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Alphavbeta3-integrin antagonists inhibit thrombin-induced proliferation and focal adhesion formation in smooth muscle cells.

Alphavbeta3-integrin antagonists reduced neointimal formation following vascular injury in eight different animal models. Because alpha-thrombin contributes to neointimal formation, we examined the hypothesis that alphavbeta3-integrins influence alpha-thrombin-induced signaling. Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) expressed alphavbeta3-integrins as demonstrated by immunofluorescence microscopy and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Proliferative responses to alpha-thrombin were partially inhibited by anti-beta3-integrin monoclonal antibody F11 and by cyclic RGD peptides. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that alpha-thrombin stimulated a rapid increase in the formation of focal adhesions as identified by vinculin staining and that this effect was partially inhibited by alphavbeta3 antagonists. Beta3-integrin staining was diffuse in quiescent RASMC and did not concentrate at sites of focal adhesions following thrombin treatment. Alpha-thrombin elicited a time-dependent increase in activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase-1 (JNK1) and in tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Alphavbeta3-integrin antagonists partially inhibited increases in JNK1 activity but had no effect on FAK phosphorylation. In SMC isolated from beta3-integrin-deficient mice, focal adhesion formation was impaired in response to thrombin but not sphingosine-1-phosphate, a potent activator of Rho. In summary, alphavbeta3-integrins play an important role in alpha-thrombin-induced proliferation and focal adhesion formation in RASMC.

Animals↗

Ligation of integrin alpha5beta1 is required for internalization of vitronectin by integrin alphavbeta3.

Remodeling of the matrix by tumor cells is necessary for tumor invasion. We have shown previously that malignant astrocytomas, in contrast to normal astrocytes, synthesize vitronectin and express integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5. The activity states of these two integrins are differentially controlled. Thus, we investigated the regulation of the activity of integrins alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 with regard to their role in vitronectin internalization in U-251MG astrocytoma cell monolayers adherent to fibronectin, collagen, or laminin in serum-free conditions. Binding of [125I]vitronectin occurred in a specific, saturable manner that was partially inhibitable by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for integrins alphavbeta3 or alphavbeta5. Specific, lysosomally-mediated degradation of [125I]vitronectin was detectable at 1 h and increased over the 24-h assay period. The cell substrate affected the rate of turnover of [125I]vitronectin, which was 3.0 ng/min for cells plated on fibronectin but 0.35 ng/min for cells plated on collagen. Furthermore, although mAbs specific for either integrin alphavbeta3 or alphavbeta5 inhibited degradation (30%; combined effect 70%) of [125I]vitronectin by cells plated on fibronectin, only mAb anti-alphavbeta5 inhibited degradation (70-90%) by cells plated on collagen or laminin. To determine the requirement for integrin alpha5beta1 ligation in order for integrin alphavbeta3 to internalize its ligand, cells were plated on mAbs anti-integrin alpha5 or anti-integrin alpha3. When plated on mAb anti-alpha5, mAbs anti-alphavbeta3 and anti-alphavbeta5 both inhibited degradation. However, when plated on mAb anti-alpha3, mAb anti-alphavbeta3 had no effect whereas mAb anti-alphavbeta5 inhibited degradation. These data indicate that a signal from integrin alpha5beta1 is necessary for integrin alphavbeta3 to internalize vitronectin, whereas integrin alphavbeta5 constitutively internalizes vitronectin.

Astrocytoma↗

Effect of L-000845704, an alphaVbeta3 integrin antagonist, on markers of bone turnover and bone mineral density in postmenopausal osteoporotic women.

The alphaVbeta3 integrin (vitronectin receptor) plays a pivotal role in bone resorption. We hypothesized that L-000845704, an alphaVbeta3 integrin antagonist, would potently inhibit bone resorption, thereby increasing bone mass as assessed by bone mineral density (BMD) in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis. In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-month study, 227 women (average 63 yr) with low lumbar spine or femoral neck BMD were randomly assigned to receive 100 or 400 mg L-000845704 once daily (qd), 200 mg L-000845704 twice daily (bid), or placebo. L-000845704 increased lumbar spine BMD (2.1, 3.1, and 3.5% for the 100-mg-qd, 400-mg-qd, and 200-mg-bid treatment groups, respectively, vs. -0.1% for placebo; P < 0.01 all treatments vs. placebo). Only 200 mg L-000845704 bid significantly increased BMD at the hip (1.7 vs. 0.3% for placebo; P < 0.03) and femoral neck (2.4 vs. 0.7% for placebo; P < 0.05). No L-000845704 group increased total body BMD. All doses of L-000845704 resulted in a similar approximately 42% decrease from baseline of N-telopeptide cross-links (P < 0.001 vs. placebo). L-000845704 was generally well tolerated; adverse events resulting in discontinuation from the study were relatively infrequent. In conclusion, the antiresorptive effect of the alphaVbeta3 integrin antagonist L-000845704 translated into significant increases in lumbar spine BMD. Furthermore, 200 mg L-000845704 bid provided efficacy at the hip sites. These data suggest that the alphaVbeta3 integrin antagonist L-000845704 could be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for osteoporosis.

