Recognition and control of neutrophil extracellular trap formation by MICL.

Regulation of neutrophil activation is critical for disease control. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which are web-like structures composed of DNA and neutrophil-derived proteins, are formed following pro-inflammatory signals; however, if this process is uncontrolled, NETs contribute to disease pathogenesis, exacerbating inflammation and host tissue damage1,2. Here we show that myeloid inhibitory C-type lectin-like (MICL), an inhibitory C-type lectin receptor, directly recognizes DNA in NETs; this interaction is vital to regulate neutrophil activation. Loss or inhibition of MICL functionality leads to uncontrolled NET formation through the ROS-PAD4 pathway and the development of an auto-inflammatory feedback loop. We show that in the context of rheumatoid arthritis, such dysregulation leads to exacerbated pathology in both mouse models and in human patients, where autoantibodies to MICL inhibit key functions of this receptor. Of note, we also detect similarly inhibitory anti-MICL autoantibodies in patients with other diseases linked to aberrant NET formation, including lupus and severe COVID-19. By contrast, dysregulation of NET release is protective during systemic infection with the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. Together, we show that the recognition of NETs by MICL represents a fundamental autoregulatory pathway that controls neutrophil activity and NET formation.

Microbiota Sensing by Mincle-Syk Axis in Dendritic Cells Regulates Interleukin-17 and -22 Production and Promotes Intestinal Barrier Integrity.

Production of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-22 by T helper 17 (Th17) cells and group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) in response to the gut microbiota ensures maintenance of intestinal barrier function. Here, we examined the mechanisms whereby the immune system detects microbiota in the steady state. A Syk-kinase-coupled signaling pathway in dendritic cells (DCs) was critical for commensal-dependent production of IL-17 and IL-22 by CD4+ T cells. The Syk-coupled C-type lectin receptor Mincle detected mucosal-resident commensals in the Peyer's patches (PPs), triggered IL-6 and IL-23p19 expression, and thereby regulated function of intestinal Th17- and IL-17-secreting ILCs. Mice deficient in Mincle or with selective depletion of Syk in CD11c+ cells had impaired production of intestinal RegIIIγ and IgA and increased systemic translocation of gut microbiota. Consequently, Mincle deficiency led to liver inflammation and deregulated lipid metabolism. Thus, sensing of commensals by Mincle and Syk signaling in CD11c+ cells reinforces intestinal immune barrier and promotes host-microbiota mutualism, preventing systemic inflammation.

Recognition of DHN-melanin by a C-type lectin receptor is required for immunity to Aspergillus.

Resistance to infection is critically dependent on the ability of pattern recognition receptors to recognize microbial invasion and induce protective immune responses. One such family of receptors are the C-type lectins, which are central to antifungal immunity. These receptors activate key effector mechanisms upon recognition of conserved fungal cell-wall carbohydrates. However, several other immunologically active fungal ligands have been described; these include melanin, for which the mechanism of recognition is hitherto undefined. Here we identify a C-type lectin receptor, melanin-sensing C-type lectin receptor (MelLec), that has an essential role in antifungal immunity through recognition of the naphthalene-diol unit of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN)-melanin. MelLec recognizes melanin in conidial spores of Aspergillus fumigatus as well as in other DHN-melanized fungi. MelLec is ubiquitously expressed by CD31+ endothelial cells in mice, and is also expressed by a sub-population of these cells that co-express epithelial cell adhesion molecule and are detected only in the lung and the liver. In mouse models, MelLec was required for protection against disseminated infection with A. fumigatus. In humans, MelLec is also expressed by myeloid cells, and we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism of this receptor that negatively affected myeloid inflammatory responses and significantly increased the susceptibility of stem-cell transplant recipients to disseminated Aspergillus infections. MelLec therefore recognizes an immunologically active component commonly found on fungi and has an essential role in protective antifungal immunity in both mice and humans.

Mycobacterial receptor, Clec4d (CLECSF8, MCL), is coregulated with Mincle and upregulated on mouse myeloid cells following microbial challenge.

