Neutrophil elastase plays a non-redundant role in remodeling the venular basement membrane and neutrophil diapedesis post-ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe inflammatory insult associated with numerous pathologies, such as myocardial infarction, stroke and acute kidney injury. I/R injury is characterized by a rapid influx of activated neutrophils secreting toxic free radical species and degrading enzymes that can irreversibly damage the tissue, thus impairing organ functions. Significant efforts have been invested in identifying therapeutic targets to suppress neutrophil recruitment and activation post-I/R injury. In this context, pharmacological targeting of neutrophil elastase (NE) has shown promising anti-inflammatory efficacy in a number of experimental and clinical settings of I/R injury and is considered a plausible clinical strategy for organ care. However, the mechanisms of action of NE, and hence its inhibitors, in this process are not fully understood. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact of NE genetic deletion on neutrophil infiltration in four murine models of I/R injury as induced in the heart, kidneys, intestine and cremaster muscle. In all models, neutrophil migration into ischemic regions was significantly suppressed in NE-/- mice as compared with wild-type controls. Analysis of inflamed cremaster muscle and mesenteric microvessels by intravital and confocal microscopy revealed a selective entrapment of neutrophils within venular walls, most notably at the level of the venular basement membrane (BM) following NE deletion/pharmacological blockade. This effect was associated with the suppression of NE-mediated remodeling of the low matrix protein expressing regions within the venular BM used by transmigrating neutrophils as exit portals. Furthermore, whilst NE deficiency led to reduced neutrophil activation and vascular leakage, levels of monocytes and prohealing M2 macrophages were reduced in tissues of NE-/- mice subjected to I/R. Collectively our results identify a vital and non-redundant role for NE in supporting neutrophil breaching of the venular BM post-I/R injury but also suggest a protective role for NE in promoting tissue repair. © 2019 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Underlying chronic inflammation alters the profile and mechanisms of acute neutrophil recruitment.

Chronically inflamed tissues show altered characteristics that include persistent populations of inflammatory leukocytes and remodelling of the vascular network. As the majority of studies on leukocyte recruitment have been carried out in normal healthy tissues, the impact of underlying chronic inflammation on ongoing leukocyte recruitment is largely unknown. Here, we investigate the profile and mechanisms of acute inflammatory responses in chronically inflamed and angiogenic tissues, and consider the implications for chronic inflammatory disorders. We have developed a novel model of chronic ischaemia of the mouse cremaster muscle that is characterized by a persistent population of monocyte-derived cells (MDCs), and capillary angiogenesis. These tissues also show elevated acute neutrophil recruitment in response to locally administered inflammatory stimuli. We determined that Gr1low MDCs, which are widely considered to have anti-inflammatory and reparative functions, amplified acute inflammatory reactions via the generation of additional proinflammatory signals, changing both the profile and magnitude of the tissue response. Similar vascular and inflammatory responses, including activation of MDCs by transient ischaemia-reperfusion, were observed in mouse hindlimbs subjected to chronic ischaemia. This response demonstrates the relevance of the findings to peripheral arterial disease, in which patients experience transient exercise-induced ischaemia known as claudication.These findings demonstrate that chronically inflamed tissues show an altered profile and altered mechanisms of acute inflammatory responses, and identify tissue-resident MDCs as potential therapeutic targets. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

TNFα promotes CAR-dependent migration of leukocytes across epithelial monolayers.

Trans-epithelial migration (TEpM) of leukocytes during inflammation requires engagement with receptors expressed on the basolateral surface of the epithelium. One such receptor is Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) that binds to Junctional Adhesion Molecule-like (JAM-L) expressed on leukocytes. Here we provide the first evidence that efficient TEpM of monocyte-derived THP-1 cells requires and is controlled by phosphorylation of CAR. We show that TNFα acts in a paracrine manner on epithelial cells via a TNFR1-PI3K-PKCδ pathway leading to CAR phosphorylation and subsequent transmigration across cell junctions. Moreover, we show that CAR is hyper-phosphorylated in vivo in acute and chronic lung inflammation models and this response is required to facilitate immune cell recruitment. This represents a novel mechanism of feedback between leukocytes and epithelial cells during TEpM and may be important in controlling responses to pro-inflammatory cytokines in pathological settings.

