S1PR2 deficiency enhances neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation

Background/aim: Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), a member of the seven-transmembrane receptor family, can be activated by its natural ligand sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) to initiate signal transduction and is involved in a wide range of biological effects such as immune cell migration and vascular permeability. Its relationship with neuropathic pain (NP) has not been reported. In this study, the effects of S1PR2 on the development of NP were studied. Materials and methods: We generated a model of NP by partial sciatic nerve ligation (pSNL). The 50% paw withdrawal threshold of the wild-type (WT) group and the S1PR2 deficiency group were measured at several time points after surgery. The inflammatory factor levels of the two groups were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Neutrophil infiltration and glial cell activation were detected by immunofluorescence. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and its substrate myelin basic protein (MBP) were measured by RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Result: The S1PR2 deficiency group showed a reduction in 50% paw withdrawal threshold compared with WT mice (P < 0.05) at 3 days after the operation. In the ligated sciatic nerve of the S1PR2 deficiency group, the mRNA expression of IL-1ß was increased; the numbers of infiltrating neutrophils and activated astrocytes were also increased. The expression of MMP9 was elevated while MBP was decreased. Conclusion: S1PR2 deficiency could increase the pain sensitivity of a NP mouse model and promote the development of NP

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) reduces hepatocyte growth factor-induced migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via S1P receptor 2.

A bioactive lipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), acts extracellularly as a potent mediator, and is implicated in the progression of various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). S1P exerts its functions by binding to five types of specific receptors, S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1), S1PR2, S1PR3, S1PR4 and S1PR5 on the plasma membrane. However, the exact roles of S1P and each S1PR in HCC cells remain to be clarified. In the present study, we investigated the effect of S1P on the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-induced migration of human HCC-derived HuH7 cells, and the involvement of each S1PR. S1P dose-dependently reduced the HGF-induced migration of HuH7 cells. We found that all S1PRs exist in the HuH7 cells. Among each selective agonist for five S1PRs, CYM5520, a selective S1PR2 agonist, significantly suppressed the HGF-induced HuH7 cell migration whereas selective agonists for S1PR1, S1PR3, S1PR4 or S1PR5 failed to affect the migration. The reduction of the HGF-induced migration by S1P was markedly reversed by treatment of JTE013, a selective antagonist for S1PR2, and S1PR2- siRNA. These results strongly suggest that S1P reduces the HGF-induced HCC cell migration via S1PR2. Our findings may provide a novel potential of S1PR2 to therapeutic strategy for metastasis of HCC.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-2 facilitates pulmonary fibrosis through potentiating IL-13 pathway in macrophages.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating disease with poor prognosis. The pathogenic role of the lysophospholipid mediator sphingosine-1-phosphate and its receptor S1PR2 in lung fibrosis is unknown. We show here that genetic deletion of S1pr2 strikingly attenuated lung fibrosis induced by repeated injections of bleomycin in mice. We observed by using S1pr2LacZ/+ mice that S1PR2 was expressed in alveolar macrophages, vascular endothelial cells and alveolar epithelial cells in the lung and that S1PR2-expressing cells accumulated in the fibrotic legions. Bone marrow chimera experiments suggested that S1PR2 in bone marrow-derived cells contributes to the development of lung fibrosis. Depletion of macrophages greatly attenuated lung fibrosis. Bleomycin administration stimulated the mRNA expression of the profibrotic cytokines IL-13 and IL-4 and the M2 markers including arginase 1, Fizz1/Retnla, Ccl17 and Ccl24 in cells collected from broncho-alveolar lavage fluids (BALF), and S1pr2 deletion markedly diminished the stimulated expression of these genes. BALF cells from bleomycin-administered wild-type mice showed a marked increase in phosphorylation of STAT6, a transcription factor which is activated downstream of IL-13, compared with saline-administered wild-type mice. Interestingly, in bleomycin-administered S1pr2-/- mice, STAT6 phosphorylation in BALF cells was substantially diminished compared with wild-type mice. Finally, pharmacological S1PR2 blockade in S1pr2+/+ mice alleviated bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Thus, S1PR2 facilitates lung fibrosis through the mechanisms involving augmentation of IL-13 expression and its signaling in BALF cells, and represents a novel target for treating lung fibrosis.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate Receptor 2 Signaling Promotes Caspase-11-dependent Macrophage Pyroptosis and Worsens Escherichia coli Sepsis Outcome.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Pyroptosis, a type of proinflammatory programmed cell death, drives cytokine storm. Caspase-11-dependent macrophage pyroptosis contributes to mortality during sepsis. Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) signaling can amplify interleukin-1ß secretion in endotoxin-induced inflammation. Here, we hypothesized that S1PR2 signaling increases caspase-11-dependent macrophage pyroptosis and worsens Gram-negative sepsis outcome. METHODS: A Gram-negative sepsis model was induced through intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli. Primary peritoneal macrophages isolated from wild-type, S1pr2-deficient (S1pr2), or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein-3-deficient mice were treated with E. coli. Caspase-11 activation, macrophage pyroptosis, and Ras homolog gene family, member A-guanosine triphosphate levels were assessed in those cells. Additionally, monocyte caspase-4 (an analog of caspase-11) expression and its correlation with S1PR2 expression were determined in patients with Gram-negative sepsis (n = 11). RESULTS: Genetic deficiency of S1PR2 significantly improved survival rate (2/10 [20%] in wild-type vs. 7/10 [70%] in S1pr2, P = 0.004) and decreased peritoneal macrophage pyroptosis (pyroptosis rate: 35 ± 3% in wild-type vs. 10 ± 3% in S1pr2, P < 0.001). Decreased caspase-11 activation in S1PR2 deficiency cells contributed to the reduced macrophage pyroptosis. In addition, RhoA inhibitor abrogated the amplified caspase-11 activation in wild-type or S1PR2-overexpressing cells. In patients with Gram-negative sepsis, caspase-4 increased significantly in monocytes compared to nonseptic controls and was positively correlated with S1PR2 (r = 0.636, P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: S1PR2 deficiency decreased macrophage pyroptosis and improved survival in E. coli sepsis. These beneficial effects were attributed to the decreased caspase-11 activation of S1PR2-deficient macrophages. S1PR2 and caspase-11 may be promising new targets for treatment of sepsis.