The C-type lectin receptor (CTLR), Clec4d (MCL, CLECSF8), is a member of the Dectin-2 cluster of CTLRs, which also includes the related receptors Mincle and Dectin-2. Like Mincle, Clec4d recognizes mycobacterial cord factor, trehalose dimycolate, and we recently demonstrated its key role in anti-mycobacterial immunity in mouse and man. Here, we characterized receptor expression in naïve mice, under inflammatory conditions, and during Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection using newly generated monoclonal antibodies. In naïve mice, Clec4d was predominantly expressed on myeloid cells within the peritoneal cavity, blood, and bone marrow. Unexpectedly, basal expression of Clec4d was very low on leukocytes in the lung. However, receptor expression was significantly upregulated on pulmonary myeloid cells during M. bovis BCG infection. Moreover, Clec4d expression could be strongly induced in vitro and in vivo by various microbial stimuli, including TLR agonists, but not exogenous cytokines. Notably, we show that Clec4d requires association with the signaling adaptor FcRγ and Mincle, but not Dectin-2, for surface expression. In addition, we provide evidence that Clec4d and Mincle, but not Dectin-2, are interdependently coregulated during inflammation and infection. These data show that Clec4d is an inducible myeloid-expressed CTLR in mice, whose expression is tightly linked to that of Mincle.

MICL controls inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid inhibitory C-type lectin-like receptor (MICL, Clec12A) is a C-type lectin receptor (CLR) expressed predominantly by myeloid cells. Previous studies have suggested that MICL is involved in controlling inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of this CLR in inflammatory pathology using Clec12A(-/-) mice. METHODS: Clec12A(-/-) mice were generated commercially and primarily characterised using the collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model. Mechanisms and progress of disease were characterised by clinical scoring, histology, flow cytometry, irradiation bone-marrow chimera generation, administration of blocking antibodies and in vivo imaging. Characterisation of MICL in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was determined by immunohistochemistry and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Anti-MICL antibodies were detected in patient serum by ELISA and dot-blot analysis. RESULTS: MICL-deficient animals did not present with pan-immune dysfunction, but exhibited markedly exacerbated inflammation during CAIA, owing to the inappropriate activation of myeloid cells. Polymorphisms of MICL were not associated with disease in patients with RA, but this CLR was the target of autoantibodies in a subset of patients with RA. In wild-type mice the administration of such antibodies recapitulated the Clec12A(-/-) phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: MICL plays an essential role in regulating inflammation during arthritis and is an autoantigen in a subset of patients with RA. These data suggest an entirely new mechanism underlying RA pathogenesis, whereby the threshold of myeloid cell activation can be modulated by autoantibodies that bind to cell membrane-expressed inhibitory receptors.

Cutting edge: Failure of antigen-specific CD4+ T cell recruitment to the kidney during systemic candidiasis.

Candida albicans is the leading cause of systemic candidiasis, a fungal disease associated with high mortality and poor treatment options. The kidney is the target organ during infection and whose control is largely dependent on innate immunity, because lymphocytes appear redundant for protection. In this article, we show that this apparent redundancy stems from a failure of Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells to migrate into infected kidneys. In contrast, Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells are recruited normally. Using Ag-loaded immunoliposomes to artificially reverse this defective migration, we show that recruited Ag-specific CD4(+) T cells polarize toward a Th17 phenotype in the kidney and are protective during fungal infection. Therefore, our data explain the redundancy of CD4(+) T cells for defense against systemic infection with C. albicans and have important implications for our understanding of antifungal immunity and the control of renal infections.

Role of Dectin-2 for host defense against systemic infection with Candida glabrata.

