Aberrant regulation of the integrin very late antigen-4 in systemic lupus erythematosus

Lupus. 2013 Mar;22(3):297-306. doi: 10.1177/0961203313475691.

Abstract

Integrin very late antigen-4 (VLA4) is induced during inflammation and can regulate monocyte migration. It has been implicated in atherogenesis, a significant concern in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to define VLA4 expression in SLE monocytes. Flow cytometry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry staining with confocal microscopy were used to evaluate VLA4 expression in SLE patients and controls. We found elevated expression of VLA4 in SLE patients with significantly increased VLA4 staining intracellularly compared to control. Exposure of control monocytes to SLE sera or immune complexes led to increased intracellular expression, and immune complexes were capable of driving redistribution of surface VLA4 to the cytoplasm. Therefore, VLA4 was found to be subject to complex regulation with SLE sera driving both RNA expression and redistribution of protein. Stimulation of SLE monocytes with a VLA4 ligand induced significant TNFα expression, confirming a functional effect. This behavior may contribute to increased atherosclerosis and monocyte infiltrates in end organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / biosynthesis
  • Integrin alpha4beta1 / immunology*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Monocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Integrin alpha4beta1