The hematopoietic oncoprotein FOXP1 promotes tumor cell survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by repressing S1PR2 signaling.

Aberrant expression of the oncogenic transcription factor forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) is a common feature of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We have combined chromatin immunoprecipitation and gene expression profiling after FOXP1 depletion with functional screening to identify targets of FOXP1 contributing to tumor cell survival. We find that the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) is repressed by FOXP1 in activated B-cell (ABC) and germinal center B-cell (GCB) DLBCL cell lines with aberrantly high FOXP1 levels; S1PR2 expression is further inversely correlated with FOXP1 expression in 3 patient cohorts. Ectopic expression of wild-type S1PR2, but not a point mutant incapable of activating downstream signaling pathways, induces apoptosis in DLBCL cells and restricts tumor growth in subcutaneous and orthotopic models of the disease. The proapoptotic effects of S1PR2 are phenocopied by ectopic expression of the small G protein Gα13 but are independent of AKT signaling. We further show that low S1PR2 expression is a strong negative prognosticator of patient survival, alone and especially in combination with high FOXP1 expression. The S1PR2 locus has previously been demonstrated to be recurrently mutated in GCB DLBCL; the transcriptional silencing of S1PR2 by FOXP1 represents an alternative mechanism leading to inactivation of this important hematopoietic tumor suppressor.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor 3-Deficient Dendritic Cells Modulate Splenic Responses to Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

