白细胞介素-1受体相关激酶-2的共价修饰与激酶活性的研究

白细胞介素-1受体相关激酶-2(IRAK2)是调节IL1和Toll样受体信号通路的一个关键性分子,目前对于共价修饰如何调节IRAK2的活性还所知甚少。当与IRAK1共转染时,IRAK2能被共价修饰,在SDS-PAGE分离中呈现出迁移率变慢的多条电泳带。在小鼠骨髓干细胞分化的巨噬细胞(BMMs)中,内源表达的IRAK2在TLR配体刺激下也呈现出类似的共价修饰。而且IRAK2的共价修饰具有磷酸酯酶敏感性,提示大部分为磷酸化修饰。通过体外磷酸激酶活性分析,发现巨噬细胞中表达的IRAK2能在LPS诱导下被激活,成为一个具有激酶活性的调节蛋白。进一步研究发现激酶灭活的IRAK2突变体不能重建IRAK2基因敲除巨噬细胞的功能。通过Western杂交和定量PCR分析,发现IRAK2的激酶活性是介导LPS诱导的信号通路和炎症因子表达所必须的。因此,在LPS诱导下,IRAK2可能被IRAK1进行磷酸化修饰而活化,从而介导下游的信号转导通路、诱导炎症因子的表达。     

IRAK-4:TLR/IL-1 R家族共同信号转导系统中的关键因子

最近发现的一种新的白细胞介素1受体相关激酶4(interleukin1receptorassociatedkinase4,IRAK4)不仅可促使白细胞介素1受体相关激酶1(IRAK1)磷酸化,还是IRAK1募集于TLR/IL1R复合物的必要条件,从而成为调控IRAK1生物活性以及内毒素胞内信号转导的最关键分子。充分认识IRAK4的作用机制,将有助于设计出新的针对感染性疾病的治疗策略。     

TRAF7的研究进展

TRAFs家族是一类多功能蛋白,最初是作为TNFR介导的信号通路中的转导分子而被发现的。TRAFs作为信号接头蛋白和调节分子,参与了TNFR、TLRs、NLRs和RLRs等多种受体介导的信号通路。TRAF7是最新发现的TRAF家族成员,因其保守的RING结构域,而具有E3泛素连接酶活性。此外,TRAF7还以其独特机制参与了MAP激酶、TNFR及TLR2介导的信号通路的转导,以及细胞应激、分化和凋亡等重要生理过程的调控,与乳腺癌、脑膜瘤等多种疾病的发生密切相关。结合最新研究进展对TRAF7的结构、功能及其参与的生物学过程进行综述。     

尼罗罗非鱼traf6基因表达谱及信号转导

肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)是一种重要的接头蛋白,在Toll样受体/白细胞介素-1受体(TLR/IL-1R)超家族所触发的信号通路中起重要作用,与先天性免疫密切相关。文章研究了尼罗罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)traf6的表达模式和初步的功能。在健康鱼中,traf6转录本广泛表达于所有受检组织中,在血液中表达水平最高,在肝脏中最低。在不同的胚胎发育阶段也检测到traf6的表达。在无乳链球菌体内感染后,大多数受检组织中traf6 mRNA的表达量上调。此外,LPS、Poly I:C和S.agalactiae可显著诱导尼罗罗非鱼巨噬细胞traf6的表达。此外,在HEK293T细胞中过表达表明,TRAF6分布于细胞质中,可显著提高NF-κB的活性。免疫共沉淀(Co-IP)实验表明,TRAF6可与IRAK1(白细胞介素-1受体相关激酶1)相互作用,IRAK1在TLR/IL-1R信号通路中也起重要作用。在体内,TLR2、TLR21和TLR13b的过表达可上调traf6 mRNA的表达水平,表明TRAF6参与了TLR2、TLR21和TLR13b介导的信号转导,提示TRAF6在病原体入侵的免疫应答中起重要作用。     

Toll样受体4与病毒感染的研究进展

Toll样受体4（TLR4）是固有免疫系统中能够识别病原相关分子模式的受体家族成员,可识别革兰氏阴性菌的脂多糖（LPS）而在细菌感染性疾病的发生中起重要作用。近年来越来越多的研究发现,TLR4还广泛参与病毒感染性疾病的发生和病毒的免疫逃逸,由于其信号转导通路的独特性和细胞定位的可变性,再次引起人们极大的研究兴趣。该文将介绍TLR4的生物学特性、信号转导通路及TLR4与病毒感染的最新研究进展。     

