Implicaciones clínicas de las quimiocinas y sus receptores en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante / Clinical implications of chemokines and their receptors in transfusion medicine and transplantation

Introducción: Las quimiocinas son proteínas secretadas con tamaño en el rango de 8-10 kDa, con numerosas funciones en la fisiología normal y patológica. El término deriva de las palabras citocinas quimiotácticas, que refleja su importante participación en la quimioatracción de leucocitos. Sin embargo, las evidencias muestran que las quimiocinas tienen muchas otras funciones como la comunicación intercelular, la activación celular y la regulación del ciclo celular. Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos actuales sobre las quimiocinas y sus receptores, y la significación clínica de estas en la medicina transfusional y el trasplante. Métodos: Se realizó revisión de la literatura, en inglés y español, a través del sitio web PubMed y el motor de búsqueda Google académico de artículos publicados en los últimos 10 años. Se efectuó análisis y resumen de la bibliografía revisada. Análisis y síntesis de la información: La transcripción de la mayoría de los genes de quimiocinas es inducible y se produce en respuesta a estímulos celulares específicos. Las quimiocinas son importantes en la movilización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas para el trasplante y localización de células progenitoras hematopoyéticas trasplantadas. En los modelos de incompatibilidad ABO, las quimiocinas CXC y CC se producen en niveles elevados. Conclusiones: Muchas son las oportunidades de futuras investigaciones sobre las quimiocinas en la medicina transfusional por la considerable redundancia y superposición en la función biológica de estas moléculas y sus receptores. Son solo una parte de un proceso mucho más grande y complejo dentro de la red de citoquinas y otras moléculas del sistema inmune(AU)

Introduction: Chemokines are secreted proteins with size in the range of 8-10 kDa, with numerous functions in normal and pathological physiology. The term derives from the words chemotactic cytokines, reflecting its important role in the chemoattraction of leukocytes. However, the evidence shows that chemokines have many other functions such as intercellular communication, cell activation and cell cycle regulation. Objetive: To present current knowledge about chemokines and their receptors, and the clinical significance of these in transfusion medicine and transplantation. Method: A review of the literature was made, in English and Spanish, through the PubMed website and the Google academic search engine of articles published in the last 10 years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was made. Developing: The transcription of most of the chemokine genes is inducible and occurs in response to specific cellular stimuli. Chemokines play an important role in the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells for the transplantation and localization of transplanted hematopoietic progenitor cells. In the ABO incompatibility models, the CXC and CC chemokines are produced at high levels. Conclusions: There are many opportunities for future research on chemokines in transfusion medicine due to their considerable redundancy and superposition in the biological function of these molecules and their receptors. They are just one part of a much larger and more complex process within the network of cytokines and other molecules of the immune system(AU)

O fator de virulência relacionado ao H. pylori influencia a expressão de quimiocinas CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20, CCL22, e seus receptores por células mononucleares de sangue periféricos de pacientes com úlceras pépticas / The h. pylori-related virulence factor caga influences the expression of chemokines cxcl10, ccl17, ccl20, ccl22, and their receptors by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from peptic ulcer patients