The plasticity of dendritic cells (DCs) permits phenotypic modulation ex vivo by gene expression or pharmacologic agents, and these modified DCs can exert therapeutic immunosuppressive effects in vivo through direct interactions with T cells, either inducing T regulatory cells (T(REG)s) or causing anergy. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a sphingolipid and the natural ligand for five G protein-coupled receptors (S1P1, S1P2, S1P3, S1P4, and S1P5), and S1PR agonists reduce kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in mice. S1pr3(-/-)mice are protected from kidney IRI, because DCs do not mature. We tested the therapeutic advantage of S1pr3(-/-) bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) transfers in kidney IRI. IRI produced a rise in plasma creatinine (PCr) levels in mice receiving no cells (NCs) and mice pretreated with wild-type (WT) BMDCs. However, S1pr3(-/-) BMDC-pretreated mice were protected from kidney IRI. S1pr3(-/-) BMDC-pretreated mice had significantly higher numbers of splenic T(REG)s compared with NC and WT BMDC-pretreated mice. S1pr3(-/-) BMDCs did not attenuate IRI in splenectomized, Rag-1(-/-), or CD11c(+) DC-depleted mice. Additionally, S1pr3(-/-) BMDC-dependent protection required CD169(+)marginal zone macrophages and the macrophage-derived chemokine CCL22 to increase splenic CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T(REG)s. Pretreatment with S1pr3(-/-) BMDCs also induced T(REG)-dependent protection against IRI in an allogeneic mouse model. In summary, adoptively transferred S1pr3(-/-) BMDCs prevent kidney IRI through interactions within the spleen and expansion of splenic CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T(REG)s. We conclude that genetically induced deficiency of S1pr3 in allogenic BMDCs could serve as a therapeutic approach to prevent IRI-induced AKI.

S1P2/G12/13 Signaling Negatively Regulates Macrophage Activation and Indirectly Shapes the Atheroprotective B1-Cell Population.

OBJECTIVES: Monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activation at vascular predilection sites plays a central role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Heterotrimeric G proteins of the G12/13 family have been implicated in the control of migration and inflammatory gene expression, but their function in myeloid cells, especially during atherogenesis, is unknown. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Mice with myeloid-specific deficiency for G12/13 show reduced atherosclerosis with a clear shift to anti-inflammatory gene expression in aortal macrophages. These changes are because of neither altered monocyte/macrophage migration nor reduced activation of inflammatory gene expression; on the contrary, G12/13-deficient macrophages show an increased nuclear factor-κB-dependent gene expression in the resting state. Chronically increased inflammatory gene expression in resident peritoneal macrophages results in myeloid-specific G12/13-deficient mice in an altered peritoneal micromilieu with secondary expansion of peritoneal B1 cells. Titers of B1-derived atheroprotective antibodies are increased, and adoptive transfer of peritoneal cells from mutant mice conveys atheroprotection to wild-type mice. With respect to the mechanism of G12/13-mediated transcriptional control, we identify an autocrine feedback loop that suppresses nuclear factor-κB-dependent gene expression through a signaling cascade involving sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor subtype 2, G12/13, and RhoA. CONCLUSIONS: Together, these data show that selective inhibition of G12/13 signaling in macrophages can augment atheroprotective B-cell populations and ameliorate atherosclerosis.

S1P1 deletion in oligodendroglial lineage cells: Effect on differentiation and myelination.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors are G protein-coupled receptors expressed by many cell types, including cells of oligodendrocyte (OLG) lineage. We had previously shown that targeted deletion of S1P1 in OLG lineage cells did not result in obvious clinical phenotype or altered number of OLGs at 3 months, but there were subtle abnormalities in myelin. In this study, we examined the role of S1P1 in developmental myelination and cell survival, focusing on age 3 weeks. We found that S1P1 deficiency led to delayed differentiation of OLG progenitors (OPCs) into OLGs that is independent of p38 phosphorylation. This was accompanied by decreased levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) but not of myelin-OLG glycoprotein (MOG), and slight decrease in myelin thickness in the corpus callosum of S1P1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice. S1P1 -deficient OLGs exhibited slower process extension, which was associated with attenuated phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs) and p21-activated kinases (PAKs), and with upregulation of tropomodulin1. Basal levels of pAkt were not affected, though expectedly, no response to a selective S1P1 agonist SEW2871 was observed. S1P1 -deficient OLGs did not exhibit increased cell death in response to cuprizone, tumor necrosis factor-α, or deprivation of nutrients and growth factors. We conclude that S1P1 signaling regulates OLG development, morphological maturation and early myelination.