Although Candida glabrata is an important pathogenic Candida species, relatively little is known about its innate immune recognition. Here, we explore the potential role of Dectin-2 for host defense against C. glabrata. Dectin-2-deficient (Dectin-2(-/-)) mice were found to be more susceptible to C. glabrata infections, showing a defective fungal clearance in kidneys but not in the liver. The increased susceptibility to infection was accompanied by lower production of T helper 1 (Th1) and Th17-derived cytokines by splenocytes of Dectin-2(-/-) mice, while macrophage-derived cytokines were less affected. These defects were associated with a moderate yet significant decrease in phagocytosis of the fungus by the Dectin-2(-/-) macrophages and neutrophils. Neutrophils of Dectin-2(-/-) mice also displayed lower production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon challenge with opsonized C. glabrata or C. albicans. This study suggests that Dectin-2 is important in host defense against C. glabrata and provides new insights into the host defense mechanisms against this important fungal pathogen.

Fungal melanin suppresses airway epithelial chemokine secretion through blockade of calcium fluxing.

Respiratory infections caused by the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus are a major cause of mortality for immunocompromised patients. Exposure to these pathogens occurs through inhalation, although the role of the respiratory epithelium in disease pathogenesis has not been fully defined. Employing a primary human airway epithelial model, we demonstrate that fungal melanins potently block the post-translational secretion of the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL8 independent of transcription or the requirement of melanin to be phagocytosed, leading to a significant reduction in neutrophil recruitment to the apical airway both in vitro and in vivo. Aspergillus-derived melanin, a major constituent of the fungal cell wall, dampened airway epithelial chemokine secretion in response to fungi, bacteria, and exogenous cytokines. Furthermore, melanin muted pathogen-mediated calcium fluxing and hindered actin filamentation. Taken together, our results reveal a critical role for melanin interaction with airway epithelium in shaping the host response to fungal and bacterial pathogens.

The C-type lectin receptor CLECSF8 (CLEC4D) is expressed by myeloid cells and triggers cellular activation through Syk kinase.

CLECSF8 is a poorly characterized member of the "Dectin-2 cluster" of C-type lectin receptors and was originally thought to be expressed exclusively by macrophages. We show here that CLECSF8 is primarily expressed by peripheral blood neutrophils and monocytes and weakly by several subsets of peripheral blood dendritic cells. However, expression of this receptor is lost upon in vitro differentiation of monocytes into dendritic cells or macrophages. Like the other members of the Dectin-2 family, which require association of their transmembrane domains with signaling adaptors for surface expression, CLECSF8 is retained intracellularly when expressed in non-myeloid cells. However, we demonstrate that CLECSF8 does not associate with any known signaling adaptor molecule, including DAP10, DAP12, or the FcRγ chain, and we found that the C-type lectin domain of CLECSF8 was responsible for its intracellular retention. Although CLECSF8 does not contain a signaling motif in its cytoplasmic domain, we show that this receptor is capable of inducing signaling via Syk kinase in myeloid cells and that it can induce phagocytosis, proinflammatory cytokine production, and the respiratory burst. These data therefore indicate that CLECSF8 functions as an activation receptor on myeloid cells and associates with a novel adaptor molecule. Characterization of the CLECSF8-deficient mice and screening for ligands using oligosaccharide microarrays did not provide further insights into the physiological function of this receptor.

Detailed characterisation of invasive aspergillosis in a murine model of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease shows new insights in infections caused by Aspergillus fumigatus versus Aspergillus nidulans.

Introduction: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most prevalent infectious complication in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). Yet, understanding of fungal pathogenesis in the CGD host remains limited, particularly with regards to A. nidulans infection. Methods: We have used a murine model of X-linked CGD to investigate how the pathogenesis of IA varies between A. fumigatus and A. nidulans, comparing infection in both X-linked CGD (gp91-/-) mice and their parent C57BL/6 (WT) mice. A 14-colour flow cytometry panel was used to assess the cell dynamics over the course of infection, with parallel assessment of pulmonary cytokine production and lung histology. Results: We observed a lack of association between pulmonary pathology and infection outcome in gp91-/- mice, with no significant mortality in A. nidulans infected mice. An overwhelming and persistent neutrophil recruitment and IL-1 release in gp91-/- mice following both A. fumigatus and A. nidulans infection was observed, with divergent macrophage, dendritic cell and eosinophil responses and distinct cytokine profiles between the two infections. Conclusion: We have provided an in-depth characterisation of the immune response to pulmonary aspergillosis in an X-linked CGD murine model. This provides the first description of distinct pulmonary inflammatory environments in A. fumigatus and A. nidulans infection in X-linked CGD and identifies several new avenues for further research.

