FcγRIIa requires lipid rafts, but not co-localization into rafts, for effector function.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if receptor localization into lipid rafts, or the lipid rafts themselves, are important for FcγRIIa effector functions. MATERIAL: Wild-type FcγRIIa or mutant FcγRIIa(C208A) that does not translocate to lipid rafts were transfected into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells which have been shown to be reliable cells for studying FcγR function. TREATMENT: Cells were treated with buffer or methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) to deplete cholesterol and dissolve the structure of lipid rafts. METHODS: To evaluate lipid raft association, transfected CHO cells were lysed and centrifuged over a sucrose gradient. Fractions were run on SDS-PAGE and blotted for FcγRIIa or sphingolipid GM1 to illustrate the lipid raft fractions. Lateral mobility of GFP-tagged wild-type or mutant FcγRIIa was assessed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) microscopy. Internalization of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes was assessed by fluorescence microscopy and uptake of heat-aggregated IgG (haIgG) was measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: We observed that FcγRIIa(C208A) did not localize into lipid rafts. However, the mutant FcγRIIa retained lateral mobility and effector function similar to wild-type FcγRIIa. However, mutant FcγRIIa function was abolished upon treatment with MßCD. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid rafts provide an essential component required for effector activities independent of receptor localization.

Interaction of two phagocytic host defense systems: Fcγ receptors and complement receptor 3.

Phagocytosis of foreign pathogens by cells of the immune system is a vitally important function of innate immunity. The phagocytic response is initiated when ligands on the surface of invading microorganisms come in contact with receptors on the surface of phagocytic cells such as neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells. The complement receptor CR3 (CD11b/CD18, Mac-1) mediates the phagocytosis of complement protein (C3bi)-coated particles. Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) bind IgG-opsonized particles and provide a mechanism for immune clearance and phagocytosis of IgG-coated particles. We have observed that stimulation of FcγRs modulates CR3-mediated phagocytosis and that FcγRIIA and FcγRI exert opposite (stimulatory and inhibitory) effects. We have also determined that an intact FcγR immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif is required for these effects, and we have investigated the involvement of downstream effectors. The ability to up-regulate or down-regulate CR3 signaling has important implications for therapeutics in disorders involving the host defense system.

Fcγ receptor I alpha chain (CD64) expression in macrophages is critical for the onset of meningitis by Escherichia coli K1.

Neonatal meningitis due to Escherichia coli K1 is a serious illness with unchanged morbidity and mortality rates for the last few decades. The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of meningitis contributes to this poor outcome. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of macrophages in newborn mice renders the animals resistant to E. coli K1 induced meningitis. The entry of E. coli K1 into macrophages requires the interaction of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of E. coli K1 with the alpha chain of Fcγ receptor I (FcγRIa, CD64) for which IgG opsonization is not necessary. Overexpression of full-length but not C-terminal truncated FcγRIa in COS-1 cells permits E. coli K1 to enter the cells. Moreover, OmpA binding to FcγRIa prevents the recruitment of the γ-chain and induces a different pattern of tyrosine phosphorylation of macrophage proteins compared to IgG2a induced phosphorylation. Of note, FcγRIa(-/-) mice are resistant to E. coli infection due to accelerated clearance of bacteria from circulation, which in turn was the result of increased expression of CR3 on macrophages. Reintroduction of human FcγRIa in mouse FcγRIa(-/-) macrophages in vitro increased bacterial survival by suppressing the expression of CR3. Adoptive transfer of wild type macrophages into FcγRIa(-/-) mice restored susceptibility to E. coli infection. Together, these results show that the interaction of FcγRI alpha chain with OmpA plays a key role in the development of neonatal meningitis by E. coli K1.

Differential requirement of lipid rafts for FcγRIIA mediated effector activities.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) dependent activities are important in host defense and autoimmune diseases. Various cell types including macrophages and neutrophils contribute to pathogen destruction and tissue damage through binding of IgG to Fcγ receptors (FcγR). One member of this family, FcγRIIA, is a transmembrane glycoprotein known to mediate binding and internalization of IgG-containing targets. FcγRIIA has been observed to translocate into lipids rafts upon binding IgG-containing targets. We hypothesize that lipid rafts participate to different extents in binding and internalizing targets of different sizes. We demonstrate that disruption of lipid rafts with 8mM methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MßCD) nearly abolishes binding (91% reduction) and phagocytosis (60% reduction) of large IgG-coated targets. Conversely, binding and internalization of small IgG-complexes is less dependent on lipid rafts (49% and 17% inhibition at 8mM MßCD, respectively). These observations suggest that differences between phagocytosis and endocytosis may arise as early as the initial stages of ligand recognition.

