Heparin is an adhesive ligand for the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 (CD11b/CD1).

Previous studies have demonstrated that the leukocyte integrin Mac-1 adheres to several cell surface and soluble ligands including intercellular adhesion molecule-1, fibrinogen, iC3b, and factor X. However, experiments with Mac-1-expressing transfectants, purified Mac-1, and mAbs to Mac-1 indicate the existence of additional ligands. In this paper, we demonstrate a direct interaction between Mac-1 and heparan sulfate glycans. Heparin affinity resins immunoprecipitate Mac-1, and neutrophils and transfectant cells that express Mac-1 bind to heparin and heparan sulfate, but not to other sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Inhibition studies with mAbs and chemically modified forms of heparin suggest the I domain as a recognition site on Mac-1 for heparin, and suggest that either N- or O-sulfation is sufficient for heparin to bind efficiently to Mac-1. Under conditions of continuous flow in which heparins and E-selectin are cosubstrates, neutrophils tether to E-selectin and form firm adhesions through a Mac-1-heparin interaction.

Inhibition of Rap1A binding to cytochrome b558 of NADPH oxidase by phosphorylation of Rap1A.

Rap1A is a low molecular weight guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding protein in human neutrophil membranes whose cellular function is unknown. Rap1A was found to form stoichiometric complexes with the cytochrome b558 component of the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system. The (guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP-gamma-S)-bound form of Rap1A bound more tightly to cytochrome b558 than did the guanosine diphosphate-bound form. No complex formation was observed between cytochrome b558 and H-Ras-GTP-gamma-S or Rap1A-GTP-gamma-S that had been heat-inactivated, nor between Rap1A-GTP-gamma-S and hydrophobic proteins serving as controls. Complex formation between Rap1A-GTP-gamma-S and cytochrome b558 was inhibited by phosphorylation of Rap1A with cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase. These observations suggest that Rap1A may participate in the structure or regulation of the NADPH oxidase system and that this function of the Rap1A protein may be altered by phosphorylation.

A patenting perspective on human neutrophil elastase (HNE) inhibitors (2014-2018) and their therapeutic applications.

INTRODUCTION: Human neutrophil elastase (HNE) is involved in a variety of serious chronic diseases, especially cardiopulmonary pathologies. For this reason, the regulation of HNE activity represents a promising therapeutic approach, which is evident by the development of a number of new and selective HNE inhibitors, both in the academic and pharmaceutical environments. AREAS COVERED: The present review analyzes and summarizes the patent literature regarding human neutrophil elastase inhibitors for the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases over 2014-2018. EXPERT OPINION: HNE is an interesting and defined target to treat various inflammatory diseases, including a number of cardiopulmonary pathologies. The research in this field is quite active, and a number of HNE inhibitors are currently in various stages of clinical development. In addition, new opportunities for HNE inhibitor development stem from recent studies demonstrating the involvement of HNE in many other inflammatory pathologies, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin diseases, and cancer. Furthermore, the development of dual HNE/proteinase 3 inhibitors is being pursued as an innovative approach for the treatment of neutrophilic inflammatory diseases. Thus, these new developments will likely stimulate new and increased interest in this important therapeutic target and for the development of novel and selective HNE inhibitors.

Ultrastructural localization of cytochrome b in the membranes of resting and phagocytosing human granulocytes.

Affinity-purified rabbit anti-neutrophil cytochrome b light or heavy chain antibodies were used to immunocytochemically and biochemically localize cytochrome b in neutrophils and eosinophils. The antibodies were monospecific, recognizing polypeptides of 91 and 22 kD, respectively, on Western blots of whole neutrophil extracts. The antibodies were used in Western blot analysis of subcellular fractions of purified neutrophils to confirm that the distribution of cytochrome b spectral absorbance matched that of the two subunits. Thin sections of cryofixed, molecular distillation-dried granulocytes were labeled with the anti-cytochrome b antibodies, followed by incubation with biotin-conjugated secondary antibody, and final labeling with streptavidin-conjugated colloidal gold. Electron microscopy revealed that the cytochrome b light and heavy chains were localized primarily (80%) to 0.1-0.2-micron round or elliptical granule-like structures in neutrophils and 0.4-0.5-micron granules in eosinophils. Approximately 20% of the cytochrome b was localized to the surface, confirming the subcellular fractionation studies. Double staining experiments on the neutrophils, using polyclonal rabbit anti-lactoferrin antibody, indicated that the cytochrome-bearing structures also contained lactoferrin and thus were specific granules. When the analysis was performed on neutrophils that had phagocytosed Staphylococcus aureus, cytochrome b was found in the phagosomal membrane adjoining the bacterial cell wall.

Respiratory burst oxidase and three of four oxidase-related polypeptides are associated with the cytoskeleton of human neutrophils.

Resting and phorbol-activated human neutrophils were separated by treatment with Triton X-100 into detergent-extractable and cytoskeleton fractions. Respiratory burst oxidase activity was restricted entirely to the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton also contained approximately 15% of the neutrophil cytochrome b558, an oxidase-associated heme protein, as well as most of the oxidase-related cytosolic polypeptide p67phox. In contrast, the components of the oxidase-associated phosphoprotein family p47phox were found almost exclusively in the detergent extract, suggesting that p47phox is needed for oxidase activation but not for O2- production by the activated oxidase. Activation of the oxidase had no apparent effect on the distribution of any of these species between the cytoskeleton and the detergent extract. Our results support earlier studies implying that the cytoskeleton participates in an important way in regulating the activity of the O2(-)-forming respiratory burst oxidase of neutrophils.

Novel competitive inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase assembly attenuates vascular O(2)(-) and systolic blood pressure in mice.

We previously reported enhanced expression of the p67(phox) and gp91(phox) components of NAD(P)H oxidase in angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension, suggesting de novo assembly in response to Ang II. To examine the direct involvement of NAD(P)H oxidases in Ang II-induced O(2)(-) production, we designed a chimeric peptide that inhibits p47(phox) association with gp91(phox) in NAD(P)H oxidase (gp91ds-tat). This was achieved by linking a 9-amino acid peptide (aa) derived from HIV-coat protein (tat) to a 9-aa sequence of gp91(phox) (known to interact with p47(phox)). As a control, we constructed a chimera containing tat and a scrambled gp91 sequence (scramb-tat). We found that gp91ds-tat decreased O(2)(-) levels in aortic rings treated with Ang II (10 pmol/L) but had no effect on either the O(2)(-)-generating enzyme xanthine oxidase or potassium superoxide-generated O(2)(-). We infused vehicle, Ang II (0.75 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)), Ang II+gp91ds-tat (10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)), or Ang II+scramb-tat intraperitoneally in C57Bl/6 mice and measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) on days 0, 3, 5, and 7 of infusion. SBP increased by day 3 in mice given Ang II and Ang II+scramb-tat but was significantly lower with Ang II+gp91-tat. On day 7, SBP was still significantly inhibited in mice given Ang II+gp91ds-tat, whereas Ang II-induced O(2)(-) production was inhibited throughout the aorta as detected by dihydroethidium staining, consistent with the ability of this inhibitor to block the various vascular NAD(P)H oxidase isoforms. These data support the hypothesis that inhibition of the interaction of p47(phox) and gp91(phox) (or its homologues) can block O(2)(-) production and attenuate blood pressure elevation in mice.

Role of NADPH oxidase in the vascular hypertrophic and oxidative stress response to angiotensin II in mice.

Oxygen-derived free radicals are involved in the vascular response to angiotensin II (Ang II), but the role of NADPH oxidase, its subunit proteins, and their vascular localization remain controversial. Our purpose was to address the role of NADPH oxidase in the blood pressure (BP), aortic hypertrophic, and oxidant responses to Ang II by taking advantage of knockout (KO) mice that are genetically deficient in gp91(phox), an NADPH oxidase subunit protein. The baseline BP was significantly lower in KO mice than in wild-type (WT) (92+/-2 [KO] versus 101+/-1 [WT] mm Hg, P<0.01), but infusion of Ang II for 6 days caused similar increases in BP in the 2 strains (33+/-4 [KO] versus 38+/-2 [WT] mm Hg, P>0.4). Ang II increased aortic superoxide anion production 2-fold in the aorta of WT mice but did not do so in KO mice. Aortic medial area increased in WT (0.12+/-0.02 to 0.17+/-0.02 mm(2), P<0.05), but did not do so in KO mice (0.10+/-0.01 to 0.11+/-0.01 mm(2), P>0.05). Histochemistry and polymerase chain reaction demonstrated gp91(phox) localized in endothelium and adventitia of WT mice. Levels of reactive oxidant species as indicated by 3-nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity increased in these regions in WT but not in KO mouse aorta in response to Ang II. These results indicate an essential role in vivo of gp91(phox) and NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion in the regulation of basal BP and a pressure-independent vascular hypertrophic and oxidant stress response to Ang II.

p47phox associates with the cytoskeleton through cortactin in human vascular smooth muscle cells: role in NAD(P)H oxidase regulation by angiotensin II.

OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that p47phox associates with the actin cytoskeleton, enabling site-directed activation of NAD(P)H oxidase, and assessed whether these actions influence reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and signaling by angiotensin II (Ang II) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from human resistance and coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Electroporation of anti-p47phox antibody into VSMCs abrogated Ang II-mediated O2 generation, establishing the requirement for p47phox in this response. Immunfluorescence confocal microscopy demonstrated a cytosolic distribution of p47phox in basal conditions. After Ang II stimulation, p47phox rearranged in a linear fashion, colocalizing with F-actin. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed an association between p47phox and actin and demonstrated an interaction with the actin-binding protein cortactin. Cytoskeletal disruption with cytochalasin prevented p47phox:actin interaction and attenuated ROS formation and p38MAP kinase and Akt phosphorylation by Ang II. Intracellular ROS generation in response to LY83583 (O2 generator) or exogenous H2O2 and Ang II-induced ERK1/2 activation were unaltered by cytochalasin. CONCLUSIONS: The p47phox:actin interaction, through cortactin, plays an important role in Ang II-mediated site-directed assembly of functionally active NAD(P)H oxidase, ROS generation, and activation of redox-sensitive p38MAP kinase and Akt, but not ERK1/2. These findings demonstrate the importance of an intact actin-cytoskeleton in NAD(P)H oxidase regulation and redox signaling by Ang II in human VSMCs.

NADPH oxidase contributes directly to oxidative stress and apoptosis in nerve growth factor-deprived sympathetic neurons.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for programmed cell death (PCD) in neurons, but the underlying ROS-producing enzymes have not been identified. NADPH oxidase produces ROS, although the expression of its five subunits are thought to be restricted largely to non-neuronal cells. Here, we show that NADPH oxidase subunits are present in neurons. Moreover, both an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium, and NAPDH oxidase genetic deficiency inhibit apoptosis in a classic model of PCD, i.e., NGF-deprived sympathetic neurons. Overall, these results indicate that NADPH oxidase is unexpectedly present in neurons and can contribute to neuronal apoptosis.

Analysis of the monocyte chemotactic response to lysophosphatidylcholine: role of lysophospholipase C.

