Hoxb8 Neutrophils Replicate Fc Gamma Receptor And Integrin-Induced Neutrophil Signaling And Functions

Neutrophils are short-lived, terminally differentiated leukocytes that form an essential part of host immunity and play a key role in acute and chronic inflammation. The analysis of these important cells is hindered by the fact that neutrophils are not amenable to culture, transfection, or transduction. Conditionally HoxB8-immortalized mouse hematopoietic progenitors are suitable for in vitro differentiation of a range of myeloid cells, including neutrophils. Integrins and Fc gamma Rs are cell surface receptors, the ligation of which is required for a range of neutrophil functions that are important in health and disease. We show here that HoxB8 neutrophils express major neutrophil integrins and Fc gamma Rs. They respond to Fc gamma R and integrin stimulation in a manner that is comparable with primary neutrophils, in terms of intracellular signaling. HoxB8 neutrophils also perform a range of Fc gamma R/integrin-dependent neutrophil functions, including, generation of reactive oxygen species, degranulation, and chemotaxis. Our findings suggest that HoxB8 neutrophils represent a faithful experimental model system for the analysis of Fc and integrin receptor-dependent neutrophil functions.