Search

The natural ligands of the S100 EF hand proteins S100A8 and A9 [myeloid-related proteins 8 and 14] have long been searched for in order to further the understanding of the role of the S100A8/A9-expressing monocyte subpopulation in progressing inflammatory processes. We demonstrate that S100A8, S100A9 and the S100A8/A9 heterodimeric complex bind to human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC)-1 with an increasing binding capacity progressing from S100A8 < or = S100A9 < or = S100A8/A9. Similar results were obtained in the apolipoprotein E knockout mouse model, where preferably recombinant S100A9 but no S100A8 bound to the endothelium of the aorta ascendens. The binding of the S100A8/A9 heterodimer complex to activated HMEC-1 is specific as demonstrated by a dose-responding and satiable binding curve and the competition of FITC-labeled versus unlabeled protein. The protein character of the binding site was proven by treatment with trypsin. S100A8/A9 binding to HMEC-1 is inducible by lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and in the presence of calcium. A 163-kDa protein was isolated from a cell lysate of activated HMEC-1 cells using an affinity-chromatography protocol. The endothelial cell-associated ligand proteins isolated by the use of the S100A9 monomer and the S100A8/A9 dimer were subjected to mass spectrometry for protein identification. Clearly, alpha(2)-macroglobulin was identified as a binding partner for the S100A9 monomer, whereas no protein could be identified from the database for the ligand of the S100A8/A9 dimer.

The myeloid-related proteins MRP8 (S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9), two members of the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, are co-expressed and form a cell-surface and cytoskeleton-associated heterodimer upon calcium mobilization which is recognized by the mAb 27E10. The heterodimer is abundantly expressed in the cytoplasm of granulocytes and a subpopulation of blood monocytes. Previously, we and others demonstrated endothelium-associated MRP8/14 in inflamed tissues in the vicinity of transmigrating leukocytes, suggesting a function of the proteins in this process. Here, we demonstrate that 27E10(+) cells represent a fast-migrating monocyte subpopulation which preferentially utilizes an ICAM-1-dependent mechanism. The following observations imply a function of MRP8/14 in the transmigration process: (i) higher secretion of MRP8/14 from 27E10(+) monocytes compared to 27E10(-) monocytes after interaction with activated endothelium, (ii) higher expression of CD11b on 27E10(+) compared to 27E10(-) monocytes, (iii) up-regulation of CD11b on 27E10(-) monocytes in the presence of MRP14 or MRP8/14 heterodimers but not MRP8 and (iv) active participation of MRP14 but not of MRP8 in transmigration as shown by blocking with respective antibodies. We show that the interaction of 27E10(+) monocytes with activated endothelium leads to MRP8/14 release which may account for the high MRP8/14 concentrations in body fluids of patients with acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. Released MRP8/14 may serve a function by enhancing CD11b expression and/or affinity in human monocytes and by participating in the transendothelial migration mechanism. Thus, MRP8/14 substantially contributes to the recruitment of monocytes to an inflammatory site.

The hallmark of developing inflammatory lesions is the excess migration of recruited phagocytes together with the enhanced cell surface expression of adhesion molecules. Recent investigations give evidence that the two myeloid-related proteins MRP8 (S100A8) and MRP14 (S100A9), which are abundant in activated or recruited phagocytes, may have a modulatory role in inflammatory responses. S100A9 displays a regulatory role in the transendothelial migration of human monocytes, and the secreted S100A8/A9 complex may serve as a transport protein to move arachidonic acid to its target cells., (Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.)