The alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferases FucT-IV and FucT-VII exert collaborative control over selectin-dependent leukocyte recruitment and lymphocyte homing

Immunity. 2001 Jul;15(1):115-26. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(01)00166-2.

Abstract

E-, P-, and L-selectin counterreceptor activities, leukocyte trafficking, and lymphocyte homing are controlled prominently but incompletely by alpha(1,3)fucosyltransferase FucT-VII-dependent fucosylation. Molecular determinants for FucT-VII-independent leukocyte trafficking are not defined, and evidence for contributions by or requirements for other FucTs in leukocyte recruitment is contradictory and incomplete. We show here that inflammation-dependent leukocyte recruitment retained in FucT-VII deficiency is extinguished in FucT-IV(-/-)/FucT-VII(-/-) mice. Double deficiency yields an extreme leukocytosis characterized by decreased neutrophil turnover and increased neutrophil production. FucT-IV also contributes to HEV-born L-selectin ligands, since lymphocyte homing retained in FucT-VII(-/-) mice is revoked in FucT-IV(-/-)/FucT-VII(-/-) mice. These observations reveal essential FucT-IV-dependent contributions to E-, P-, and L-selectin ligand synthesis and to the control of leukocyte recruitment and lymphocyte homing.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Movement
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Female
  • Fucosyltransferases / genetics
  • Fucosyltransferases / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Leukocytes / physiology*
  • Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • Selectins / physiology*

Substances

  • Selectins
  • Fucosyltransferases
  • galactoside 3-fucosyltransferase