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: During the Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, the infiltration of the leukocytes into stomach mucosa is directed by locally produced chemokines that play a decisive role in infection outcome. The CagA is the most potent virulence factor of HP, so that the infection with CagA + strains is associated with more severe complications than infection with CagA - HP. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine the expression of chemokines CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 and CCL22, and their receptors by CagA + HP- and CagA - HP-derived crude extract (HP-CE)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from peptic ulcer (PU) patients. METHODS: The serum and the PBMCs were collected from 20 HP-infected PU patients, 20 HP-infected asymptomatic subjects (HIA) and 20 non-infected healthy subjects (NHS). The PBMCs were cultured in absence of stimulator or with 10 µg CagA + HP crude extract (CagA + CE), 10 µg CagA - HP crude extract (CagA - CE). Chemokines and receptors were measured by ELISA and real time-PCR respectively. RESULTS: In PU patients, the production of chemokines CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 and CCL22, and the expression of chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR4 and CCR6 by CagA + CE-induced PBMCs were significantly higher than non-stimulated and CagA - CE stimulated cultures. The CXCL10 production by CagA + CE stimulated PBMCs from HIA subjects was significantly higher than the equal cultures from PU and NHS groups. The CCL17 and the CCL20 production by non-stimulated, CagA + CE stimulated, and CagA - CE stimulated PBMCs from PU subjects were significantly higher than the equal cultures from NHS and HIA groups. The CCL22 production by non-stimulated, CagA + CE stimulated and CagA - CE stimulated PBMCs from NHS group were significantly higher than the equal cultures from HIA and PU groups. The CagA + CE stimulated PBMCs from HIA subjects expressed lower amounts of CCR6 in comparison with CagA + CE stimulated PBMCs from NHS and PU groups. The serum levels CXCL10 and CCL20 in PU and HIA groups were significantly higher than NHS subjects. NHS and HIA groups displayed higher serum levels of CCL22 in comparison with PU patients. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that the CagA status of bacterium influence the expression of chemokines and receptors by HP-CE stimulated PBMCs from PU patients.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Durante a infecção por Helicobacter pylori (HP), a infiltração dos leucócitos na mucosa estomacal é dirigida por quimiocinas produzidas localmente que desempenham um papel decisivo no resultado da infecção. O CagA é o fator de virulência mais potente do HP, de modo que a infecção com cepas CagA + está associada a complicações mais graves do que a infecção com CagA - HP. OBJETIVO: O objetivo foi determinar a expressão das quimiocinas CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 e CCL22, e seus receptores por CagA + HP- e CagA - extrato bruto (EB) derivado de HP (HP-EB) de células mononucleares do sangue periférico (CMSP) de pacientes com úlcera péptica (UP). MÉTODOS: O soro e as CMSP foram coletados de 20 pacientes com UP infectados pelo HP, 20 indivíduos assintomáticos infectados pelo HP (AI-HP) e 20 indivíduos saudáveis não infectados pelo HP (NI-HP). As CMSP foram cultivadas na ausência de estimulador ou com extrato bruto CagA + HP de 10 μg (CagA + EB), 10 μg CagA - extrato bruto HP (CagA - EB). Quimiocinas e receptores foram medidos por ELISA e PCR em tempo real, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Em pacientes com UP a produção de quimiocinas CXCL10, CCL17, CCL20 e CCL22, e a expressão dos receptores de quimiocina CXCR3, CCR4 e CCR6 por CagA + CMSP induzidos pelo EB foram significativamente maiores do que as culturas não estimuladas e CagA - EB estimulados. A produção de CXCL10 por CagA + EB estimulou as CMSP de sujeitos AI-HP em proporção significativamente maior do que as culturas iguais dos grupos UP e NI-HP. A produção de CCL17 e CCL20 por grupos não estimulados, CagA + EB estimulado, e CagA - EB estimulou CMSP de sujeitos com UP e foram significativamente superiores às culturas iguais dos grupos NI-HP e AI-HP. A produção de CCL22 por grupos não estimulados, CagA + EB estimulado e CagA - EB estimulado pelo grupo NI-HP foram significativamente maiores do que as culturas iguais dos grupos AI-HP e PU. O CagA + EB estimulou as CMSP dos sujeitos do AI-HP, expressando menores quantidades de CCR6 em comparação com as CMSP estimuladas pelo CagA + EB de grupos NI-HP e UP. Os níveis sanguíneos de CXCL10 e CCL20 nos grupos UP e AI-HP foram significativamente superiores aos dos sujeitos do NI-HP. Os grupos NI-HP e AI-HP apresentaram níveis sanguíneos mais elevados de CCL22 em comparação com pacientes com UP. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicaram que o estado CagA da bactéria influencia a expressão de quimiocinas e receptores por HP-EB estimulados CMSP de pacientes com UP.

