SDF-1 induces IL-8 production and transendothelial migration of human cord blood-derived mast cells

Background: Mast cell numbers and expression of chemokines are known to increase in the context of angiogenesis and inflammation, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are not understood. Stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is an important chemokine in angiogenesis and cell migration. The effects of SDF-1 on human mast cells were examined. Methods: Expression of the SDF-1 receptor CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) on mast cells was era mined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry, The ability of labeled cord blood-derived mast cells to migrate across HUVEC monolayers in response to SDF-1 was determined. The cytokine and chemokine responses of cord blood-derived mast cells to SDF-1? treatment over 24 h were examined by ELISA, Results: Cord blood-derived human mast cells expressed the CXCR4 receptor for SDF-1 and migrated across HUVEC monolayers in response to this chemokine. Treatment of cord blood-derived mast cells with SDF-1? did not induce degranulation or the production of several cytokines but did induce a highly selective IL-8 response. Conclusion: Human mast cells can both migrate across vascular endothelium and produce the pro-angiogenic chemokine IL-8 in response to SDF-1, These responses may be important in angiogenic processes. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.