Previously, we reported that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PtdCho), a component of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, was a monocyte chemoattractant (M.T. Quinn et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85, 2805-2809). Monocyte chemotaxis was also stimulated by lyso-platelet activating factor but not by platelet activating factor itself. In the present studies, we used other analogs of lyso-PtdCho to determine structural and metabolic features required for chemotactic activity. Although both D- and L-lyso-PtdCho stimulated chemotaxis, suggesting a lack of stereospecificity, studies using propanediol and ethanediol analogs of lyso-PtdCho suggested that a free hydroxyl moiety or an ester-linked fatty acid vicinal to the phosphocholine group of the lysophospholipid was required for the expression of activity. Incubation of [3H]choline-labeled lyso-PtdCho with monocytes resulted in the formation of labeled PtdCho, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), phosphocholine, and free choline, while resident peritoneal macrophages, cells which we show do not respond chemotactically to lyso-PtdCho, metabolized the labeled substrate to generate only labeled PtdCho and GPC; no labeled phosphocholine was found, suggesting a possible role for lysophospholipase C activity in the monocyte chemotactic response. Although monoacylglycerol, the product of lysophospholipase C hydrolysis of lyso-PtdCho, was not chemotactic for monocytes, diacylglycerol demonstrated chemotactic activity, suggesting that the subsequent acylation to diacylglycerol may be involved in the monocyte chemotactic response to lyso-PtdCho. Indeed, monocytes incorporated [3H]glycerol from [3H]glycerol-labeled lyso-PtdCho into di- and triacylglycerol. Based on these results, a model is proposed whereby the monocyte chemotactic response to lyso-PtdCho involves a sequence of metabolic steps which includes hydrolysis of lyso-PtdCho to monoacylglycerol and phosphocholine by lysophospholipase C followed by acylation of monoacylglycerol to diacylglycerol. Diacylglycerol would then act as an intracellular second messenger that could activate or facilitate the chemotactic response.

The lateral organization of components of the membrane skeleton and superoxide generation in the plasma membrane of stimulated human neutrophils.

Studies were performed to examine the lateral organization of the NADPH oxidase system in the plasma membrane of human neutrophils. Analysis of the subcellular fractionation of human neutrophils by isopycnic sedimentation of cavitated cell lysates suggested that there may be more than one population of plasma membrane vesicles formed upon cell disruption. One population (30-32% sucrose) contained surface accessible wheat germ agglutinin binding sites, alkaline phosphatase activity, and cytochrome b. Another population (34-36% sucrose) contained membrane-bound flavin and, when the cells were prestimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), NADPH-dependent superoxide generating activity. Approximately 25% of the neutrophil cytochrome b cosedimented with the heavy population, confirming our previous hypothesis (Parkos et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 6541-6547) that only a fraction of the total cellular cytochrome b is involved in superoxide production. The heavy plasma membrane fraction was also enriched in membrane associated actin and fodrin as detected by Western blot analysis. After extraction of the plasma membrane vesicles with detergent cocktails, the majority of superoxide generating activity remained associated with the detergent insoluble pellet. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the pellets were also enriched in actin. Further analysis of these pellets using rate-zonal detergent-containing sucrose density gradients indicated that the superoxide generating complex had an approximate sedimentation coefficient of 80 S, suggesting that the neutrophil superoxide generating system may form a complex on the plasma membrane which is associated with or somehow organized by the membrane skeletal matrix. This organization may be of functional relevance not only to the actual production of superoxide, but also to the targeting of microbicidal oxidants.

Low-molecular-weight GTP-binding proteins and leukocyte signal transduction.

Recent progress on the understanding of leukocyte signal transduction pathways indicates that many of these pathways are modulated by low-molecular-weight GTP-binding proteins (LMWGs). LMWGs are members of a growing family of GTP-binding proteins known as the Ras superfamily and act as molecular switches for regulating a wide range of signal-transduction pathways in virtually all cells. In leukocytes, LMWGs have been shown to participate in essential cellular functions such as growth control, differentiation, cytoskeletal organization, cytokine and chemoattractant-induced signaling events, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activity, phospholipid metabolism, and intracellular vesicle transport and secretion, and many more of these functions will certainly be identified as we gain a further understanding of regulatory pathways modulating leukocyte signal transduction. This review will summarize our current understanding of this rapidly advancing area of research.

Assembly of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase: molecular interaction of oxidase proteins.

Phagocytes such as neutrophils play a key role in the body's innate immune response to infection. These cells travel throughout the body in search of pathogens and are rapidly mobilized to sites of inflammation where they phagocytose these pathogens and subsequently release a variety of toxic oxygen radical species and proteolytic enzymes to directly destroy the engulfed particle. The generation of microbicidal oxidants by neutrophils results from the action of a multi-protein enzymatic complex known as the NADPH oxidase. Altogether, there are currently seven proteins reported to be associated with the NADPH oxidase assembly. In resting neutrophils, these NADPH oxidase protein components are segregated into cytoplasmic and plasma membrane compartments. However, during assembly and activation of the NADPH oxidase, the cytosolic protein components translocate to the plasma membrane or phagosomal membrane where they assemble around a central membrane-bound protein known as flavocytochrome b. This assembly process is highly regulated and involves multiple binding interactions between the individual NADPH oxidase proteins, resulting in an active oxidase complex. Over the past few years, a number of these sites of binding interaction between the oxidase proteins have been identified, leading to a clearer understanding of the intermolecular interactions occurring among protein components during the assembly process. In addition, this information has contributed to our understanding of the roles played by each protein during the activation and assembly process. In this review, we describe the key features of each NADPH oxidase protein and then summarize our current understanding of the specific molecular interactions occurring between these proteins, focusing on the role these protein:protein binding interactions play in the NADPH oxidase assembly process.

Dissociation of Rac translocation from p47phox/p67phox movements in human neutrophils by tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Cytosolic components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase (p47phox, p67phox, and Rac2) translocate to the plasma membrane on cell activation where they interact with a membrane-bound cytochrome b to generate superoxide anion. Phosphorylation reactions are known to be important for activity of NADPH oxidase. Translocation of Rac2, p47phox, and p67phox were all enhanced in formyl-Met-Leu-Phe-stimulated neutrophils treated with 50 nM of the protein phosphatase 1/2A inhibitor calyculin A. Rac translocation was blocked by the tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein (50 microM) and herbimycin (17 microM), whereas movement of p47phox and p67phox were not inhibited. Cell-free analysis of Rac translocation also demonstrated that translocation of p47phox and p67phox were not linked to the movement or availability of Rac2. Thus, Rac2 does not appear to regulate NADPH oxidase by controlling movements of the cytosolic components to the membrane-associated enzyme but may exert its effect at the level of the assembled complex. Tyrosine kinase activity is required for translocation of Rac in the chemoattractant-stimulated human neutrophil.

Remodeling of the plasma membrane after stimulation of neutrophils with f-Met-Leu-Phe and dihydrocytochalasin B: identification of membrane subdomains containing NADPH oxidase activity.

Superoxide (O2-) production by neutrophils stimulated with chemotactic peptides [e.g., formylmethionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)] is transient but increases in rate and duration after pretreatment of the cells with dihydrocytochalasin B (dhCB), suggesting a possible role for the plasma membrane and membrane skeleton in the regulation of the O2- generating system. Analysis of plasma membrane isolated from these cells by isopycnic sucrose density gradient sedimentation showed that there were no significant variation in the distribution of plasma membrane markers between control and dhCB-treated cells, whereas a significant redistribution of plasma membrane markers was observed in dhCB + fMLP-treated cells. Instead of sedimenting to 31-35% sucrose, as in the former two groups, plasma membrane markers were broadly distributed over 25-50% sucrose in the dhCB + fMLP-treated cells. In addition, approximately 80% degranulation was achieved in these cells, whereas little granule release (< 5%) was observed in control and dhCB-treated cells. Analysis of the gradient fractions for membrane skeletal (actin and fodrin) and NADPH oxidase (cytochrome b and p47-phox) components in dhCB + fMLP-treated cells demonstrated that the distribution of fodrin, actin, cytochrome b, and p47-phox followed the broad distribution of plasma membrane markers, with an overall eightfold increase in membrane-associated actin. Despite the broad redistribution of plasma membrane markers, the distribution of O2- generating activity remained confined to a narrower peak at approximately 50% sucrose. These results demonstrate that a heterogeneous surface membrane of higher density with a differential distribution of proteins and O2- generating activity are created after dhCB + fMLP treatment; however, domain structure is conserved in the new membrane, with only a subfraction of the reorganized plasma membrane containing all of the components necessary for active O2- generation. Our results support a role for plasma membrane lateral organization and participation of the membrane skeleton in the regulation of the O2- generating system.

