Human t lymphocytes express a member of the matrix metalloproteinase gene family

Abstract

Objective. T lymphocytes are known to interact with cellular and structural components of the extracelMar matrix. We investigated whether T lymphocytes could also contribute to matrix breakdown by expression of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene.Methods. Complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized from messenger RNA extracted from cultured peripheral blood T lymphocytes after exposure to phorbol myristate acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction with primers derived from two conserved domains in MMP genes.Results. An amplification product of 402 basepairs was generated and cloned; sequence analysis revealed identity to human stromelysin-2 cDNA. Using the amplified stromelysin-2 cDNA as a probe for Northern analyses, we detected a 1.8-kilobase transcript in stimulated T lymphocytes.Conclusion. T lymphocytes are a potential source of stromei'ysin-2 transcripts and may have a role in the degradation of extracellular matrix constituents.The irreversible destruction of the joint architecture in rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs during late stages of the disease, is accounted for by the action of a group of enzymes that belong to the gene family of the neutral matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) (1). The copious expression of MMPs, particularly collagenase and stromelysin, by resident cells in the synovial lining layer (2) is probably a conseDr. Conca's work was supported by a grant from the Bundesministerium fur Forschung und Technologie.

Metalloproteinase-mediated release of human Fas ligand.

“…A closely correlated sensitivity to various protease inhibitors raises a possibility that these two type II integral membrane proteins may be processed by the same metalloproteinase . In our preliminary study, activated T cells express a limited repertoire of known MMPs, as reported by others (26) . Identification of a candidate enzyme Receivedfor publication 5July 1995 and in revisedform 7 August 1995 .…”

Histological increase in inflammatory infiltrate in sun-exposed skin of female subjects: the possible involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-1 produced by inflammatory infiltrate on collagen degradation

“…T lymphocytes have been reported to express MMP-2, 18 MMP-9 19 and MMP-10. 20 The present study revealed MMP-1-positive T lymphocytes, and our recent unpublished data indicate that T lymphocytes in culture express MMP-1 mRNA under certain conditions. Macrophages have also been reported to secrete MMP-1, 21 while mast cells have been known to secrete proteinases which activate MMP-1.…”

Human Female Genital Tract Infection by the Obligate Intracellular Bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis Elicits Robust Type 2 Immunity

“…Moreover, 3 of the 4 genes most highly upregulated in Chlamydia -infected tissue, matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP10) (15-fold increase), IL-13α 2 receptor (IL-13Rα 2 ) (13-fold increase), and IL-24 (11-fold increase), regulate biological functions that are characteristic of Type 2 immunity (Figure 1 and Table 2). MMP-10, a metalloproteinase produced by T cells in response to IL-4, stimulates wound healing [12], [13]; while interactions between IL-13 to IL-13Rα2, also regulated by IL-4, promotes tissue repair by increasing production of transforming growth factor-β1 [14], [15]. Likewise, IL-24 secretion by monocytes and T H 2 cells increases the activity of signaling pathways responsible for wound healing [16]-[18].…”