Quantitative analysis of membrane remodeling at the phagocytic cup.

Nascent phagosomes, which are derived from the plasma membrane, acquire microbicidal properties through multiple fusion and fission events collectively known as maturation. Here we show that remodeling of the phagosomal membrane is apparent even before sealing, particularly when large particles are ingested. Fluorescent probes targeted to the plasma membrane are cleared from the region lining the particle before engulfment is completed. Extensive clearance was noted for components of the inner as well as outer monolayer of the plasmalemma. Segregation of lipid microdomains was ruled out as the mechanism underlying membrane remodeling, because markers residing in rafts and those that are excluded were similarly depleted. Selective endocytosis was also ruled out. Instead, several lines of evidence indicate that endomembranes inserted by exocytosis at sites of ingestion displace the original membrane constituents from the base of the phagosomal cup. The Fcgamma receptors that trigger phagocytosis remain associated with their ligands. By contrast, Src-family kinases that are the immediate effectors of receptor activation are flushed away from the cup by the incoming membranes. Together with the depletion of phosphoinositides required for signal transduction, the disengagement of receptors from their effectors by bulk membrane remodeling provides a novel means to terminate receptor signaling.

Microtubules regulate PI-3K activity and recruitment to the phagocytic cup during Fcgamma receptor-mediated phagocytosis in nonelicited macrophages.

Phagocytosis is a complex sequence of events involving coordinated remodeling of the plasma membrane with the underlying cytoskeleton. Although the role of the actin cytoskeleton is becoming increasingly elucidated, the role of microtubules (MTs) remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the role of MTs during FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. We observe that MTs extend into the phagosomal cups. The MT-depolymerizing agents, colchicine and nocodazole, cause a sizeable reduction in phagocytosis of large particles in RAW264.7 cells. Phagocytosis in primed macrophages is unaffected by MT-depolymerizing agents. However, activation of macrophages coincides with an increased population of drug-stable MTs, which persist in functional phagocytic cups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of unprimed macrophages reveals that pseudopod formation is reduced markedly following colchicine treatment, which is not a consequence of cell rounding. MT depolymerization in these cells does not affect particle binding, Syk, or Grb2-associated binder 2 recruitment or phosphotyrosine accumulation at the site of phagocytosis. Ras activation also proceeds normally in macrophages treated with colchicine. However, MT disruption causes a decrease in accumulation of AKT-pleckstrin homology-green fluorescent protein, a probe that binds to PI-3K products at the sites of particle binding. A corresponding decline in activated AKT is observed in colchicine-treated cells using immunoblotting with a phospho-specific-AKT (ser473) antibody. Furthermore, the translocation of the p85alpha regulatory subunit of PI-3K is reduced at the phagocytic cup in colchicine-treated cells. These findings suggest that MTs regulate the recruitment and localized activity of PI-3K during pseudopod formation.

Role of ubiquitin and proteasomes in phagosome maturation.

Phagosomes undergo multiple rounds of fusion with compartments of the endocytic pathway during the course of maturation. Despite the insertion of vast amounts of additional membrane, the phagosomal surface area remains approximately constant, implying active ongoing fission. To investigate the mechanisms underlying phagosomal fission we monitored the fate of Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR), which are known to be cleared from the phagosome during maturation. FcgammaR, which show a continuous distribution throughout the membrane of nascent phagosomes were found at later times to cluster into punctate, vesicular structures, before disappearing. In situ photoactivation of receptors tagged with a light-sensitive fluorescent protein revealed that some of these vesicles detach, whereas others remain associated with the phagosome. By fusing FcgammaR to pH-sensitive fluorescent proteins, we observed that the cytoplasmic domain of the receptors enters an acidic compartment, indicative of inward budding and formation of multivesicular structures. The topology of the receptor was confirmed by flow cytometry of purified phagosomes. Phagosomal proteins are ubiquitylated, and ubiquitylation was found to be required for formation of acidic multivesicular structures. Remarkably, proteasomal function is also involved in the vesiculation process. Preventing the generation of multivesicular structures did not impair the acquisition of late endosomal and lysosomal markers, indicating that phagosomal fusion and fission are controlled separately.