Aged↗

Association of alphavbeta3 integrin expression with the metastatic potential and migratory and chemotactic ability of human osteosarcoma cells.

INTRODUCTION: Expression of adhesion molecules such as alphavbeta3 integrin has been associated with the metastatic potential of tumor cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether alphavbeta3 expression correlated with the metastatic potential of human osteosarcoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a series of sublines (LM2-LM7) from human osteosarcoma SAOS parental cells, with progressively increasing potential to form lung metastases in nude mice after intravenous injection. SAOS parental and LM2 cells were poorly metastatic, but LM7 cells resulted in visible metastatic lung nodules by 6-8 weeks. We quantified alphavbeta3 integrin expression using flow cytometry. RESULTS: alphavbeta3 expression correlated with the metastatic potential of the cells, with LM7 cells showing the highest expression. LM7 cell adhesion to vitronectin decreased after treatment with echistatin, a RGD-containing peptide antagonist of alphavbeta3. LM7 cells demonstrated higher chemotactic activity than SAOS cells to a homogenate made from lung tissue. This chemotactic activity was also inhibited by echistatin. These data indicated that alphavbeta3 was critical for the migration of LM7 cells to the lung homogenate. Chemotaxis to a liver homogenate was the same for LM7 and SAOS cells. Migration of LM7 cells through lung endothelial cells was higher than that through liver endothelial cells, and echistatin again inhibited this migration. CONCLUSIONS: alphavbeta3 integrin expression may play a role in the metastatic potential of osteosarcoma cells by enhancing the ability of the cells to migrate specifically to the lung. Alphavbeta3 integrin may therefore be a potential new target for osteosarcoma.

Animals↗

ECM regulates MT1-MMP localization with beta1 or alphavbeta3 integrins at distinct cell compartments modulating its internalization and activity on human endothelial cells.

Regulation of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) by different extracellular matrices (ECMs) on human endothelial cells (ECs) has been investigated. First, MT1-MMP is found at the intercellular contacts of confluent ECs grown on beta1 integrin-dependent matrix such as type 1 collagen (COL I), fibronectin (FN), or fibrinogen (FG), but not on gelatin (GEL) or vitronectin (VN). The novel localization of MT1-MMP at cell-cell contacts is assessed by confocal videomicroscopy of MT1-MMP-GFP-transfected ECs. Moreover, MT1-MMP colocalizes with beta1 integrins at the intercellular contacts, whereas it is preferentially found with alphavbeta3 integrin at motility-associated structures on migrating ECs. In addition, clustered integrins recruit MT1-MMP and neutralizing anti-beta1 or anti-alphav integrin mAb displace MT1-MMP from its specific sites, pointing to a biochemical association that is finally demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation assays. On the other hand, COL I, FN, or FG up-regulate cell surface MT1-MMP on confluent ECs by an impairment of its internalization, whereas expression and internalization are not modified on GEL or VN. In addition, MT1-MMP activity is diminished in confluent ECs on COL I, FN, or FG. Finally, MT1-MMP participates and cooperates with beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins in the migration of ECs on different ECM. These data show a novel mechanism by which ECM regulates MT1-MMP association with beta1 or alphavbeta3 integrins at distinct cellular compartments, thus modulating its internalization, activity, and function on human ECs.

