Enhancement of Mast Cell Degranulation Mediated by Purinergic Receptor
Activation and PI3K(δ)
Abstract
Background: Mast cells express multiple metabotropic purinergic receptor
(P2YR) subtypes, however, only few studies have evaluated their role in
human mast cells (HMC) allergic response as measured by degranulation
resulting from FcεRI-activation. We have previously shown that
extracellular nucleotides modify the FcεRI-activation-dependent
degranulation in HMC derived from human lungs, but the mechanism of this
action has not been fully delineated. The present study was undertaken
to determine the mechanism of P2YR’s activation on HMC’s degranulation
and elucidate the specific post-receptor mechanistic steps/pathways
involved. Methods: Sensitized LAD2 cells, a human derived mast cell
line, were subjected to a weak allergic stimulation (WAS) using a low
concentration of antigen in the absence and presence of the P2Y11R
agonist, ATPγS. Results: In the presence of ATPγS, WAS-induced
degranulation was enhanced by 7-fold (N = 4, p < 0.01).
None of the other P2YR agonists tested, including high concentrations of
ATPγS (1000 μM), enhanced WAS-induced intracellular
Ca2+ mobilization, which is an important component of
degranulation. Both a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor and the
relevant gene knockout decreased the ATPγS-induced enhancement s of
degranulation. ATPγS’ effect was associated with enhanced
phosphorylation of PI3K type δ (PI3K(δ)) and protein kinase B (Akt), but
not the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1). The effects of
ATPγS were dose dependently inhibited by NF157, a P2Y11R antagonist.
Conclusion: We determined for the first time that at least one subtype
of P2YR, i.e., P2Y11R is linked to enhancement of allergic degranulation
in HMC independent of [Ca2+]i
mobilization.