Neurokinin-1 receptor interacts with PrP106-126-induced dendritic cell migration and maturation

Circulating monocytic cells may mediate neuroinvasion in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies by transporting prion protein (PrP) from sites of entry to the nervous system. Factors regulating monocyte-derived dendritic cell (DC) functions in neuronal tissue include neurogenic mediators, but their interactions with prion-infected DCs are unknown. Here, we report that neuropeptides regulate the interaction of DCs exposed to PrP106-126. Inhibition of neurokinin-1-receptors activation with neurokinin-1-receptor antagonist or antibody attenuates substance P-induced enhancement of DC migration induced by PrP106-126 and prion-protein-induced DC maturation. Other neuropeptides arrest chemotaxis. Data support a priming role of the neuropeptide substance P in PrP106-126-induced migration of DCs involving neurokinin-1-receptors.