F-actin-rich contractile endothelial pores prevent vascular leakage during leukocyte diapedesis through local RhoA signalling.

During immune surveillance and inflammation, leukocytes exit the vasculature through transient openings in the endothelium without causing plasma leakage. However, the exact mechanisms behind this intriguing phenomenon are still unknown. Here we report that maintenance of endothelial barrier integrity during leukocyte diapedesis requires local endothelial RhoA cycling. Endothelial RhoA depletion in vitro or Rho inhibition in vivo provokes neutrophil-induced vascular leakage that manifests during the physical movement of neutrophils through the endothelial layer. Local RhoA activation initiates the formation of contractile F-actin structures that surround emigrating neutrophils. These structures that surround neutrophil-induced endothelial pores prevent plasma leakage through actomyosin-based pore confinement. Mechanistically, we found that the initiation of RhoA activity involves ICAM-1 and the Rho GEFs Ect2 and LARG. In addition, regulation of actomyosin-based endothelial pore confinement involves ROCK2b, but not ROCK1. Thus, endothelial cells assemble RhoA-controlled contractile F-actin structures around endothelial pores that prevent vascular leakage during leukocyte extravasation.

ICAM-1-expressing neutrophils exhibit enhanced effector functions in murine models of endotoxemia.

Intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the cell surface of numerous cell types such as endothelial and epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and certain leukocyte subsets. With respect to the latter, ICAM-1 has been detected on neutrophils in several clinical and experimental settings, but little is known about the regulation of expression or function of neutrophil ICAM-1. In this study, we report on the de novo induction of ICAM-1 on the cell surface of murine neutrophils by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor, and zymosan particles in vitro. The induction of neutrophil ICAM-1 was associated with enhanced phagocytosis of zymosan particles and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Conversely, neutrophils from ICAM-1-deficient mice were defective in these effector functions. Mechanistically, ICAM-1-mediated intracellular signaling appeared to support neutrophil ROS generation and phagocytosis. In vivo, LPS-induced inflammation in the mouse cremaster muscle and peritoneal cavity led to ICAM-1 expression on intravascular and locally transmigrated neutrophils. The use of chimeric mice deficient in ICAM-1 on myeloid cells demonstrated that neutrophil ICAM-1 was not required for local neutrophil transmigration, but supported optimal intravascular and extravascular phagocytosis of zymosan particles. Collectively, the present results shed light on regulation of expression and function of ICAM-1 on neutrophils and identify it as an additional regulator of neutrophil effector responses in host defense.

Sexual dimorphisms in leukocyte trafficking in a mouse peritonitis model.

Sexual dimorphisms exist in the incidence and severity of many diseases, with females demonstrating relative protection from inflammatory conditions. The extent and mechanisms by which excessive leukocyte recruitment underlies these differences are not well established, and better understanding is essential for the development of targeted therapies. Here, we set out to compare the male and female inflammatory response in a murine zymosan-induced peritonitis model and to understand how leukocyte subsets are mobilized from storage pools in both sexes. This work shows that female C57BL/6 mice recruit fewer classical monocytes and neutrophils during zymosan-induced peritonitis. In addition, sex differences were evident in the circulation, as female mice showed reduced neutrophilia and monocytosis vs. male counterparts, despite having similar mobilization from BM stores. Importantly, we show that storage and trafficking of splenic leukocytes during acute inflammation are distinct between the sexes. Male mice have greater splenic stores of neutrophils and classical and nonclassical monocytes, despite similar spleen sizes, signifying another source of potential pathogenic leukocytes. This work demonstrates that males and females have distinct leukocyte-trafficking profiles in acute inflammation and suggests that the spleen, not the BM, plays a role in determining sex differences in the available pool of immune cells. Such dimorphisms demonstrate the importance of considering gender in assay development, drug design, and clinical trials.