The research progress on relationship between depression and chemokines / 中国药理学通报

Inflammation is an important mechanism and etiology of depression. In recent years, researchers have demonstrated that many depression patients are with inflammatory reactions in the corresponding brain regions, and simultaneously chemokines play an important role in depression and inflammation. Meanwhile , in the course of depression, chemokines and their receptors are involved in neuroplasticity, the decrease of monoamine neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine system. In this review, in order to further understand and find better treatment of depression, we summarize the recent studies of the relationship between chemokines and depression disorder.

Association of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptor Expression with Monocytic-Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells during Tumor Progression

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are highly immunosuppressive myeloid cells that show increased expression in cancer patients; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their generation and function are unclear. Whereas granulocytic-MDSCs correlate with poor overall survival in breast cancer (BC), the presence and relevance of monocytic (Mo)-MDSCs are unknown. Here, we report for the first time increased chemokine and chemokine receptor production by Mo-MDSCs in BC patients. A clear population of Mo-MDSCs with the typical cell surface phenotype (human leukocyte antigen-antigen D related [HLA-DR]low/− CD11b+ CD33+ CD14+) increased significantly during disease progression. In addition, the chemokine receptor expression level on Mo-MDSCs in patients with invasive BC was the highest. Furthermore, different chemokine receptor expression patterns were noted in Mo-MDSCs between healthy controls (HC) and BC patients. Additionally, CD4 T cells proliferations were significantly decreased in the invasive BC groups compared with the HC group. However, the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) group had no significantly compared with the HC group. Our data suggest that monitoring chemokine and chemokine receptor production by Mo-MDSCs may represent a novel and simple biomarker for assessing disease progression in BC patients.

Ex vivo T-lymphocyte chemokine receptor phenotypes in patients with chronic Chagas disease

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Elucidating the molecules involved in the inflammatory process of chronic Chagas disease may allow identification of treatment targets. METHODS: The ex vivo phenotypic expression of chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5 on the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy of varying severity was evaluated using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Differential expression of CD4+CCR3+ and CD8+CCR4+ T-cells was observed in patients with mild cardiac involvement compared, respectively, with patients with severe cardiac and asymptomatic forms of Chagas disease. CONCLUSIONS: These receptors are possibly involved in the pathogenesis of chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Chemokine Receptors Expression in MSCs: Comparative Analysis in Different Sources and Passages

MSC-based therapy is providing a cure for degenerative diseases with unmet medical need and usually iliac crest bone marrow (ICBM) are being applied in clinics. Alternative sources, including adipose tissue and reamer/irrigator/ aspirator hold great potential for isolating MCSs. Here, we compared original MSCs features of adipose tissue (Ad-MSCs) and bone marrow of long-bone (RIA-MSCs) or iliac crest, and the expression of chemokine receptors (including CXCR4, CX3CR1, CXCR6, CXCR2, CCR1 and CCR7) in these three sources, which are important in the context of homing. We further investigated the role of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis as a key player in motility of different population of MSCs using Transwell migration assay. All cells exhibited typical MSCs characteristics. However, different MSCs sources expressed different levels of chemokine receptors. Generally, the expression of these chemokine receptors was decreased with increasing passage (P) number from 2 to 3. Interestingly, it was observed that the CXCR4 expression and migration capacity in Ad-MSCs is significantly higher than ICBM and RIA-MSCs in P2. Although our data showed that CXCR4 had highest expression in P2 Ad-MSCs, but it dramatically declined following sub-culturing in the P3. Hence, to improve homing of MSCs by means of chemokine/their receptors axis, the source of isolation and passage number should be considered for clinical applications.

