NLRP3炎性小体研究新进展

NLRP3炎性小体是一种分子量约为700Kda的大分子多蛋白复合体,能被多种病原相关的分子模式或损伤相关的分子模式活化,对固有免疫系统免疫功能的发挥具有极其重要的作用。但如果其被过度激活则可通过活化的半胱天冬酶-1持续地将pro-IL-1β和pro-IL-18剪切为成熟的IL-1β和IL-18,进而激活下游信号转导通路,产生大量的炎性介质,引起机体发生严重的炎症反应,最终促进多种炎症性疾病的发生与发展,如Muckle—wells综合征、2型糖尿病、非酒精性脂肪肝、动脉粥样硬化、炎症性肠病和阿尔兹海默病等。因此,对NLRP3炎性小体进行深入的研究不仅有助于阐释固有免疫系统如何有效地发挥其免疫功能,而且作为系列炎症反应的核心,NLRP3炎性小体：还可能成为多种炎症性疾病防治的新靶点。我们就NLRP3炎性小体的结构与功能,激活与调控,分布与疾病的近期研究作一综：违。     

炎性体与器官移植

炎性体是指存在于细胞质内能够激活半胱天冬酶-1（caspase-1）的大分子复合物,活化的caspase-1通过酶切白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）和白细胞介素-18（IL-18）前体分子而生成具有生物学活性的IL-1β和IL-18.近来研究发现,炎性体分子NLRP1、NLRP2、NLRP5、CARD8、CASP5的基因型与移植的临床结果相关,心脏移植排斥反应时ASC和IL-1β的表达升高,缺血再灌注损伤中NLRP3炎性体激活增加IL-1β分泌,表明炎性体的激活与移植排斥反应和缺血再灌注损伤密切相关,但诱导炎性体活化的配体和参与的炎性体分子有待进一步研究.     

NLRP3炎症小体介导的炎症相关疾病研究进展

炎症小体在炎症相关疾病的发生发展中发挥重要作用,其中NLRP3炎症小体能够被多种病原相关分子模式(pathogen-associated molecular patterns,PAMPs)和损伤相关分子模式(damage-associated molecular patterns,DAMPs)激活,进而活化caspase-1,释放成熟形式的IL-1β和IL-18,引起机体的炎症反应,并参与多种疾病的发生发展,包括2型糖尿病、痛风、动脉粥样硬化、神经退行性疾病、肿瘤、炎症性肠病等。因此,研究NLRP3炎症小体的作用机制不仅有助于加深对炎症性疾病发生发展的认识,也为寻找此类疾病的潜在治疗靶点提供了新的思路。就NLRP3炎症小体在炎症相关疾病中的研究进展作一综述。     

NLRP3炎症小体与自身免疫性疾病的相关性研究进展

炎症小体是存在于细胞内由激活自身免疫应答的多种蛋白质组成的复合体,可诱导半胱天冬蛋白酶(caspase)-1自我剪切,caspase-1能够调控白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-18的产生,并进而刺激炎症小体的形成和分泌,调控机体的自身免疫应答反应。NLRP3炎症小体属于NOD样受体家族,是一种胞内模式识别受体,主要存在于巨噬细胞和树突状细胞,发挥激活机体免疫炎症的关键作用。病原相关分子模式及损伤相关分子模式与NLRPs结合,启动固有免疫应答,从而导致自身免疫性疾病的发生和发展。本文通过分析归纳近年来炎症小体与自身免疫性疾病的相关性的研究进展,以期为以炎症小体为作用靶点,防治自身免疫性疾病的研究提供指导。     

NLRP3炎性小体激活调控机制及其在类风湿性关节炎中的潜在作用

NOD样受体热蛋白结构域相关蛋白3(NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3,NLRP3)炎性小体是一种多蛋白复合物,在非特异性免疫中发挥重要作用,可以通过K+外流、溶酶体损伤、线粒体功能障碍和活性氧生成等途径被激活,产生具有生物活性的白介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、IL-18和肿瘤坏死因子α(tumor necrosis factor alpha,TNF-α),从而导致细胞死亡,激活适应性免疫。NLRP3基因多态性、表达水平、激活状态都与类风湿性关节炎的疾病进程关系密切,并且NLRP3炎性小体异常激活驱动的慢性炎症在类风湿性关节炎发生发展中发挥重要作用。本文就NLRP3炎性小体的分子结构、基本生物学功能及其与类风湿性关节炎疾病进程之间的相关性作一综述,以期为防治该类自身免疫性疾病提供新思路。     

NLRP3炎症小体在真菌感染中的作用机制研究进展

炎症小体(Inflammasome)是细胞内识别危险信号的多蛋白复合体,是固有免疫的重要组成部分,NOD样受体家族含热蛋白结构域蛋白3炎症小体(NLRP3)是目前研究最多的一种炎症小体。真菌感染中,NLRP3炎症小体通路募集半胱天冬蛋白酶的前体半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶1(pro-caspase-1)自身剪切活化,活化后的半胱天冬蛋白酶(Caspase-1),通过对促炎因子IL-1β(interleukin-1β, IL-1β)和IL-18(interleukin-18, IL-18)的激活,引起宿主的炎症反应,在宿主免疫应答中发挥了重要作用。     

NLRP3炎性小体与脑缺血性损伤

炎性小体是一种蛋白质复合物,作为固有免疫的感受器,在清除病原体感染和有害物质中发挥重要作用。但是,炎性小体的过度活化也是导致自身免疫性疾病和代谢性疾病的主要原因。NLRP3(NLR family,pyrin domain containing 3)炎性小体作为炎性小体中研究最透彻最热门的一种,是炎症反应的核心,在神经系统炎症中发挥了重要作用,并且介导了多种神经变性疾病的发生发展过程。本文综述了NLRP3炎性小体的结构、NLRP3炎性小体在脑缺血性损伤中的作用以及相关调控机制。     

炎性小体在阿尔茨海默病发病中作用的研究进展

阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)是一种神经退行性疾病,严重威胁老年人的身体健康。近年研究发现,脑内炎性小体的活化参与该病的发生、发展过程。炎性小体作为一种大分子蛋白复合物,激活Caspase-1前体蛋白,导致炎性因子如IL-1β、IL-18等的成熟与释放,从而引起炎症反应。目前炎性小体与AD的关系仍需进一步研究,本文就炎性小体与AD的研究现状进行综述。     

结核分枝杆菌感染对NLRP3炎性小体活化的调控作用研究进展

结核病(tuberculosis, TB)是一种主要由结核分枝杆菌(Mycobacterium tuberculosis,Mtb)感染引起的世界范围内影响广泛的细菌性疾病。巨噬细胞通过细胞表面表达的多种受体感知进而吞噬Mtb。Mtb侵染巨噬细胞时,ESX-1等分泌系统会激活以NLRP3为代表的炎性小体,并促进下游IL-18和IL-1β的活化和分泌。同时Mtb也可以通过Zmp1、Ptp A等方式抑制NLRP3炎性小体活化,使Mtb得以在宿主细胞内存活和繁殖。揭示NLRP3炎性小体在Mtb感染中的作用及活化机制,可为结核病的预防和治疗提供参考。     

Nek7与NLRP3炎性小体激活机制的研究进展

目前,Nod样受体蛋白3(nod-like receptor protein 3,NLRP3)炎性小体在免疫与人类疾病中的重要性已经得到公认,但NLRP3炎性小体的具体激活机制尚不清楚。NIMA相关蛋白激酶7(NIMA-related kinase 7,Nek7)参与NLRP3炎性小体激活,最终导致白介素IL-1β、IL-18的成熟及分泌。同时Nek7也被证实参与有丝分裂纺锤体形成和中心体的分离,且发现NLRP3炎性小体的激活和有丝分裂不能同时发生。因此,Nek7可能作为有丝分裂和NLRP3炎性小体激活两者之间的转换。本文就Nek7及NLRP3炎性小体的激活关系做一综述,以期为炎症性疾病提供新的治疗方向。     

