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Delayed activation of the mannose receptor following synthesis. Requirement for exit from the endoplasmic reticulum

S E Pontow1, J S Blum, P D Stahl

  • 1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. pstahl@cellbio.wustl.edu

Insights

The macrophage mannose receptor requires time after synthesis to become active in binding ligands. This delayed activation process is linked to its post-translational modifications and transport through cellular compartments.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Glycobiology

Background:

  • The macrophage mannose receptor (MMR) is crucial for innate immunity, recognizing mannose-terminated structures on pathogens and host molecules.
  • Understanding the synthesis and activation of MMR is vital for comprehending immune responses and developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the temporal aspects of newly synthesized mannose receptor activation and ligand-binding capability.
  • To elucidate the post-translational modifications and cellular trafficking events involved in MMR functional maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Human monocyte-derived macrophages were pulse-labeled with [35S]Met and subjected to affinity chromatography using mannose-Sepharose.
  • Receptor binding activity was assessed by fluorography after immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis.
  • Endoglycosidase H resistance and effects of various inhibitors (brefeldin A, monensin, aluminum fluoride) were evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Newly synthesized mannose receptor was initially unable to bind ligand, with binding activity developing over 35-40 minutes.
  • This activation occurred concurrently with the acquisition of endoglycosidase H resistance (45-minute half-time).
  • Inhibitors of N-linked and O-linked glycosylation did not affect activation, but brefeldin A and aluminum fluoride significantly delayed it.

Conclusions:

  • The mannose receptor undergoes a significant delay between synthesis and the acquisition of ligand-binding activity.
  • Receptor activation is linked to post-endoplasmic reticulum and pre-trans-Golgi processing events.
  • The findings suggest a regulated maturation process for the mannose receptor before its cell surface expression and function.

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