Enhanced Chemokine Receptor Recycling and Impaired S1P1 Expression Promote Leukemic Cell Infiltration of Lymph Nodes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

Lymphocyte trafficking is orchestrated by chemokine and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors that enable homing and egress from secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). These receptors undergo rapid internalization and plasma membrane recycling to calibrate cellular responses to local chemoattractants. Circulating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells display an abnormal increase in the surface levels of the homing receptors CCR7 and CXCR4 concomitant with low S1P receptor 1 (S1P1) expression. In this study, we investigated the role of receptor recycling on CXCR4/CCR7 surface levels in CLL cells and addressed the impact of quantitative alterations of these receptors and S1P1 on the ability of leukemic cells to accumulate in SLOs. We show that recycling accounts, to a major extent, for the high levels of surface CXCR4/CCR7 on CLL cells. In addition, increased expression of these receptors, together with S1P1 deficiency, is detectable not only in circulating leukemic cells, but also in SLOs of CLL patients with lymphoadenopathy. We further provide evidence that ibrutinib, a Btk inhibitor that promotes mobilization of leukemic cells from SLOs, normalizes the imbalance between CXCR4/CCR7 and S1P1. Taken together, our results highlight the relevance of chemokine and S1P receptor recycling in CLL pathogenesis and clinical outcome.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate Receptor 2 Signaling Suppresses Macrophage Phagocytosis and Impairs Host Defense against Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is characterized by an inappropriate systemic inflammatory response and bacteremia that promote multiorgan failure and mortality. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) modulates endotoxin-induced inflammation in endothelium. However, as a highly expressed S1P receptor in macrophages, its role in regulating macrophage response to bacterial infection remains unclear. METHODS: Cecal ligation and puncture or intratracheal instillation of Escherichia coli was induced in wild-type or S1pr2-deficient mice. The antibacterial ability of cell-specific S1PR2 was tested in bone marrow reconstitution mice or mice with macrophage-specific deletion. Signaling molecules responsible for S1PR2-mediated phagocytosis were also measured in the bone marrow-derived macrophages. In addition, S1PR2 expression levels and its correlation with severity of sepsis were determined in critically ill patients (n = 25). RESULTS: Both genetic deletion and pharmaceutical inhibition of S1PR2 significantly limited bacterial burden, reduced lung damage, and improved survival (genetic deletion, 0% in S1pr2 vs. 78.6% in S1pr2, P < 0.001; pharmaceutical inhibition, 9.1% in vehicle vs. 22.2% in S1PR2 antagonist, P < 0.05). This protection was attributed to the enhanced phagocytic function of S1PR2-deficient macrophages (mean fluorescent intensity, 2035.2 ± 202.1 vs. 407.8 ± 71.6, P < 0.001). Absence of S1PR2 in macrophage inhibits RhoA-dependent cell contraction and promotes IQGAP1-Rac1-dependent lamellipodial protrusion, whose signaling pathways depend on extracellular stimulators. In septic patients, increased S1PR2 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were positively correlated with the severity of sepsis (r = 0.845, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study implies that S1PR2, as a critical receptor in macrophage, impairs phagocytosis and antimicrobial defense in the pathogenesis of sepsis. Interventions targeting S1PR2 signaling may serve as promising therapeutic approaches for sepsis.

Loss of signalling via Gα13 in germinal centre B-cell-derived lymphoma.

