NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cytokine production and pyroptosis cell death in breast cancer

AbstractBreast cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in women. Increasing evidence has highlighted the importance of chronic inflammation at the local and/or systemic level in breast cancer pathobiology, influencing its progression, metastatic potential and therapeutic outcome by altering the tumor immune microenvironment. These processes are mediated by a variety of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors that exert their biological functions either locally or distantly. Inflammasomes are protein signaling complexes that form in response to damage- and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS and PAMPS), triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The dysregulation of inflammasome activation can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases, neurodegeneration, and cancer. A crucial signaling pathway leading to acute and chronic inflammation occurs through the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome followed by caspase 1-dependent release of IL-1β and IL-18 pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as, by gasdermin D-mediated pyroptotic cell death. In this review we focus on the role of NLRP3 inflammasome and its components in breast cancer signaling, highlighting that a more detailed understanding of the clinical relevance of these pathways could significantly contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

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Fucoxanthin from microalgae Phaeodactylum tricornutum inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines by regulating both NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-80748-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

A-Hyeon Lee ◽

Hye-Yoon Shin ◽

Jong-Hwi Park ◽

Song Yi Koo ◽

Sang Min Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Phaeodactylum Tricornutum ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Inhibitory Effect ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽

Tnf Α ◽

Main Components ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

AbstractPro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α are mediated by the activation of various kinds of signaling pathways in the innate immune system. Particularly, NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling are involved in the production and secretion of these cytokines. Each signaling is participated in the two steps necessary for IL-1β, a representative pro-inflammatory cytokine, to be processed into a form secreted by cells. In the priming step stimulated by LPS, pro-IL-1β is synthesized through NF-κB activation. Pro-IL-1β cleavages into mature IL-1β by formed NLRP3 inflammasome in the activation step induced by ATP. The mature form of IL-1β is subsequently secreted out of the cell, causing inflammation. Moreover, IL-6 and TNF-α are known to increase in NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated conditions. Here, we found that fucoxanthin, one of the major components of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, has an inhibitory effect on NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by the combination of LPS and ATP in bone marrow-derived immune cells as well as astrocytes. Fucoxanthin, which is abundant in the EtOH fraction of Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts, has shown to have less cell toxicity and found to decrease the production of major pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Fucoxanthin has also shown to suppress the expression of cleaved caspase-1 and the oligomerization of ASC, which are the main components of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, phosphorylated IκBα and pro-IL-1β expression decreased in the presence of fucoxanthin, suggesting that fucoxanthin can negatively regulate the priming step of inflammasome signaling. Thus, our results provide reliable evidence that fucoxanthin may serve as a key candidate in the development of potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases as well as neurodegenerative diseases caused by NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

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NLRP3 Inflammasome at the Interface of Inflammation, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Type 2 Diabetes

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells10020314 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 314

Author(s):

Ilona M. Gora ◽

Anna Ciechanowska ◽

Piotr Ladyzynski

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Endothelial Dysfunction ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Vascular Complications ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), accounting for 90–95% cases of diabetes, is characterized by chronic inflammation. The mechanisms that control inflammation activation in T2DM are largely unexplored. Inflammasomes represent significant sensors mediating innate immune responses. The aim of this work is to present a review of links between the NLRP3 inflammasome, endothelial dysfunction, and T2DM. The NLRP3 inflammasome activates caspase-1, which leads to the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1β and interleukin 18. In this review, we characterize the structure and functions of NLRP3 inflammasome as well as the most important mechanisms and molecules engaged in its activation. We present evidence of the importance of the endothelial dysfunction as the first key step to activating the inflammasome, which suggests that suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a new approach in depletion hyperglycemic toxicity and in averting the onset of vascular complications in T2DM. We also demonstrate reports showing that the expression of a few microRNAs that are also known to be involved in either NLRP3 inflammasome activation or endothelial dysfunction is deregulated in T2DM. Collectively, this evidence suggests that T2DM is an inflammatory disease stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, studies revealing the role of glucose concentration in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome are analyzed. The more that is known about inflammasomes, the higher the chances to create new, effective therapies for patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. This may offer potential novel therapeutic perspectives in T2DM prevention and treatment.

