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D Hauzenberger

Publications and source records attributed to D Hauzenberger.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Porcine endothelium supports transendothelial migration of human leukocyte subpopulations: anti-porcine vascular cell adhesion molecule antibodies as species-specific blockers of transendothelial monocyte and natural killer cell migration.

BACKGROUND: In cases where hyperacute rejection has been prevented, pig to primate organ transplantation results in a delayed rejection mediated by graft-infiltrating leukocytes. The migration of human leukocytes across porcine endothelium is poorly characterized, but may offer targets for species-specific antirejection therapy. METHODS: Transwell tissue culture inserts with endothelial cells growing on polycarbonate filters were used to characterize the migration of peripheral blood monocuclear cells and purified leukocyte subpopulations across pig and human endothelial cells and cell lines. Endothelial cell morphology was evaluated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and the contribution of different adhesion receptor pairs to transendothelial migration was evaluated by antibody blocking experiments. RESULTS: There were no evident quantitative or qualitative differences in the capacity of human and porcine endothelium to support transendothelial migration of human leukocytes [T, B, and natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, and neutrophils]. Monocytes and large granular CD3+ lymphocytes migrated most efficiently across the endothelium. Antiporcine vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 antibodies blocked transendothelial migration of human monocytes and NK cells across tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated pig endothelium by at least 60%. Anti-CD18 antibodies had no effect on the migration of human NK cells across pig endothelium, whereas they partly blocked migration of NK cells across human endothelium and migration of monocytes across porcine endothelium. Interleukin-2 stimulated, but not unstimulated, T and NK cells were cytotoxic to porcine endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine endothelium supports transendothelial migration of human leukocyte subpopulations as efficiently as human endothelium. Incompatibilities in some adhesion receptor pairs may be compensated for by other adhesion receptor pairs, as exemplified by human NK cells whose migration across human, but not pig, endothelium was blocked by anti-CD18 antibodies. Antiporcine vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 antibodies may be used as species-specific blockers of transendothelial NK cell and monocyte migration, and as such may prove to be useful inhibitors of cellular organ xenograft rejection.

Animals↗

Growth-factor-dependent migration of human lung-cancer cells.

Human lung tumors express different types of growth-factor receptors and corresponding ligands that might modulate several biological functions such as proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and chemotaxis. In the present study, we have investigated the expression of different growth-factor receptors and their ligands in 5 established human lung-cancer cell lines. Using RT-PCR, we found that IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate (M6P), c-met, EGF and c-kit receptors are expressed in 5/5 human lung-cancer cell lines. In order to investigate the biological function of these receptors, we performed Boyden-chamber assays using various growth factors as chemo-attractants. Human non-small-cell-lung-cancer cells (non-SCLC) migrated to recombinant human (rh)IGF I and IGF II at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 ng/ml, to HGF at 10 to 100 ng/ml, to EGF at 1 to 100 ng/ml and SCF at 1 to 50 ng/ml. In addition, we performed Boyden-chamber assays using U-1810-, U-1752- and Wart-derived serum-free conditioned medium as chemo-attractants. Serum-free conditioned medium stimulated migration of producer cells in a dose-dependent manner. The autocrine motility stimulating effect of U-1810-derived serum-free conditioned medium could be inhibited by 50% in the presence of neutralizing ahIGF-II antibodies in the assay, suggesting a possible autocrine motility loop in vitro.

Cell Movement↗

Tenascin-C inhibits beta1 integrin-dependent T lymphocyte adhesion to fibronectin through the binding of its fnIII 1-5 repeats to fibronectin.

