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Evidence that TNF-induced respiratory burst of adherent PMN is mediated by integrin alpha(L)beta(2)

Eva Decleva1, Pietro Dri, Renzo Menegazzi

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pathology, University of Trieste, Italy. declevae@univ.trieste.it

Insights

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) require specific surface proteins for activation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The alpha(L)beta(2) integrin is key for this response on fibronectin, while other integrins play supporting roles.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) are crucial immune cells involved in inflammatory responses.
  • PMN activation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) leading to a respiratory burst (RB) is dependent on their adherence to extracellular matrix proteins.
  • Different extracellular matrix proteins act as permissive or nonpermissive substrates for PMN adherence and subsequent TNF-induced RB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying differential PMN metabolic responses to TNF based on substrate adherence.
  • To determine the specific roles of beta(2) integrins (alpha(L)beta(2), alpha(M)beta(2), alpha(X)beta(2)) in PMN adherence and RB induction on permissive (fibronectin) and nonpermissive (laminin) surfaces.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized alpha chain-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to block or activate specific beta(2) integrins.
  • Assessed PMN adherence to fibronectin- and laminin-coated surfaces.
  • Measured O(2)(-) production (RB) in response to TNF stimulation under various integrin-blocking or activating conditions.

Main Results:

  • Alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) mediated PMN adherence to both fibronectin and laminin.
  • Alpha(L)beta(2) played a minimal role in fibronectin adherence and was not involved in laminin adherence.
  • TNF-induced RB was triggered by immobilized anti-alpha(L)beta(2) mAb, but not by anti-alpha(M)beta(2) or anti-alpha(X)beta(2) mAb.
  • PMN responded to TNF on laminin with RB only when alpha(L)-specific mAb was included, indicating alpha(L)beta(2) engagement is necessary.

Conclusions:

  • TNF-induced RB in PMN adhering to fibronectin is primarily mediated by the alpha(L)beta(2) integrin.
  • Alpha(M)beta(2) and alpha(X)beta(2) likely support alpha(L)beta(2) signaling by facilitating its recruitment to adherence sites.
  • The nonpermissiveness of laminin for TNF-induced RB is due to its inability to serve as a ligand for alpha(L)beta(2).

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