Cell Adhesion↗

Endometrial pinopode and alphavbeta3 integrin expression is not impaired in infertile patients with endometriosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate endometrial receptivity in terms of pinopode formation and alphavbeta3 integrin expression in infertile women with endometriosis during natural cycles. METHODS: We investigated the expression of alphavbeta3 integrin and pinopode formation in the endometrium of 12 infertile patients with stage I or II endometriosis as the only cause of infertility, 12 infertile patients having unexplained infertility, and 12 fertile women who were undergoing tubal sterilization. Two endometrial biopsies (postovulatory day +7 to +8 and 4 days later) were performed during a single menstrual cycle in each subject. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference regarding alphavbeta3 integrin expression and pinopode formation was found between infertile patients with endometriosis and the two control groups. CONCLUSION: alphavbeta3 integrin expression and pinopode formation are not reduced during the window of implantation in patients with stage I-II endometriosis. Whether these results imply normal endometrial receptivity in such patients or add to the increasing uncertainty about the clinical value of assessing the endometrium with those markers of implantation, warrants further studies.

Adult↗

Role of integrin alphavbeta3 in substrate-dependent apoptosis of human intestinal carcinoma cells.

Incubation of human intestinal carcinoma Caco-2 cells in suspension (i.e., in the absence of substrate contacts) leads to massive cell death by apoptosis. Since this type of apoptosis has been referred to as anoikis, we designated these cells as anoikis-positive. However, a minor proportion of Caco-2 cells, designated as anoikis-negative, survived in suspension. Extended incubation of the cells in suspension resulted in the reduction of the number of viable cells. In comparison to the original Caco-2 cell population, the anoikis-negative cells demonstrated markedly decreased levels of expression of integrin alphavbeta3 on the cell surface and of transcription of the alphav subunit gene. Activation of the signaling function of alphavbeta3 in the original Caco-2 cells led to substantial stimulation of anoikis, while the inhibition of expression of this receptor resulted in better resistance of the cells to anoikis. The data provide the first evidence that alphavbeta3 integrin can generate apoptosis-stimulating signals.

Anoikis↗

Anti-angiogenic cancer therapy based on integrin alphavbeta3 antagonism.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is a fundamental process during cancer progression. Anti-angiogenic strategies have been pursued for cancer treatment and prevention of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Integrins are a family of cell adhesion molecules consisting of two non-covalently bound transmembrane subunits (alpha and beta). Much research has demonstrated that integrin signaling plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Integrin alphavbeta3 is highly expressed on activated endothelial cells and tumor cells but is not present in resting endothelial cells and most normal organ systems, which makes it a suitable target for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. In this review we will focus on cancer therapy targeting integrin alphavbeta3 while other integrins (such as alpha5beta1, alphaIIbbeta3, alphavbeta5, alpha6beta4) will only be briefly mentioned when relevant. MEDI-522 (a humanized anti-human integrin alphavbeta3 monoclonal antibody) and Cilengitide (cyclic peptidic integrin alphavbeta3/alphavbeta5 antagonist) are currently in clinical trials for anti-angiogenic cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) that specifically silences integrin alphav and/or beta3 was reported to cause tumor shrinkage in preclinical xenograft models. Combination of anti-integrin alphavbeta3 therapy and other therapeutic approaches (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy and gene therapy) has also been applied for cancer treatment. Mounting evidence suggests that there is potentially synergistic effect of combined therapeutic approaches over single modality alone. Lastly, integrin targeted delivery (drugs, genes, and radioisotopes) and imaging (optical, MRI, ultrasound, SPECT, and PET) is discussed in detail.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by fastatin, the fourth FAS1 domain of betaig-h3, via alphavbeta3 integrin.

We previously reported that the FAS1 domains of betaig-h3 bear motifs that mediate endothelial cell adhesion and migration via interactions with alphavbeta3 integrin and regulate angiogenesis. In the present study, we show that the fourth FAS1 domain, designated fastatin, inhibits endothelial adhesion and migration, not only to betaig-h3, but also fibronectin and vitronectin, in a RGD-dependent manner. Fastatin and other FAS1 domains suppress endothelial cell tube formation and in vivo neovascularization in a Matrigel plug assay. The antiangiogenic activity of fastatin is associated with antitumor activity in mouse tumor models. Fastatin additionally induces apoptosis in several cells expressing alphavbeta3 integrin, including endothelial cells. Binding of fastatin to alphavbeta3 integrin inhibits phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, Raf, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin. Fastatin is thus the first endogenous angiogenesis regulator identified that inhibits both endothelial cell migration and growth by binding to alphavbeta3 integrin. Our data suggest that FAS1 domains from all possible forms of the four human FAS1 family proteins are potential endogenous regulators for pathologic angiogenesis. Moreover, FAS1 domains such as fastatin may be developed into drugs for blocking tumor angiogenesis.

Animals↗

[Construction and expression of anti-human integrin alphavbeta3 scFv].