Cloning and sequencing of the bovine flavocytochrome b subunit proteins, gp91-phox and p22-phox: comparison with other known flavocytochrome b sequences.

Neutrophils play an essential role in the cellular defense of the bovine mammary gland and compromised leukocyte function has been linked to the development of bovine mastitis. During mastitis, large numbers of leukocytes migrate into the mammary tissues where they become activated, resulting in the assembly of neutrophil membrane and cytosolic proteins to form a superoxide anion-generating complex known as the NADPH oxidase. The key membrane-associated component of the NADPH oxidase is flavocytochrome b, which is a heterodimer of p22-phox and gp91-phox. Currently, only the human, porcine, murine, and rattus p22-phox and the human, porcine, and murine gp91-phox gene sequences are known. Because of the important role neutrophils play in bovine host defense, we carried out studies to clone, sequence, and analyze expression of bovine flavocytochrome b. Using polymerase chain reaction cloning techniques and a bovine spleen cDNA library we have cloned both of the bovine flavocytochrome b subunits, p22-phox and gp91-phox. Comparison of the bovine sequences with those of other species also revealed important information regarding key structural features of gp91-phox and p22-phox, including location of putative glycosylation sites. This study greatly contributes to our understanding of the potential functional sites of the flavocytochrome b subunits as well as providing information that can be used to study the role of neutrophils in bovine inflammatory diseases such as mastitis.

Immunocytochemical detection of lipid peroxidation in phagosomes of human neutrophils: correlation with expression of flavocytochrome b.

Oxidants generated by the NADPH oxidase of activated neutrophils can react with a number of tissue targets to form toxic metabolites such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). 4-HNE is a lipid peroxidation product generated by free radical attack on omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and is a marker for membrane lipid peroxidation. In this study, we examined the accumulation of 4-HNE-protein adducts in phagosomes of neutrophils obtained from a male patient with homozygous X-linked, flavocytochrome b-deficient chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), his heterozygous mother, and his normal father. Specific polyclonal antibodies recognizing 4-HNE-protein adducts and gp91-phox (flavocytochrome b large subunit) were prepared and used to immunocytochemically detect these antigens in cryofixed, molecular distillation-dried neutrophils. No 4-HNE-protein adducts were detected in flavocytochrome b-deficit cells from the homozygous patient or from the heterozygous CGD carrier. However, in gp91-phox-positive cells from both the normal and heterozygous CGD carrier, significant 4-HNE-protein adduct labeling was observed, primarily in the phagosomes. When data from single- and double-labeled cells were combined, the frequency distribution of the labels in phagosomes supported this observation, showing that neutrophils from the heterozygous CGD carrier were 71% 4-HNE-protein adduct-positive and 56% gp91-phox-positive, while cells from the normal father were > 97% positive for both 4-HNE-protein adducts and gp91-phox. These results confirmed the nitroblue tetrazolium tests of 100%, 60 +/- 2%, and 0% positive for the father's, mother's, and son's cells, respectively, and demonstrated that 4-HNE-protein adduct antibodies are useful and accurate probes of the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in vivo. We conclude that 4-HNE and resulting 4-HNE-protein adducts are generated as a result of NADPH oxidase activity in the phagosomes of human neutrophils and that these lipid peroxidation products may contribute to microbial killing and/or damage of neutrophil phagolysosomal proteins.

Cloning and expression of bovine p47-phox and p67-phox: comparison with the human and murine homologs.

