Low-molecular-weight heparins inhibit CCL21-induced T cell adhesion and migration

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2002 Jul;302(1):290-5. doi: 10.1124/jpet.302.1.290.

Abstract

The chemokine CCL21, also known as Exodus-2/6-Ckine/secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine/T cell activator protein-4, is the most potent stimulator of T cell migration and adhesion yet described. Endothelial heparin-like glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are thought to present chemokines at sites of inflammation, maintaining a local concentration gradient to which leukocytes can respond. In contrast, this study found that GAGs markedly inhibit the ability of CCL21 to stimulate T cell adhesion and chemotaxis. Enzymes, such as heparinase, that split GAGs into component-sulfated saccharides abrogate this inhibition, suggesting a mechanism for local tissue regulation of CCL21 function. Low-molecular-weight heparins also strongly inhibit CCL21 adhesion and chemotaxis. Therefore, low-molecular-weight heparins may be effective therapeutic agents in decreasing the pathology of T cell-infiltrative autoimmune diseases by targeting the CCL21 regulation of T cell infiltration.

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology*
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Chemokine CCL21
  • Chemokines, CC / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Chemokines, CC / pharmacology
  • Glycosaminoglycans / pharmacology
  • Heparin Lyase / pharmacology
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • T-Lymphocytes / drug effects*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Anticoagulants
  • CCL21 protein, human
  • Chemokine CCL21
  • Chemokines, CC
  • Glycosaminoglycans
  • Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
  • Heparin Lyase