AIM: To construct single chain antibody (scFv) gene of mAb E10 against human integrin alphavbeta3. METHODS: The VH and VL genes were amplified from hybridoma cells secreting mAb E10 by RT-PCR and connected with the use of linker (Gly4Ser)3 to assemble scFv gene. The scFv gene was cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pTIG-TRX and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3). RESULTS: SDS-PAGE analysis showed the expressed recombinant protein with relative molecular mass (Mr) being 31,000. Western blot confirmed that the protein was labeled with His6. scFv protein was expressed as soluble protein under the condition of a small amount of IPTG induction and culture at lower temperature. The purity of the protein purified through Ni-NTA agarose metal affinity resin column was over 91%. The purified protein could bind to the human integrin alphavbeta3 by ELISA confirmation. CONCLUSION: scFv against human integrin alphavbeta3 has been successfully constructed and expressed,which lays the foundation for further clinical research.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Discovery of small molecule integrin alphavbeta3 antagonists as novel anticancer agents.

Integrin alphavbeta3 has been implicated in multiple aspects of tumor progression and metastasis. Many tumors have high expression of alphavbeta3 that correlates with tumor progression. Therefore, alphavbeta3 receptor is an excellent target for drug design and delivery. We have discovered a series of novel alphavbeta3 antagonists utilizing common feature pharmacophore models. Upon validation using a database of known alphavbeta3 receptor antagonists, a highly discriminative pharmacophore model was used as a 3D query. A search of a database of 600 000 compounds using the pharmacophore Hypo5 yielded 832 compounds. On the basis of structural novelty, 29 compounds were tested in alphavbeta3 receptor specific binding assay and four compounds showed excellent binding affinity. A limited SAR analysis on the active compound 26 resulted in the discovery of two compounds with nanomolar to subnanomolar binding affinity. These small-molecule compounds could be conjugated to paclitaxel for selective delivery to alphavbeta3 positive metastatic cancer cells.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

IS20I, a specific alphavbeta3 integrin inhibitor, reduces glioma growth in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The biological features of malignant gliomas include high cell proliferation, extensive local infiltration of tumor cells into normal brain, and marked neovascularization. alphavbeta3 integrin is highly expressed in malignant gliomas and plays a role in glioma growth. This article investigates the in vitro and in vivo effects of a synthetic alphavbeta3 integrin inhibitor called IS20I on human malignant gliomas. METHODS: The in vitro effects of IS20I were studied by performing adhesion assays, competition studies, semi-in vivo angiogenic assays, and migration and proliferation assays. For the in vivo experiments, IS20I was administered systemically in nude mouse intracranial and subcutaneous malignant glioma models. RESULTS: IS20I reacted selectively to alphavbeta3 integrin in glioma cells and tissues. In vitro, IS20I strongly inhibited angiogenesis and simultaneously exhibited potent antimitotic and antimigratory effects on numerous tumor and endothelial cell lines. In addition, at high concentrations, IS20I induced endothelial and tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo, when IS20I was administered intraperitoneally in subcutaneous and intracranial nude mouse glioma models, it potently reduced malignant glioma growth. Inhibition levels of 76 and 82% were observed at concentrations of 1 and 5 mg/kg, respectively, in the U87 intracranial model. The suppression of tumor growth is associated with a decrease in tumor vascularity, an increase in apoptosis, and a decrease in tumor cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: This work expands the understanding of the effects of anti-alphavbeta3 integrin inhibitors on malignant gliomas. In addition to direct proapoptotic and antiangiogenic effects, IS20I inhibits tumor and endothelial cell proliferation and migration, resulting in a potent inhibition of glioma growth in vivo.

Animals↗

Mechanically strained cells of the osteoblast lineage organize their extracellular matrix through unique sites of alphavbeta3-integrin expression.

Bone cells transduce mechanical signals into anabolic biochemical responses. However, the mechanisms of mechanotransduction are unknown. To address this issue, we performed studies in primary cells of the human osteoblast lineage grown on collagen/vitronectin-coated supports. We discovered that mechanical strain stimulated a redistribution of the alphavbeta3-integrin to irregular plaque-like areas at the cell-extracellular matrix surface. Proteins involved in integrin-matrix interactions in focal adhesions, vinculin and talin, did not localize to the plaque-like areas of alphavbeta3-expression, but signaling molecules such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK) did. Mechanical strain increased the number and size of the plaques defined by surface expression of alphavbeta3-integrin. Osteopontin was secreted as a cross-linked macromolecular complex, likely through the action of tissue transglutaminase that also was found in the plaques of alphavbeta3-integrin cell-matrix interaction. Mechanical strain increased mineralization of the extracellular matrix that developed in these plaques in alphavbeta3-integrin-dependent manner. Because the plaque-like areas of cell-matrix interaction exhibit macromolecular assembly and mineralization, we conclude that they may represent subcellular domains of bone formation and that alphavbeta3-integrin activation represents one mechanism by which mechanical strain stimulates bone formation.