Neutrophils play an essential role in bovine cellular host defense, and compromised leukocyte function has been linked to the development of respiratory and mucosal infections. During the host defense process, neutrophils migrate into infected tissues where they become activated, resulting in the assembly of neutrophil membrane and cytosolic proteins to form a superoxide anion-generating complex known as the NADPH oxidase. Two of the essential cytosolic components of the NADPH oxidase are p47-phox and p67-phox. Currently, only the human and murine homologs of these proteins have been sequenced. Because of the important role neutrophils play in bovine host defense, we carried out studies to clone, sequence, and express bovine p47-phox and p67-phox. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning techniques and a bovine bone marrow cDNA library, we have cloned both of these bovine NADPH oxidase cytosolic components. Comparison of the bovine sequences with those of the human and murine homologs showed that they were highly conserved, but also revealed important information regarding key structural features of p47-phox and p67-phox, including location of putative phosphorylation sites. Functional expression of bovine p47-phox and p67-phox showed that these proteins could substitute for the human proteins in reconstituting NADPH oxidase activity in a cell-free assay system, again demonstrating the high degree of conservation between human and bovine homologs. This study greatly contributes to our understanding of the potential structural/functional regions of p47-phox and p67-phox as well as providing information that can be used to study the role of neutrophils in bovine inflammatory diseases.

Priming of human neutrophils by peroxynitrite: potential role in enhancement of the local inflammatory response.

Peroxynitrite is a potent oxidant generated from the reaction of nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O2-), both of which can be produced in inflammatory tissues. In these studies, we analyzed what direct effect peroxynitrite had on neutrophil (PMN) function. We found that peroxynitrite was an effective priming agent for PMNs, as demonstrated by enhanced O2- production on subsequent activation with low doses of PMA or N-formyl-methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLF), changes in the expression of PMN surface markers (L-selectin, Mac-1, flavocytochrome b, and fMLF receptor), and increased intracellular calcium levels. Analysis of the mechanism of PMN priming by peroxynitrite demonstrated that peroxynitrite resulted in minimal oxidation of protein sulfhydryl groups and subsequent protein cross-linking. In contrast, treatment of PMNs with peroxynitrite resulted in significant nitration of tyrosine residues on neutrophil proteins. In addition, inhibition of tyrosine nitration with a pyrrolopyrimidine antioxidant blocked the majority of peroxynitrite-induced priming effects, further suggesting that PMN priming was mediated primarily by nitration of tyrosine residues on PMN proteins. The ability of peroxynitrite to serve as an effective priming agent for PMNs at sites of inflammation may play a key role in modulating the host-defense process.

Platelet-activating factor induces a concentration-dependent spectrum of functional responses in bovine neutrophils.

We characterized the dose response of bovine neutrophils to platelet-activating factor (PAF) with respect to the following functions: calcium flux and membrane potential changes, actin polymerization, degranulation, and the production and/or priming of the oxidative burst. PAF at very low concentrations (10(-10) and 10(-9) M) caused changes in intracellular calcium and membrane potential in bovine neutrophils, whereas moderate PAF concentrations (> or = 10(-7) M) resulted in increased actin polymerization. Degranulation responses to PAF were more complex: low concentrations (10(-9) M) caused secretory granule degranulation, moderate doses (> or = 10(-7) M) caused specific granule degranulation, whereas azurophil degranulation only occurred at high (10(-5) M) PAF concentrations. Treatment of bovine neutrophils with PAF at concentrations > or = 10(-7) M also caused up-regulation of the adhesion molecules Mac-l and L-selectin. PAF stimulation resulted in a very weak [compared to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)] oxidative burst in bovine neutrophils, and only at high (10(-6) M) concentrations. Unlike human neutrophils, bovine neutrophils were poorly primed by PAF treatment. Only high concentrations of PAF (10(-5) M) caused an increased rate of PMA-stimulated superoxide production, although lower doses of PAF did reduce the lag time preceding the PMA-induced oxidative burst. The overall pattern that can be inferred is that lower concentrations of PAF promote neutrophil sensitivity and interaction by selective degranulation, up-regulation of adhesion molecules, and increased actin polymerization. In contrast, higher PAF concentrations can promote, albeit weakly, more direct bactericidal responses, such as the release of reactive oxygen species and granule enzymes. The ability of PAF to modulate a graded response in bovine neutrophils would allow the cell to respond proportionally to the severity of a stimulus.