CCR2 and CCR5 genes polymorphisms in women with cervical lesions from Pernambuco, Northeast Region of Brazil: a case-control study

Polymorphisms in chemokine receptors play an important role in the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to cervical cancer (CC). Our study examined the association of CCR2-64I (rs1799864) andCCR5-Δ32 (rs333) polymorphisms with susceptibility to develop cervical lesion (CIN and CC) in a Brazilian population. The genotyping of 139 women with cervical lesions and 151 women without cervical lesions for the CCR2-64I and CCR5-Δ32 polymorphisms were performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The individuals carrying heterozygous or homozygous genotypes (GA+AA) for CCR2-64I polymorphisms seem to be at lower risk for cervical lesion [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37, p = 0.0008)]. The same was observed for the A allele (OR = 0.39, p = 0.0002), while no association was detected (p > 0.05) with CCR5-Δ32 polymorphism. Regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) type, patients carrying the CCR2-64Ipolymorphism were protected against infection by HPV type 16 (OR = 0.35, p = 0.0184). In summary, our study showed a protective effect ofCCR2-64I rs1799864 polymorphism against the development of cervical lesions (CIN and CC) and in the susceptibility of HPV 16 infection.

Expression and significance of chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5 and CCR3 in the spleen tissues of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To investigate the expressions of T helper cell 1 (Th1)-associated chemokine receptors CXCR3, CCR5 and T helper cell 2 (Th2)-associated chemokine receptor CCR3 in the spleen tissues of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism and probe into the balance between Th1/Th2 lymphocyte subsets.Methods Experimental study was adopted.Forty-six male SD rats were randomized into the hypersplenic group (n =36) and the control group (n =10).In the hypersplenic group, the rats were fed with 40％ CCl4 peanut oil solution (3.0 mL/kg, twice per week) and 15％ white spirit for 8 weeks to build the hypersplenic model.The rats in the control group received normal feeding.The animal models with cirrhosis and hypersplenism were confirmed by liver function test, routine blood test, HE staining and Masson staining after visual inspection.The expressions of chemokine receptors of CXCR3, CCR5 and CCR3 were detected by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot.Measurement data with normal distribution were presented as x ± s.Comparison between groups was done using the independent sample t test.Results Results of visual inspection: the rats in the hypersplenic group suffered from severe hair-shedding, metal fatigue and inappetence, with hair dimming and inactivity.There were rats dead successively 5 weeks after model establishment and 19 rats finally survived.The rats in the control group had color and gloss hair, with good appetite and spirits.They were active and sensitive to external stimulation.Changes of pathological morphology in liver: in the hypersplenic group, the fibers became denser and disordered, making normal structure of liver tissues destroyed.The hepatic lobules separated by fibrous bundle and proliferative hepatic cell mass were segmented and surrounded by thick fibrous,leading to the formation of pseudolobule.Disorganized hepatocytes suffused adipocytes, the nucleus of heterocysts enlarged or even multinucleated cells appeared.There was no change in the control group.Changes of pathological morphology in spleen: the rats in the hypersplenic group had slightly swelling spleen with the areas of red pulp increased and whit pulp disappeared gradually.Vascular endothelium became thicker and proliferated.Thickened central artery and fibrosis were depicted.Splenic sinusoid extended.There was no change of spleen tissues in the control group.Changes of liver function : the levels of ALT and AST of rats were (264 ± 111) U/L and (687 ± 299) U/L in the hypersplenic group,which were significantly different from (27 ± 8)U/L and (124 ± 20)U/L in the control group (t =5.64, 4.98,P ＜ 0.05).The level of total protein was (54 ± 8)g/L in the hypersplenic group, which was significantly different from (65 ± 3)g/L in the control group (t =-3.35, P ＜ 0.05).Changes of peripheral blood cell count: the white blood cell (WBC) count in the hypersplenic group was (23.9 ± 5.0) × 109/L, which was significantly different from (6.2 ± 2.4) × 109/L in the control group (t =3.50, P ＜ 0.05).The red blood cell count and platelet count in the hypersplenic group were (6.3 ±0.7) × 1012/L and (418 ± 124) × 109/L, which were significantly different from (8.0 ± 0.6) × 1012/L and (1 109 ± 161) × 109/L in the control group (t =-2.28,-4.92, P ＜ 0.05).Results of immunohistochemical staining: the cytomembrane and/or cytoplasm stained yellow, brown or sepia were defined as positive performance of CXCR3, CCR5 and CCR3.The absorbance A values of CXCR3 and CCR5 were (81.7 ±24.4) × 10-3 and (3.6 ± 1.3) × 10-3 in the hypersplenic group, which were significantly different from (19.2 ± 5.8) × 10-3 and (1.2 ± 0.4) × 10-3 in the control group (t =16.22, 9.09, P ＜ 0.05).The absorbance A value of CCR3 was (8.8 ±3.7) × 10-3 in the hypersplenic group and (7.9 ±2.8) × 10-3 in the control group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups (t =0.87, P ＞ 0.05).The rates of positive cells of CXCR3 and CCR5 was 52％ ± 9％ and 19％ ± 5％ in the hypersplenic group, which were significantly different from 21％±5％ and 10％±3％ in the control group (t =17.31, 8.21, P ＜0.05).The rates of positive cells of CCR3 in the hypersplenic group and control group were 35％ ± 9％ and 33％ ± 14％, respectively, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups (t =0.43, P ＞ 0.05).Results of Western blot test : the relative expressions of CXCR3 and CCR5 were 2.45 ± 0.85 and 0.94 ± 0.48 in the hypersplenic group, which were significantly different from 1.31 ± 0.95 and 0.32 ± 0.26 in the control group (t =2.62, 2.91, P ＜ 0.05).The relative expression of CCR3 was 0.47 ± 0.27 in the hypersplenic group, which was significantly different from 0.92 ± 0.67 in the control group (t =-2.18, P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The abnormal expression of chemokine receptors in the spleen tissues of rats with cirrhosis and hypersplenism induced by CCl4 suggests that functional imbalance of Th1/Th2 lymphocyte subsets may play an important role in the regulation of peripheral blood cytopenia.