Involvement of Syk protein tyrosine kinase in LPS-induced responses in macrophages.

Syk kinase is best known as a critical component of immunoreceptor signaling in leukocytes. Activation of Syk following cross-linking of Fcgamma and Fcepsilon receptors on macrophages, mast cells, and other cells induces various inflammatory events. We hypothesized that Syk is involved in inflammatory responses induced by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We studied the role of Syk using its inhibition by antisense oligonucleotides, or small interfering RNA. Our data demonstrated that in vivo inhibition of Syk caused down-regulation of LPS-induced responses in rat alveolar macrophages. In in vitro experiments, inhibition of Syk in rat peritoneal macrophages, as well as in human myelomonocyte cell line THP-1 also caused a decrease in LPS-induced cytokine release. Our data support the hypothesis that, in macrophages, Syk is involved in LPS-induced intracellular signaling pathways leading to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. Understanding the role of Syk in LPS-induced signaling may help in developing new therapeutic tools for inflammatory disorders.

Modulation of Rab5 and Rab7 recruitment to phagosomes by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.

Phagosomal biogenesis is central for microbial killing and antigen presentation by leukocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms governing phagosome maturation are poorly understood. We analyzed the role and site of action of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) and of Rab GTPases in maturation using both professional and engineered phagocytes. Rab5, which is recruited rapidly and transiently to the phagosome, was found to be essential for the recruitment of Rab7 and for progression to phagolysosomes. Similarly, functional PI3K is required for successful maturation. Remarkably, inhibition of PI3K did not preclude Rab5 recruitment to phagosomes but instead enhanced and prolonged it. Moreover, in the presence of PI3K inhibitors Rab5 was found to be active, as deduced from measurements of early endosome antigen 1 binding and by photobleaching recovery determinations. Though their ability to fuse with late endosomes and lysosomes was virtually eliminated by wortmannin, phagosomes nevertheless recruited a sizable amount of Rab7. Moreover, Rab7 recruited to phagosomes in the presence of PI3K antagonists retained the ability to bind its effector, Rab7-interacting lysosomal protein, suggesting that it is functionally active. These findings imply that (i) dissociation of Rab5 from phagosomes requires products of PI3K, (ii) PI3K-dependent effectors of Rab5 are not essential for the recruitment of Rab7 by phagosomes, and (iii) recruitment and activation of Rab7 are insufficient to induce fusion of phagosomes with late endosomes and lysosomes. Accordingly, transfection of constitutively active Rab7 did not bypass the block of phagolysosome formation exerted by wortmannin. We propose that Rab5 activates both PI3K-dependent and PI3K-independent effectors that act in parallel to promote phagosome maturation.

Acquisition of Hrs, an essential component of phagosomal maturation, is impaired by mycobacteria.

Pathogenic mycobacteria survive within macrophages by precluding the fusion of phagosomes with late endosomes or lysosomes. Because the molecular determinants of normal phagolysosome formation are poorly understood, the sites targeted by mycobacteria remain unidentified. We found that Hrs, an adaptor molecule involved in protein sorting, associates with phagosomes prior to their fusion with late endosomes or lysosomes. Recruitment of Hrs required the interaction of its FYVE domain with phagosomal phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate, but two other attachment sites were additionally involved. Depletion of Hrs by use of small interfering RNA impaired phagosomal maturation, preventing the acquisition of lysobisphosphatidic acid and reducing luminal acidification. As a result, the maturation of phagosomes formed in Hrs-depleted cells was arrested at an early stage, characterized by the acquisition and retention of sorting endosomal markers. This phenotype is strikingly similar to that reported to occur in phagosomes of cells infected by mycobacteria. We therefore tested whether Hrs is recruited to phagosomes containing mycobacteria. Hrs associated readily with phagosomes containing inert particles but poorly with mycobacterial phagosomes. Moreover, Hrs was found more frequently in phagosomes containing avirulent Mycobacterium smegmatis than in phagosomes with the more virulent Mycobacterium marinum. These findings suggest that the inability to recruit Hrs contributes to the arrest of phagosomal maturation induced by pathogenic mycobacteria.

Differential kinase requirements in human and mouse Fc-gamma receptor phagocytosis and endocytosis.

Fc gamma receptors (FcgammaRs) contribute to the internalization of large and small immune complexes through phagocytosis and endocytosis, respectively. The molecular processes underlying these internalization mechanisms differ dramatically and have distinct outcomes in immune clearance and modulation of cell function. However, it is unclear how the same receptors (FcgammaR) binding to identical ligands (IgG) can elicit such distinct responses. We and others have shown that Syk kinase, Src-related tyrosine kinases (SRTKs) and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinases (PI3K) play important roles in FcgammaR phagocytosis. Herein, we demonstrate that these kinases are not required for FcgammaR endocytosis. Endocytosis of heat-aggregated IgG (HA-IgG) by COS-1 cells stably transfected with FcgammaRIIA or chimeric FcgammaRI-gamma-gamma (EC-TM-CYT) was not significantly altered by PP2, piceatannol, or wortmannin. In contrast, phagocytosis of large opsonized particles (IgG-sensitized sheep erythrocytes, EA) was markedly reduced by these inhibitors. These results were confirmed in primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages and freshly isolated human monocytes. Levels of receptor phosphorylation were similar when FcgammaRIIA was cross-linked using HA-IgG or EA. However, inhibition of FcgammaR phosphorylation prevented only FcgammaR phagocytosis. Finally, biochemical analyses of PI3K(p85)-Syk binding indicated that direct interactions between native Syk and PI3K proteins are differentially regulated during FcgammaR phagocytosis and endocytosis. Overall, our results indicate that FcgammaR endocytosis and phagocytosis differ dramatically in their requirement for Syk, SRTKs, and PI3K, pointing to striking differences in their signal transduction mechanisms. We propose a competitive inhibition-based model in which PI3K and c-Cbl play contrasting roles in the induction of phagocytosis or endocytosis signaling cascades.

Platelet FcgammaRIIA binds and internalizes IgG-containing complexes.

OBJECTIVE: The physiologic role of platelet FcgammaRIIA, the only Fc receptor for IgG on human platelets, is largely unknown. FcgammaRIIA is also expressed on phagocytes such as monocytes and neutrophils, where it mediates the binding and internalization of both soluble IgG-containing complexes and IgG-coated cells. We previously reported the creation and characterization of a transgenic mouse that expresses human FcgammaRIIA on platelets and macrophages at levels comparable to that seen in humans. Using the transgenic mouse model, we observed that FcgammaRIIA mediates the clearance of IgG-coated cells. With the hypothesis that FcgammaRIIA on platelets may serve to remove IgG complexes from the circulation, we studied the capacity of human platelet FcgammaRIIA to bind and internalize such complexes. METHODS: We demonstrated by flow cytometry and electron microscopy that human platelets at 37 degrees C can bind and endocytose IgG complexes. We also utilized platelets from FcgammaRIIA transgenic mice to study endocytosis of IgG complexes by platelet FcgammaRIIA. RESULTS: Wild-type mouse platelets do not express Fcgamma receptors. While platelets from wild-type mice did not bind or endocytose IgG complexes, the presence of transgenic FcgammaRIIA on mouse platelets allowed the platelets to bind and endocytose IgG complexes. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that platelet FcgammaRIIA binds and internalizes IgG complexes and suggest that human platelets may function to clear soluble IgG complexes from the circulation.

The future of antisense oligonucleotides in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) are short synthetic DNA molecules designed to inhibit translation of a targeted gene to protein via interaction with messenger RNA. More recently, small interfering (si)RNA have been developed as potent tools to specifically inhibit gene expression. ASO directed against signaling molecules, cytokine receptors, and transcription factors involved in allergic immune and inflammatory responses, have been applied in experimental models of asthma and demonstrate potential as therapeutics. Several ASO-based drugs directed against oncogenes have been developed for therapy of lung cancer, and some have recently reached clinical trials. ASO and siRNA to respiratory syncytial virus infection have demonstrated good potential to treat this condition, particularly in combination with an antiviral drug. Although ASO-based therapeutics are promising for lung diseases, issues of specificity, identification of correct molecular targets, delivery and carrier systems, as well as potential adverse effects must be carefully evaluated before clinical application.

