Role of the CCL21 and CCR7 pathways in rheumatoid arthritis angiogenesis.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the role of CCL21 and its receptor CCR7 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Histologic studies were performed to compare the expression of CCR7 and CCL21 in RA synovial tissue. Next, the role of CCL21 and/or CCR7 in angiogenesis was examined using in vitro chemotaxis, tube formation, and in vivo Matrigel plug assays. Finally, the mechanism by which CCL21 mediates angiogenesis was determined by Western blot analysis and endothelial cell chemotaxis and tube formation assays.

Results

CCL21, but not CCL19, at concentrations present in the RA joint, induced human microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) migration that was mediated through CCR7 ligation. Suppression of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway markedly reduced CCL2

SUBMITTER: Pickens SR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3409328 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature