iPLA2, a novel determinant in Ca2+- and phosphorylation-dependent S100A8/A9 regulated NOX2 activity

The neutrophil NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is a key enzyme responsible for host defense against invading pathogens, via the production of reactive oxygen species. Dysfunction of NOX2 can contribute to inflammatory processes, which could lead to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis. In this paper, we characterize a pathway leading to NOX2 activation in which iPLA2-regulated p38 MAPK activity is a key regulator of S100A8/A9 translocation via S100A9 phosphorylation. Studies in cell-free or recombinant systems involved two Ca2+-binding proteins of the S100 family, namely S100A8 and S100A9, in NOX2 activation dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) elevation. Using differentiated HL-60 cells as a model of neutrophils, we provide evidence that [Ca2+]i-regulated S100A8/A9 translocation is mediated by an increase in [Ca2+]i through intracellular Ca2+ store depletion. Moreover, we confirm that p38 MAPK induces S100A9 phosphorylation, a mandatory precondition for S100 translocation. Based on a pharmacological approach and an siRNA strategy, we identify iPLA2 as a new molecular player aiding S100 translocation and NOX2 activity. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activity and S100A9 phosphorylation by bromoenol lactone, a selective inhibitor of iPLA2, indicated that p38 MAPK-mediated S100A9 phosphorylation is dependent on iPLA2. In conclusion, we have characterized a pathway leading to NOX2 activation in which iPLA2-regulated p38 MAPK activity is a key regulator of S100A8/A9 translocation via S100A9 phosphorylation.