Höhne, K.; Wagenknecht, A.; Maier, C.; Engelhard, P.; Goldmann, T.; Schließmann, S.J.; Plönes, T.; Trepel, M.; Eibel, H.; Müller-Quernheim, J.; Zissel, G. Pro-Fibrotic Effects of CCL18 on Human Lung Fibroblasts Are Mediated via CCR6. Cells2024, 13, 238.
Höhne, K.; Wagenknecht, A.; Maier, C.; Engelhard, P.; Goldmann, T.; Schließmann, S.J.; Plönes, T.; Trepel, M.; Eibel, H.; Müller-Quernheim, J.; Zissel, G. Pro-Fibrotic Effects of CCL18 on Human Lung Fibroblasts Are Mediated via CCR6. Cells 2024, 13, 238.
Höhne, K.; Wagenknecht, A.; Maier, C.; Engelhard, P.; Goldmann, T.; Schließmann, S.J.; Plönes, T.; Trepel, M.; Eibel, H.; Müller-Quernheim, J.; Zissel, G. Pro-Fibrotic Effects of CCL18 on Human Lung Fibroblasts Are Mediated via CCR6. Cells2024, 13, 238.
Höhne, K.; Wagenknecht, A.; Maier, C.; Engelhard, P.; Goldmann, T.; Schließmann, S.J.; Plönes, T.; Trepel, M.; Eibel, H.; Müller-Quernheim, J.; Zissel, G. Pro-Fibrotic Effects of CCL18 on Human Lung Fibroblasts Are Mediated via CCR6. Cells 2024, 13, 238.
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease of unknown origin, with a median survival time of ~3 years after diagnosis without anti-fibrotic therapy. It is characterized by progressive fibrosis indicated by increased collagen deposition and high numbers of fibroblasts in the lung. It was demonstrated that CCL18 induces collagen and αSMA synthesis in fibroblasts. We aimed to identify the CCL18 receptor responsible for its pro-fibrotic activities. Methods: We used a random phage display library to screen for potential CCL18-binding peptides, demonstrated its expression in human lungs and fibroblast lines by PCR and immunostaining and verified its function in cell lines. Results: We identified CCR6 (CD196) as a CCL18 receptor and found its expression in fibrotic lung tissue and on lung fibroblast lines derived from fibrotic lungs but it is almost absent in control lines and tissue. CCL18 induces receptor-internalization in a CCR6-overexpressing cell line. CCR6 blockade in primary human lung fibroblasts reduces CCL18-induced FGF2 release as well as collagen-1 and αSMA expression. Knock-down of CCR6 in a mouse fibroblast cell line abolishes the induction of collagen and -smooth muscle actin expression. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CCL18 triggers pro-fibrotic processes via CCR6, highlighting its role in fibrogenesis.
Biology and Life Sciences, Cell and Developmental Biology
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