Adenosine receptor A2b on hematopoietic cells mediates LPS-induced migration of PMNs into the lung interstitium

Franziska M Konrad1, Esther Witte, Irene Vollmer

  • 1Dept. of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Univ. of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

Insights

Adenosine receptor A(2b) plays a dual anti-inflammatory role in acute lung injury. It regulates polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) migration and reduces microvascular permeability, offering therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pulmonary Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Uncontrolled polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) transmigration into lung compartments is central to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
  • Adenosine receptor A(2b) (A(2b)R) is upregulated in inflamed lungs and implicated in cell trafficking.
  • The precise role of A(2b)R in ALI pathogenesis requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of A(2b)R in regulating PMN migration and microvascular permeability in a murine model of LPS-induced lung inflammation.
  • To determine the cellular source of A(2b)R mediating these effects.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of an A(2b)R agonist in ALI.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized A(2b)R knockout (A(2b)(-/-)) and chimeric mice in an LPS-induced lung inflammation model.
  • Assessed PMN accumulation in lung compartments, pulmonary PMN clearance, and microvascular permeability.
  • Investigated chemokine release, endothelial cell responses, and in vitro PMN transmigration and oxidative burst.

Main Results:

  • A(2b)R deficiency led to increased interstitial PMN accumulation and delayed PMN clearance in the lungs.
  • A(2b)R on hematopoietic cells was critical for PMN migration, while A(2b)R on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells regulated microvascular permeability.
  • A specific A(2b)R agonist reduced PMN migration and microvascular permeability, and inhibited PMN oxidative burst in vitro.

Conclusions:

  • Adenosine receptor A(2b) exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects in ALI by modulating PMN trafficking and endothelial barrier function.
  • Hematopoietic A(2b)R is key for PMN migration, whereas endothelial A(2b)R controls microvascular permeability.
  • Targeting A(2b)R presents a promising therapeutic strategy for ALI and ARDS.

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