The Rab32/BLOC-3-dependent pathway mediates host defense against different pathogens in human macrophages.

Macrophages provide a first line of defense against microorganisms, and while some mechanisms to kill pathogens such as the oxidative burst are well described, others are still undefined or unknown. Here, we report that the Rab32 guanosine triphosphatase and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor BLOC-3 (biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-3) are central components of a trafficking pathway that controls both bacterial and fungal intracellular pathogens. This host-defense mechanism is active in both human and murine macrophages and is independent of well-known antimicrobial mechanisms such as the NADPH (reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)-dependent oxidative burst, production of nitric oxide, and antimicrobial peptides. To survive in human macrophages, Salmonella Typhi actively counteracts the Rab32/BLOC-3 pathway through its Salmonella pathogenicity island-1-encoded type III secretion system. These findings demonstrate that the Rab32/BLOC-3 pathway is a novel and universal host-defense pathway and protects mammalian species from various pathogens.

Dectin-1 is a major beta-glucan receptor on macrophages.

Zymosan is a beta-glucan- and mannan-rich particle that is widely used as a cellular activator for examining the numerous responses effected by phagocytes. The macrophage mannose receptor (MR) and complement receptor 3 (CR3) have historically been considered the major macrophage lectins involved in the nonopsonic recognition of these yeast-derived particles. Using specific carbohydrate inhibitors, we show that a beta-glucan receptor, but not the MR, is a predominant receptor involved in this process. Furthermore, nonopsonic zymosan binding was unaffected by genetic CD11b deficiency or a blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CR3, demonstrating that CR3 was not the beta-glucan receptor mediating this activity. To address the role of the recently described beta-glucan receptor, Dectin-1, we generated a novel anti-Dectin-1 mAb, 2A11. Using this mAb, we show here that Dectin-1 was almost exclusively responsible for the beta-glucan-dependent, nonopsonic recognition of zymosan by primary macro-phages. These findings define Dectin-1 as the leukocyte beta-glucan receptor, first described over 50 years ago, and resolves the long-standing controversy regarding the identity of this important molecule. Furthermore, these results identify Dectin-1 as a new target for examining the immunomodulatory properties of beta-glucans for therapeutic drug design.

Treatment With FoxP3+ Antigen-Experienced T Regulatory Cells Arrests Progressive Retinal Damage in a Spontaneous Model of Uveitis.

We specify the clinical features of a spontaneous experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model, in which foreign hen-egg lysozyme (HEL) is expressed in the retina, controlled by the promoter for interphotoreceptor retinol binding protein (IRBP). We previously reported 100% P21 (post-partum day) IRBP:HEL single transgenic (sTg) mice, when crossed to transgenic T cell receptor mice (3A9) generating the double transgenic (dTg) genotype, develop EAU despite profound lymphopenia (thymic HEL-specific T cell deletion). In this work, we characterized the immune component of this model and found conventional dTg CD4+ T cells were less anergic than those from 3A9 controls. Furthermore, prior in vitro HEL-activation of 3A9 anergic T cells (Tan) rendered them uveitogenic upon adoptive transfer (Tx) to sTg mice, while antigen-experienced (AgX, dTg), but not naïve (3A9) T cells halted disease in P21 dTg mice. Flow cytometric analysis of the AgX cells elucidated the underlying pathology: FoxP3+CD25hiCD4+ T regulatory cells (Treg) comprised ∼18%, while FR4+CD73+FoxP3-CD25lo/-CD4+ Tan comprised ∼1.2% of total cells. Further Treg-enrichment (∼80%) of the AgX population indicated FoxP3+CD25hiCD4+ Treg played a key role in EAU-suppression while FoxP3-CD25lo/-CD4+ T cells did not. Here we present the novel concept of dual immunological tolerance where spontaneous EAU is due to escape from anergy with consequent failure of Treg induction and subsequent imbalance in the [Treg:Teffector] cell ratio. The reduced numbers of Tan, normally sustaining Treg to prevent autoimmunity, are the trigger for disease, while immune homeostasis can be restored by supplementation with AgX, but not naïve, antigen-specific Treg.