The effect of phosphatases SHP-1 and SHIP-1 on signaling by the ITIM- and ITAM-containing Fcgamma receptors FcgammaRIIB and FcgammaRIIA.

Inositol and tyrosine phosphatases have been implicated in inhibitory signaling by an Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G, FcgammaRIIB, in B cells, mast cells, and monocytes. Here, we propose a role for the Src homology 2 (SH2)-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) in FcgammaRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcgammaR signaling. Coexpression of SHP-1 enhances FcgammaRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcgammaRIIA phagocytosis in COS-1 cells. SHP-1 also enhances the reduction in FcgammaRIIA tyrosine phosphorylation that accompanies this inhibition. Significantly, tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk kinase is substantially inhibited by SHP-1. Furthermore, the activation of SHP-1 tyrosine phosphorylation is observed following stimulation of FcgammaRII in COS-1 cells and in human monocytes. The SH2 domain containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP), SHIP-1 also enhances FcgammaRIIB-mediated inhibition of FcgammaRIIA, indicating that FcgammaRIIB can use more than one pathway for its inhibitory action. In addition, SHP-1 and SHIP-1 can inhibit FcgammaRIIA phagocytosis and signal transduction in the absence of FcgammaRIIB. The data support emerging evidence that SH2-containing phosphatases, such as SHP-1 and SHIP-1, can modulate signaling by "activating" receptors.

The monocyte Fcgamma receptors FcgammaRI/gamma and FcgammaRIIA differ in their interaction with Syk and with Src-related tyrosine kinases.

There are important differences in signaling between the Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (IgG) FcgammaRIIA, which uses the Ig tyrosine-activating motif (ITAM) within its own cytoplasmic domain, and FcgammaRI, which transmits signals by means of an ITAM located within the cytoplasmic domain of its associated gamma-chain. For example, in transfected epithelial cells and COS-1 cells, FcgammaRIIA mediates phagocytosis of IgG-coated red blood cells more efficiently than does FcgammaRI/gamma, and enhancement of phagocytosis by Syk kinase is more pronounced for FcgammaRI/gamma than for FcgammaRIIA. In addition, structure/function studies indicate that the gamma-chain ITAM and the FcgammaRIIA ITAM have different requirements for mediating the phagocytic signal. To study the differences between FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRI/gamma, we examined the interaction of FcgammaRIIA and the FcgammaRI/gamma chimera FcgammaRI-gamma-gamma (extracellular domain-transmembrane domain-cytoplasmic domain) with Syk kinase and with the Src-related tyrosine kinases (SRTKs) Hck and Lyn in transfected COS-1 cells. Our data indicate that FcgammaRIIA interacts more readily with Syk than does FcgammaRI-gamma-gamma and suggest that one consequence may be the greater phagocytic efficiency of FcgammaRIIA compared with FcgammaRI/gamma. Furthermore, individual SRTKs affect the efficiency of phagocytosis differently for FcgammaRI-gamma-gamma and FcgammaRIIA and also influence the ability of these receptors to interact with Syk kinase. Taken together, the data suggest that differences in signaling by FcgammaRIIA and FcgammaRI-gamma-gamma are related in part to interaction with Syk and Src kinases and that individual SRTKs play different roles in FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis.

Antisense oligonucleotides to Syk kinase: a novel therapeutic approach for respiratory disorders.

The non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Syk plays a critical role in intracellular signaling in the inflammatory response. Specific inhibition of Syk using aerosolized antisense delivered in liposome complexes can significantly decrease inflammatory responses in the airways in experimental animal models. Thus, it is tempting to examine local application of Syk antisense for the treatment of inflammatory respiratory diseases as asthma. However, evidence that Syk kinase is more widely distributed in different cell types than previously recognized, as well as its potential involvement in cell differentiation, adhesion and proliferation, dictates that the precise cellular targets for antisense therapy in the airways must be determined. Given the critical role of Syk in intracellular signaling in inflammatory responses, Syk antisense oligonucleotides (InKine Pharmaceutical Co Inc) may prove useful as anti-inflammatory therapy in disorders such as asthma.

