Human monocyte/macrophages activate by exposure to LPS overexpress NGF and NGF receptors

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology Vol. 113; no. 2; pp. 193 - 201
• Main Authors: Caroleo, Maria Cristina, Costa, Nicola, Bracci-Laudiero, Luisa, Aloe, Luigi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.02.2001
• Subjects: Adult; Antibodies - pharmacology; Apoptosis; Cells, Cultured; Humans; Lipopolysaccaride; Lipopolysaccharides - pharmacology; Macrophages - drug effects; Macrophages - physiology; Monocytes - drug effects; Monocytes - physiology; Monocytes/macrophages; nerve growth factor; Nerve Growth Factor - immunology; Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism; nerve growth factor receptors; NGF; Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor; Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor - metabolism; Lipopolysaccaride; Monocytes/macrophages; NGF; Apoptosis
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-5728(00)00441-0

Monocyte/macrophages (M/M) represent the main cellular component of the immune system involved in the inflammatory response. In the present study we investigate whether NGF is produced by M/M and is involved in this event. The results show that unstimulated human M/M produce NGF and its synthesis is stimulated by LPS. The increase of NGF is associated with enhanced expression of high affinity NGF receptor on M/M and with no changes of low affinity NGF receptors (p75). The neutralization of endogenous NGF by NGF antibody in LPS-activated M/M, leads to overexpression of p75 receptor causing apoptosis. These findings provide new insight in the mechanisms governing monocyte survival in the inflamed tissue, representing a crucial aspect of host defence and maintenance of homeostasis.