Regulation and function of the E-cadherin/catenin complex in cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage and DCs

J Van den Bossche, B Malissen… - Blood, The Journal …, 2012 - ashpublications.org
J Van den Bossche, B Malissen, A Mantovani, P De Baetselier, JA Van Ginderachter
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2012ashpublications.org
E-cadherin is best characterized as adherens junction protein, which through homotypic
interactions contributes to the maintenance of the epithelial barrier function. In epithelial
cells, the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin forms a dynamic complex with catenins and
regulates several intracellular signal transduction pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin,
PI3K/Akt, Rho GTPase, and NF-κB signaling. Recent progress uncovered a novel and
critical role for this adhesion molecule in mononuclear phagocyte functions. E-cadherin …
Abstract
E-cadherin is best characterized as adherens junction protein, which through homotypic interactions contributes to the maintenance of the epithelial barrier function. In epithelial cells, the cytoplasmic tail of E-cadherin forms a dynamic complex with catenins and regulates several intracellular signal transduction pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, Rho GTPase, and NF-κB signaling. Recent progress uncovered a novel and critical role for this adhesion molecule in mononuclear phagocyte functions. E-cadherin regulates the maturation and migration of Langerhans cells, and its ligation prevents the induction of a tolerogenic state in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (DCs). In this respect, the functionality of β-catenin could be instrumental in determining the balance between immunogenicity and tolerogenicity of DCs in vitro and in vivo. Fusion of alternatively activated macrophages and osteoclasts is also E-cadherin–dependent. In addition, the E-cadherin ligands CD103 and KLRG1 are expressed on DC-, T-, and NK-cell subsets and contribute to their interaction with E-cadherin–expressing DCs and macrophages. Here we discuss the regulation, function, and implications of E-cadherin expression in these central orchestrators of the immune system.
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