Transcellular migration of leukocytes is mediated by the endothelial lateral border recycling compartment

J Exp Med. 2009 Nov 23;206(12):2795-808. doi: 10.1084/jem.20082745. Epub 2009 Nov 2.

Abstract

Leukocyte migration across endothelial cell borders (paracellular) and through endothelial cells (transcellular) appear to be distinct processes. During paracellular migration, membrane from a parajunctional reticulum of interconnected vesicles, the endothelial lateral border recycling compartment (LBRC), moves to surround the leukocyte in a kinesin-mediated, microtubule-dependent manner. We show that transcellular migration likewise requires targeted trafficking of LBRC membrane. We show that in addition to platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM; CD31), CD99 and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A), but apparently not vascular endothelial cell-specific cadherin (cadherin 5, CD144), are components of the LBRC. During transcellular migration, LBRC membrane invests the transmigrating leukocyte. Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) on the apical endothelial surface is enriched around adherent leukocytes. Depolymerization of microtubules has no effect on ICAM-1 enrichment but blocks targeted trafficking of LBRC membrane and transcellular migration by >90%. Similar to their effects on paracellular transmigration, antibodies against PECAM or CD99, but not JAM-A, block transcellular migration. We conclude that similar molecular mechanisms promote both para- and transcellular migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / metabolism
  • Leukocytes / cytology
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Kinesins