood of young donors 25 years of age, display a decrease in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production after activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The LPS concentration required to obtain IL-6 and TNF production is much higher for aged monocytes than for young monocytes. Furthermore, the intensity of TNF and IL-6 production was much weaker for LPS-activated aged monocytes than for LPS-activated young monocytes. In addition, deficient protein kinase C (PKC)-alpha, PKC-/betaI, and PKC-betaII activation, deficient mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-Kinase) activation, and deficient expression of c-Fos and c-Jun was observed in LPS-activated aged monocytes when compared with LPS-activated young monocytes. These data suggest that age induces human monocyte immune deficiencies that could be observed not only at the functional level but also in the signal transduction pathways.

Adult↗

Multiple sclerosis: glatiramer acetate inhibits monocyte reactivity in vitro and in vivo.

It is widely assumed that glatiramer acetate (GA), an approved agent for the immunomodulatory treatment of multiple sclerosis, acts primarily as an antigen for T lymphocytes. Recent studies, however, indicated that in vitro, GA directly inhibits dendritic cells, a rare but potent type of professional antigen-presenting cell (APC). To investigate whether these in vitro observations are relevant to the actions of GA in vivo, we studied the effects of GA on monocytes, the major type of circulating APC. In a first series of experiments, we investigated the effects of GA on monocyte reactivity in vitro. Monocytes were stimulated with ligands for Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 (peptidoglycan and lipoteichoic acid), TLR-4 [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and TLR-5 (flagellin), as well as two proinflammatory cytokines (interferon-gamma and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor). Monocyte activation was measured by induction of the surface markers signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), CD25 and CD69 (detected by cytofluorometry), and by production of monocyte-derived tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (detected by enzyme-linked immunospot assay). GA had a broad inhibitory effect on all measures of monocyte reactivity, regardless of which stimulator was used. It is unlikely that this reflects a simple toxic effect, because monocyte viability and CD14 expression were unaffected. In a second series of experiments, we investigated the properties of monocytes cultured ex vivo from eight GA-treated multiple sclerosis patients, eight untreated multiple sclerosis patients and eight healthy subjects. We found that LPS-induced SLAM expression and TNF-alpha production were significantly reduced in monocytes from GA-treated patients compared with controls. These results demonstrate for the first time that GA inhibits monocyte reactivity in vitro and in vivo, significantly extending the current concept of the mechanism of action of GA.

Adult↗

TMEM176B is co-expressed with TMEM176A and upregulated in peripheral blood monocytes of patients with primary Sj&#xf6;gren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the role of acid&#x2011;sensitive nonspecific cation channels transmembrane protein 176A (TMEM176A) and TMEM176B in autoimmune diseases, with a focus on primary Sj&#xf6;gren's Syndrome (pSS). METHODS: We examined the expression patterns of TMEM176A and TMEM176B across tissues and cells utilizing bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq datasets. Immunophenotyping analysis was performed by flow cytometry to compare CD62L expression between TMEM176B&#x207a; and TMEM176B&#x207b; monocytes. The proportion of TMEM176B+ cells in monocytes was interrogated in both pSS patients and healthy controls. Clinical correlations of TMEM176B with anti&#x2011;SSB antibody and complement C4 levels were also evaluated. RESULTS: TMEM176A and TMEM176B showed conserved co&#x2011;expression and were significantly upregulated in autoimmune diseases. TMEM176B&#x207a; monocytes displayed higher CD62L positivity rate than TMEM176B- monocytes. In pSS patients, the proportion of TMEM176B&#x207a; monocytes was elevated in total monocytes, classical monocytes (cMo) and intermediate monocytes (iMo). The proportion of TMEM176B+ monocytes positively correlated with anti&#x2011;SSB levels, while several TMEM176B-associated monocyte subset markers inversely correlated with C4. CONCLUSION: TMEM176A and TMEM176B are highly correlated. TMEM176B expression in monocytes is linked to pSS and may serve as a novel auxiliary diagnostic biomarker.

Humans↗

Expression of Fcgamma and complement receptors on peripheral blood monocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Fcagamma and complement receptors play an important role in the interaction between immune complexes (IC) and monocytes/macrophages. Recent work has demonstrated that their relative expression on these cells may be modified by cytokines, including TNF-alpha and IL-4. Furthermore, cytokines may alter the expression of adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1. However, little data exist on the in vivo expression of specific Fcgamma and complement receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA), two diseases in which IC are important in pathogenesis. METHODS: Venous blood was obtained from 30 patients with SLE, 25 with RA and 25 healthy controls. Monocyte phenotype was determined by flow cytometric analysis of whole blood samples, with selective gating using forward and side scatter signals. Surface expression of Fcgamma receptors RI (CD64), RII (CD32) and RIII (CD16), complement receptors CR1 (CD35) and CR3 (CD11b/CD18), and adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (CD54) and CD11a (LFA-1) was determined. The effects of disease activity and corticosteroid therapy on the expression of these molecules were also examined. RESULTS: The expression of FcgammaRII was reduced on monocytes from patients with SLE compared with healthy controls and patients with RA (P = 0.002). This did not correlate with disease activity using conventional indices [SLEDAI (SLE disease activity index), C3/C4 levels and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody titres], and was independent of prednisolone therapy. There was no significant difference in FcgammaRI or RIII expression on SLE monocytes compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the expression of FcgammaRIII was increased on RA monocytes (P = 0.01), this being highest in patients with active disease. The proportion of FcgammaRIII-positive monocytes was also increased in RA, and prednisolone therapy was associated with a lower proportion of FcgammaRIII-positive cells. An increase in CR3 expression was seen on RA monocytes (P = 0.002), whilst CR1 was increased on monocytes from patients with active SLE or active RA. ICAM-1 expression was reduced on monocytes from patients with SLE (P = 0.002), although high-dose prednisolone therapy was associated with the lowest level of surface ICAM-1 on monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral blood monocytes from patients with SLE or RA display significantly altered phenotypes compared with those from healthy controls. The observed reduction in SLE of FcgammaRII may represent a mechanism by which monocytes are protected from IC-mediated activation. Prednisolone therapy and disease activity had little effect on phagocytic receptor expression. The observed changes may reflect the different cytokine profiles seen in SLE and RA.

Adult↗