CXCL4 is a novel nickel-binding protein and augments nickel allergy

Background: Nickel (Ni) is the most frequent metal allergen and induces a TH₁ -dependent type-IV allergy. Although Ni²⁺ is considered to bind to endogenous proteins, it currently remains unclear whether these Ni-binding proteins are involved in Ni allergy in vivo. We previously reported the adjuvant effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a Ni allergy mouse model. As LPS induces a number of inflammatory mediators, we hypothesized that Ni-binding protein(s) are also induced by LPS.

Objective: The objective of this study was to purify and identify Ni-binding protein(s) from serum taken from LPS-injected mice (referred as LPS serum) and examined the augmenting effects of these Ni-binding protein(s) on Ni allergy in an in vivo model.

Methods: BALB/cA mice were sensitized with an i.p. injection of NiCl₂ and LPS. Ten days after sensitization, mice were challenged with NiCl₂ by an i.d. injection into ear pinnae. Ni-binding protein(s) were purified by Ni-affinity column chromatography and gel filtration.

Results: Lipopolysaccharide serum, but not serum taken from saline-injected mice, augmented ear swelling induced by Ni-allergic inflammation. Ni-binding, but not non-binding fraction, purified from LPS serum augmented Ni-allergic inflammation. Mass spectrometry and Western blotting detected CXCL4 in the active fraction. A batch analysis with Ni-sepharose and a surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed direct binding between CXCL4 and Ni²⁺ . Recombinant CXCL4 augmented Ni-allergic inflammation and exerted adjuvant effects at the sensitization phase.

Conclusions: These results indicate that CXCL4 is a novel Ni-binding protein that augments Ni allergy at the elicitation and sensitization phases. This is the first study to demonstrate that the Ni-binding protein augments Ni allergy in vivo.