Germinal centre B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GCB-DLBCL) is a common malignancy, yet the signalling pathways that are deregulated and the factors leading to its systemic dissemination are poorly defined. Work in mice showed that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-2 (S1PR2), a Gα12 and Gα13 coupled receptor, promotes growth regulation and local confinement of germinal centre B cells. Recent deep sequencing studies of GCB-DLBCL have revealed mutations in many genes in this cancer, including in GNA13 (encoding Gα13) and S1PR2 (refs 5,6, 7). Here we show, using in vitro and in vivo assays, that GCB-DLBCL-associated mutations occurring in S1PR2 frequently disrupt the receptor's Akt and migration inhibitory functions. Gα13-deficient mouse germinal centre B cells and human GCB-DLBCL cells were unable to suppress pAkt and migration in response to S1P, and Gα13-deficient mice developed germinal centre B-cell-derived lymphoma. Germinal centre B cells, unlike most lymphocytes, are tightly confined in lymphoid organs and do not recirculate. Remarkably, deficiency in Gα13, but not S1PR2, led to germinal centre B-cell dissemination into lymph and blood. GCB-DLBCL cell lines frequently carried mutations in the Gα13 effector ARHGEF1, and Arhgef1 deficiency also led to germinal centre B-cell dissemination. The incomplete phenocopy of Gα13- and S1PR2 deficiency led us to discover that P2RY8, an orphan receptor that is mutated in GCB-DLBCL and another germinal centre B-cell-derived malignancy, Burkitt's lymphoma, also represses germinal centre B-cell growth and promotes confinement via Gα13. These findings identify a Gα13-dependent pathway that exerts dual actions in suppressing growth and blocking dissemination of germinal centre B cells that is frequently disrupted in germinal centre B-cell-derived lymphoma.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate induces filopodia formation through S1PR2 activation of ERM proteins.

Previously we demonstrated that the sphingolipids ceramide and S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate) regulate phosphorylation of the ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) family of cytoskeletal proteins [Canals, Jenkins, Roddy, Hernande-Corbacho, Obeid and Hannun (2010) J. Biol. Chem. 285, 32476-3285]. In the present article, we show that exogenously applied or endogenously generated S1P (in a sphingosine kinase-dependent manner) results in significant increases in phosphorylation of ERM proteins as well as filopodia formation. Using phosphomimetic and non-phosphorylatable ezrin mutants, we show that the S1P-induced cytoskeletal protrusions are dependent on ERM phosphorylation. Employing various pharmacological S1PR (S1P receptor) agonists and antagonists, along with siRNA (small interfering RNA) techniques and genetic knockout approaches, we identify the S1PR2 as the specific and necessary receptor to induce phosphorylation of ERM proteins and subsequent filopodia formation. Taken together, the results demonstrate a novel mechanism by which S1P regulates cellular architecture that requires S1PR2 and subsequent phosphorylation of ERM proteins.

[Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors: from biology to physiopathology]. / Les récepteurs de la sphingosine 1-phosphate - De la biologie à la physiopathologie.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) mediates critical physiological responses by its binding to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) subtypes, known as S1P receptors. Five distinct mammalian S1P receptors, designated S1P1-5 have been identified, each with a different cellular pattern of expression which influences the responses to S1P. In this review, we briefly outline our understanding of the modes of action and the roles of S1P receptors in the regulation of physiological and pathological functions in the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous system.

Proximal cerebral arteries develop myogenic responsiveness in heart failure via tumor necrosis factor-α-dependent activation of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is associated with neurological deficits, including cognitive dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying reduced cerebral blood flow in the early stages of heart failure, particularly when blood pressure is minimally affected, are not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using a myocardial infarction model in mice, we demonstrate a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-dependent enhancement of posterior cerebral artery tone that reduces cerebral blood flow before any overt changes in brain structure and function. TNFα expression is increased in mouse posterior cerebral artery smooth muscle cells at 6 weeks after myocardial infarction. Coordinately, isolated posterior cerebral arteries display augmented myogenic tone, which can be fully reversed in vitro by the competitive TNFα antagonist etanercept. TNFα mediates its effect via a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-dependent mechanism, requiring sphingosine kinase 1 and the S1P(2) receptor. In vivo, sphingosine kinase 1 deletion prevents and etanercept (2-week treatment initiated 6 weeks after myocardial infarction) reverses the reduction of cerebral blood flow, without improving cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral artery vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow occur early in an animal model of heart failure; these perturbations are reversed by interrupting TNFα/S1P signaling. This signaling pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target to improve cognitive function in heart failure.