The extracellular matrix consists of different proteins interacting to form a meshwork-like structure. T lymphocyte adhesion to individual matrix proteins is mainly regulated at the adhesion receptor level, but it is conceivable that the composition of the matrix itself may affect T lymphocyte adhesion to individual proteins. We have addressed the latter point by studying the effect of the matrix protein tenascin-C (TN-C) on T lymphocyte adhesion to fibronectin. Here we report that TN-C inhibits adhesion of T lymphocytes and MOLT-4 lymphoma cells to fibronectin. We demonstrate that a TN-C fragment consisting of fibronectin type III repeats 1-5 (TNfnIII 1-5) but not TNfnIII A-D and TNfnIII 6-8 inhibited alpha5beta1 and alpha4beta1 integrin-mediated T lymphocyte and MOLT-4 adhesion to fibronectin. At concentrations that did not inhibit adhesion, TNfnIII 1-5 still prevented MOLT-4 cells from spreading on fibronectin. Preincubation and co-immobilization of TNfnIII 1-5 with fibronectin was more effective in inhibiting MOLT-4 adhesion to fibronectin than soluble TNfnIII 1-5 present during the adhesion test. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we could demonstrate binding of TNfnIII 1-5 to fibronectin and fibronectin fragments. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the TNfnIII 1-5 domain is implicated in the inhibition of T lymphocyte adhesion to fibronectin caused by TN-C, and indicate that this effect involves the binding of TN-C repeats TNfnIII 1-5 to fibronectin.

Binding Sites↗

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator inhibits alpha 4 beta 1 integrin-mediated T lymphocyte adhesion to fibronectin independently of its catalytic activity.

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA)/plasmin system plays an important role in promoting cell migration and invasion, an effect which is largely ascribed to the proteolytic activity of these enzymes. We investigated whether u-PA modulates integrin-dependent T lymphocyte migration and adhesion on fibronectin independently of its plasminogen activator function. Here we report that u-PA reduced the spontaneous and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced migration of peripheral blood T lymphocytes on fibronectin by 20-50%, decreased the T lymphocyte and alpha4beta1(+)/alpha5beta1(+) K562 cell adhesion on fibronectin by 30-40%, and completely suppressed integrin alpha4beta1-dependent T lymphocyte and alpha4beta1(+)/alpha5beta1(+) K562 cell adhesion to the LDV-containing 40-kDa fibronectin fragment. The u-PA receptor was not essential for this effect. In contrast, adhesion of alpha4beta1(-)/alpha5beta1(+) K562 cells to an RGD-containing fibronectin fragment was unaffected. A recombinant protein comprising the N-terminal fragment of u-PA, but lacking its proteolytic domain, had the same inhibitory effect. Decreased adhesion was neither associated with a diminished cell surface expression of alpha4beta1 nor with a suppression of alpha4beta1 ligand-binding function. Our results demonstrate that u-PA inhibits alpha4beta1- but not alpha5beta1-mediated lymphocyte/leukocyte adhesion to fibronectin independently of its proteolytic activity. This finding provides additional evidence that matrix proteinases may participate in cell adhesion and migration control independently of their matrix-degrading activity.

Catalysis↗

Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor stimulates chemotaxis and growth of malignant mesothelioma cells through c-met receptor.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-met are present in several human tissues but their expression in mesothelial cells has not been examined. In this study, we have investigated the expression of HGF and c-met in normal human mesothelial cells and 11 human malignant mesothelioma cell lines. Using RT-PCR and Western blotting we found that HGF is produced by 3/11 mesothelioma cell lines whereas c-met is expressed in 11/11 mesothelioma cell lines. In addition, c-met expression was also found in 6/6 cell samples obtained from pleural fluids of patients with mesothelioma. In contrast, neither normal cultured mesothelial cells nor mesothelial cells obtained directly from patients without mesothelioma expressed HGF nor c-met. We have also analysed the biological function of HGF and c-met in mesothelioma cell lines. Recombinant human (rh) HGF stimulated both directional (chemotactic) and random (chemokinetic) motility in all mesothelioma cell lines tested. Furthermore, mesothelioma serum free conditioned medium containing HGF stimulated mesothelioma cell migration. This effect could be blocked in the presence of neutralizing anti-HGF monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in the assay. Addition of HGF to mesothelioma cells cultured on collagen type IV was associated with induction of bipolar shape and protrusion of prominent pseudopodia. We have also found that rhHGF was mitogenic for mesothelioma cells. Our findings suggest that expression of HGF/c-met is involved not only in mesothelioma progression but also in its growth and migration and that c-met expression found in mesothelioma cells taken directly from patients may be of diagnostic importance.

