Domain-specific interactions between entactin and neutrophil integrins. G2 domain ligation of integrin alpha3beta1 and E domain ligation of the leukocyte response integrin signal for different responses.

Extracellular matrix proteins activate neutrophils to up-regulate many physiologic functions that are necessary at sites of tissue injury. To elucidate the ligand-receptor interactions that mediate these functions, we examined neutrophil activation by the basement membrane protein, entactin. Entactin is structurally and functionally organized into distinct domains; therefore, we utilized glutathione S-transferase -fusion proteins encompassing its four major domains, G1, G2, E, and G3, to assess interactions between entactin and neutrophil integrin receptors. We show that the E domain, which contains the single RGD sequence of entactin, is sufficient for ligation of the beta3-like integrin, leukocyte response integrin, and signaling for chemotaxis. Moreover, the G2 domain signals for stimulation of Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis via ligation of alpha3beta1. This receptor-ligand interaction was revealed only after stimulation of neutrophil by immune complexes or phorbol esters. Interestingly, the E domain does not enhance phagocytosis, and the G2 domain is not chemotactic. Furthermore, cleavage of entactin with the matrix metalloproteinase, matrilysin, liberates peptides that retain E domain-mediated chemotaxis and G2 domain-mediated enhancement of phagocytosis. These studies indicate that multiple domains of entactin have the ability to ligate individual integrins expressed by neutrophils and to activate distinct functions.