2016 Nature Communications.pdf (3.32 MB)
2016 Nature Communications.pdf
journal contribution
posted on 2019-03-04, 18:54 authored by Zhichao FanNeutrophils are essential for innate immunity and inflammation and many neutrophil
functions are b2 integrin-dependent. Integrins can extend (Eþ) and acquire a high-affinity
conformation with an ‘open’ headpiece (Hþ). The canonical switchblade model of integrin
activation proposes that the Eþ conformation precedes Hþ, and the two are believed to be
structurally linked. Here we show, using high-resolution quantitative dynamic footprinting
(qDF) microscopy combined with a homogenous conformation-reporter binding assay in a
microfluidic device, that a substantial fraction of b2 integrins on human neutrophils acquire an
unexpected EHþ conformation. EHþ b2 integrins bind intercellular adhesion molecules
(ICAMs) in cis, which inhibits leukocyte adhesion in vitro and in vivo. This endogenous antiinflammatory
mechanism inhibits neutrophil aggregation, accumulation and inflammation.
functions are b2 integrin-dependent. Integrins can extend (Eþ) and acquire a high-affinity
conformation with an ‘open’ headpiece (Hþ). The canonical switchblade model of integrin
activation proposes that the Eþ conformation precedes Hþ, and the two are believed to be
structurally linked. Here we show, using high-resolution quantitative dynamic footprinting
(qDF) microscopy combined with a homogenous conformation-reporter binding assay in a
microfluidic device, that a substantial fraction of b2 integrins on human neutrophils acquire an
unexpected EHþ conformation. EHþ b2 integrins bind intercellular adhesion molecules
(ICAMs) in cis, which inhibits leukocyte adhesion in vitro and in vivo. This endogenous antiinflammatory
mechanism inhibits neutrophil aggregation, accumulation and inflammation.