Proximal tubule sphingosine kinase-1 has a critical role in A1 adenosine receptor-mediated renal protection from ischemia.

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is a major cause of acute kidney injury. We previously found that renal A(1) adenosine receptor (A(1)AR) activation attenuated multiple cell death pathways including necrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. Here, we tested whether induction of cytoprotective sphingosine kinase (SK)-1 and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) synthesis might be the mechanism of protection. A selective A(1)AR agonist (CCPA) increased the synthesis of S1P and selectively induced SK1 in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. This agonist failed to protect SK1-knockout but protected SK2-knockout mice against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury indicating a critical role of SK1 in A(1)AR-mediated renal protection. Inhibition of SK prevented A(1)AR-mediated defense against necrosis and apoptosis in HK-2 cells. A selective S1P(1)R antagonist (W146) and global in vivo gene knockdown of S1P(1)Rs with small interfering RNA completely abolished the renal protection provided by CCPA. Mice selectively deficient in renal proximal tubule S1P(1)Rs (S1P(1)R(f)(/)(f) PEPCK(Cre/-)) were not protected against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by CCPA. Mechanistically, CCPA increased nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in HK-2 cells and selective hypoxia-inducible factor-1α inhibition blocked A(1)AR-mediated induction of SK1. Thus, proximal tubule SK1 has a critical role in A(1)AR-mediated protection against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

S1PR1-STAT3 signaling is crucial for myeloid cell colonization at future metastatic sites.

Recent studies underscore the importance of myeloid cells in rendering distant organs hospitable for disseminating tumor cells to colonize. However, what enables myeloid cells to have an apparently superior capacity to colonize distant organs is unclear. Here, we show that S1PR1-STAT3 upregulation in tumor cells induces factors that activate S1PR1-STAT3 in various cells in premetastatic sites, leading to premetastatic niche formation. Targeting either S1PR1 or STAT3 in myeloid cells disrupts existing premetastatic niches. S1PR1-STAT3 pathway enables myeloid cells to intravasate, prime the distant organ microenvironment and mediate sustained proliferation and survival of their own and other stromal cells at future metastatic sites. Analyzing tumor-free lymph nodes from cancer patients shows elevated myeloid infiltrates, STAT3 activity, and increased survival signal.

B cell-specific S1PR1 deficiency blocks prion dissemination between secondary lymphoid organs.

Many prion diseases are peripherally acquired (e.g., orally or via lesions to skin or mucous membranes). After peripheral exposure, prions replicate first upon follicular dendritic cells (FDC) in the draining lymphoid tissue before infecting the brain. However, after replication upon FDC within the draining lymphoid tissue, prions are subsequently propagated to most nondraining secondary lymphoid organs (SLO), including the spleen, by a previously underdetermined mechanism. The germinal centers in which FDC are situated produce a population of B cells that can recirculate between SLO. Therefore, we reasoned that B cells were ideal candidates by which prion dissemination between SLO may occur. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR)1 stimulation controls the egress of T and B cells from SLO. S1PR1 signaling blockade sequesters lymphocytes within SLO, resulting in lymphopenia in the blood and lymph. We show that, in mice treated with the S1PR modulator FTY720 or with S1PR1 deficiency restricted to B cells, the dissemination of prions from the draining lymph node to nondraining SLO is blocked. These data suggest that B cells interacting with and acquiring surface proteins from FDC and recirculating between SLO via the blood and lymph mediate the initial propagation of prions from the draining lymphoid tissue to peripheral tissues.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 promotes neointimal hyperplasia in mouse iliac-femoral arteries.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to define a role for sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) in intimal hyperplasia. METHODS AND RESULTS: A denudation model of the iliac-femoral artery in wild-type and S1PR3-null mice was used to define a role for S1PR3 in the arterial injury response because we found in humans and mice that expression of S1PR3 was higher in these arteries compared with carotid arteries. At 28 days after surgery, wild-type arteries formed significantly larger lesions than S1PR3-null arteries. Bromodeoxyuridine labeling experiments demonstrated that on injury, wild-type arteries exhibited higher medial as well as intimal proliferation than S1PR3-null arteries. Because S1PR3 expression in vitro was low, we expressed S1PR3 in S1PR3-null smooth muscle cells (SMCs) using retroviral-mediated gene transfer to study the effects of S1PR3 on cell functions and signaling. SMCs expressing S1PR3, but not vector-transfected controls, responded to sphingosine-1-phosphate stimulation with activation of Rac, Erk, and Akt. SMCs expressing S1PR3 also migrated more. CONCLUSIONS: In humans and mice, S1PR3 expression was higher in iliac-femoral arteries compared with carotid arteries. S1PR3 promoted neointimal hyperplasia on denudation of iliac-femoral arteries in mice, likely by stimulating cell migration and proliferation through activation of signaling pathways involving Erk, Akt, and Rac.

