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Objectives Apolipoprotein E (apoE) exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects. We here investigated the effect of apoE on the functional phenotype of macrophages. Methods and Results Human apoE receptors VLDL-R or apoER2 were stably expressed in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. In these cells apoE downregulated markers of the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype (iNOS, IL-12, MIP-1α), but upregulated markers of the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype (arginase-I, SOCS3, IL-1RA). In addition, M1 macrophage responses (migration, generation of reactive oxygen species, antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, phagocytosis) as well as poly(I:C)- and/or IFN-γ-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 expression, and activation of NF-κB, IκB and STAT1 were suppressed in VLDL-R- or apoER2-expressing cells. Conversely, the suppression of M2 phenotype and the enhanced response to poly(I:C) were observed in apoE-producing bone marrow macrophages derived from VLDL-R-deficient mice, but not wild type or LDL receptor-deficient mice. The modulatory effects of apoE on macrophage polarization were inhibited in apoE receptor-expressing RAW264.7 cells exposed to SB220025, a p38MAP kinase inhibitor, and PP1, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Accordingly, apoE induced tyrosine kinase-dependent activation of p38MAP kinase in VLDL-R- or apoER2-expressing macrophages. Under in vivo conditions, apoE−/− mice transplanted with apoE-producing wild-type bone marrow showed increased plasma IL-1RA levels and peritoneal macrophages of transplanted animals were shifted to the M2 phenotype (increased IL-1RA production and CD206 expression). Conclusion ApoE signaling via VLDL-R or apoER2 promotes macrophage conversion from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This effect may represent a novel anti-inflammatory activity of apoE.

Numerous epidemiological studies documented an inverse relationship between plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and the extent of atherosclerotic disease. However, clinical interventions targeting HDL cholesterol failed to show clinical benefits with respect to cardiovascular risk reduction, suggesting that HDL components distinct from cholesterol may account for anti-atherogenic effects attributed to this lipoprotein. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-a lysosphingolipid exerting its biological activity via binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors and regulating a wide array of biological responses in a variety of different organs and tissues including the cardiovascular system-has been identified as an integral constituent of HDL particles. In the present review, we discuss current evidence from epidemiological studies, experimental approaches in vitro, and animal models of atherosclerosis, suggesting that S1P contributes to atheroprotective effects exerted by HDL particles.