scholarly journals New mutant mouse models clarify the role of NAIPs, phosphorylation, NLRP3, and tumors in NLRC4 inflammasome activation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannette L. Tenthorey ◽  
Roberto A. Chavez ◽  
Thornton W. Thompson ◽  
Katherine A. Deets ◽  
Russell E. Vance ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome is a cytosolic sensor of bacteria that activates Caspase-1 and initiates potent downstream immune responses. Structural, biochemical, and genetic data all demonstrate that the NAIP proteins act as receptors for specific bacterial ligands, while NLRC4 is a downstream adaptor protein that multimerizes with NAIPs to form a macromolecular structure called an inflammasome. However, several aspects of NLRC4 biology remain unresolved. For example, in addition to its clear function in responding to bacteria, NLRC4 has also been proposed to initiate anti-tumor responses, though the underlying mechanism is unknown. NLRC4 has also been shown to be phosphorylated on serine 533, and this modification was suggested to be important for NLRC4 function. In the absence of S533 phosphorylation, it was further proposed that another inflammasome component, NLRP3, can induce NLRC4 activation. We generated a new Nlrc4-deficient mouse line as well as mice encoding phosphomimetic S533D and non-phosphorylatable S533A NLRC4 proteins. Using these genetic models in vivo and in vitro, we fail to observe a role for phosphorylation in NLRC4 inflammasome function. Furthermore, we find no role for NLRP3 in NLRC4 function, or for NLRC4 in a model of melanoma. These results simplify and clarify our understanding of the mechanism of NAIP/NLRC4 activation and its biological functions.

2020 ◽  
Vol 217 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannette L. Tenthorey ◽  
Roberto A. Chavez ◽  
Thornton W. Thompson ◽  
Katherine A. Deets ◽  
Russell E. Vance ◽  
...  

The NAIP/NLRC4 inflammasome is a cytosolic sensor of bacteria that activates caspase-1 and initiates potent immune responses. Structural, biochemical, and genetic data demonstrate that NAIP proteins are receptors for bacterial ligands, while NLRC4 is a downstream adaptor that multimerizes with NAIPs to form an inflammasome. NLRC4 has also been proposed to suppress tumor growth, though the underlying mechanism is unknown. Further, NLRC4 is phosphorylated on serine 533, which was suggested to be critical for its function. In the absence of S533 phosphorylation, it was proposed that another inflammasome protein, NLRP3, can induce NLRC4 activation. We generated a new Nlrc4-deficient mouse line and mice with S533D phosphomimetic or S533A nonphosphorylatable NLRC4. Using these models in vivo and in vitro, we fail to observe a requirement for phosphorylation in NLRC4 inflammasome function. Furthermore, we find no role for NLRP3 in NLRC4 function, or for NLRC4 in a model of melanoma. These results clarify our understanding of the mechanism and biological functions of NAIP/NLRC4 activation.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianyun Zhou ◽  
Jun Yan ◽  
Huaping Liang ◽  
Jianxin Jiang

Trauma associated with infection may directly trigger a neuroendocrine reactionin vivowhile the hormone epinephrine is known to mediate immune responses to inflammation after injury. However, the role of epinephrine during the earliest stage of trauma still remains unclear. We therefore explored the role of epinephrine on activated macrophages under LPS stimulationin vitroas well as the mechanisms underlying its effect. Dose- and time-dependent effects of epinephrine on macrophage immune function were assessed after LPS activation. We also employed CD14 siRNA interference to investigate whether CD14 played a role in the mechanism underlying the effect of epinephrine on LPS-induced macrophage responses. Our results showed that epinephrine pretreatment (10 ng/mL) significantly promoted immune responses from LPS stimulated macrophages, including phagocytic rate, phagocytic index, TNFα/IL-1β/IL-10 secretion, and CD14 expression (P< 0.05). Moreover, TNFα/IL-1β/IL-10 levels attained their peak value 1 hour after incubation with 10 ng/mL epinephrine (P< 0.05), and CD14 siRNA transfection dramatically decreased phagocytosis and cytokine secretion by LPS-activated macrophages (P< 0.05). We therefore conclude that 10 ng/mL epinephrine enhances immune responses from macrophages under LPS stimulation and that the underlying mechanism may relate to CD14 upregulation on the surface of macrophages.


Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kunpeng Wu ◽  
Yan Yuan ◽  
Huihui Yu ◽  
Xin Dai ◽  
Shu Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract The diversity of the human microbiome heralds the difference of the impact that gut microbial metabolites exert on allogenic graft-versus-host (GVH) disease (GVHD), even though short-chain fatty acids and indole were demonstrated to reduce its severity. In this study, we dissected the role of choline-metabolized trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in the GVHD process. Either TMAO or a high-choline diet enhanced the allogenic GVH reaction, whereas the analog of choline, 3,3-dimethyl-1-butanol reversed TMAO-induced GVHD severity. Interestingly, TMAO-induced alloreactive T-cell proliferation and differentiation into T-helper (Th) subtypes was seen in GVHD mice but not in in vitro cultures. We thus investigated the role of macrophage polarization, which was absent from the in vitro culture system. F4/80+CD11b+CD16/32+ M1 macrophage and signature genes, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL9, and CXCL10, were increased in TMAO-induced GVHD tissues and in TMAO-cultured bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs). Inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome reversed TMAO-stimulated M1 features, indicating that NLRP3 is the key proteolytic activator involved in the macrophage’s response to TMAO stimulation. Consistently, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and enhanced NF-κB nuclear relocalization were investigated in TMAO-stimulated BMDMs. In vivo depletion of NLRP3 in GVHD recipients not only blocked M1 polarization but also reversed GVHD severity in the presence of TMAO treatment. In conclusion, our data revealed that TMAO-induced GVHD progression resulted from Th1 and Th17 differentiation, which is mediated by the polarized M1 macrophage requiring NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It provides the link among the host choline diet, microbial metabolites, and GVH reaction, shedding light on alleviating GVHD by controlling choline intake.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (1) ◽  
pp. E27-E36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Servane Le Plénier ◽  
Arthur Goron ◽  
Athanassia Sotiropoulos ◽  
Eliane Archambault ◽  
Chantal Guihenneuc ◽  
...  

Citrulline (CIT) is an endogenous amino acid produced by the intestine. Recent literature has consistently shown CIT to be an activator of muscle protein synthesis (MPS). However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. Our working hypothesis was that CIT might regulate muscle homeostasis directly through the mTORC1/PI3K/MAPK pathways. Because CIT undergoes both interorgan and intraorgan trafficking and metabolism, we combined three approaches: in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. Using a model of malnourished aged rats, CIT supplementation activated the phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4E-BP1 in muscle. Interestingly, the increase in S6K1 phosphorylation was positively correlated ( P < 0.05) with plasma CIT concentration. In a model of isolated incubated skeletal muscle from malnourished rats, CIT enhanced MPS (from 30 to 80% CIT vs. Ctrl, P < 0.05), and the CIT effect was abolished in the presence of wortmannin, rapamycin, and PD-98059. In vitro, on myotubes in culture, CIT led to a 2.5-fold increase in S6K1 phosphorylation and a 1.5-fold increase in 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Both rapamycin and PD-98059 inhibited the CIT effect on S6K1, whereas only LY-294002 inhibited the CIT effect on both S6K1 and 4E-BP1. These findings show that CIT is a signaling agent for muscle homeostasis, suggesting a new role of the intestine in muscle mass control.


2017 ◽  
Vol 214 (9) ◽  
pp. 2695-2713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Weichand ◽  
Rüdiger Popp ◽  
Sarah Dziumbla ◽  
Javier Mora ◽  
Elisabeth Strack ◽  
...  

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer death. The inflammatory tumor microenvironment contributes to metastasis, for instance, by recruiting blood and lymph vessels. Among tumor-infiltrating immune cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) take a center stage in promoting both tumor angiogenesis and metastatic spread. We found that genetic deletion of the S1P receptor 1 (S1pr1) alone in CD11bhi CD206+ TAMs infiltrating mouse breast tumors prevents pulmonary metastasis and tumor lymphangiogenesis. Reduced lymphangiogenesis was also observed in the nonrelated methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma model. Transcriptome analysis of isolated TAMs from both entities revealed reduced expression of the inflammasome component Nlrp3 in S1PR1-deficient TAMs. Macrophage-dependent lymphangiogenesis in vitro was triggered upon inflammasome activation and required both S1PR1 signaling and IL-1β production. Finally, NLRP3 expression in tumor-infiltrating macrophages correlated with survival, lymph node invasion, and metastasis of mammary carcinoma patients. Conceptually, our study indicates an unappreciated role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in promoting metastasis via the lymphatics downstream of S1PR1 signaling in macrophages.


2016 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Yang ◽  
Nan Jiang ◽  
Qi-wei Cao ◽  
Qing Sun

