Transcriptional profiling reveals developmental relationship and distinct biological functions of CD16+and CD16-monocyte subsets

Background: Human peripheral blood monocytes (Mo) consist of subsets distinguished by expression of CD16 (FC gamma RIII) and chemokine receptors. Classical CD16(-) Mo express CCR2 and migrate in response to CCL2, while a minor CD16(+) Mo subset expresses CD16 and CX3CR1 and migrates into tissues expressing CX3CL1. CD16(+) Mo produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and are expanded in certain inflammatory conditions including sepsis and HIV infection. Results: To gain insight into the developmental relationship and functions of CD16(+) and CD16(-) Mo, we examined transcriptional profiles of these Mo subsets in peripheral blood from healthy individuals. Of 16,328 expressed genes, 2,759 genes were differentially expressed and 228 and 250 were >2-fold upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in CD16(+) compared to CD16(-) Mo. CD16(+) Mo were distinguished by upregulation of transcripts for dendritic cell (DC) (SIGLEC10, CD43, RARA) and macrophage (M Phi) (CSF1R/CD115, MafB, CD97, C3aR) markers together with transcripts relevant for DC-T cell interaction (CXCL16, ICAM-2, LFA-1), cell activation (LTB, TNFRSF8, LST1, IFITM1-3, HMOX1, SOD-1, WARS, MGLL), and negative regulation of the cell cycle (CDKN1C, MTSS1), whereas CD16(-) Mo were distinguished by upregulation of transcripts for myeloid (CD14, MNDA, TREM1, CD1d, C1qR/CD93) and granulocyte markers (FPR1, GCSFR/CD114, S100A8-9/12). Differential expression of CSF1R, CSF3R, C1QR1, C3AR1, CD1d, CD43, CXCL16, and CX3CR1 was confirmed by flow cytometry. Furthermore, increased expression of RARA and KLF2 transcripts in CD16(+) Mo coincided with absence of cell surface cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA) expression, indicating potential imprinting for non-skin homing. Conclusion: These results suggest that CD16(+) and CD16(-) Mo originate from a common myeloid precursor, with CD16(+) Mo having a more M Phi - and DC-like transcription program suggesting a more advanced stage of differentiation. Distinct transcriptional programs, together with their recruitment into tissues via different mechanisms, also suggest that CD16(+) and CD16(-) Mo give rise to functionally distinct DC and M Phi in vivo.