Stimulation of matrix metalloproteinase-dependent migration of T cells by eicosanoids

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4), at nanomolar to micromolar concentrations, elicited migration of human blood T cells and cultured T lymphoblastoma cells of the Tsup-1 line through a layer of Matrigel basement membrane matrix. The density of Tsup-1 cell high-affinity receptors was low for PGE2 and high for LTB4, resulting in respectively predominant chemokinetic and chemotactic stimulation of migration. Migration-enhancing concentrations of PGE2 and LTB4 also increased Tsup-1 cell content and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2, 3, and 9, which were quantified by Western blots and zymography, and augmented Tsup-1 cell-surface expression of the MMPs, as shown by flow cytometry. That a specific MMP inhibitor suppressed migration of blood T cells and Tsup-1 cells through Matrigel, but did not affect PGE2- and LTB4-initiated T cell migration through micropore filters without Matrigel, suggests dual requirements for MMP expression and enhanced motility in T cell passage through basement membranes.