Differential expression of CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) by human T lymphocytes in response to different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes

ABSTRACT In Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, different serotypes have been described based on LPS antigenicity. Recently, our research group has reported a differential immunogenicity when T lymphocytes were stimulated with these different serotypes. In particular, it was demonstrated that the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans has a stronger capacity to trigger Th1- and Th17-type cytokine production. Objective This study aimed to quantify the expression of different CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) in T lymphocytes stimulated with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. In addition, the expression of the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3, master-switch genes implied in the Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-regulatory differentiation, respectively, was analyzed in order to determine T-cell phenotype-specific patterns of CCL and CCR expression upon A. actinomycetemcomitans stimulation. Material and Methods Human naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes were obtained from healthy subjects and stimulated with autologous dendritic cells primed with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. The expression levels for the chemokines CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CCL21, CCL25, and CCL28, as well as the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10 were quantified by qPCR. Similarly, the expression levels for the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3 were quantified and correlated with the CCL and CCR expression levels. Results Higher expression levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, CCL28, CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, and CCR9 were detected in T lymphocytes stimulated with the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans compared with the other serotypes. In addition, these higher expression levels of CCLs and CCRs positively correlated with the increased levels of T-bet and RORC2 when T lymphocytes were stimulated with the serotype b. Conclusion A T-lymphocyte response biased towards a Th1- and Th17-pattern of CCL and CCR expression was detected under stimulation with the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Differential expression of CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) by human T lymphocytes in response to different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes

In Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, different serotypes have been described based on LPS antigenicity. Recently, our research group has reported a differential immunogenicity when T lymphocytes were stimulated with these different serotypes. In particular, it was demonstrated that the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans has a stronger capacity to trigger Th1- and Th17-type cytokine production.Objective This study aimed to quantify the expression of different CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) in T lymphocytes stimulated with the differentA. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. In addition, the expression of the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3, master-switch genes implied in the Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-regulatory differentiation, respectively, was analysed in order to determine T-cell phenotype-specific patterns of CCL and CCR expression upon A. actinomycetemcomitans stimulation.Material and Methods Human naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes were obtained from healthy subjects and stimulated with autologous dendritic cells primed with the differentA. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. The expression levels for the chemokines CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CCL21, CCL25, and CCL28, as well as the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10 were quantified by qPCR. Similarly, the expression levels for the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3 were quantified and correlated with the CCL and CCR expression levels.Results Higher expression levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, CCL28, CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, and CCR9 were detected in T lymphocytes stimulated with the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans compared with the other serotypes. In addition, these higher expression levels of CCLs and CCRs positively correlated with the increased levels of T-bet and RORC2 when T lymphocytes were stimulated with the serotype b.Conclusion A T-lymphocyte response biased towards a Th1- and Th17-pattern of CCL and CCR expression was detected under stimulation with the serotype b ofA. actinomycetemcomitans.