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Silica nanoparticles induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human primary immune cells

Innate Immunity ◽

10.1177/1753425917738331 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (8) ◽

pp. 697-708 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Diana M Gómez ◽

Silvio Urcuqui-Inchima ◽

Juan C Hernandez

Keyword(s):

Physicochemical Properties ◽

Silica Nanoparticles ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Deep Understanding ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Dose Dependent ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

In recent years, the potential use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) among different biomedical fields has grown. A deep understanding of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their regulation of specific biological responses is crucial for the successful application of NPs. Exposure to NP physicochemical properties (size, shape, porosity, etc.) could result in deleterious effects on cellular functions, including a pro-inflammatory response mediated via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential in vitro immunomodulatory effect of 12-nm and 200-nm SiNPs on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome components in human primary neutrophils and PBMCs. This study demonstrates that regardless of the size of the nanoparticles, SiNPs induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Induced IL-1β production after exposure to SiNPs suggests the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome components participation in this process. In conclusion, SiNPs induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, our data suggest that the production and release of IL-1β possibly occurs through the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

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Molecular basis of carrageenan-induced cytokines production in macrophages

Cell Communication and Signaling ◽

10.1186/s12964-020-00621-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Alexandre H. Lopes ◽

Rangel L. Silva ◽

Miriam D. Fonseca ◽

Francisco I. Gomes ◽

Alexandre G. Maganin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Molecular Basis ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Critical Role ◽

Peritoneal Macrophages ◽

Sulfated Polysaccharide ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Preclinical Studies ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Background Low molecular weight carrageenan (Cg) is a seaweed-derived sulfated polysaccharide widely used as inflammatory stimulus in preclinical studies. However, the molecular mechanisms of Cg-induced inflammation are not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular basis involved in Cg-induced macrophages activation and cytokines production. Methods Primary culture of mouse peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with Kappa Cg. The supernatant and cell lysate were used for ELISA, western blotting, immunofluorescence. Cg-induced mouse colitis was also developed. Results Here we show that Cg activates peritoneal macrophages to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IL-1β. While Cg-induced TNF production/secretion depends on TLR4/MyD88 signaling, the production of pro-IL-1β relies on TLR4/TRIF/SYK/reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling pathway. The maturation of pro-IL1β into IL-1β is dependent on canonical NLRP3 inflammasome activation via Pannexin-1/P2X7/K+ efflux signaling. In vivo, Cg-induced colitis was reduced in mice in the absence of NLRP3 inflammasome components. Conclusions In conclusion, we unravel a critical role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Cg-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production and colitis, which is an important discovery on the pro-inflammatory properties of this sulfated polysaccharide for pre-clinical studies. Graphical Abstract Carrageenan (Cg) is one the most used flogistic stimulus in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of Cg-induced inflammation is not totally elucidated. Herein, Lopes et al. unraveled the molecular basis for Cg-induced macrophages production of biological active IL-1β. The Cg-stimulated macrophages produces pro-IL-1β depends on TLR4/TRIF/Syk/ROS, whereas its processing into mature IL-1β is dependent on the canonical NLRP3 inflammasome.

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P6294NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in the atrium of an ovine model of sustained obesity

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0892 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Saljic ◽

M Hohl ◽

N Li ◽

T Agbaedeng ◽

D Twomey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Interleukin 1 ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Fat Infiltration ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Caspase 1 ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽

Arrhythmogenic Substrate ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Introduction Obesity and enhanced inflammatory response are two independent risk factors involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Components of the NLRP3 inflammasome have been found to be expressed in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts and that increased inflammasome activation contributes to the pathogenesis of AF. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi-protein signaling complex that is activated in two steps: 1st) a priming event that includes a NFκB-activating stimuli which increases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and 2nd) a triggering event that includes the assembly of the inflammasome complex and activation of caspase-1 which promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b). Purpose We used a sheep model of sustained obesity to characterize the association between atrial myocardial fat infiltration, atrial activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the development of an atrial arrhythmogenic substrate for AF. Methods Eight sheep were fed ad libitum calorie-dense diet over 40 weeks to gain weight and were maintained in this state of sustained obesity for another 40 weeks. Eight lean, weight-controlled and aged-matched sheep served as control. Atrial fat infiltration was determined by oil-red staining and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was assessed by immunoblot in atrial whole-tissue lysate. Atrial effective refractory periods (aERPs) were evaluated (twice diastolic threshold, cycle length (CL) of 400 ms, S1S2 -protocol). Results Sustained obesity was associated with increased atrial fat infiltration (lean: 0.8±0.3% vs. obese: 2.3±1.2%, p=0.1) and shorter aERP (lean: 169±22ms vs. obese: 138±26ms, p=0.03). Protein levels of caspase-1 and mature IL-1β were significantly enhanced (p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). Further shortening of aERP correlated with increasing atrial protein levels of caspase-1 (r=0.59, p=0.02). In contrast, levels of TNFα and NFκB were not significantly changed in atria of sheep with sustained obesity. Conclusions Sustained obesity is associated with increased expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins and the development of an arrhythmogenic substrate for AF. Our study suggest that the increased activity is due to increased triggering, rather than increased gene transcription. Whether NLRP3 inflammasome activation represents a modifiable target to prevent AF in obesity warrants further study.

