Regulation and function of the E-cadherin/catenin complex in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage and DCs

Blood. 2012 Feb 16;119(7):1623-33. doi: 10.1182/blood-2011-10-384289. Epub 2011 Dec 15.

Abstract

E-cadherin is best characterized as adherens junction protein, which through homotypic interactions contributes to the maintenance of the epithelial barrier function. In epithelial cells, the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin forms a dynamic complex with catenins and regulates several intracellular signal transduction pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, Rho GTPase, and NF-κB signaling. Recent progress uncovered a novel and critical role for this adhesion molecule in mononuclear phagocyte functions. E-cadherin regulates the maturation and migration of Langerhans cells, and its ligation prevents the induction of a tolerogenic state in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). In this respect, the functionality of β-catenin could be instrumental in determining the balance between immunogenicity and tolerogenicity of DCs in vitro and in vivo. Fusion of alternatively activated macrophages and osteoclasts is also E-cadherin-dependent. In addition, the E-cadherin ligands CD103 and KLRG1 are expressed on DC-, T-, and NK-cell subsets and contribute to their interaction with E-cadherin-expressing DCs and macrophages. Here we discuss the regulation, function, and implications of E-cadherin expression in these central orchestrators of the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cadherins / physiology*
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Lineage / genetics
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Immune System / immunology
  • Immune System / metabolism
  • Immune System / physiology
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Macrophages / physiology*
  • Models, Biological
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Monocytes / physiology*
  • Multiprotein Complexes / genetics
  • Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
  • Multiprotein Complexes / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism
  • beta Catenin / physiology*

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • beta Catenin