Lysyl Oxidase Promotes Actin-Dependent Neutrophil Activation and Cytotoxicity Toward Retinal Endothelial Cells in Diabetes

Activated neutrophils kill retinal endothelial cells (ECs) in early diabetic retinopathy, but how neutrophils become activated in diabetes is not well understood. We found that lysyl oxidase (LOX), whose matrix-localized form activates retinal ECs, can also directly activate neutrophils in its soluble form. LOX-induced release of neutrophil elastase and superoxide is mediated by actin remodeling and membrane aggregation of azurophilic granules. The dual ability of LOX to activate neutrophils (in its soluble form) and retinal ECs (in its matrix-localized form) implicates it as a key proinflammatory target for early diabetic retinopathy.