A clinical grading system for retinal inflammation in the chronic model of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis using digital fundus images.

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU), a widely used animal model of human posterior/pan-uveitis, is extremely valuable in allowing understanding of the pathogenesis of uveitis as well as in developing new treatments. Depending on the animal strain and immunization protocol used, the clinical course of EAU can be acute, severe and involving the anterior and posterior part of the eye, or chronic, mild and involving only the posterior part of the eye. Clinical signs of EAU can be examined by bio-microscopy. Using appropriate criteria EAU can be quantitatively evaluated clinically in living animals. However, correlation of research within different laboratories is difficult since clinical grading systems are subjective and susceptible to considerable variability. In this study, we have developed a recordable, image-based clinical grading system for the chronic models of EAU. Fundus images were taken from EAU mice using an endoscopic imaging system. Fundus changes were classified as (1) inflammatory changes (including optic disc inflammation, vasculitis and retinal tissue inflammation) and (2) retinal structural damage. Each element was scored separately based on the severity of the lesions, and the average score of the three inflammatory elements was used as the overall EAU clinical inflammation grade of the eye. The validity and reproducibility of the grading system was tested using a set of images scored independently in a masked manner by 5 individuals. The grading system proved robust, easy to use and reliable. We offer this image-based EAU clinical grading system as a useful quantitative evaluation method for clinical grading of the severity of inflammation in the chronic EAU model, in which the inflammation can be mild and mainly involves posterior part of the eye.

LYVE-1-positive macrophages are present in normal murine eyes.

PURPOSE: A functioning lymphatic system is necessary not only to permit the organism to mount a rapid and effective immune response but, even more so, to maintain tissue fluid homeostasis. However, no clear evidence of lymphatic vessels draining intraocular and orbital tissues--retina, choroid, sclera, and extraocular muscles--exists. METHODS: Ocular tissue flatmounts from normal or enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) chimeric mice were immunostained for lymphatic endothelium hyaluronan receptor (LYVE-1, a routinely used lymphatic endothelial marker), podoplanin, Flt4/VEGFR3, Sca-1, CD11b, or F4/80 and were observed by confocal microscopy. Single-cell suspensions from ocular tissues were also prepared and were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Lymphatic vessels were detected in the posterior regions of the extraocular muscles and the connective tissues of the extraocular muscle cones in the normal mouse. No typical lymphatic vessels were found within the eye. A large population of LYVE-1(+) nonendothelial cells, distributed as single cells, was detected in all ocular tissues except the central cornea. These cells also express another lymphatic endothelial cell marker, Flt4/VEGFR3, but not podoplanin, and they have hyaluronan-binding ability. Bone marrow chimerism studies indicated that the LYVE-1(+) cell populations are bone marrow derived and have a slow turnover in ocular tissues (3-6 months). Phenotype analysis revealed that nonendothelial LYVE-1(+)cells in the sclera, choroid, and iris included CD11b(+)F4/80(+) macrophages, CD11b(+)F4/80(-) macrophages, and CD11b(-)F4/80(-) bone marrow-derived cells. All LYVE-1(+) cells in the retina were CD11b(+)F4/80(+) macrophages. Cells in the limbus and the iris root also express Sca-1, suggesting that they are hematopoietic lymphatic vessel progenitor cells. CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that a lymphatic system exists for the transport of immune cells and fluids from the posterior segment of the eye, that ocular tissues are rich in bone marrow-derived LYVE-1(+) macrophages under normal physiological conditions, and that a subpopulation of these cells may represent resident precursor cells necessary for the de novo formation of ocular/orbital lymphatic vessels in pathologic conditions.

Signalling through MyD88 drives surface expression of the mycobacterial receptors MCL (Clecsf8, Clec4d) and Mincle (Clec4e) following microbial stimulation.

