HLA class I molecules partner with integrin β4 to stimulate endothelial cell proliferation and migration

Sci Signal. 2010 Nov 23;3(149):ra85. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2001158.

Abstract

Among transplant recipients, those who produce antibodies against the donor's human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are at higher risk for antibody-mediated rejection and transplant vasculopathy, which is a progressive, vasculo-occlusive disease that results in ischemic injury and deterioration of organ function. Antibodies against HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules are thought to contribute to transplant vasculopathy by triggering signals that elicit the activation and proliferation of endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate a molecular association between HLA-I and the integrin β(4) subunit after the stimulation of endothelial cells with HLA-I-specific antibodies. Knockdown of integrin β(4) in these cells abrogated the ability of HLA-I to stimulate the phosphorylation of the kinases Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Src, as well as cellular proliferation. Similarly, reducing the abundance of HLA-I suppressed integrin β(4)-mediated phosphorylation of ERK and the migration of endothelial cells on laminin-5, a component of the extracellular matrix. These results indicate a mutual dependency between HLA-I and the integrin β(4) subunit to stimulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which may be important in promoting transplant vasculopathy and tumor angiogenesis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Integrin beta4 / genetics
  • Integrin beta4 / metabolism*
  • Kalinin
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • Transfection
  • Wound Healing / genetics
  • Wound Healing / physiology
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Integrin beta4
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • src-Family Kinases
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases