Expression and function of fibronectin receptors on peripheral mononuclear cells in IgA nephropathy

The beta 1 integrin family, major adhesive receptors for the extracellular matrix (ECM), have been reported to be present in normal and diseased kidneys. Attachment of glomerular cells to ECM is mediated by beta 1 integrins. Several members of the beta 1 integrins are referred to as VLA (very late activation) antigens. Peripheral mononuclear cells also express VLA antigens in both resting and activated states. We examined the expression and function of VLA antigens on peripheral lymphocytes and monocytes in patients with IgA nephropathy using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for VLA alpha-chains. Peripheral lymphocytes from patients with IgA nephropathy expressed VLA-4 alpha and 5 alpha, but not VLA-1 alpha, 2 alpha or 3 alpha. Peripheral monocytes from patients with IgA nephropathy expressed VLA-2 alpha, 4 alpha and 5 alpha, but not VLA-1 alpha or 3 alpha. The expression of VLA adhesive receptors was observed in healthy individuals. Adhesion assay to fibronectin revealed augmented adhesion of mononuclear cells in IgA nephropathy (P < 0.05), and this increased adhesion was inhibited by mAbs to VLA-4 alpha and 5 alpha. The expression of beta 1 integrins in IgA nephropathy was similar to that of healthy individuals, but the function of these molecules in terms of adhesion to fibronectin though VLA-4 and VLA-5 is increased in these patients. These findings suggest that the activation of fibronectin receptors on peripheral mononuclear cells plays an important role in the pathogenic process of IgA nephropathy.