HLA Class I Molecules Partner with Integrin β 4 to Stimulate Endothelial Cell Proliferation and Migration

Among transplant recipients, those who produce antibodies against the donor's human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are at higher risk for antibody-mediated rejection and transplant vasculopathy, which is a progressive, vasculo-occlusive disease that results in ischemic injury and deterioration of organ function. Antibodies against HLA class I (HLA-I) molecules are thought to contribute to transplant vasculopathy by triggering signals that elicit the activation and proliferation of endothelial cells. Here, we demonstrate a molecular association between HLA-I and the integrin β(4) subunit after the stimulation of endothelial cells with HLA-I-specific antibodies. Knockdown of integrin β(4) in these cells abrogated the ability of HLA-I to stimulate the phosphorylation of the kinases Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and Src, as well as cellular proliferation. Similarly, reducing the abundance of HLA-I suppressed integrin β(4)-mediated phosphorylation of ERK and the migration of endothelial cells on laminin-5, a component of the extracellular matrix. These results indicate a mutual dependency between HLA-I and the integrin β(4) subunit to stimulate the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which may be important in promoting transplant vasculopathy and tumor angiogenesis.