聚合度7-15的壳寡糖抑制脂多糖刺激的单核细胞产生TNF-α和IL-8的作用研究

本文通过建立脂多糖刺激的单核细胞炎症损伤模型,观察聚合度7-15的壳寡糖对炎性单核细胞白细胞介素-8(IL-8)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)表达的影响,及对p38丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,p38MAPK)信号通路磷酸化的影响。采用p38信号通路抑制剂(SB203580)验证抑制p38信号通路对脂多糖诱导的单核细胞表达IL-8和TNF-α的作用,从而探索壳寡糖抑制单核细胞炎性损伤的分子机制。结果表明壳寡糖可抑制脂多糖诱导的单核细胞表达IL-8和TNF-α,并且抑制p38信号蛋白的磷酸化水平。因此,初步认为壳寡糖可能通过抑制炎性U937细胞中p38MAPK信号通路抑制IL-8和TNF-α的表达。     

大黄素对HT-29 细胞MAPKs 信号通路活化及IL-8 分泌的影响

目的:研究大黄素对IFN-和LPS刺激的人结肠癌细胞株HT-29细胞的ERK、JNK和p38 MARK和IL-8表达的影响。方法:人结肠癌细胞株HT-29细胞与40 ng/mL的IFN-共培养12 h,再加入100 ng/mL LPS刺激15 min,用大黄素预处理进行干预。ELISA检测HT-29细胞内的ERK、JNK和p38 MARK含量和细胞上清IL-8含量。结果:IFN-γ和LPS刺激后HT-29细胞的ERK、JNK和p38 MARK磷酸化水平和IL-8分泌明显升高。大黄素对p38和JNK磷酸化有明显的抑制作用,而对ERK磷酸化则没有明显抑制作用;大黄素能显著降低IFN-γ+LPS所引起的HT-29细胞IL-8的大量产生,并且呈明显的剂量依赖关系。结论:大黄素能有效抑制IFN-γ+LPS所引起的HT-29细胞p38和JNK的磷酸化,并显著降低IL-8分泌。     

血清淀粉样蛋白A经p38-MAPK/SR-BI途径促进巨噬细胞炎症反应北大核心CSCD

为探讨血清淀粉样蛋白A(serum amyloid A,SAA)对巨噬细胞B类I型清道夫受体(scavenger receptor class B type I,SR-BI)的表达以及炎症反应的影响及分子机制,采用SAA、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38-MAPK)激动剂anisomycin或抑制剂SB203580处理THP-1巨噬细胞,以实时定量PCR、Western blot和ELISA分别检测细胞中SR-BI、炎症因子及磷酸化p38-MAPK的表达。结果显示,与对照组相比,SAA处理THP-1细胞后,SR-BI的表达下调,而炎症因子与磷酸化p38蛋白的表达则上调,且这种效应呈浓度和时间依赖性(P<0.05)。与SAA单独处理组比较,SAA与p38-MAPK激动剂anisomycin共孵育细胞后,细胞SR-BI表达下调,炎症因子及磷酸化p38蛋白表达增加(P<0.05);而SAA与p38-MAPK抑制剂SB203580共同处理细胞后,细胞SR-BI表达增加,炎症因子及磷酸化p38蛋白表达减少(P<0.05)。结果提示,SAA可促进THP-1巨噬细胞炎症反应,其机制与p38-MAPK的磷酸化及SR-BI表达的下调有关。     

姜黄素对内毒素诱导肠黏膜微血管内皮细胞COX-2表达的影响及机制研究

目的探讨姜黄素对LPS诱导的大鼠肠黏膜微血管内皮细胞表达COX-2的影响及机制。方法选用大鼠肠黏膜微血管内皮细胞,随机分组,用p38MAPK抑制剂、PPARγ拮抗剂、姜黄素进行干预。荧光定量RT-PCR检测COX-2 mRNA的表达量,WB法检测其相关蛋白。结果LPS组较正常对照组COX-2增高3.5倍,差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。姜黄素组、p38MAPK选择性抑制剂组、PPARγ拮杭剂组较LPS组,COX-2明显降低。阻断p38MAPK后,COX-2蛋白表达下降。姜黄素可以增加PPARγ、COX-2、p-p38的表达。结论姜黄素可降低COX-2表达水平,p38MAPK、PPARγ通路参与姜黄素调控COX-2的表达。     