The heterodimeric mycobacterial receptors, macrophage C-type lectin (MCL) and macrophage inducible C-type lectin (Mincle), are upregulated at the cell surface following microbial challenge, but the mechanisms underlying this response are unclear. Here we report that microbial stimulation triggers Mincle expression through the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) pathway; a process that does not require MCL. Conversely, we show that MCL is constitutively expressed but retained intracellularly until Mincle is induced, whereupon the receptors form heterodimers which are translocated to the cell surface. Thus this "two-step" model for induction of these key receptors provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of anti-mycobacterial immunity.

Expression of the beta-glucan receptor, Dectin-1, on murine leukocytes in situ correlates with its function in pathogen recognition and reveals potential roles in leukocyte interactions.

Dectin-1 is a pathogen-recognition receptor on macrophages (MPhis), neutrophils, and dendritic cells (DCs). On MPhis and bone marrow-derived DCs, it has been shown to mediate the nonopsonic recognition of and response to soluble and particulate yeast beta-glucans. We have optimized the immunohistochemical detection of Dectin-1 and demonstrated its expression on neutrophils, subpopulations of MPhis in splenic red and white pulp, alveolar MPhis, Kupffer cells, and MPhis and DCs in the lamina propria of gut villi. This is consistent with its role in pathogen surveillance. A significant proportion of CD11c(+) splenic DCs expressed Dectin-1, but expression was not restricted to any one subset. Dectin-1 expression was low on resident MPhis and DCs of skin and was not detected on resident MPhis or DCs in kidney, heart, brain, or eye. The proposed, additional role of Dectin-1 as a coreceptor for T cell activation is supported by its expression on DCs in the T cell areas of the spleen and lymph nodes. Strong expression of Dectin-1 on subpopulations of MPhis and DCs in the medullary and corticomedullary regions of the thymus suggests a role distinct from pathogen recognition. Tissue localization thus revealed potential roles of Dectin-1 in leukocyte interactions during innate immune responses and T cell development.

Analysis of mannose receptor regulation by IL-4, IL-10, and proteolytic processing using novel monoclonal antibodies.

The study of the murine macrophage mannose receptor (MR) has been hampered by the lack of specific reagents. We have generated and characterized novel anti-MR monoclonal antibodies and used them to analyze MR expression in primary mouse macrophages (M(phi)). In BioGel- and thioglycollate-elicited M(phi), interleukin (IL)-4 up-regulated total cell-associated MR (cMR), correlating with enhanced surface expression. We investigated the influence of IL-10, a well-characterized deactivator of M(phi) function, on MR levels and observed that it had a similar effect to IL-4. In both cases, enhanced cMR levels translated into increased production of the soluble form of the receptor (sMR). We have demonstrated the presence of sMR in cultures of stable non-M(phi) transductants expressing full-length MR, indicating that the proteolytic activity responsible for cMR cleavage is not M(phi)-restricted. These data support a role for the MR in T helper cell type 2 cytokine-driven, immune responses and suggest a non-M(phi) contribution to sMR production in vivo.

Murine pattern recognition receptor dectin-1 is essential in the development of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis.

Mycobacteria in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) are an essential component of immunization protocols in a number of autoimmune disease animal models including experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and uveoretinitis (EAE and EAU, respectively). We determined the role in EAU of two C-type lectin receptors on myeloid cells that recognize and respond to mycobacteria. Using receptor-specific antibodies and knockout mice, we demonstrated for the first time that the macrophage mannose receptor delays disease development but does not affect severity. In contrast, dectin-1 is critically involved in the development of CFA-mediated EAU. Disease severity is reduced in dectin-1 knockout mice and antibody blockade of dectin-1 during the induction, but not the effector phase, prevents EAU development. Significantly, similar blockade of dectin-1 in vivo has no effect in non-CFA-mediated, spontaneously induced or adoptive transfer models of EAU. Thus dectin-1 plays a critical role in the ability of complete Freund's adjuvant to induce EAU in mice.