Leukotriene B4-Neutrophil Elastase Axis Drives Neutrophil Reverse Transendothelial Cell Migration In Vivo.

Breaching endothelial cells (ECs) is a decisive step in the migration of leukocytes from the vascular lumen to the extravascular tissue, but fundamental aspects of this response remain largely unknown. We have previously shown that neutrophils can exhibit abluminal-to-luminal migration through EC junctions within mouse cremasteric venules and that this response is elicited following reduced expression and/or functionality of the EC junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C). Here we demonstrate that the lipid chemoattractant leukotriene B4 (LTB4) was efficacious at causing loss of venular JAM-C and promoting neutrophil reverse transendothelial cell migration (rTEM) in vivo. Local proteolytic cleavage of EC JAM-C by neutrophil elastase (NE) drove this cascade of events as supported by presentation of NE to JAM-C via the neutrophil adhesion molecule Mac-1. The results identify local LTB4-NE axis as a promoter of neutrophil rTEM and provide evidence that this pathway can propagate a local sterile inflammatory response to become systemic.

Shed syndecan-2 inhibits angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis is essential for the development of a normal vasculature, tissue repair and reproduction, and also has roles in the progression of diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The heparan sulphate proteoglycan syndecan-2 is expressed on mesenchymal cells in the vasculature and, like the other members of its family, can be shed from the cell surface resulting in the release of its extracellular core protein. The purpose of this study was to establish whether shed syndecan-2 affects angiogenesis. We demonstrate that shed syndecan-2 regulates angiogenesis by inhibiting endothelial cell migration in human and rodent models and, as a result, reduces tumour growth. Furthermore, our findings show that these effects are mediated by the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor CD148 (also known as PTPRJ) and this interaction corresponds with a decrease in active ß1 integrin. Collectively, these data demonstrate an unexplored pathway for the regulation of new blood vessel formation and identify syndecan-2 as a therapeutic target in pathologies characterised by angiogenesis.

ICAM-2 facilitates luminal interactions between neutrophils and endothelial cells in vivo.

Intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM-2) is expressed on endothelial cells (ECs) and supports neutrophil extravasation. However, the full details of its role remain unknown, and the present study investigates the functional mechanisms of ICAM-2 in neutrophil-endothelial-cell interactions. Our initial studies showed expression of ICAM-2 at both EC junctions and on the EC body. In line with the observed expression profile analysis of neutrophil-vessel-wall interactions using real-time in vivo confocal microscopy identified numerous functional roles for ICAM-2 within the vascular lumen and at the stage of neutrophil extravasation. Functional or genetic blockade of ICAM-2 significantly reduced neutrophil crawling velocity, increased frequency of crawling with a disrupted stop-start profile, and prolonged interaction of neutrophils with EC junctions prior to transendothelial cell migration (TEM), collectively resulting in significantly reduced extravasation. Pharmacological blockade of the leukocyte integrin MAC-1 indicated that some ICAM-2-dependent functions might be mediated through ligation of this integrin. These findings highlight novel roles for ICAM-2 in mediating luminal neutrophil crawling and the effect on subsequent levels of extravasation.

Stat2 loss leads to cytokine-independent, cell-mediated lethality in LPS-induced sepsis.

Deregulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-triggered inflammatory responses that depend on NF-κB are detrimental to the host via excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α. Stat2 is a critical component of type I IFN signaling, but it is not thought to participate in TLR signaling. Our study shows that LPS-induced lethality in Stat2(-/-) mice is accelerated as a result of increased cellular transmigration. Blocking intercellular adhesion molecule-1 prevents cellular egress and confers survival of Stat2(-/-) mice. The main determinant of cellular egress in Stat2(-/-) mice is the genotype of the host and not the circulating leukocyte. Surprisingly, lethality and cellular egress observed on Stat2(-/-) mice are not associated with excessive increases in classical sepsis cytokines or chemokines. Indeed, in the absence of Stat2, cytokine production in response to multiple TLR agonists is reduced. We find that Stat2 loss leads to reduced expression of NF-κB target genes by affecting nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Thus, our data reveal the existence of a different mechanism of LPS-induced lethality that is independent of NF-κB triggered cytokine storm but dependent on cellular egress.