Sphingosine-1-phospate receptor 4 (S1P4) deficiency profoundly affects dendritic cell function and TH17-cell differentiation in a murine model.

Although predominantly expressed on lymphocytic and hematopoietic cells, the role of sphingosine-1-phospate receptor 4 (S1P(4)) in immune homeostasis is still poorly understood. In this report, we used a S1P(4)-deficient murine model to characterize the biological role of S1P(4)-mediated S1P signaling in the immune system. S1p(4)(-/-) animals showed normal peripheral lymphocyte numbers and a regular architecture of secondary lymphoid organs. Interestingly, S1P(4) only marginally affects T-cell function in vivo. In contrast, dendritic cell (DC) migration and cytokine secretion are profoundly affected by S1P(4) deficiency. Lack of S1P(4) expression on DCs significantly reduces T(H)17 differentiation of T(H) cells. Furthermore, in various in vivo models of T(H)1- or T(H)2-dominated immune reactions, S1P(4) deficiency consistently increased the amplitude of T(H)2-dominated immune responses, while those depending on T(H)1-dominated mechanisms were diminished. Finally, S1p(4)(-/-) mice showed decreased pathology in a model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. In summary, for the first time, we show that S1P(4) signaling is involved in the regulation of DC function and T(H)17 T-cell differentiation. S1P(4)-mediated S1P signaling also modifies the course of various immune diseases in a murine model. We propose that S1P(4) may constitute an interesting target to influence the course of various autoimmune pathologies.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-2 function in myeloid cells regulates vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Sphingomyelin deposition and metabolism occurs in the atherosclerotic plaque, leading to the formation of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which activates G protein-coupled receptors to regulate vascular and immune cells. The role of S1P receptors in atherosclerosis has not been examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: We tested the hypothesis that S1P receptor-2 (S1PR2) regulates atherosclerosis. Apoe(-/-) S1pr2(-/-) mice showed greatly attenuated atherosclerosis compared with the Apoe(-/-) mice. Bone marrow transplant experiments indicate that S1PR2 function in the hematopoietic compartment is critical. S1PR2 is expressed in bone marrow-derived macrophages and in macrophage-like foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques. Reduced macrophage-like foam cells were found in the atherosclerotic plaques of Apoe(-/-)S1pr2(-/-) mice, suggesting that S1PR2 retains macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques. Lipoprotein profiles, plasma lipids, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake by bone marrow-derived macrophages were not altered by the S1pr2 genotype. In contrast, endotoxin-induced inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-18) levels in the serum of S1PR2 knockout mice were significantly reduced. Furthermore, treatment of wild-type mice with S1PR2 antagonist JTE-013 suppressed IL-1ß and IL-18 levels in plasma. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that S1PR2 signaling in the plaque macrophage regulates macrophage retention and inflammatory cytokine secretion, thereby promoting atherosclerosis.