Roles of atypical chemokine receptors in progression and metastasis of tumor / 中国病理生理杂志

[ ABSTRACT] Chemokines and their receptors have been implicated mostly in tumor progression and metastasis. Atypical chemokine receptors ( ACKRs) comprise a group of 7-transmembrane domain proteins structurally similar to G pro-tein-coupled receptors.However, ACKRs do not induce classical signaling via the typical G protein-mediated pathways. ACKRs efficiently internalize the cognate chemokine ligands and act as scavengers instead.ACJRs are composed of at least 3 members of chemokine receptors: Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines ( DARC, also known as ACKR1 ) , D6 ( also known as ACKR2) and ChemoCentryx chemokine receptor (CCX-CKR, also known as ACKR4).These receptors bind to and/or internalize their chemoattractant ligands without activating signal transduction cascades leading to cell migration.In this review, we summarize the recent progress regarding the roles of ACKRs in the progression and metastasis of tumor.

The relationship between chemokines and breast cancer / 中国癌症杂志

Many chemokines and chemokine receptors, such as CCL2 and CXCR4, participate in the growth, angiogenesis, distal metastasis of breast cancer. However, the recent failures in the clinical trials of some single target antagonists suggest that chemokine network in tumor microenvironment is really complicated. Obviously, multi-targets regulation strategy for chemokines is indispensable based on the polypharmacological principle in the future. Atypical chemokine receptors (ACR) as endogenous and physiological regulators, including Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC), D6 and ChemoCentryx chemokine receptor (CCX-CKR), may be the powerful candidates for this purpose.

Expression of resistin, CXCR3, IP-10, CCR5 and MIP-1α in obese patients with different severity of asthma

Asthma studies suggest that alteration in the inflammation pattern may be associated with the severity of asthma. The aim of this study was to compare in vitro the expression of chemokines, chemokine receptors and cytokine production from CD4+ T human lymphocytes of asthmatic, both obese and non-obese patients with different severity levels of asthma. Lymphocytes were labeled with monoclonal anti-human CXCR3/IP-10, MIP-1a/CCR5 antibodies and were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell culture supernatants were used to measure production of interleukin IL-6 and resistin by ELISA. CXCR3/IP-10 expression increased in non-obese patients with mild persistent asthma (2.2%, p<0.05), moderate persistent asthma (3%, p<0.003) and severe persistent asthma (4%, p<0.004); this effect was stronger in obese patients with severe persistent asthma (35%, p<0.004). MIP-1 α / CCR5 increased in non-obese patients with intermittent asthma (0.65%, p<0.05) and severe asthma (1.4%, p<0.03); in obese patients, this expression was greater in intermittent asthma (8%, p<0.05) and severe persistent asthma (12%, p<0.04). Resistin production strongly increased in obese patients with intermittent (976 ng/ml) and severe persistent asthma (795 ng/ml). IL-6 increased in both lean and obese persons; however, the highest value was registered in the group of severe persistent obese asthmatics (992 pg/ml). Obesity per se increased the inflammatory profile of chemokines / cytokines secreted by cells of the blood, increasing the inflammatory status in asthmatic patients. Resistin showed characteristics of a pro-inflammatory cytokine mainly in severely obese asthmatics.

Expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 on lymphocytes of leprosy patients

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which induces chronic granulomatous infection of the skin and peripheral nerves. The disease ranges from the tuberculoid to the lepromatous forms, depending on the cellular immune response of the host. Chemokines are thought to be involved in the immunopathogenesis of leprosy, but few studies have investigated the expression of chemokine receptors on leukocytes of leprosy patients. In the present study, we evaluated 21 leprosy patients (M/F: 16/5) with a new diagnosis from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, Federal University of Minas Gerais. The control group was composed of 20 healthy members (M/F: 15/5) of the community recruited by means of announcements. The expression of CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, and CXCR4 was investigated by flow cytometry on the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes. There was a decrease in percentage of CD3+CXCR4+ and CD4+CXCR4+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of leprosy patients (median [range], 17.6 [2.7-41.9] and 65.3 [3.9-91.9], respectively) compared to the control group (median [range], 43.0 [3.7-61.3] and 77.2 [43.6-93.5], respectively). The percentage of CD4+CXCR4+ was significantly lower in patients with the tuberculoid form (median [range], 45.7 [0.0-83.1]) of the disease, but not in lepromatous patients (median [range], 81.5 [44.9-91.9]). The CXCR4 chemokine receptor may play a role in leprosy immunopathogenesis, probably directing cell migration to tissue lesions in tuberculoid leprosy patients.

Seric chemokines and chemokine receptors in eosinophils during acute human schistosomiasis mansoni

The recruitment of circulating eosinophils by chemokines and chemokine receptors plays an important role in the inflammation process in acute human schistosomiasis. Our main focus has been on the plasma chemokines (CXCL8/CCL2/CCL3/CCL24) and chemokine receptors (CCR2/CCR3/CCR5/CXCR1/CXCR2/CXCR3/CXCR4) expressed by circulating eosinophils from acute Schistosoma mansoni infected patients (ACT). Our studies compared ACT patients and healthy individuals as a control group. Our major findings demonstrated a plethora of chemokine secretion with significantly increased secretion of all chemokines analysed in the ACT group. Although no differences were detected for beta-chemokine receptors (CCR2, CCR3 and CCR5) or alpha-chemokine receptors (CXCR3 and CXCR4), a significantly lower frequency of CXCR1+ and CXCR2+ eosinophils in the ACT group was observed. The association between chemokines and their chemokine receptors revealed that acutely infected schistosome patients displaying decreased plasma levels of CCL24 are the same patients who presented enhanced secretion of CCL3, as well as increased expression of both the CCR5 and CXCR3 chemokine receptors. These findings suggest that CCL24 may influence the kinetics of chemokines and their receptors and eosinophils recruitment during human acute schistosomiasis mansoni.

Chemokine Receptor CCR3 Expression in Malignant Cutaneous Tumors

BACKGROUND: Chemokines and their receptors are important players in tumorigenesis by facilitating tumor proliferation and metastasis. Little is known about the possible function of chemokine receptors in relation to the development and progression of malignant cutaneous tumors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the chemokine receptor CCR3 expression pattern and the protein expression level in selected malignant cutaneous tumors. METHODS: Four types of cell lines (G361, A431, SK-MEL-2, SK-MEL-24) were analyzed, using Western blotting, for the expression of CCR3 protein. Immunohistochemical staining for CCR3 was done on 36 skin cancer tissue samples that included 16 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 16 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 16 malignant melanomas (MMs) and 6 normal tissue samples. RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed that CCR3 protein was more expressed in the MM cell lines (G361, SK-MEL-2,SK-MEL-24) than that in the SCC cell line (A431), and the immunohistochemical analysis showed that CCR3 protein was overexpressed in MM and SCC, it was mildly expressed in BCC and it was hardly expressed in normal tissue. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated via immunochemistry that CCR3 was more expressed in MM, followed by SCC and BCC. The existence of CCR3 protein may enhance the tumorigenic potential of malignant cutaneous tumors.