Cell Division↗

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB acts as a chemoattractant for human malignant mesothelioma cells via PDGF receptor beta-integrin alpha3beta1 interaction.

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF BB) and the PDGF receptor beta are expressed on mesothelioma cells, but their biological function has not yet been defined. In the present study we used Boyden chambers fitted with filters coated with the adhesive matrix proteins fibronectin, laminin, collagen type IV or the nonmatrix adhesive molecule poly-L-lysine (PLL). Mesothelioma cells migrated towards PDGF BB at concentrations ranging from 0.78 to 12.5 ng/ml if matrix proteins were present as adhesive substrates. This migration was integrin dependent since the same cells failed to migrate if the adhesive interactions necessary for migration were provided by molecules other than integrins. Migration of mesothelioma cells on fibronectin, laminin or collagen-type IV in response to PDGF BB was inhibited if the cells were pretreated with blocking antibodies to alpha3beta1 integrin. These findings describe for the first time PDGF BB as a chemoattractant for malignant mesothelioma cells and that collaboration between PDGF receptor beta and integrin alpha3beta1 is necessary for the motile response of these cells to PDGF BB.

Chemotactic Factors↗

Integrin dependent migration of lung cancer cells to extracellular matrix components.

Since tumour progression is dependent on the ability of malignant cells to interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM), we have investigated the significance of beta1 and beta3 integrins for migration of lung cancer cells to components of the ECM. In an in vitro hapto- and chemotactic assay system, five cell lines representing the major types of lung cancer were examined: adenocarcinoma (WART); squamous cell carcinoma (U-1752); small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (U-1906, 054 A) and large cell lung cancer (LCLC) (U-1810). Flow cytometric analyses were performed to characterize their integrin expression. U-1906, 054 A, WART and U-1752 all expressed beta1 integrins whereas U-1810 did not. However, U-1810 and U-1752 expressed beta3 integrins. All cell lines except U-1810 and U-1752 showed hapto- and chemotactic motility to fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen and this motility was beta1 integrin-dependent except in the case of U-1810. However, the hapto- and chemotactic responses differed markedly between the separate cell lines and there was no distinct pattern to separate non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from SCLC. No or very little migration was seen in control experiments with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or serum-free medium alone, indicating that the migration of the lung cancer cells require adhesion molecules, soluble or substratum bound. We have found the involvement of beta1 integrins in lung cancer cell migration in vitro towards fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen except in the case of U-1810. The U-1810 cell line clearly differed from the rest of the cell lines by lacking expression of beta1 integrins.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Differential motile response of human malignant mesothelioma cells to fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV: the role of beta1 integrins.

Beta1 integrins are widely expressed in human tissues but their presence and function on malignant mesothelioma cells have not been examined. In this study, we have investigated the expression and function of beta1 integrins in 7 human malignant mesothelioma cell lines. Immunofluorescence staining and FACS analysis showed similar expression of beta1 integrins with strongest expression of alpha3beta1 in all investigated mesothelioma cell lines. Using the Boyden chamber assay, we found that mesothelioma cell lines migrated to soluble (chemotaxis) and substrate-bound (haptotaxis) fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV. In order to investigate the biological function of integrins in mesothelioma cells, we pre-incubated the cells with blocking anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) prior to the adhesion and migration assays. Anti-beta1 antibodies inhibited cell adhesion, chemotaxis and haptotaxis in all cell lines. Generally, anti-alpha2 integrin antibodies inhibited cell adhesion, chemotactic and haptotactic migration to collagen type IV, whereas antibodies to the alpha5 and alpha6 subunits inhibited cell adhesion and migration to fibronectin and laminin, respectively. Preincubation of mesothelioma cells with anti-alpha3 antibodies inhibited the migration to either collagen type IV, laminin or fibronectin in all cell lines. Interestingly, in 3 cell lines anti-alpha3 antibodies inhibited cell migration to laminin and collagen type IV without affecting the ability of the cells to adhere to these proteins. Furthermore, in 2 cell lines, antibodies to the alpha3 chain inhibited chemotaxis but not haptotaxis to collagen type IV, indicating the presence of distinct signalling pathways.