Association between monocyte Fcgamma subclass expression and acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis lesions contain abundant immunoglobulins complexed with oxidized LDL (OxLDL) that are endocytosed by macrophages to form foam cells. While recent evidence supports a role for the macrophage scavenger receptor pathway in 75-90% of OxLDL uptake, in vitro evidence suggests another potential uptake pathway could involve autoantibody binding to IgG subclass-specific Fc receptors. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: To address this mechanism from an in vivo standpoint, the objective of this study was to utilize flow cytometry to prospectively determine monocyte Fcgamma (FcR) I, II, and III receptor expression levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS, n = 48), diabetes mellitus (DM, n = 59), or neither (C, n = 88). RESULTS: Increased FcR I expression was found in the ACS versus DM groups [geometric mean, (95% CI) = 2.26 (2.07, 2.47) versus 1.83 (1.69, 1.98) (p < 0.001)] and versus C [1.90 (1.78, 2.03) (p = 0.005)]. Similar relationships were found with both the FcR II receptor [ACS mean = 4.57 (4.02, 5.19) versus DM 3.61 (3.22, 4.05) (p = 0.021) and versus C 3.86 (3.51, 4.24) (p = 0.09)] and FcR III receptor [ACS mean = 1.55 (1.44, 1.68) versus DM 1.36 (1.27, 1.46) (p = 0.038) and versus C 1.37 (1.30, 1.45) (p = 0.032)]. There was no difference between DM and C groups in FcR I, II or III expression. CONCLUSIONS: This in vivo data supports a possible second OxLDL-autoantibody macrophage uptake mechanism through an Fc receptor-mediated pathway and a potential relationship between atherosclerotic plaque macrophage FcR levels and ACS.

Effect of locally administered Syk siRNA on allergen-induced arthritis and asthma.

New approaches for the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as rheumatic arthritis (RA) and inflammatory lung disease (asthma) are needed because a significant population of patients do not experience sustained relief with currently available therapies. The tyrosine kinase Syk plays a crucial role in inflammatory signaling pathways and has gained much attention as a potential target for treatment of inflammatory disorders. We have shown that our Syk siRNA injected directly into limb joints of arthritic mice, diminishes joint swelling and reduces levels of Syk kinase and inflammatory cytokines in joint tissue. Further, our Syk siRNA, administered via nasal instillation, inhibits recruitment of inflammatory cells to the bronchoalveolar fluid of allergen-sensitized mice. We propose that targeting Syk via localized application of Syk siRNA provides an opportunity for specific knockdown of Syk kinase with minimal potential for systemic effects.

Human platelet FcγRIIA and phagocytes in immune-complex clearance.

In addition to their primary role in hemostasis and wound healing, platelets play important roles in a multitude of physiological functions including immune and inflammatory responses. We present data that platelets, by virtue of their expression of the human specific FcγR, FcγRIIA, bind IgG complexes in vivo and that circulating phagocytes from healthy individuals internalize platelets in vivo. Human platelets, as a consequence of their expression of FcγRIIA, may thus, contribute to the clearance of IgG-containing complexes from the circulation.

Involvement of Syk kinase in TNF-induced nitric oxide production by airway epithelial cells.

We have recently found that Syk is widely expressed in lung epithelial cells (EC) and participates in beta1 integrin signaling. In this study, we assessed the role of Syk in regulation of NO production. Stimulation of human bronchial EC line HS-24 by TNF caused an increased expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Inhibition of Syk using siRNA or piceatannol down-regulated the iNOS expression and reduced NO production. This effect occurred in EC simultaneously stimulated via beta1 integrins, suggesting that TNF and beta1 integrins provide co-stimulatory signals. Inhibition of Syk down-regulated TNF-induced p38 and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 NF-kappaB. Thus, TNF-induced activation of pro-inflammatory signaling in EC leading to enhanced expression of iNOS and NO production was dependent on Syk. Syk-mediated signaling regulates NO production at least partly via activating the MAPK cascade. Understanding the role of Syk in airway EC may help in developing new therapeutic tools for inflammatory lung disorders.