Regulation of steady-state neutrophil homeostasis by macrophages

Blood. 2011 Jan 13;117(2):618-29. doi: 10.1182/blood-2010-01-265959. Epub 2010 Oct 27.

Abstract

The timely clearance of apoptotic neutrophils from inflammation sites is an important function of macrophages; however, the role of macrophages in maintaining neutrophil homeostasis under steady-state conditions is less well understood. By conditionally deleting the antiapoptotic gene cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (C-FLIP) in myeloid cells, we have generated a novel mouse model deficient in marginal zone and bone marrow stromal macrophages. These mice develop severe neutrophilia, splenomegaly, extramedullary hematopoiesis, decreased body weight, and increased production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and IL-1β, but not IL-17. c-FLIP(f/f) LysM-Cre mice exhibit delayed clearance of circulating neutrophils, suggesting that failure of macrophages to efficiently clear apoptotic neutrophils causes production of cytokines that drive excess granulopoiesis. Further, blocking G-CSF but not IL-1R signaling in vivo rescues this neutrophilia, suggesting that a G-CSF-dependent, IL-1β-independent pathway plays a role in promoting neutrophil production in mice with defective clearance of apoptotic cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein / deficiency
  • CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein / genetics
  • Cell Survival
  • Gene Knock-In Techniques
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism
  • Hematopoiesis / genetics
  • Hematopoiesis / immunology
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Homeostasis / immunology*
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Spleen / metabolism

Substances

  • CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein
  • Cflar protein, mouse
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor