SLURP-1, an endogenous α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor allosteric ligand, is expressed in CD205(+) dendritic cells in human tonsils and potentiates lymphocytic cholinergic activity.

Immune cells often express various nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtypes, including α7 nAChRs, as well as mRNA encoding secreted lymphocyte antigen-6/urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor-related peptide (SLURP)-1, an endogenous α7 nAChR allosteric ligand. We detected SLURP-1 immunoreactivity in CD205(+) dendritic cells (DCs) residing in human tonsils. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA, 10 μg/ml), a T cell activator, attenuated cell proliferation and increased the ACh content of MOLT-3 human leukemic T cells compared with the vehicle control. Methyllycaconitine (MLA, 100nM), a specific α7 nAChR antagonist, abolished all effects elicited by PHA. Recombinant (r)SLURP-1 (0.5 μg/ml) attenuated peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation and increased ChAT gene expression and the ACh content in MOLT-3 cells compared with the control, all of which were abolished by MLA. This suggests SLURP-1 activates cholinergic transmission by potentiating ACh synthesis and its action at α7 nAChRs, thereby facilitating functional development of T cells. These findings support the notion that SLURP-1 acts as a key modulator of immune responses.