Leukotriene B4/antimicrobial peptide LL-37 proinflammatory circuits are mediated by BLT1 and FPR2/ALX and are counterregulated by lipoxin A4 and resolvin E1

FASEB J. 2011 May;25(5):1697-705. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-175687. Epub 2011 Feb 9.

Abstract

In humans, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) are important proinflammatory mediators, whereas lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) and resolvin E1 (RvE1) possess anti-inflammatory, proresolving properties. Previously, we reported that LTB(4) triggers LL-37 release from human neutrophils (PMNs) and, conversely, that LL-37 promotes LTB(4) production from these cells. Here we show that this effect of LL-37 is mediated via the GPCR FPR2/ALX. LL-37 (5-30 μg/ml) induces intracellular calcium mobilization in a dose-dependent manner, and the signal transduction leading to LTB(4) release involves p38 MAP kinase and phosphorylation of cPLA(2). LXA(4), an endogenous lipid ligand of FPR2/ALX, and a stable LXA(4) analog [benzo-LXA(4)] were ineffective as stimuli at the concentrations of 0.1-10 nM for LTB(4) release from PMNs. Likewise, the BLT1 ligand RvE1, a derivative of eicosapentaenoic acid, inhibited LTB(4)-induced LL-37 production from PMNs at 1-100 nM, whereas chemerin, a peptide ligand of the RvE1 receptor ChemR23, failed to block LTB(4)-induced LL-37 release at the same concentrations. Hence, in human neutrophils, binding of LL-37 to FPR2/ALX promotes LTB(4) production, which can bind to BLT1 and elicit further LL-37 release. This proinflammatory circuit might be inhibited by LXA(4) and RvE(1) acting at FPR2/ALX and BLT1, respectively, leading to dampened mediator release.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cathelicidins
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Group IV Phospholipases A2 / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques
  • Leukotriene B4 / metabolism*
  • Lipoxins / pharmacology*
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Lipoxin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • FPR2 protein, human
  • LTB4R protein, human
  • Lipoxins
  • Receptors, Formyl Peptide
  • Receptors, Leukotriene B4
  • Receptors, Lipoxin
  • lipoxin A4
  • Leukotriene B4
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • Group IV Phospholipases A2
  • 5S,12R,18R-trihydroxy-6Z,8E,10E,14Z,16E-eicosapentaenoic acid
  • Calcium
  • Cathelicidins