Lipopolysaccharide induces macrophage migration via prostaglandin D(2) and prostaglandin E(2)

Tsuyoshi Tajima1, Takahisa Murata, Kosuke Aritake

  • 1Department of Veterinary Pharmacology, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Insights

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) triggers macrophage migration through prostaglandin (PG) signaling. Early migration relies on PGD(2)/CRTH2 and PGE(2)/EP4 pathways, while later migration involves MCP-1 induction via PGE(2)/EP4 signaling.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent immune activator known to induce prostaglandin (PG) production and macrophage migration.
  • Prostaglandins, particularly PGD(2) and PGE(2), are implicated in inflammatory responses and cell movement, but their precise roles in LPS-mediated macrophage migration require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the specific roles of prostaglandin D2 (PGD(2)) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) in initiating and regulating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage migration.
  • To differentiate between early and late phase mechanisms of LPS-mediated macrophage migration, focusing on prostaglandin-dependent and -independent pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized RAW264.7 macrophages and primary peritoneal macrophages from wild-type and knockout mice (CRTH2-deficient, H-PGDS-deficient).
  • Employed cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors (CAY10404), prostaglandin synthase inhibitors (HQL-79), and specific receptor agonists (DK-PGD(2), ONO-AE1-329) and antagonists (RS102895).
  • Assessed macrophage migration (chemokinesis and chemotaxis) and quantified mRNA expression of key inflammatory mediators (COX-2, H-PGDS, microsomal-PGE synthase 1, MCP-1) using quantitative PCR.

Main Results:

  • LPS-induced macrophage migration occurred in distinct early (PG-dependent) and late (PG-independent/dependent) phases.
  • Early migration was significantly inhibited by a COX-2 inhibitor and involved up-regulation of PGD(2) and PGE(2) synthesis.
  • PGD(2)/CRTH2 and PGE(2)/EP4 pathways mediated early migration (chemokinesis), while PGE(2)/EP4 signaling also induced MCP-1, contributing to late-phase migration (chemotaxis).

Conclusions:

  • LPS-mediated macrophage migration is a complex process involving sequential prostaglandin signaling pathways.
  • The PGD(2)/CRTH2 axis is crucial for the initial phase of LPS-induced macrophage migration.
  • PGE(2)/EP4 signaling plays a dual role, promoting early migration and later inducing MCP-1 for sustained chemotaxis.