Antibodies↗

Triggering of motile behavior in T lymphocytes via cross-linking of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha L beta 2.

The mechanisms by which T lymphocytes are transformed from passively transported cells during circulation in the vascular system to actively migrating cells during extravasation are unknown. Therefore, the possibility that lymphocyte receptors are capable of inducing motility was investigated using a modified Boyden chamber assay. Cross-linking of alphaL beta2 and alpha4 beta1 on human T lymphocytes (T cell line and peripheral blood T cells) with immobilized mAbs induced motile behavior on fibronectin, laminin, collagen type IV, and poly-L-lysine. This induction of T cell migration was very potent and in most cases more efficient than pretreatment of the cells with phorbol esters. In contrast, control Abs to several other integrin- and non-integrin molecules present on T lymphocytes did not induce T cell migration. Anti-CD3 Abs themselves did not trigger motile behavior. However, anti-CD3 promoted T cell migration in the Boyden chamber system if present simultaneously with 40-kDa alpha4 beta1 binding fibronectin fragments or alphaL beta2 binding intercellular adhesion molecule-1/hIgG1Fc fusion proteins on the upper side of the filter. Abs to other surface components on T cells did not trigger motility when presented together with the 40-kDa fibronectin fragments or the intercellular adhesion molecule-1/hIgG1Fc fusion proteins. The induction of motile behavior could be blocked if the T cells were pretreated with Genistein and Calphostin C, indicating the involvement of a protein tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathway in triggering of T cell motility via integrins. These results indicate that alphaL beta2 and alpha4 beta1 on T lymphocytes can selectively trigger motile behavior when cross-linked by their endothelial or extracellular matrix ligands. Furthermore, these data indicate that cross-linking of CD3 facilitates ligand binding and subsequent triggering of a motile phenotype by alphaL beta2 and alpha4 beta1.

Adult↗

Characterization of lymphocyte fibronectin.

In vitro cultured "activated" peripheral blood lymphocytes and T-cell lines synthesized a high-molecular-weight gelatin binding molecule (MW 500 kDa), whereas resting lymphocytes showed poor or negligible synthesis of the same component. Concanavalin A-mediated anchorage of the lymphocytes to a substratum potentiated synthesis of the high-molecular-weight molecule. Western blotting of the gelatin-binding lymphocyte molecule demonstrated reactivity with antibodies specific for human fibronectin. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry showed reactivity of anti-fibronectin antibodies with T-lymphocytes at the single-cell level. The lymphocyte-derived fibronectin was preferentially cell associated and relatively small amounts were present in the culture medium. RT-PCR of total RNA from CD4+ T-cells and the lymphoid T-cell line MOLT-4 showed that the most abundant species of fibronectin mRNA lacked the entire III CS exon encoding the alpha 4 beta 1 binding region LDV. Amplification of the III CS region from other T-cell lines revealed that these cells expressed several fibronectin mRNA isoforms most of which were lacking the LDV coding sequence. In conclusion, synthesis of fibronectin is demonstrated to occur in T-lymphocytes and to be regulated by signals which activate the cells.

Adult↗

T lymphocyte migration: the influence of interactions via adhesion molecules, the T cell receptor, and cytokines.