Expression and clinical significance of chemokine receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the relationship of chemokine receptor with the development and progression of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Methods: Real-time PCR and flow cytometry were used to examine the mRNA and protein expression of chemokine receptor 1 (CCR1), CCR3 and CCR5 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 60 patients with PBC, 60 patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis, and 60 normal controls. Total bilirubin (TBIL) and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) levels were determined in the patients with PBC and normal controls,and their correlation with chemotactic factors was also analyzed. Results: Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of CCR1, CCR3 and CCR5 in the PBMCs were significantly lower in PBC patients than those in the other two groups (P0.05). CCR3 protein was not linearly correlated with TBIL level (r= -0.173,P>0.05),but was correlated with γ-GT(r= -0.295, P< 0.05). Expression of CCR5 protein was negatively correlated with both TBIL and γ-GT levels(r= -0.531,P<0.01; r=-0.665,P <0.01). Conclusion: CCR1, CCR3 and CCR5 expression is associated with the development and progression of PBC; they may be involved in the regulatory mechanism of PBC,which may cast new lights on the diagnosis and prevention of PBC.

Chronic Trypanosoma cruzi-elicited cardiomyopathy: from the discovery to the proposal of rational therapeutic interventions targeting cell adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors: how to make a dream come true

One hundred years ago, Carlos Chagas discovered a new disease, the American trypanosomiasis. Chagas and co-workers later characterised the disease's common manifestation, chronic cardiomyopathy, and suggested that parasitic persistence coupled with inflammation was the key underlying pathogenic mechanism. Better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms leading to clinical heart afflictions is a prerequisite to developing new therapies that ameliorate inflammation and improve heart function without hampering parasite control. Here, we review recent data showing that distinct cell adhesion molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors participate in anti-parasite immunity and/or detrimental leukocyte trafficking to the heart. Moreover, we offer evidence that CC-chemokine receptors may be attractive therapeutic targets aiming to regain homeostatic balance in parasite/host interaction thereby improving prognosis, supporting that it is becoming a non-phantasious proposal.

Effect of the monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor (MLIF) produced by E. histolityca on cytokines and chemokine receptors in T CD4+ lymphocytes

Entamoeba histolytica produces Monocyte Locomotion Inhibitory Factor (MLIF), which may contribute to the delayed inflammation observed in amoebic hepatic abscesses. Leukocytes are affected through the modulation of cytokine expression and/or production. We evaluated the effects of MLIF on the activation and production of intracellular cytokines in human CD4+ T lymphocytes by flow cytometry. Cells were stimulated for 24 h with PMA, MLIF, or PMA+MLIF. Cellular activation was measured using anti-CD69. Th1/Th2 production was studied by the expression of intracellular cytokines and cytokine/chemokine receptors. MLIF increased CD69 and induced the over-expression of the IL-l©¬, IFN-¥ã, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 intracellular cytokines; PMA+MLIF inhibited Th1 cytokine (IFN-¥ã) and increased Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). The co-expression of the cytokine and chemokine receptors IFN-¥ã/CCR5 and IL-1©¬/CCR5 was inhibited by PMA+MLIF and Th2 co-expression was increased. MLIF effects varied depending on the conditions. MLIF alone activated the Th1 and Th2 cytokines and cytokine/receptor expression; however, PMA+MLIF increased the expression of Th2 but inhibited it in Th1.

Mesenchymal stem cells: their phenotype, immunological features, and potential for homing / 国际外科学杂志

Mesenehymal stem cells CMSCS are nonhematopoietie stromal cells that are capable of differentiating into, and contribute to the regeneration of, mesenchymal tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, tendon and adipose. MSCs have been isolated from human first- and second-trimester fetal blood, liver, spleen, bone marrow, adipose tissue, amniotie fluid, periosteum and embryo. Not only can they express many phynotypes involving adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors, but also have character of immune tolerance, so they have potential of migration and transportation to target issue and feature of immune suppressing. There are wide application prospects for a number of areas in the cardiovascular, neurological, blood, surgical injury and other diseases. The current review describes the phynotypes, the immune tolerance and the potential for homing of MSCs.