Agrin is required for survival and function of monocytic cells

作者:Mazzon Cristina*; Anselmo Achille; Soldani Cristiana; Cibella Javier; Ploia Cristina; Moalli Federica; Burden Steven J; Dustin Michael L; Sarukhan Adelaida; Viola Antonella
来源:Blood, 2012, 119(23): 5502-5511.
DOI:10.1182/blood-2011-09-382812

摘要

Agrin, an extracellular matrix protein belonging to the heterogeneous family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), is expressed by cells of the hematopoietic system but its role in leukocyte biology is not yet clear. Here we demonstrate that agrin has a crucial, nonredundant role in myeloid cell development and functions. We have identified lineage-specific alterations that affect maturation, survival and properties of agrin-deficient monocytic cells, and occur at stages later than stem cell precursors. Our data indicate that the cell-autonomous signals delivered by agrin are sensed by macrophages through the alpha-DC (DG) receptor and lead to the activation of signaling pathways resulting in rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton during the phagocytic synapse formation and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erk 1/2). Altogether, these data identify agrin as a novel player of innate immunity. (Blood. 2012;119(23):5502-5511)

  • 出版日期2012-6-7