TI-VAMP/VAMP7 is required for optimal phagocytosis of opsonised particles in macrophages

EMBO J. 2004 Oct 27;23(21):4166-76. doi: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600427. Epub 2004 Oct 7.

Abstract

Phagocytosis relies on extension of plasmalemmal pseudopods generated by focal actin polymerisation and delivery of membranes from intracellular pools. Here we show that compartments of the late endocytic pathway, bearing the tetanus neurotoxin-insensitive vesicle-associated membrane protein (TI-VAMP/VAMP7), are recruited upon particle binding and undergo exocytosis before phagosome sealing in macrophages during Fc receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis. Expression of the dominant-negative amino-terminal domain of TI-VAMP or depletion of TI-VAMP with small interfering RNAs inhibited phagocytosis mediated by Fc or complement receptors. In addition, inhibition of TI-VAMP activity led to a reduced exocytosis of late endocytic vesicles and this resulted in an early blockade of pseudopod extension, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, TI-VAMP defines a new pathway of membrane delivery required for optimal FcR-mediated phagocytosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Endosomes / ultrastructure
  • Exocytosis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Membranes / metabolism
  • Intracellular Membranes / ultrastructure
  • Macrophages / cytology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Membrane Fusion / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Opsonin Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phagocytosis / physiology*
  • Phagosomes / metabolism*
  • Phagosomes / ultrastructure
  • R-SNARE Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Receptors, Fc / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Opsonin Proteins
  • R-SNARE Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, Fc
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • VAMP7 protein, human