单纯疱疹病毒US3衣壳蛋白在TRAF6泛素化时或之前抑制Toll样受体2信号通路

单纯疱疹病毒（HSV ）能通过多种策略来调节宿主免疫反应。通过对 HSV开放读码框架的筛选发现, HSV编码的额外蛋白能影响核因子κB（NF-κB）信号通路,确定了病毒US3衣壳蛋白是NF-κB信号通路的抑制剂。该研究发现,在感染早期 US3蛋白能抑制病毒感染引起的Toll样受体2（TLR2）信号通路激活。US3在转染细胞中过表达能抑制酵母多糖引起的 TLR2信号通路激活,且这种抑制作用发生在MyD88的下游和p65的上游。在TLR2信号通路中,TRAF6的泛素化至关重要。使用US3-null和US3激酶突变病毒株,证明HSV US3蛋白能降低TRAF6泛素化,且US3激酶活性是这种作用所必需。结果提示,US3是有效抑制TLR2信号通路所必需且发生在TRAF6泛素化时或之前。     

P90核糖体S6蛋白激酶家族与人类疾病的关系

P90核糖体S6激酶(ribosomal S6 kinase,RSK)属于苏氨酸/丝氨酸激酶家族,是Raf-MEK-ERK级联信号通路下游重要的一级效应分子,通过磷酸化大量的细胞内蛋白来调节细胞分裂、存活和分化等,迄今已发现此家族有4个成员,在人体各种细胞及组织中的分布和作用不同,它们的异常表达可能会产生不同的病理改变.本文对RSKs与某些疾病发生发展的关系及可能的机制做简要综述.     

MiRNA在TLR信号通路中的负性调控作用

TLR信号是生物体重要的病原体模式识别信号,在免疫识别和炎症反应中具有重要作用,其信号异常会导致许多免疫和炎症相关疾病的发生,因此探讨和明确TLR信号通路的调控机制具有非常重要的意义。近年来研究发现,作为重要的基因表达调控的小分子RNA,微RNA(microRNA,miRNA)能与TLR信号通路中众多靶基因mRNA的3’UTR区结合,从而抑制翻译过程或降解mRNA来发挥负性调控作用。本文就miRNA对TLR信号通路中的一些受体、信号分子、调节因子和细胞因子的负性调控作用方面进行阐述。     

TLR3免疫识别dsRNA病毒的分子机制

1984年,果蝇的Toll样蛋白被发现。13年后,人们发现了第一个与果蝇Toll蛋白同源的人Toll样受体(toll like receptor,TLR)蛋白(hTLR4)。迄今,已有10种TLR蛋白(即hTLR1～10)被发现,它们代表了一类保守的受体家族,分别识别不同的抗原。其中TLR3能专一性地识别双链RNA(double stranded RNA,dsRNA),通过依赖MyD88的信号通路及不依赖MyD88的信号通路,     

基于TLR4/MYD88信号通路探讨大黄牡丹汤对急性胰腺炎大鼠模型的保护作用

目的基于TLR4/MYD88信号通路研究大黄牡丹汤对逆行性胰胆管注射法制作急性胰腺炎(acute pancreatitis,AP)大鼠模型的保护作用。方法 SPF级Wistar大鼠96只,按照随机数字表法分为:假手术组、AP模型观察组、奥曲肽阳性对照组、大黄牡丹汤高、中、低剂量组,除假手术组经胰胆管逆行注射生理盐水,其余各组均采用经胰胆管逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠溶液造模,给与药物干预6 d。观察大鼠一般生存状况;测定血清淀粉酶(AMS)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)含量; HE观察胰腺病理组织改变; RT-PCR、Westen Blot、IHC法检测胰腺组织TLR4、MYD88、IRAK-2、IRAK-4基因蛋白表达水平; ELISA法检测胰腺组织中炎性因子IL-2、iNOS、IFN-γ含量。结果 (1)与假手术组比较,AP模型观察组大鼠一般生存状况相对较差,血清淀粉酶(AMS)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)均显著升高,镜下可见胰腺组织结构散乱,坏死、充血严重,胰腺组织中TLR4、MYD88、IRAK-2、IRAK-4基因蛋白表达水平均显著升高,胰腺组织匀浆液中IL-2、iNOS、IFN-γ含量均显著升高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);(2)干预后,各治疗组大鼠一般生存状况有不同程度改善,血清淀粉酶(AMS)、谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)均下降,镜下间质性水肿以及坏死灶明显改善,胰腺组织中TLR4、MYD88、IRAK-2、IRAK-4基因蛋白表达水平均下降,胰腺组织匀浆液中IL-2、iNOS、IFN-γ含量均下降,其中尤以大黄牡丹汤高剂量组显著,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论大黄牡丹汤改善急性胰腺炎大鼠胰腺损伤,其作用机制可能与抑制TLR4/MYD88信号通路有关。     

IRAK-M is a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor signaling

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect microorganisms and protect multicellular organisms from infection. TLRs transduce their signals through MyD88 and the serine/threonine kinase IRAK. The IRAK family consists of two active kinases, IRAK and IRAK-4, and two inactive kinases, IRAK-2 and IRAK-M. IRAK-M expression is restricted to monocytes/macrophages, whereas other IRAKs are ubiquitous. We show here that IRAK-M is induced upon TLR stimulation and negatively regulates TLR signaling. IRAK-M prevented dissociation of IRAK and IRAK-4 from MyD88 and formation of IRAK-TRAF6 complexes. IRAK-M(-/-) cells exhibited increased cytokine production upon TLR/IL-1 stimulation and bacterial challenge, and IRAK-M(-/-) mice showed increased inflammatory responses to bacterial infection. Endotoxin tolerance, a protection mechanism against endotoxin shock, was significantly reduced in IRAK-M(-/-) cells. Thus, IRAK-M regulates TLR signaling and innate immune homeostasis.     

Functional diversity and regulation of different interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family members

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) was first described as a signal transducer for the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) and was later implicated in signal transduction of other members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) family. In the meantime, four different IRAK-like molecules have been identified: two active kinases, IRAK-1 and IRAK-4, and two inactive kinases, IRAK-2 and IRAK-M. All IRAKs mediate activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Although earlier observations suggested that IRAKs have redundant functions, this hypothesis is now challenged by knockout studies. Furthermore, recent data imply a role for IRAK-1 in tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily-induced signaling pathways as well. The scope of this review is to highlight the specific role of different IRAKs and to discuss several mechanisms that contribute to their activation and regulation.     

IRAK-M is a novel member of the Pelle/interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family.

The interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) was first described as a signal transducer for interleukin-1 (IL-1) and has later been implicated in signal transduction of other members of the Toll/IL-1 receptor family. We now report the identification and characterization of a novel IRAK-like molecule. In contrast to the ubiquitously expressed IRAK and IRAK-2, this new IRAK-like molecule is found mainly in cells of monomyeloic origin and is, therefore, designated IRAK-M. Although IRAK-M and IRAK-2 exhibit only a negligible autophosphorylation activity, they can reconstitute the IL-1 response in a 293 mutant cell line lacking IRAK. In addition, we show for the first time that members of the IRAK family are indispensable elements of lipopolysaccharide signal transduction. The discovery of IRAK-M adds another level of complexity to our understanding of signaling by members of the Toll/IL-1 receptor family.     

Nitric oxide activates the expression of IRAK-M via the release of TNF-α in human monocytes

The activation of interleukin receptor associated kinases (IRAK) is an important event in several inflammatory processes. However, exposing monocytes to a nitric oxide (NO) donor inhibits the activity of IRAK-1 and its molecular interaction with TNF receptor associated factor-6 (TRAF6). Despite the fact that NO is known to regulate many events in the immune and vascular system, the mechanism that underlies this inhibition remains unknown. We have recently demonstrated that IRAK-M inhibits the TLR/IRAK pathway during endotoxin tolerance and thus, we hypothesized that IRAK-M may be involved in the inhibition of IRAK-1 activity in the presence of NO. Hence, we have analyzed the expression of IRAK-M in human monocytes following exposure to a NO donor (GSNO) and we have observed that GSNO was capable of inducing IRAK-M mRNA and protein expression 8 and 20 h after stimulation, respectively. It is known that NO induces the expression of TNF-alpha in monocytes and we found that exposure to TNF-alpha induced IRAK-M mRNA expression in human monocytes within 2 h of stimulation. Furthermore, the expression of IRAK-M induced by GSNO was inhibited by the presence of a blocking antibody raised against TNF-alpha. Thus, our data indicate that stimulation of human monocytes with a NO donor results in a clear induction of IRAK-M and this is dependent on the release of TNF-alpha by this kind of cells.     

Differential regulation and role of interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase-M in innate immunity signaling

Toll-like-receptor mediated signaling is finely regulated by a complex intracellular protein network including the interleukin-1 receptor associate kinases (IRAKs). IRAK-4, 1, and 2 may positively regulate innate immunity signaling through the activation of various downstream kinases such as MAPKs. In contrast, IRAK-M plays an inhibitory role through unknown mechanism. In this report, we show that IRAK-M is ubiquitously present in the cell, and becomes exclusively cytoplasmic upon bacterial lipoprotein Pam(3)CSK(4) challenge. Furthermore, using bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) from wild type, IRAK1(-/-), and IRAK-M(-/-) mice, we have herein demonstrated that IRAK-M selectively attenuates bacterial lipopeptide Pam(3)CSK(4)-induced p38 activation, but not ERK or JNK. IRAK1(-/-) and IRAK-M(-/-)BMDM display distinct activation profile of various MAP kinases upon Pam(3)CSK(4) challenge, indicating that IRAK-M exerts its inhibitory effect through an IRAK1 independent pathway. Pam(3)CSK(4) challenge leads to rapid decrease of MKP-1 protein level in IRAK-M(-/-)BMDM as well as THP-1 cells with decreased IRAK-M expression through siRNA interference. Our findings indicate that IRAK-M selectively attenuates p38 activation and inhibits innate immunity through stabilizing MKP-1.     