Abstract Gastric cancer is the most common digestive malignant tumor worldwild. EDD1 was reported to be frequently amplified in several tumors and played an important role in the tumorigenesis process. However, the biological role and potential mechanism of EDD1 in gastric cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we are aim to investigate the effect of EDD1 on gastric cancer progression and to explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed the significant up-regulation of EDD1 in -gastric cancer cell tissues and lines. The expression level of EDD1 was also positively associated with advanced clinical stages and predicted poor overall patient survival and poor disease-free patient survival. Besides, EDD1 knockdown markedly inhibited cell viability, colony formation, and suppressed tumor growth. Opposite results were obtained in gastric cancer cells with EDD1 overexpression. EDD1 knockdown was also found to induce gastric cancer cells apoptosis. Further investigation indicated that the oncogenic role of EDD1 in regulating gastric cancer cells growth and apoptosis was related to its PABC domain and directly through targeting miR-22, which was significantly down-regulated in gastric cancer tissues. Totally, our study suggests that EDD1 plays an oncogenic role in gastric cancer and may be a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Jiao ◽  
Jianjian Wang ◽  
Huixue Zhang ◽  
Yuze Cao ◽  
Yang Qu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Microglia are rapidly activated after ischemic stroke and participate in the occurrence of neuroinflammation, which exacerbates the injury of ischemic stroke. Receptor Interacting Serine Threonine Kinase 1 (RIPK1) is thought to be involved in the development of inflammatory responses, but its role in ischemic microglia remains unclear. Here, we applied recombinant human thioredoxin-1 (rhTrx-1), a potential neuroprotective agent, to explore the role of rhTrx-1 in inhibiting RIPK1-mediated neuroinflammatory responses in microglia. Method Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) were conducted for in vivo and in vitro experimental stroke models. The expression of RIPK1 in microglia after ischemia was examined. The inflammatory response of microglia was analyzed after treatment with rhTrx-1 and Necrostatin-1 (Nec-1, inhibitors of RIPK1), and the mechanisms were explored. In addition, the effects of rhTrx-1 on neurobehavioral deficits and cerebral infarct volume were examined. Results RIPK1 expression was detected in microglia after ischemia. Molecular docking results showed that rhTrx-1 could directly bind to RIPK1. In vitro experiments found that rhTrx-1 reduced necroptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential damage, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and NLR Family, pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3) inflammasome activation by inhibiting RIPK-1 expression, and regulated microglial M1/M2 phenotypic changes, thereby reducing the release of inflammatory factors. Consistently, in vivo experiments found that rhTrx-1 treatment attenuated cerebral ischemic injury by inhibiting the inflammatory response. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the role of RIPK1 in microglia-arranged neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia. Administration of rhTrx-1 provides neuroprotection in ischemic stroke-induced microglial neuroinflammation by inhibiting RIPK1 expression.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (20) ◽  
pp. 6238
Author(s):  
Paromita Sarbadhikary ◽  
Blassan P. George ◽  
Heidi Abrahamse

The pyrin domain-containing multiprotein complex NLRP3 inflammasome, consisting of the NLRP3 protein, ASC adaptor, and procaspase-1, plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory disorders, including neurological and metabolic disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Several phytochemicals act as promising anti-inflammatory agents and are usually regarded to have potential applications as complementary or alternative therapeutic agents against chronic inflammatory disorders. Various in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the anti-inflammatory role of berberine (BRB), an organic heteropentacyclic phytochemical and natural isoquinoline, in inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent inflammation against many disorders. This review summarizes the mechanism and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its involvement in inflammatory diseases, and discusses the current scientific evidence on the repressive role of BRB on NLRP3 inflammasome pathways along with the possible mechanism(s) and their potential in counteracting various inflammatory diseases.


Vaccines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Escudero-Pérez ◽  
César Muñoz-Fontela

Filoviruses, such as Ebola and Marburg virus, encode viral proteins with the ability to counteract the type I interferon (IFN-I) response. These IFN-I antagonist proteins are crucial to ensure virus replication, prevent an antiviral state in infected and bystander cells, and impair the ability of antigen-presenting cells to initiate adaptive immune responses. However, in recent years, a number of studies have underscored the conflicting data between in vitro studies and in vivo data obtained in animal models and clinical studies during outbreaks. This review aims to summarize these data and to discuss the relative contributions of IFN-α and IFN-β to filovirus pathogenesis in animal models and humans. Finally, we evaluate the putative utilization of IFN-I in post-exposure therapy and its implications as a biomarker of vaccine efficacy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Shuang Wang ◽  
Xueyang Zou ◽  
Yi Zhang ◽  
Xiaoya Wang ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
...  

Regulatory T cells (Tregs), as an important subset of T cells, play an important role in maintaining body homeostasis by regulating immune responses and preventing autoimmune diseases. In-depth research finds that Tregs have strong instability and plasticity, and according to their developmental origin, Tregs can be classified into thymic-derived Tregs (tTregs), endogenous-induced Tregs (pTregs), which are produced by antigen-stimulated T cells in the periphery in vivo, and induced Tregs (iTregs), which differentiate from naïve T cells in vitro. In recent years, studies have found that Tregs are divided into lymphatic and tissue-resident Tregs according to their location. Research on the generation and function of lymphoid Tregs has been more comprehensive and thorough, but the role of tissue Tregs is still in the exploratory stage, and it has become a research hot spot. In this review, we discuss the instability and plasticity of Tregs and the latest developments of tissue-resident Tregs in the field of biology, including adipose tissue, colon, skeletal muscle, and other Tregs that have been recently discovered as well as their production, regulation, and function in specific tissues and their role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.


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