CCR1- and CCR5-mediated inactivation of leukocytes by a nonglycosaminoglycan (non-GAG)-binding variant of n-nonanoyl-CCL14 (NNY-CCL14)

J Leukoc Biol. 2010 Aug;88(2):383-92. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0509366. Epub 2010 May 18.

Abstract

Intervention on chemokine receptors to prevent directional leukocyte migration is a potential therapeutic strategy. NNY-CCL14 is a CD26-resistant lead molecule, which exerts its effects on multiple chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5). The inhibitory effects of NNY-CCL14 in murine models of allergic airway inflammation have been assigned to its interaction with CCR1 and CCR5. In this study, a non-GAG-binding variant of NNY-CCL14 was generated by mutating basic amino acids within the identified GAG-binding 49BBXB52 motif. This CD26-resistant, non-GAG binding variant, NNY-CCL14(G,A), does not promote CCR1-dependent cell arrest on modeled endothelium. Its biological activity tested on human and murine chemokine receptors revealed distinguishing properties to NNY-CCL14. As suggested by EC50 values for intracellular calcium mobilization, NNY-CCL14(G,A) demonstrated a reduced ability to activate hCCR1, but internalization and desensitization of hCCR1 were unperturbed. Surprisingly, its activity on hCCR3 was strongly reduced, and it did not internalize mCCR3. A significantly reduced chemotactic activity of eosinophils and monocytes was observed. All biological effects mediated by NNY-CCL14(G,A) via hCCR5 and mCCR5 showed no difference to NNY-CCL14. In mice treated i.v. with NNY-CCL14(G,A), a sustained in vivo down-modulation of CCR5 was achieved over 3 h. Therefore, NNY-CCL14(G,A) inactivates leukocytes by desensitizing and internalizing multiple chemokine receptors, thus rendering them unresponsive to further stimulation by natural ligands. When administered systemically, NNY-CCL14(G,A) may modulate leukocyte functions prior to their interaction with other endothelium-bound chemokines expressed under pathophysiological conditions, such as allergic inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Chemokines, CC / genetics
  • Chemokines, CC / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mutagenesis
  • Mutation*
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, CCR1 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, CCR5 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Chemokine / metabolism

Substances

  • Ccr1 protein, mouse
  • Chemokines, CC
  • NNY-CCL14 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, CCR1
  • Receptors, CCR5
  • Receptors, Chemokine