Bone Marrow Cells↗

Midluteal endometrial biopsy and alphavbeta3 integrin expression in the evaluation of the endometrium in infertility: implications for fecundity.

It has been recently proposed that the immunohistochemical evaluation of alphavbeta3 integrin in combination with histologic dating in midluteal endometrial biopsy specimens should be performed to evaluate the endometrial receptivity in the infertile patient. However, no studies have attempted to correlate these findings with subsequent fecundity. In 100 consecutive infertile patients (mean age 31.9+/-3.4 years) undergoing a routine work-up, two endometrial biopsies were performed during a single menstrual cycle: a midluteal biopsy on postovulatory days 6 to 8 and another biopsy 4 days later. Histological dating and immunohistochemical evaluation of alphavbeta3 integrin expression were done in all endometrial biopsy specimens. All patients were followed without treatment during 18 to 24 months (mean 23.5+/-1.4, range 18 to 24). Twenty-five midluteal biopsies showed out-of-phase endometria, whereas all but one late-luteal biopsy specimens were in-phase. Glandular alphavbeta3 integrin expression was observed in 50% of midluteal specimens with this expression being significantly more frequent among in-phase (63%) than among out-of-phase (12%) specimens (p<0.001). However, all late-luteal specimens strongly expressed this integrin. Thirty-eight women became spontaneously pregnant during the follow-up period, 32 ended in a live birth and 6 in first trimester spontaneous abortion. The Cox regression method showed no differences between the hazard of pregnancy when the alphavbeta3 integrin-positive and -negative groups were compared (odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-2.36; p=0.49) or when patients with in-phase endometria were compared with those with delayed endometrial maturation (odds ratio 1.12; 95% CI 0.53-2.37; p=0.76). In conclusion, neither midluteal histological evaluation nor alphavbeta3 integrin expression in mid- or late-luteal endometrial biopsy specimens correlated with outcome for subsequently untreated infertile women.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

Integrin alphavbeta3 mediates platelet-derived growth factor-BB-stimulated collagen gel contraction in cells expressing signaling deficient integrin alpha2beta1.

The interplay between the collagen-binding integrin, alpha2beta1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors in the context of functional interactions with collagen was studied. We expressed either wild-type alpha2beta1 (alpha2beta1A) or alpha2beta1 with a Y783/795F mutation in the cytoplasmic tail of the beta1 subunit (alpha2beta1Amut) in the beta1-null fibroblastic cell line, GD25. GD25 cells lack endogenous expression of the alpha1 and alpha2 integrin subunits and do not adhere to collagen even after transfection with beta1A. Cells expressing alpha2beta1Amut contracted three-dimensional collagen lattices less efficiently than those expressing alpha2beta1A. PDGF-BB significantly stimulated lattice contraction by GD25-alpha2beta1Amut cells. Both cell types responded chemotactically to PDGF-BB. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and p130(Cas) were phosphorylated when GD25-alpha2beta1A cells, but not GD25-alpha2beta1Amut cells were seeded on collagen-coated dishes. Subsequent treatment with PDGF-BB further increased phosphorylation of FAK and p130(Cas) only in GD25-alpha2beta1A cells. However, when cultured within collagen lattices, FAK and p130(Cas) phosphorylation were stimulated in both alpha2beta1A- and alpha2beta1Amut-expressing cells but further phosphorylation, in response to subsequent treatment with PDGF-BB, was seen only in GD25-alpha2beta1A cells. We show that the stimulatory effects of PDGF-BB on collagen gel contraction and chemotaxis by GD25-alpha2beta1Amut cells were mediated by the alphavbeta3 integrin. Phosphorylation of p130(Cas), but not FAK, in GD25-alpha2beta1Amut cells seeded in collagen lattices also depended on alphavbeta3. Our results show that PDGF-BB stimulation of fibroblast-collagen interactions is mediated by the alphavbeta3 integrin when beta1 integrin function is impaired.

