Immunology and Immunogenetics Insights

Introduction: CX3CL1 (fractalkine), a membrane-bound chemokine that induces both the adhesion and migration of leukocytes, is involved in the recruitment of cells to tissues undergoing inflammatory responses. To explore the regulation of CX3CL1 in inflammatory bone diseases, we examined CX3CL1 expression in osteoblasts.

Methods: Human osteoblasts isolated from the femora of rheumatoid arthritis patients were incubated in the presence or absence of various inflammatory stimuli. Culture supernatants were collected, and soluble CX3CL1 levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of CX3CL1 mRNA transcripts in osteoblasts was examined using the quantitative TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The combination of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ induced dramatic increases in levels of both soluble CX3CL1 protein and mRNA transcripts. CX3CL1 expression in osteoblasts was decreased by the addition of interleukin(IL)-4 or IL-17 but was increased when stimulation by IFN-γ and IL-17 was supplemented with IL-1β. In addition, expression was decreased when TNF-α was added.

Conclusions: Multiple cytokines, including IL-17, are able to either increase or decrease the expression of CX3CL1 by human osteoblasts.