Although lymphocytes have been studied extensively with respect to a number of motile aspects the understanding of directed lymphocyte motility and its regulation has increased relatively slowly. T lymphocyte migration/translocation in vivo and in vitro are critically dependent on the avidity of adhesive lymphocyte receptors for endothelial cell ligands and extracellular matrix (ECM) components and on the capacity of the lymphocytes to undergo a motile response. Lymphocytes are rendered motile by adhesion to endothelial cells and ECM components. Thus, T lymphocytes exhibit chemotactic and haptotactic migration to the ECM components fibronectin, laminin, and collagen type IV. This directed migration is mediated by beta 1-integrins and separate T-lymphocyte lines have a functional specialization using either alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 during chemo- and haptotaxis to ECM components, although the same cell line may use both integrins for adhesion. Noteworthy, signals triggering T cell migration to ECM components seem to be delivered preferentially via alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha L beta 2. The T cell antigen receptor cannot by itself trigger T lymphocyte migration to fibronectin, laminin, or collagen type IV but does so in collaboration with signals via alpha 4 beta 1. It follows that the migration-triggering signals can be separated from the integrin interactions with matrix components that mediate the chemo- and haptotactic migration per se. This suggests that T cell recruitment to inflammatory sites is induced by antigen receptor signals and beta 1- and beta 2-integrin signals in synergy. Cytokines with chemokinetic properties may collaborate with lymphocyte counterreceptors on endothelial cells and with ECM components in control of the lymphocyte migratory pathways and specifically attract lymphocyte subsets to different compartments. T lymphocytes are endowed with multiple enzymes, classified as serine proteinases or metalloproteinases, which can degrade extracellular matrix components. These enzymes may play an important role for the capacity of T cells to migrate and infiltrate tissues.

Animals↗

Functional specialization of fibronectin-binding beta 1-integrins in T lymphocyte migration.

We have investigated the role of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins in adhesion and migration of T lymphocytes to extracellular matrix proteins. Fibronectin, collagen type IV, and laminin promoted haptotactic and chemotactic migration of lymphoid T cell lines and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-stimulated blood lymphocytes, as determined using a modified Boyden chamber system. Adhesion studies of the T cell lines indicated involvement of both alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins in the binding to fibronectin. In contrast, migration assays demonstrated that haptotactic and chemotactic migration to fibronectin in most cases was mediated by only one of the beta 1 integrins. FACS analysis demonstrated comparable amounts of alpha 4 beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 on the various cell lines, indicating that utilization of the integrins for migration is not determined by their expression on the cells. Haptotactic migration toward a 120-kDa fibronectin fragment containing the RGD sequence, confirmed the selectivity of the different beta 1 integrins in directing migration. Thus, T cells using alpha 5 beta 1 for haptotaxis against fibronectin were migrating against the 120 kDa fragment whereas T cells using alpha 4 beta 1 were not. These results indicate that the response of T cells to haptotactic and chemotactic signals usually is mediated selectively via alpha 4 beta 1 or alpha 5 beta 1 although binding of fibronectin to the cells is not restricted to only one of the integrins. Cholera toxin and 8-Br-cAMP but not pertussis toxin inhibited migration of T cell lines to fibronectin. Adhesion of these cells to fibronectin was not influenced by any of the toxins. Thus, both in their integrin utilization and in their signaling pathways, adhesion and migration show substantial differences in T cells.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Fibronectin and lymphocytes in inflammatory tissue. Studies of blood and synovial fluid lymphocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides.

