Fc-gamma receptor cross-linking by immune complexes induces matrix metalloproteinase-1 in U937 cells via mitogen-activated protein kinase

Matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) secreted by macrophages potentially cont ributes to plaque rupture. Because large quantities of immunoglobulin G and ICs (ICs), including low density lipoprotein-containing ICs (LDL-ICs), are present in atherosclerotic lesions, we examined the effect of LDL-ICs on m acrophage MMP-1 expression. With the use of ICs prepared with human LDL and rabbit anti-LDL antiserum, our enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and Nort hern blots showed that MMP-1 secretion and expression by U937 histiocytes w ere induced by LDL-ICs, Furthermore, our results showed that blocking of Fc -gamma receptor I and II (Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII) inhibited 70% and 5 5%, respectively, of the LDL-IC-induced secretion of MMP-1. Finally, our da ta showed that both PD98059, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and Ro-31-2880, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited LDL-IC-stimulated MMP-1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner, with 96% and 95% inhibition, respectively, at the respective doses of 50 mu mol/L and 8 0 nmol/L. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that LD L-ICs induce macrophage MMP-1 secretion by cocross-linking Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII and triggering a protein kinase C-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. These results suggest that LDL-ICs and other ICs lo calized in atherosclerotic plaques may be potent stimulators for macrophage MMP-1 expression and may contribute to plaque rupture and acute coronary e vents.