Pericytes support neutrophil subendothelial cell crawling and breaching of venular walls in vivo.

Neutrophil transmigration through venular walls that are composed of endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and the venular basement membrane is a key component of innate immunity. Through direct analysis of leukocyte-pericyte interactions in inflamed tissues using confocal intravital microscopy, we show how pericytes facilitate transmigration in vivo. After EC migration, neutrophils crawl along pericyte processes to gaps between adjacent pericytes in an ICAM-1-, Mac-1-, and LFA-1-dependent manner. These gaps were enlarged in inflamed tissues through pericyte shape change and were used as exit points by neutrophils in breaching the venular wall. The findings identify previously unknown roles for pericytes in neutrophil transmigration in vivo and add additional steps to the leukocyte adhesion cascade that supports leukocyte trafficking into sites of inflammation.

Schwann cell-specific JAM-C-deficient mice reveal novel expression and functions for JAM-C in peripheral nerves.

Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule expressed at junctions between adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells and implicated in multiple inflammatory and vascular responses. In addition, we recently reported on the expression of JAM-C in Schwann cells (SCs) and its importance for the integrity and function of peripheral nerves. To investigate the role of JAM-C in neuronal functions further, mice with a specific deletion of JAM-C in SCs (JAM-C SC KO) were generated. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, JAM-C SC KO mice showed electrophysiological defects, muscular weakness, and hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli. In addressing the underlying cause of these defects, nerves from JAM-C SC KO mice were found to have morphological defects in the paranodal region, exhibiting increased nodal length as compared to WTs. The study also reports on previously undetected expressions of JAM-C, namely on perineural cells, and in line with nociception defects of the JAM-C SC KO animals, on finely myelinated sensory nerve fibers. Collectively, the generation and characterization of JAM-C SC KO mice has provided unequivocal evidence for the involvement of SC JAM-C in the fine organization of peripheral nerves and in modulating multiple neuronal responses.

The junctional adhesion molecule JAM-C regulates polarized transendothelial migration of neutrophils in vivo.

The migration of neutrophils into inflamed tissues is a fundamental component of innate immunity. A decisive step in this process is the polarized migration of blood neutrophils through endothelial cells (ECs) lining the venular lumen (transendothelial migration (TEM)) in a luminal-to-abluminal direction. By real-time confocal imaging, we found that neutrophils had disrupted polarized TEM ('hesitant' and 'reverse') in vivo. We noted these events in inflammation after ischemia-reperfusion injury, characterized by lower expression of junctional adhesion molecule C (JAM-C) at EC junctions, and they were enhanced by blockade or genetic deletion of JAM-C in ECs. Our results identify JAM-C as a key regulator of polarized neutrophil TEM in vivo and suggest that reverse TEM of neutrophils can contribute to the dissemination of systemic inflammation.

Acute NADPH oxidase activation potentiates cerebrovascular permeability response to bradykinin in ischemia-reperfusion.

Free radical generation is a key event in cerebral reperfusion injury. Bradykinin (Bk) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) have both been implicated in edema formation after stroke, although acute Bk application itself results in only a modest permeability increase. We have investigated the molecular mechanism by assessing the permeability of single pial venules in a stroke model. Increased permeability on reperfusion was dependent on the duration of ischemia and was prevented by applying the B(2) receptor antagonist HOE 140. Postreperfusion permeability increases were mimicked by applying Bk (5µM) for 10 min and blocked by coapplying the IL-1 receptor antagonist with Bk. Furthermore, 10 min pretreatment with IL-1ß resulted in a 3 orders of magnitude leftward shift of the acutely applied Bk concentration-response curve. The left shift was abolished by scavenging free radicals with superoxide dismutase and catalase. Apocynin coapplied with IL-1ß completely blocked the potentiation, implying that NADPH oxidase assembly is the immediate target of IL-1ß. In conclusion, this is first demonstration that bradykinin, released during cerebral ischemia, leads to IL-1ß release, which in turn activates NADPH oxidase leading to blood-brain barrier breakdown.

Recent developments and complexities in neutrophil transmigration.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: As the migration of neutrophils from blood to inflamed tissues is an essential component of innate immunity and a key contributing factor to the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders, this aspect of leukocyte biology continues to be a highly dynamic field of research. This review summarizes recent findings in this area, focusing on the mechanisms that mediate neutrophil transmigration, an area where significant progress has been made. RECENT FINDINGS: The topics to be covered will include responses that are prerequisite to neutrophil migration through venular walls, such as leukocyte luminal crawling and cellular and molecular changes in leukocytes and endothelial cells (e.g. formation of protrusions) that collectively support leukocyte transendothelial cell migration. Advances in both paracellular and transcellular neutrophil migration through endothelial cells will be discussed, addressing the associated roles and regulation of expression of endothelial cell luminal and junctional adhesion molecules. Beyond the endothelium, migration through the vascular pericyte coverage and basement membrane will be reviewed. SUMMARY: The unquestionable role of neutrophils in the development and progression of inflammatory conditions suggests that a better understanding of the tissue-specific and stimulus-specific mechanisms that mediate this response may identify novel pathways that could be exploited for the development of more specific anti-inflammatory interventions.

Junctional adhesion molecule-C mediates leukocyte infiltration in response to ischemia reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule that has multiple roles in inflammation and vascular biology, but many aspects of its functions under pathological conditions are unknown. Here we investigated the role of JAM-C in leukocyte migration in response to ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Pretreatment of mice with soluble JAM-C (sJAM-C), used as a pharmacological blocker of JAM-C-mediated reactions, significantly suppressed leukocyte migration in models of kidney and cremaster muscle I/R injury (39 and 51% inhibition, respectively). Furthermore, in the cremaster muscle model (studied by intravital microscopy), both leukocyte adhesion and transmigration were suppressed in JAM-C-deficient mice (JAM-C(-/-)) and enhanced in mice overexpressing JAM-C in their endothelial cells (ECs). Analysis of JAM-C subcellular expression by immunoelectron microscopy indicated that in I/R-injured tissues, EC JAM-C was redistributed from cytoplasmic vesicles and EC junctional sites to nonjunctional plasma membranes, a response that may account for the role of JAM-C in both leukocyte adhesion and transmigration under conditions of I/R injury. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate a role for EC JAM-C in mediating leukocyte adhesion and transmigration in response to I/R injury and indicate the existence of a novel regulatory mechanism for redistribution and hence function of EC JAM-C in vivo.

Monocytes and neutrophils exhibit both distinct and common mechanisms in penetrating the vascular basement membrane in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Leukocyte migration through venular walls is a fundamental event during inflammation, but many aspects of this response, including the mechanisms associated with leukocyte migration through the vascular basement membrane (BM) in vivo, are poorly understood. Here we investigated and compared the means by which neutrophils and monocytes migrate through the venular BM. Specifically, as we have previously reported on the existence of neutrophil permissive sites (termed matrix protein low expression regions; LERs) within the venular BM, we have now investigated the role of these sites in monocyte transmigration in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Analysis of CCL2-stimulated mouse cremaster muscles by immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy demonstrated that both neutrophils and monocytes use LERs for penetrating venular walls, but independent and distinct mechanisms are used by the 2 cell types. Collectively, (1) neutrophil but not monocyte transmigration led to enlargement of LERs, (2) monocytes showed a greater extent of deformability in migrating through the venular BM, and (3) only extravasated neutrophils were associated with the carriage of laminin fragments. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide novel insights into mechanisms of leukocyte transmigration by presenting the first in vivo evidence for distinct modes used by neutrophils and monocytes in penetrating the vascular BM.