Lymphocytes infiltrating tissues under chronic inflammatory conditions are often surrounded by deposits of fibronectin. We have studied the possibility that this reflects capacity of lymphocytes to synthesize fibronectin and compared lymphocytes from blood and synovial fluid with respect to fibronectin interactions. In vitro activated blood lymphocytes exhibited synthesis of a fibronectin-like molecule. Synovial fluid cells appeared to synthesize the same high molecular weight component spontaneously. Activated blood lymphocytes have cell surface fibronectin and surface components of lower molecular weight which could be immunoprecipitated with anti-fibronectin antibodies as well as by insolubilized collagen. Synovial fluid cells showed cell surface fibronectin as revealed by immunocytochemical detection but seemed to lack or have relatively small amounts of the low-molecular weight fibronectin-like surface components. Synovial fluid T cells from arthritis patients showed adhesion to fibronectin. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated presence of alpha 4 and alpha 5 beta 1 integrins at the surface of the synovial fluid T cells and RGD and LDV peptides inhibited adhesion of the cells to fibronectin. Noteworthy, a portion of synovial fluid cells with lymphocyte markers also bound to plastic. Blood lymphocytes from the same arthritis patients displayed relatively poor or negligible adhesion to fibronectin unless activated to blast transformation and did not attach to plastic. Taken together these results suggest that activated lymphocytes from blood and synovial fluid may use fibronectin of exogenous or endogenous origin when interacting with tissues during inflammatory processes. Furthermore, the presence at the lymphocyte surface of components of different molecular weight precipitated by anti-fibronectin antibodies suggests that fibronectin or its fragments can bind to the lymphocyte surface.

Arthritis↗

T lymphocyte infiltration of two- and three-dimensional collagen substrata by an adhesive mechanism.

Lymphocytes were plated on two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) collagen substrata and their distribution and behavior determined using light and scanning electron microscopy. When allowed to settle on 2D collagen substrate T-lymphocytes "rapidly" attached and penetrated and thus virtually never remained attached on top of the collagen. As a consequence of this penetration the cells appeared below the collagen. In contrast to lymphocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages allowed to settle on 2D collagen did not penetrate but underwent cytoplasmic spreading on top of the collagen. Lymphocyte attachment and penetration of 2D collagen was specifically inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to beta 1-integrins, indicating that the process depends on molecular adhesion to the collagen. The penetration of 2D collagen appeared to consist of tight binding of collagen fibers to the cells, local reorganization of the collagen carpet, and redistribution of the cell-attached collagen fibers from the "lower" to the "upper" pole/surface of the lymphocyte. Lymphocyte infiltration of 3D collagen substrata was also specifically inhibited by monoclonal antibodies to beta 1-integrins. During the infiltration of 3D collagen lymphocytes exhibited collagen fibers attached to their surface and seemed to provoke perturbation of the collagen. These results show that T lymphocytes are programmed to penetrate and perturb 2D and 3D collagen substrata by a mechanism dependent on adhesive interaction. However, deattachment tends to counteract persistent binding of the cells to 2D collagen.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Fibronectin at the lymphocyte surface. Evidence for activation-dependent binding to VLA4 and VLA5 integrins.

The surface of in vitro cultured fixed and viable human T lymphocytes and certain T-cell lines was found to react with different monoclonal anti-fibronectin (FN) antibodies as revealed by ELISA, immunocytochemistry and FACS analysis. SDS-PAGE showed that anti-FN antibodies defined a high molecular weight lymphocyte component which could be iodinated using the lactoperoxidase method and which had gelatin binding capacity. FACS analysis showed that the reactivity of anti-FN antibodies with lymphocytes was most pronounced in activated cells and increased during the culture period. By contrast, FACS analysis revealed equal high expression of the VLA4 and VLA5 integrins on freshly purified as well as on mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) activated cells. Freshly purified lymphocytes and lymphocytes cultured in vitro overnight did not bind 3H-labelled FN in solution whereas MLC-activated cells were capable of 'spontaneous' binding of such [3H]-FN. However, brief 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) exposure rendered freshly purified lymphocytes capable of binding soluble FN. These interactions of the lymphocytes with 3H-labelled FN in solution could be almost completely blocked by monoclonal anti-VLA4 and VLA5 antibodies. These results indicate that activated T cells express fibronectin at their surface under 'normal' culture conditions. Although both freshly purified and MLC-activated lymphocytes have equal expression of the integrins VLA4 and VLA5, only activated cells are capable of 'spontaneous' binding FN in solution via an integrin-mediated process, probably via an increase in the affinity of these receptors for FN.

