c-Abl tyrosine kinase plays a critical role in β2 integrin-dependent neutrophil migration by regulating Vav1 activity

J Leukoc Biol. 2013 Apr;93(4):611-22. doi: 10.1189/jlb.1012487. Epub 2013 Jan 16.

Abstract

The recruitment and migration of neutrophils are critical for innate immunity and acute inflammatory responses. However, the mechanism that regulates the recruitment and migration of neutrophils has not been well characterized. We here reveal a novel function of c-Abl kinase in regulating neutrophil migration. Our results demonstrate that c-Abl kinase is required for neutrophil recruitment in vivo and migration in vitro, and the inhibition of c-Abl kinase activity has a significant impact on neutrophil migratory behavior. Moreover, c-Abl kinase activation depends on β2 integrin engagement, and the activated c-Abl kinase further regulates actin polymerization and membrane protrusion dynamics at the extended leading edges during neutrophil migration. In addition, we identify the Rho GEF Vav1 as a major downstream effector of c-Abl kinase. The C-terminal SH3-SH2-SH3 domain and proline-rich region of Vav1 are required for its interaction with c-Abl kinase, and c-Abl kinase probably regulates the activity of Vav1 by direct phosphorylation at Tyr-267 in the DH domain. Together, these results indicate that c-Abl kinase plays a critical role in β2 integrin-dependent neutrophil migration by regulating Vav1 activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / genetics
  • Actins / immunology
  • Animals
  • Benzamides / pharmacology
  • Binding Sites
  • CD18 Antigens / genetics*
  • CD18 Antigens / immunology
  • Diffusion Chambers, Culture
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neutrophil Infiltration / drug effects*
  • Neutrophil Infiltration / immunology
  • Neutrophils / cytology
  • Neutrophils / drug effects
  • Neutrophils / enzymology*
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Polymerization
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl / immunology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-vav / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-vav / immunology
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Time-Lapse Imaging

Substances

  • Actins
  • Benzamides
  • CD18 Antigens
  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-vav
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-abl