蛇毒与细胞因子研究进展

全世界共有蛇类2500余种,其中毒蛇约650余种,估计每年被毒蛇咬伤的人数在30万以上,死亡率约为10％。我国蛇类有160余种,其中毒蛇约有50余种。剧毒、危害剧大的有10种,如眼镜蛇王、金环蛇、眼镜蛇、五步蛇、银环蛇、蝰蛇、蝮蛇、竹叶青、烙铁头、海蛇等,咬伤后能致人于死亡。我国两广地区蛇害严重,每年蛇咬伤的发病率约为25/10000。蛇毒的成分比较复杂．主要由蛋白质、多肽类和多种酶类组成。蛇毒对机体的作用比较复杂,按其有毒成分的毒理作用可分为神经毒、血循环毒和混合毒三类。银环蛇、金环蛇、海蛇的蛇毒主要含神经毒,其主要作用特点为通过多种不同的方式阻断神经一肌肉接头的冲动传递而导致呼吸肌麻痹,是蛇伤致死的主要原因;蝰蛇、五步蛇、烙铁头和竹叶青的蛇毒主要含血循环毒,包括心脏毒、凝血毒、溶血毒、蛋白水解酶、透明质酸酶等;眼镜王蛇等蛇毒属于混合毒,此类蛇毒既含神经毒成分,又含血循环毒成分。     

Suppression of IL-2-induced SAA gene expression in mice by the administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist

The hepatic acute phase response induced by the administration of interleukin (IL)-2 is most likely mediated by secondary cytokines. In this investigation, we examined the role of endogenous IL-1 in the synthesis of the hepatic acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) during IL-2 treatment. The injection of IL-2 induced SAA gene expression in the liver. The concurrent administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) markedly reduced hepatic SAA mRNA levels and, to a lesser extent, SAA protein levels in the serum. Although IL-1 is an inducer of IL-6 production, the administration of the IL-1RA had no effect on circulating IL-6 levels in IL-2-treated mice. These findings suggest that the production of IL-1 is an important factor in the induction of SAA mRNA in mice undergoing immunotherapy with IL-2.     

Reconstitution of ST2 (IL-1R4) specific for IL-33 activity; no suppression by IL-1Ra though a common chain IL-1R3 (IL-1RAcP) shared with IL-1

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) receptors are composed of ST2 (also known as IL-1R4), a ligand binding chain, and IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP, also known as IL-1R3), a signal transducing chain. IL-1R3 is a common receptor for IL-1α, and IL-1β, IL-33, and three IL-36 isoforms. A549 human lung epithelial cells are highly sensitive to IL-1α and IL-1β but not respond to IL-33. The lack of responsiveness to IL-33 is due to ST2 expression. ST2 was stably transfected into A549 cells to reconstitute its activity. RT-PCR and FACS analysis confirmed ST2 expression on the cell surface of A549/ST2 cells. Upon IL-33 stimulation, A549/ST2 cells induced IL-8 and IL-6 production in a dose dependent manner while A549/mock cells remained unresponsive. There was no difference in IL-1α and IL-1β activity in A549/ST2 cells compared to A549/mock cells despite the fact that IL-33 shares IL-1R3 with IL-1α/β. IL-33 activated inflammatory signaling molecules in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Anti-ST2 antibody and soluble recombinant ST2-Fc abolished IL-33-induced IL-6 and IL-8 production in A549/ST2 cells but the IL-1 receptor antagonist failed to block IL-33-induced cytokines. This result demonstrates for the first time the reconstitution of ST2 in A549 human lung epithelial cell line and verified its function in IL-33-mediated cytokine production and signal transduction.     

Generation and characterization of ABT-981, a dual variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-IgTM) molecule that specifically and potently neutralizes both IL-1α and IL-1β

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) cytokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1Ra contribute to immune regulation and inflammatory processes by exerting a wide range of cellular responses, including expression of cytokines and chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and nitric oxide synthetase. IL-1α and IL-1β bind to IL-1R1 complexed to the IL-1 receptor accessory protein and induce similar physiological effects. Preclinical and clinical studies provide significant evidence for the role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), including cartilage degradation, bone sclerosis, and synovial proliferation. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of ABT-981, a dual variable domain immunoglobulin (DVD-Ig) of the IgG1/k subtype that specifically and potently neutralizes IL-1α and IL-1β. In ABT-981, the IL-1β variable domain resides in the outer domain of the DVD-Ig, whereas the IL-1α variable domain is located in the inner position. ABT-981 specifically binds to IL-1α and IL-1β, and is physically capable of binding 2 human IL-1α and 2 human IL-1β molecules simultaneously. Single-dose intravenous and subcutaneous pharmacokinetics studies indicate that ABT-981 has a half-life of 8.0 to 10.4 d in cynomolgus monkey and 10.0 to 20.3 d in rodents. ABT-981 exhibits suitable drug-like-properties including affinity, potency, specificity, half-life, and stability for evaluation in human clinical trials. ABT-981 offers an exciting new approach for the treatment of OA, potentially addressing both disease modification and symptom relief as a disease-modifying OA drug.     

Large intra-individual variability of plasma cytokines in healthy young men: a two 24-h study over a month

Cytokine levels in blood are not yet fully considered as biomarkers for disease even if some significant progresses have been made in linking certain cytokines to some diseases. The aim of this study was to look for the stability of some cytokines in blood collected in two different days separated by one month. Fifteen healthy young men aged 20–30 years were selected for this study. Each subject participated in two 24-h sessions spaced a month apart. Blood sample was taken at 11:00, 17:00, 22:00, 01:00, 04:00, 06:00, and 08:00. Concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-1-receptor antagonist, soluble IL-2 receptor, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-2 were measured in serum. The circadian pattern of each variable was compared between the two days. The results show that there is no reliability for the measured cytokines. This study shows that cytokine levels measured in blood are neither reliable variables nor considered as stable markers in healthy subjects.     

The M20 IL-1 inhibitor prevents onset of adjuvant arthritis

Cytokines, specifically IL-1 and TNF, have been implicated as important mediators of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Elevated levels of IL-1 in the joint fluid of patients with RA have been reported, as well as the presence of IL-1 inhibitory activity. We have reported the characterization of an inhibitor derived from a myelomonocytic cell line cloned in our laboratory which is specific for IL-1. This IL-1 inhibitor is protein in nature which specifically inhibits activityin vitro andin vivo. Previous studies showed that the inhibitor reduced acute inflammatory reactions associated with IL-1 (fever, leukocytosis, local foot pad swelling, lymph node enlargement and acute phase reactants). Thus it was of interest to study whether the M20 IL-1 inhibitor could modify adjuvant-induced chronic inflammation in rats, which is often used as a model for human RA. Administration of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into Lewis rats, resulted in a severe adjuvant arthritis (AA) which reached peak severity after 14 days. Daily administration of IL-1 inhibitor, beginning after injection of CFA, abolished the appearance of AA. The parameters investigated were: joint swelling (the increase in diameter of joints), peri-articular erythema, limping of the rats and histological examination. The effect of the M20 IL-1 inhibitor was shown to be dose dependent and the IL-1 inhibitor alone had no adverse effects. These results indicate that the M20 IL-1 inhibitor may have a role in the treatment of AA and may be used to reduce pathological processes in joint inflammation.     

