Differential Regulation of the C3a and C5a Receptors (CD88) by IFN-γ and PMA in U937 Cells and Related Myeloblastic Cell Lines

We have analyzed the induction of the receptor for the anaphylatoxic peptide C3a (C3aR) by the immunomodulator IFN-γ, the phorbol ester PMA, and dibutyryl cAMP (Bt₂CAMP) in comparison with the C5a receptor (C5aR, CD88). For U937 cells, IFN-γ and Bt₂CAMP up-regulated the C3aR to the same extent, whereas Bt₂CAMP was 20-fold more effective in C5aR induction. PMA increased the expression of the C5aR, and acted synergistically with IFN-γ. In contrast, PMA did not increase specific ¹²⁵l-hC3a binding, and actually antagonized C3aR induction by IFN-γ. Two related human cell lines of the myeloblastic/monocytic lineage, HL-60 and Mono Mac 6, showed inducibility of the C3aR similar to U937 cells. The two receptors showed subtle differences in signal transduction. Despite comparable numbers of both receptors, IFN-γ potentiated activation of the C5aR but not the C3aR, as measured by an increase in free cytosolic Ca²⁺ upon ligand activation. Interestingly, Bt₂cAMP-treatment led to a functional response to C3a in U937 cells. Such differences in receptor regulation and signaling might underlie the partly differing physiologic effects of C3a and C5a on, for example, chemotaxis, induction of oxidative burst, or immunoregulatory functions.