Adult↗

Anchorage and lymphocyte function: extracellular matrix substrata control morphogenesis and interleukin production but have minor effects on DNA synthesis.

Contact with collagen and fibronectin substrata triggers disruption of aggregates of activated lymphocytes, pseudopodia formation and migration of these lymphocytes onto the substrata. Monoclonal antibodies to the alpha 4 and alpha 5 chains of beta 1-integrins inhibit cell substrate adhesion and aggregate disruption on fibronectin substrata. A rat monoclonal antibody to the beta 1-integrin chain inhibits lymphocyte adhesion to collagen. Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) collagen substrata have virtually the same capacity to abrogate lymphocyte aggregation. Fibronectin substrata trigger the initial phase(s) of aggregate disruption as effectively as collagen but the later part of the disruption process is relatively incomplete. Serum-coated plastic does not cause aggregate disruption. These results indicate that disruption of lymphocyte aggregates is a specific event induced via cell surface receptors for extracellular matrix (ECM) components. A major difference between lymphocytes on 2D and 3D extracellular matrix substrata seems to be that the cells detach from the former whereas on the latter infiltration dominates over detachment. Collagen and fibronectin substrata are non-mitogenic for lymphocytes but they can modulate lymphocyte activation induced by allogeneic cells and Con A. Thus, 3D collagen substrata augment and prolong such induced DNA synthesis, although they slightly delay entry into the S-phase and decrease IL-2 production. Collagen substrata, particularly in 3D form, also augment the DNA synthesis of preactivated lymphocytes above the magnitude on serum-coated plastic. The nature of the substratum determines IL-1 production. Accordingly, the spontaneous IL-1 production by mononuclear cells is substantially lower on collagen substrata than on plastic surfaces coated with serum or BSA. However, factors which induce IL-1 production (e.g. Con A or LPS) are more effective on collagen than on serum-coated plastic. Abrogation of cell aggregation, induction of morphogenesis and motile behaviour as well as control of IL-1 synthesis thus constitute major effects of ECM substrata on cells of the immune system. An additional but relatively minor influence of ECM substrata on these cells, as suggested by the present results, is exerted via modulation of DNA synthesis.

Antigens, CD↗

Fibronectin associated with infiltrating T lymphocytes. Evidence for in situ localization in biopsies and synthesis in vitro.

Dermal and mucosal lymphocyte infiltrates in patients with lichen ruber planus and chronic graft-vs.-host disease exhibited reactivity with anti-fibronectin antibodies. This reactivity was associated with the lymphocytes and localized pericellularly. In contrast, biopsy areas outside lymphocyte accumulations were relatively devoid of reactivity with anti-fibronectin antibodies. Furthermore, the corresponding biopsies from healthy individuals or patients without lymphocyte infiltration showed negligible reactivity with anti-fibronectin antibodies. The fibronectin associated with infiltrating lymphocytes in biopsies may be exogenous of non-lymphoid origin. However, another possibility suggested by in vitro experiments is that this fibronectin is lymphocyte derived. Thus, during cultivation in vitro lymphocytes appear to synthesize a component with fibronectin-like properties. Furthermore, a prerequisite for detection of this synthesis was that the cells were cultured in the presence of serum depleted of fibronectin. These results point to the possibility that fibronectin may play a role for lymphocyte interactions with tissues during infiltrative processes.

Biopsy↗

T lymphocytes degrade fibronectin.

Mononuclear cells cause disappearance of fibronectin synthesized and released by fibroblasts. This disappearance of extracellular fibroblast fibronectin is accompanied by the appearance of components of 'lower' molecular weight indicating that a fibronectin-degrading enzymatic activity is responsible for the effect. Additional support for the existence of a fibronectin-degrading enzyme is that mononuclear cells degrade iodinated fibronectin attached to a collagen matrix. Furthermore, lymphocytes seem to mediate the degradation of fibronectin whereas monocytes rather act inhibitory.

Blotting, Western↗