Animals↗

The Arg-Gly-Asp motif in the cell adhesion molecule L1 promotes neurite outgrowth via interaction with the alphavbeta3 integrin.

The cell adhesion molecule L1 is a potent inducer of neurite outgrowth and it has been implicated in X-linked hydrocephalus and related neurological disorders. To investigate the mechanisms of neurite outgrowth stimulated by L1, attempts were made to identify the neuritogenic sites in L1. Fusion proteins containing different segments of the extracellular region of L1 were prepared and different neuronal cells were assayed on substrate-coated fusion proteins. Interestingly, both immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains 2 and 6 (Ig2, Ig6) promoted neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion cells, whereas neural retinal cells responded only to Ig2. L1 Ig2 contains a previously identified homophilic binding site, whereas L1 Ig6 contains an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence. The neuritogenic activity of Ig6 was abrogated by mutations in the RGD site. The addition of RGD-containing peptides also inhibited the promotion of neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion cells by glutathione S-transferase-Ig6, implicating the involvement of an integrin. The monoclonal antibody LM609 against alphavbeta3 integrin, but not an anti-beta1 antibody, inhibited the neuritogenic effects of Ig6. These data thus provide the first evidence that the RGD motif in L1 Ig6 is capable of promoting neurite outgrowth via interaction with the alphavbeta3 integrin on neuronal cells.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Involvement of integrin alphavbeta3 in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in monocytes.

Attachment of HIV to macrophages is a critical early event in the establishment of infection. In the present study, we demonstrate the involvement of integrin alphavbeta3 (vitronectin receptor) in HIV infection of peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages. Culturing monocytes in the presence of M-CSF for 3 days upregulated expression of the alphav-containing integrins, alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5. The increase in alphavbeta3 expression was accompanied by increased HIV-1 replication by monocytes. Immunoblot analysis showed that purified HIV-gp120 protein interacted with CD4 and alphavbeta3 in immunoprecipitation experiments. Neutralizing antibodies against the alphavbeta3 integrin interfered with the coprecipitation of alphavbeta3 with an anti-gp120 antibody and substantially inhibited HIV infection of monocytes. Neutralizing antibodies against alphavbeta5 or beta1 integrins did not significantly affect HIV infection. These results indicate that HIV infection of primary monocytes requires differentiation of these cells and may involve alphavbeta3 interaction with the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 for productive infection.

Antibodies↗

Stage-specific expression of integrin alphaVbeta3 in neuroblastic tumors.

The ligand specificity of the integrin cell adhesion receptors probably determines the ability of specific integrins to promote tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Therefore, we compared the expression of integrin alphaVbeta3, a promiscuous receptor that binds with high affinity to numerous cell matrix proteins, with the expression of integrin alphaVbeta5 and the integrin beta 1 subunit (which pairs with multiple alpha subunits) in neuroblastic tumors at various stages of differentiation. Undifferentiated neuroblastoma tumors rapidly invade and metastasize, whereas ganglioneuroblastomas rarely metastasize. Differentiating neuroblastomas are associated with an intermediate prognosis. Paraffin sections of neuroblastic tumors at various stages of differentiation obtained at biopsy from 17 patients were hybridized with antisense integrin subunit-specific alphaV, beta3, beta1, and beta5 riboprobes. All neuroblastic tumors and seven adrenal glands obtained at autopsy were analyzed immunohistochemically with antibodies directed toward the alphaV, beta3, beta1, and beta5 subunits. The alphaV subunit was expressed in neuroblastic tumors independent of the stage of differentiation, although mRNA and protein expression were generally weak in ganglioneuroblastomas, and was also detected in adrenal gland medullae. The beta1 subunit was detected in most neuroblastic tumors independent of the stage of differentiation as well as in adrenal gland medullae. In contrast, the beta3 subunit, which was not expressed in adrenal gland medullae, was expressed at the protein and mRNA levels in undifferentiated neuroblastomas (six of seven and seven of seven, respectively) but was not expressed in neuroblasts or ganglion cells in ganglioneuroblastomas (one case weakly positive out of five). The beta 5 subunit was expressed at the protein (five of five) and mRNA (four of five) levels in the ganglion cells of ganglioneuroblastomas and, although mRNA for this subunit was detectable in undifferentiated tumors, the protein was not detectable. The expression of integrin alphaVbeta3 in undifferentiated neuroblastomas may contribute to the rapid growth of these tumors and their tendency to metastasize.

Adolescent↗