Interaction between proximal tubular epithelial cells and infiltrating monocytes/T cells in the proteinuric state

We hypothesize an interaction between T cells/monocytes and the tubules in the development of tubulointerstitial injury in chronic proteinuric nephropathy. We established in vitro co-culture systems of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC) and T cells/monocytes to study the contribution of soluble factors and cell-to-cell contact in the development of tubulointerstitial injury. The release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1 or CCL2), Regulated upon Activation, normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES or CCL5), soluble intracellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), or interleukin-6 (IL-6) was increased in PTEC following apical exposure to human serum albumin (HSA). The release of CCL2, CCL5, or sICAM-1 from PTEC was enhanced by contact of monocytes/T cells on the basolateral surface. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β are important soluble factors as suggested by the blocking effect of antibodies (Abs) against TNF-α or IL-1β but not against other cytokines. The percentage of CD4+ T cells expressing both chemokine receptors, CCR2 and CCR5, was increased after culturing with supernatant from the apical or basolateral surface of PTEC following apical exposure to HSA. However, only CCR2 was upregulated in CD8+ T cells, whereas CCR5 expression was increased in monocytes. The chemotaxis of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells to supernatant from PTEC upon apical exposure to HSA was reduced with neutralizing Abs against CCL5 and/or CCL2, whereas the chemotaxis of monocytes was only reduced by anti-CCL5 but not by anti-CCL2. In summary, chemokines released by HSA-activated PTEC are amplified by monocytes/T cells. Mediators released by HSA-activated PTEC can differentially modulate the expression of chemokine receptors in monocytes/T cells and hence, alter their chemotaxis towards activated PTEC. These interactions are pivotal in the development of tubulointerstitial injury.