Interleukin-36 (IL-36) ligands require processing for full agonist (IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ) or antagonist (IL-36Ra) activity

IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ (formerly IL-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9) are IL-1 family members that signal through the IL-1 receptor family members IL-1Rrp2 (IL-1RL2) and IL-1RAcP. IL-36Ra (formerly IL-1F5) has been reported to antagonize IL-36γ. However, our previous attempts to demonstrate IL-36Ra antagonism were unsuccessful. Here, we demonstrate that IL-36Ra antagonist activity is dependent upon removal of its N-terminal methionine. IL-36Ra starting at Val-2 is fully active and capable of inhibiting not only IL-36γ but also IL-36α and IL-36β. Val-2 of IL-36Ra lies 9 amino acids N-terminal to an A-X-Asp motif conserved in all IL-1 family members. In further experiments, we show that truncation of IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ to this same point increased their specific activity by ～10(3)-10(4)-fold (from EC(50) 1 μg/ml to EC(50) 1 ng/ml). Inhibition of truncated IL-36β activity required ～10(2)-10(3)-fold excess IL-36Ra, similar to the ratio required for IL-1Ra to inhibit IL-1β. Chimeric receptor experiments demonstrated that the extracellular (but not cytoplasmic) domain of IL-1Rrp2 or IL-1R1 is required for inhibition by their respective natural antagonists. IL-36Ra bound to IL-1Rrp2, and pretreatment of IL-1Rrp2-expressing cells with IL-36Ra prevented IL-36β-mediated co-immunoprecipitation of IL-1Rrp2 with IL-1RAcP. Taken together, these results suggest that the mechanism of IL-36Ra antagonism is analogous to that of IL-1Ra, such that IL-36Ra binds to IL-1Rrp2 and prevents IL-1RAcP recruitment and the formation of a functional signaling complex. In addition, truncation of IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ dramatically enhances their activity, suggesting that post-translational processing is required for full activity.     

Evidence for interleukin-1-independent stimulation of interleukin-12 and down-regulation by interleukin-10 in Helicobacter pylori-infected murine dendritic cells deficient in the interleukin-1 receptor

Helicobacter pylori infection is characterized by infiltration of cells of the immune system, including dendritic cells, into the gastric mucosa. During chronic inflammation with Helicobacter pylori infection, a variety of cytokines are secreted into the mucosa, including interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). The role of IL-1 in H. pylori infection was investigated using bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells from wild-type and IL-1 receptor-deficient (IL-1R-/-) mice. Dendritic cells were incubated with H. pylori at a multiplicity of infection of 10 and 100, and cytokine production evaluated. Helicobacter pylori SS1, H. pylori SD4, and an isogenic cagE mutant of SD4 stimulated IL-12, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha at comparable levels in dendritic cells from both wild-type and IL-1R-/- mice. IL-10 production required the higher inoculum, while IL-12 was decreased at this bacterial load. Pretreatment of dendritic cells with an antibody to IL-10 resulted in an increased production of IL-12, confirming the down-regulation of IL-12 by IL-10. cagE was required for maximum stimulation of IL-12 by H. pylori. We speculate that the down-regulation of IL-12 by IL-10 at the higher multiplicity of infection represents the modulation of the host inflammatory response in vivo by H. pylori when the bacterial load is high, allowing for persistent colonization of the gastric mucosa.     

The enigmatic role of IL-38 in inflammatory diseases

IL-38 is the most recently discovered cytokine of the IL-1 family and is considered a potential inhibitor of the IL-1 and Toll-like receptor families. IL-38 exerts anti-inflammatory properties, especially on macrophages, by inhibiting secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to reduced T-lymphocyte TH17 maturation. IL-38 has been studied most extensively in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly arthritis, where it is considered an attractive new drug candidate. IL-38 research has entered a new phase, with the realization that IL-38 is important in the pathophysiology of TH17 dependent-diseases (psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis). In this review, we provide a critical evaluation of several controversial issues concerning IL-38 function and regulation. There is effectively contrasting data regarding IL-38: it is produced in conditions such as apoptosis, necrosis or inflammation, but data is lacking regarding IL-38 processing and biological function. Furthermore, the receptor for IL-38 has yet to be identified, although three candidate receptors – IL-1R1, IL-36R and IL-1RAPL1–have been proposed. Future studies will hopefully uncover new aspects of this enigmatic cytokine.