Selective Inhibition of Expression of the Chemokine Receptor CCR2 in Human Monocytes by IFN-γ

IFN-γ is a potent activator of mononuclear phagocyte function and promotes the development of Th1 responses. Moreover, it induces and modulates chemokine production in a variety of cell types, including mononuclear phagocytes. In the present study, we examined the effect of IFN-γ on the expression of CC chemokine receptors in human monocytes. IFN-γ selectively and rapidly inhibited expression of the monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP) receptor CCR2 with an ED 50 of ∼50 U/ml. The effect was rapid (detectable after 1 h) and reversible. Other chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR3, CCR4, and CCR5) were not substantially affected, and CXCR4 was reduced. IFN-γ acted in concert with LPS, TNF-α, and IL-1β in inhibiting CCR2 expression. IFN-γ-treated monocytes showed a shorter half-life of CCR2 mRNA compared with untreated cells, whereas the rate of nuclear transcription was unaffected. The inhibition of CCR2 mRNA expression by IFN-γ was associated with a lower number of surface receptors and lower chemotactic responsiveness. Thus, IFN-γ, an inducer of MCP-1 and MCP-3 in mononuclear phagocytes, selectively inhibits expression of the MCP receptor CCR2 in monocytes. These results are consistent with an emerging paradigm of divergent regulation by several agents of chemokine production and receptor expression in monocytes. The inhibition of MCP-1R expression may serve as a means of retaining mononuclear phagocytes at sites of inflammation and as a feedback mechanism in the regulation of recruitment from the blood.