Cytomegalovirus MCK-2 controls mobilization and recruitment of myeloid progenitor cells to facilitate dissemination BLOOD Noda, S., Aguirre, S. A., Bitmansour, A., Brown, J. M., Sparer, T. E., Huang, J., Mocarski, E. S. 2006; 107 (1): 30-38

Abstract

Murine cytomegalovirus encodes a secreted, pro-inflammatory chemokine-like protein, MCK-2, that recruits leukocytes and facilitates viral dissemination. We have shown that MCK-2-enhanced recruitment of myelomonocytic leukocytes with an immature phenotype occurs early during infection and is associated with efficient viral dissemination. Expression of MCK-2 drives the mobilization of a population of leukocytes from bone marrow that express myeloid marker Mac-1 (CD11b), intermediate levels of Gr-1 (Ly6 G/C), platelet-endothelial-cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1, CD31), together with heterogeneous levels of stem-cell antigen-1 (Sca-1, Ly-6 A /E). Recombinant MCK-2 mediates recruitment of this population even in the absence of viral infection. Recruitment of this cell population and viral dissemination via the bloodstream to salivary glands proceeds normally in mice that lack CCR2 and MCP-1 (CCL2), suggesting that recruitment of macrophages is not a requisite component of pathogenesis. Thus, a systemic impact of MCK-2 enhances the normal host response and causes a marked increase in myelomonocytic recruitment with an immature phenotype to initial sites of infection. Mobilization influences levels of virus dissemination via the bloodstream to salivary glands and is dependent on a myelomonocytic cell type other than mature macrophages.

View details for Web of Science ID 000234235200012

View details for PubMedID 16046529