Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes
11:48

Isolation Protocol of Mouse Monocyte-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Subsequent In Vitro Activation with Tumor Immune Complexes

Published on: May 31, 2018

Neuropeptide S and G protein-coupled receptor 154 modulate macrophage immune responses

Ville Pulkkinen1, Marja-Leena Majuri, Guoying Wang

  • 1Department of Medical Genetics, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Human Molecular Genetics
|April 8, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor G protein-coupled receptor 154 (GPR154) are upregulated in asthma. NPS signaling enhances macrophage phagocytosis, suggesting a role for GPR154 in immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptor 154 (GPR154) is a recently identified asthma susceptibility gene.
  • Previous studies showed increased Gpr154 expression in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.
  • The expression and function of GPR154 and its ligand neuropeptide S (NPS) in leukocytes remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the expression profile of NPS and GPR154 in human leukocytes.
  • To investigate the cellular functions of GPR154 and NPS in immune cells.
  • To determine the role of GPR154 and NPS in a mouse model of allergic airway inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze NPS and GPR154 mRNA expression in fractionated human blood cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
  • Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were employed to confirm GPR154 expression in human leukocytes and sputum.
  • Murine lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mice were analyzed for GPR154 expression.
  • Macrophage cell lines were used to study NPS-stimulated cellular functions.

Main Results:

  • GPR154 was detected in human monocytes/macrophages and eosinophils.
  • Monocyte activation, but not T cell activation, led to increased NPS and GPR154 expression in PBMCs.
  • OVA challenge upregulated GPR154 expression in alveolar macrophages of mice.
  • NPS stimulation induced Gα13- and Gαq-dependent phagocytosis of bacteria in a mouse macrophage cell line.

Conclusions:

  • GPR154 is expressed in specific leukocyte populations, including macrophages and eosinophils.
  • Monocyte activation upregulates NPS and GPR154 expression.
  • GPR154 is upregulated in macrophages during allergic airway inflammation.
  • NPS signaling promotes bacterial phagocytosis by macrophages, indicating a potential role in innate immunity.

More Related Videos

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages10:07

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages

Published on: June 23, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes01:25

Immune Surveillance by NK Cells and Phagocytes

Immune surveillance is an integral part of the innate immune system, involving the continuous monitoring of peripheral tissues to detect and respond to pathogens, infected cells, or cancerous cells. This surveillance is conducted primarily by natural killer (NK) cells and phagocytes, which employ distinct but complementary mechanisms to identify and eliminate threats.
Natural Killer Cells: The Fast Responders
NK cells are large granular lymphocytes found in the blood and lymphatic system. These...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

Cells of the Innate Immune Response

The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...