Endothelial cell activation leads to neutrophil transmigration as supported by the sequential roles of ICAM-2, JAM-A, and PECAM-1.

Leukocyte transmigration is mediated by endothelial cell (EC) junctional molecules, but the associated mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigate how intercellular adhesion molecule-2 (ICAM-2), junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A), and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) mediate neutrophil transmigration in a stimulus-dependent manner (eg, as induced by interleukin-1beta [IL-1beta] but not tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]), and demonstrate their ability to act in sequence. Using a cell-transfer technique, transmigration responses of wild-type and TNF-alpha p55/p75 receptor-deficient leukocytes (TNFR(-/-)) through mouse cremasteric venules were quantified by fluorescence intravital microscopy. Whereas wild-type leukocytes showed a normal transmigration response to TNF-alpha in ICAM-2(-/-), JAM-A(-/-), and PECAM-1(-/-) recipient mice, TNFR(-/-) leukocytes exhibited a reduced transmigration response. Hence, when the ability of TNF-alpha to directly stimulate neutrophils is blocked, TNF-alpha-induced neutrophil transmigration is rendered dependent on ICAM-2, JAM-A, and PECAM-1, suggesting that the stimulus-dependent role of these molecules is governed by the target cell being activated. Furthermore, analysis of the site of arrest of neutrophils in inflamed tissues from ICAM-2(-/-), JAM-A(-/-), and PECAM-1(-/-) mice demonstrated that these molecules act sequentially to mediate transmigration. Collectively, the findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of action of key molecules implicated in leukocyte transmigration.

PECAM-1: a multi-functional molecule in inflammation and vascular biology.

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1 or CD31) is a molecule expressed on all cells within the vascular compartment, being expressed to different degrees on most leukocyte sub-types, platelets, and on endothelial cells where its expression is largely concentrated at junctions between adjacent cells. As well as exhibiting adhesive properties, PECAM-1 is an efficient signaling molecule and is now known to have diverse roles in vascular biology including roles in angiogenesis, platelet function, and thrombosis, mechanosensing of endothelial cell response to fluid shear stress, and regulation of multiple stages of leukocyte migration through venular walls. This review will focus on some new developments with respect to the role of PECAM-1 in inflammation and vascular biology, highlighting the emerging complexities associated with the functions of this unique molecule.

JAM-A mediates neutrophil transmigration in a stimulus-specific manner in vivo: evidence for sequential roles for JAM-A and PECAM-1 in neutrophil transmigration.

Junctional adhesion molecule-A (JAM-A) is a transmembrane protein expressed at tight junctions of endothelial and epithelial cells and on the surface of platelets and leukocytes. The role of JAM-A in leukocyte transmigration in vivo was directly investigated by intravital microscopy using both a JAM-A-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (mAb) (BV-11) and JAM-A-deficient (knockout [KO]) mice. Leukocyte transmigration (but not adhesion) through mouse cremasteric venules as stimulated by interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) or ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury was significantly reduced in wild-type mice treated with BV-11 and in JAM-A KO animals. In contrast, JAM-A blockade/genetic deletion had no effect on responses elicited by leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) or platelet-activating factor (PAF). Furthermore, using a leukocyte transfer method and mice deficient in endothelial-cell JAM-A, evidence was obtained for the involvement of endothelial-cell JAM-A in leukocyte transmigration mediated by IL-1beta. Investigation of the functional relationship between JAM-A and PECAM-1 (CD31) determined that dual blockade/deletion of these proteins does not lead to an inhibitory effect greater than that seen with blockade/deletion of either molecule alone. The latter appeared to be due to the fact that JAM-A and PECAM-1 can act sequentially to mediate leukocyte migration through venular walls in vivo.