Lung Epithelial Cell-Derived Microvesicles Regulate Macrophage Migration via MicroRNA-17/221-Induced Integrin β1 Recycling

Robust lung inflammation is one of the prominent features in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Macrophage migration and recruitment are often seen at the early stage of lung inflammatory responses to noxious stimuli. Using an acid inhalationinduced lung injury model, we explored the mechanisms by which acid exposure initiates macrophage recruitment and migration during development of ALI. The lung epithelium comprises a large surface area and functions as a first-line defense against noxious insults. We found that acid exposure induced a remarkable microvesicle (MV) release from lung epithelium as detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Significantly elevated RNA, rather than protein, was found in these epithelium-derived MVs after acid and included several highly elevated microRNAs, including microRNA (miR)-17 and miR-221. Acid-induced epithelial MV release promoted macrophage migration in vitro and recruitment into the lung in vivo and required, in part, MV shuttling of miR17 and/or miR-221. Mechanistically, acid-induced epithelial MV miR-17/221 promoted beta 1 integrin recycling and presentation back onto the surface of macrophages, in part via a Rab11-mediated pathway. Integrin beta 1 is known to play an essential role in regulating macrophage migration. Taken together, acid-induced ALI results in epithelial MV shuttling of miR-17/221 that in turn modulates macrophage b1 integrin recycling, promoting macrophage recruitment and ultimately contributing to lung inflammation.