The role of the complement anaphylatoxins in the recruitment of eosinophils

Int Immunopharmacol. 2007 Dec 20;7(14):1909-23. doi: 10.1016/j.intimp.2007.07.006. Epub 2007 Aug 6.

Abstract

Eosinophils are blood and tissue immune cells that participate in a diverse range of activities normally beneficial for the host defense, but in circumstances of untoward inflammatory conditions these cells can be responsible for pathological responses. Accordingly the transit of eosinophils from the blood to tissues is a subject of considerable importance in immunology. In this article we review how the complement anaphylatoxins, C3a and C5a bring about eosinophil extravasation. These mediators do not merely provide a chemotactic or haptotactic gradient but are responsible for orchestrating innumerable responses by other cells types, including of endothelial cells, mast cells, and basophils in order to create an environment that is conducive for eosinophil infiltration. C5a has the capacity to prime the endothelium directly to present P-selectin, and C5a stimulated generation of eosinophil hydrogen peroxide and other oxidants can cause additional upregulation of endothelial P-selectin and ICAM-1. Moreover, the anaphylatoxins have the ability to recruit mast cells and basophils and can stimulate these cells to release IL-4 and IL-13, which by augmenting endothelial VCAM-1, convey some selectivity for eosinophils. The anaphylatoxins also have the capability to evoke the release and activation of eosinophil MMP-9, which is employed by this cell type to digest its way past the subendothelial matrix. Finally, because C3a and C5a can stimulate the generation of nitric oxide along with the secretion of histamine and LTC4 from several cell types, the anaphylatoxins can bring about an increase in vascular permeability that facilitates eosinophil accumulation at sites of allergic inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Basophils / immunology
  • Basophils / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion / immunology
  • Cell Communication / immunology
  • Chemotaxis / immunology
  • Complement Activation / immunology*
  • Complement C3a / immunology*
  • Complement C3a / metabolism*
  • Complement C5a / immunology*
  • Complement C5a / metabolism*
  • Eosinophilia / immunology
  • Eosinophilia / metabolism
  • Eosinophils / immunology
  • Eosinophils / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Mast Cells / immunology
  • Mast Cells / metabolism
  • Neutrophil Infiltration / physiology
  • Neutrophils / immunology
  • Neutrophils / metabolism
  • Receptors, Complement / immunology
  • Receptors, Complement / metabolism
  • Selectins / immunology
  • Selectins / metabolism
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / immunology
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Complement
  • Selectins
  • Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Complement C3a
  • Complement C5a