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Maf1 Ameliorates Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy by Suppressing the NF-kB/NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling Pathway

Frontiers in Immunology ◽

10.3389/fimmu.2020.594071 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Shenglong Chen ◽

Chaogang Tang ◽

Hongguang Ding ◽

Zhonghua Wang ◽

Xinqiang Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Brain Barrier ◽

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Brain Barrier ◽

Blue Dye ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Blood Brain ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

BackgroundThe NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been identified as an important mediator of blood–brain-barrier disruption in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). However, no information is available concerning the critical upstream regulators of SAE.MethodsLipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish an in vitro model of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and an in vivo model of SAE. Disruption of BBB integrity was assessed by measuring the expression levels of tight-junction proteins. NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and neuroapoptosis were measured using biochemical assays. Finally, the FITC-dextran Transwell assay and Evan’s blue dye assay were used to assess the effect of Maf1 on LPS-induced endothelial permeability in vitro and in vivo.ResultsWe found that Maf1 significantly suppressed the brain inflammatory response and neuroapoptosis induced by LPS in vivo and in vitro. Notably, Maf1 downregulated activation of the NF-κB/p65-induced NLRP3 inflammasome and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, we found that Maf1 and p65 directly bound to the NLRP3 gene promoter region and competitively regulated the function of NLRP3 in inflammations. Moreover, overexpression of NLRP3 reversed the effects of p65 on BBB integrity, apoptosis, and inflammation in response to LPS. Our study revealed novel role for Maf1 in regulating NF-κB-mediated inflammasome formation, which plays a prominent role in SAE.ConclusionsRegulation of Maf1 might be a therapeutic strategy for SAE and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with inflammation.

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Modulation of RAS and PI3-AKT pathway by Stavudine (d4T) in PBMC of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-61796/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Francesca La Rosa ◽

Chiara Paola Zoia ◽

Chiara Bazzini ◽

Alessandra Bolognini ◽

Marina Saresella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Cytokines ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Beclin 1 ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Nlrp3 Inflammasome Activation ◽

Chaperone Mediated Autophagy ◽

Nlrp3 Activity ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Background: Aβ42-deposition plays a pivotal role in AD-pathogenesis by inducing the activation of microglial cells and neuroinflammation. This process is antagonized by microglia-mediated clearance of Aβ plaques. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in neuroinflammation and in the impairments of Aβ-plaques clearance. Stavudine (d4T) on the other hand down-regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome and stimulates autophagy-mediated Aβ-clearing in a TPH-1 cell line model.We explored the effect of d4T on Aβ-autophagy using PBMC of AD patients that were primed with LPS and stimulated with Aβ in the absence/presence of d4T. We analyzed the NLRP3 activity by measuring NLRP3-ASC complexes formation by AMNIS Flow-sight and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18 and Caspase-1) production by ELISA. Western blot analyses were used to measure phosphorylation and protein expression of p38, CREB, ERK and AKT, p70, LAMP 2A, Beclin-1 and Bax.Results: Data showed that d4T: 1) down regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the production of down-stream proinflammatory cytokines even in PBMC; 2) stimulates the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK, p70 as well as LAMP2A production, but does modulate beclin-1, suggesting a selective effect of this compound on chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA); 3) up regulates p-CREB and BAX, possibly diminishing Aβ-mediated cytotoxicity; and 4) reduces the phosphorylation of p-38, a protein involved in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.Conclusions: d4T reduces the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and stimulates CMA autophagy as well as molecular mechanisms that modulate cytotoxicity and reduce inflammation in cells of AD patients. It might be interesting to verify the possibly beneficial effects of d4T in the clinical scenario.

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Cellular Models and Assays to Study NLRP3 Inflammasome Biology

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms21124294 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (12) ◽

pp. 4294 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Giovanni Zito ◽

Marco Buscetta ◽

Maura Cimino ◽

Paola Dino ◽

Fabio Bucchieri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nlrp3 Inflammasome ◽

Inflammatory Diseases ◽

Special Focus ◽

Inflammasome Activation ◽

Cellular Models ◽

Downstream Effects ◽

Wide Range ◽

Molecular Patterns ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that initiates innate immunity responses when exposed to a wide range of stimuli, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Inflammasome activation leads to the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and to pyroptotic cell death. Over-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been associated with several chronic inflammatory diseases. A deep knowledge of NLRP3 inflammasome biology is required to better exploit its potential as therapeutic target and for the development of new selective drugs. To this purpose, in the past few years, several tools have been developed for the biological characterization of the multimeric inflammasome complex, the identification of the upstream signaling cascade leading to inflammasome activation, and the downstream effects triggered by NLRP3 activation. In this review, we will report cellular models and cellular, biochemical, and biophysical assays that are currently available for studying inflammasome biology. A special focus will be on those models/assays that have been used to identify NLRP3 inhibitors and their mechanism of action.

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