TIRP,a novel Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adapter protein involved in TIR signaling

The Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) family members play important roles in host defense. These receptors signal through TIR domain-containing adapter proteins. In this report, we identified a novel TIR domain-containing adapter protein designated as TIRP. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that TIRP is associated with IL-1 receptors. TIRP also interacts with kinase-inactive mutants of IRAK and IRAK-4, IRAK-2, IRAK-M, and TRAF6. Overexpression of TIRP activates NF-kappaB and potentiates IL-1 receptor-mediated NF-kappaB activation. A dominant negative mutant of TIRP inhibits IL-1- but not tumor necrosis factor-triggered NF-kappaB activation. Moreover, TIRP-mediated NF-kappaB activation is inhibited by dominant negative mutants of IRAK, IRAK-2, TRAF6, and IKKbeta. Our findings suggest that TIRP is involved in IL-1-triggered NF-kappaB activation and functions upstream of IRAK, IRAK-2, TRAF6, and IKKbeta     

The murine IRAK2 gene encodes four alternatively spliced isoforms, two of which are inhibitory

The interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases (IRAKs) are important downstream signaling components of Toll-like receptors (TLRs). To date, four mammalian IRAKs have been found, namely IRAK-1, IRAK-2, IRAK-4, and IRAK-M. Herein, we show a detailed analysis of the genomic region encompassing the murine Irak2 gene and the molecular cloning of four isoforms of Irak2 (designated Irak2a, Irak2b, Irak2c, and Irak2d) generated by alternative splicing at the 5'-end of the gene. This alternative splicing has direct effects on the expression of the N-terminal death domain and/or inter-domain. No evidence of similar alternative splicing was found for the human IRAK2 gene. When overexpressed, Irak2a and Irak2b potentiated NF-kappaB activation by lipopolysaccharide. Importantly, Irak2c and Irak2d were inhibitory. The promoter for Irak2c differed from that of the other Irak2 isoforms in that it contained putative NF-kappaB binding sites. Lipopolysaccharide induced the expression of Irak2c, indicating a possible negative feedback effect on the signaling pathway. Alternative splicing of the Irak2 gene in mice will therefore generate agonistic or antagonistic Irak2 isoforms, which is likely to have consequences for the regulation of TLR signaling. These observations identify another distinguishing feature between mice and humans in the TLR system that is likely to be due to differences in the selective pressure imposed by pathogens on each species during evolution.     

Cutting edge: molecular structure of the IL-1R-associated kinase-4 death domain and its implications for TLR signaling

IL-1R-associated kinase (IRAK) 4 is an essential component of innate immunity. IRAK-4 deficiency in mice and humans results in severe impairment of IL-1 and TLR signaling. We have solved the crystal structure for the death domain of Mus musculus IRAK-4 to 1.7 A resolution. This is the first glimpse of the structural details of a mammalian IRAK family member. The crystal structure reveals a six-helical bundle with a prominent loop, which among IRAKs and Pelle, a Drosophila homologue, is unique to IRAK-4. This highly structured loop contained between helices two and three, comprises an 11-aa stretch. Although innate immune domain recognition is thought to be very similar between Drosophila and mammals, this structural component points to a drastic difference. This structure can be used as a framework for future mutation and deletion studies and potential drug design.     

Procyanidin dimer B2-mediated IRAK-M induction negatively regulates TLR4 signaling in macrophages

Polyphenolic compounds have been found to possess a wide range of physiological activities that may contribute to their beneficial effects against inflammation-related diseases; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this anti-inflammatory activity are not completely characterized, and many features remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for the down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal transduction by procyanidin dimer B2 (Pro B2) in macrophages. Pro B2 markedly elevated the expression of the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-M protein, a negative regulator of TLR signaling. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of cell surface molecules (CD80, CD86, and MHC class I/II) and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p70) were inhibited by Pro B2, and this action was prevented by IRAK-M silencing. In addition, Pro B2-treated macrophages inhibited LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and the translocation of nuclear factor κB and p65 through IRAK-M. We also found that Pro B2-treated macrophages inactivated naïve T cells by inhibiting LPS-induced interferon-γ and IL-2 secretion through IRAK-M. These novel findings provide new insights into the understanding of negative regulatory mechanisms of the TLR4 signaling pathway and the immune-pharmacological role of Pro B2 in the immune response against the development and progression of many chronic diseases.