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

Background: Mast cell numbers and expression of chemokines are known to inc rease in the context of angiogenesis and inflammation, but the mechanisms b y 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 r eceptor 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 cell s to migrate across HUVEC monolayers in response to SDF-1 was determined. T he 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 acros s HUVEC monolayers in response to this chemokine. Treatment of cord blood-d erived mast cells with SDF-1? did not induce degranulation or the productio n of several cytokines but did induce a highly selective IL-8 response. Con clusion: Human mast cells can both migrate across vascular endothelium and produce the pro-angiogenic chemokine IL-8 in response to SDF-1, These respo nses may be important in angiogenic processes. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.