αB-Crystallin regulates expansion of CD11b⁺Gr-1⁺ immature myeloid cells during tumor progression

FASEB J. 2013 Jan;27(1):151-62. doi: 10.1096/fj.12-213017. Epub 2012 Oct 2.

Abstract

The molecular chaperone αB-crystallin has emerged as a target for cancer therapy due to its expression in human tumors and its role in regulating tumor angiogenesis. αB-crystallin also reduces neuroinflammation, but its role in other inflammatory conditions has not been investigated. Here, we examined whether αB-crystallin regulates inflammation associated with tumors and ischemia. We found that CD45(+) leukocyte infiltration is 3-fold increased in tumors and ischemic myocardium in αB-crystallin-deficient mice. Notably, αB-crystallin is prominently expressed in CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) immature myeloid cells (IMCs), known as regulators of angiogenesis and immune responses, while lymphocytes and mature granulocytes show low αB-crystallin expression. αB-Crystallin deficiency results in a 3-fold higher accumulation of CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) IMCs in tumors and a significant rise in CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) IMCs in spleen and bone marrow. Similarly, we noted a 2-fold increase in CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) IMCs in chronically inflamed livers in αB-crystallin-deficient mice. The effect of αB-crystallin on IMC accumulation is limited to pathological conditions, as CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) IMCs are not elevated in naive mice. Through ex vivo differentiation of CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) cells, we provide evidence that αB-crystallin regulates systemic expansion of IMCs through a cell-intrinsic mechanism. Our study suggests a key role of αB-crystallin in limiting expansion of CD11b(+) Gr-1(+) IMCs in diverse pathological conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology*
  • CD11b Antigen / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Crystallins / physiology*
  • DNA Primers
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Teratocarcinoma / immunology
  • Teratocarcinoma / pathology*

Substances

  • CD11b Antigen
  • Crystallins
  • DNA Primers
  • ITGAM protein, human