血清淀粉样蛋白A经p38-MAPK/SR-BI途径促进巨噬细胞炎症反应

为探讨血清淀粉样蛋白A(serum amyloid A,SAA)对巨噬细胞B类I型清道夫受体(scavenger receptor class B type I,SR-BI)的表达以及炎症反应的影响及分子机制,采用SAA、p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38-MAPK)激动剂anisomycin或抑制剂SB203580处理THP-1巨噬细胞,以实时定量PCR、Western blot和ELISA分别检测细胞中SR-BI、炎症因子及磷酸化p38-MAPK的表达。结果显示,与对照组相比,SAA处理THP-1细胞后,SR-BI的表达下调,而炎症因子与磷酸化p38蛋白的表达则上调,且这种效应呈浓度和时间依赖性(P0.05)。与SAA单独处理组比较,SAA与p38-MAPK激动剂anisomycin共孵育细胞后,细胞SR-BI表达下调,炎症因子及磷酸化p38蛋白表达增加(P0.05);而SAA与p38-MAPK抑制剂SB203580共同处理细胞后,细胞SR-BI表达增加,炎症因子及磷酸化p38蛋白表达减少(P0.05)。结果提示,SAA可促进THP-1巨噬细胞炎症反应,其机制与p38-MAPK的磷酸化及SR-BI表达的下调有关。     

大黄素对HT-29细胞MAPKs信号通路活化及IL-8分泌的影响

目的：研究大黄素对IFN-和LPS刺激的人结肠癌细胞株HT-29细胞的ERK、JNK和p38MARK和IL-8表达的影响。方法：人结肠癌细胞株HT-29细胞与40ng／mL的IFN．共培养12h,再加入100ng／mLLPS刺激15min,用大黄素预处理进行干预。ELISA检测HT-29细胞内的ERK、JNK和p38MARK含量和细胞上清IL-8含量。结果：IFN-1和LPS刺激后HT-29细胞的ERK、JNK和p38MARK磷酸化水平和IL．8分泌明显升高。大黄素对p38和JNK磷酸化有明显的抑制作用,而对ERK磷酸化则没有明显抑制作用;大黄素能显著降低IFN-γ＋LPS所引起的HT-29细胞IL-8的大量产生,并且呈明显的剂量依赖关系。结论：大黄素能有效抑制IFN-γ＋LPS所引起的HT．29细胞p38和ⅢK的磷酸化,并显著降低IL-8分泌。     

p38信号通路参与LPS诱导的Raw264.7细胞骨架重构

应用免疫荧光标记、基因转染等方法,观察脂多糖（LPS）刺激对单核细胞系Raw264.7细胞骨架的影响,探讨p38家族不同亚型对LPS诱导的细胞骨架蛋白微管蛋白与肌动蛋白变化的调控作用结果显示,未受LPS刺激的细胞富含微管蛋白,微管蛋白交联形成辐射状的交联丝网,丝网在细胞中分布均匀;LPS刺激后,微管蛋白募集在细胞膜、核膜周围;p38α、p38β、p38γ亚型的特异性抑制剂FHPI对LPS诱导的微管蛋白募集无影响,而p38无活性突变体p38δ(AF)的基因转染,可抑制LPS诱导的细胞骨架微管蛋白的募集;肌动蛋白在静息的细胞内主要存在于细胞膜周围,LPS作用后,肌动蛋白在细胞中形成广泛分布的辐射状应激纤维;p38上游激酶活性诱变体MKK6b基因转染可诱导Raw细胞形成类似的应激纤维,而p38γ(AF)的基因转染,可抑制LPS诱导的细胞应激纤维的形成.上述结果表明,p38δ可能参与了LPS诱导的微管蛋白的重构;而LPS诱导Raw细胞应激纤维的形成,可能是通过p38γ蛋白激酶而发挥作用.     

P38在LPS诱导大鼠雪旺氏(Schwann) 细胞TNF-α表达中的作用

应用免疫荧光标记、基因转染等方法,观察脂多糖（LPS）刺激对单核细胞系Raw264.7细胞骨架的影响,探讨p38家族不同亚型对LPS诱导的细胞骨架蛋白微管蛋白与肌动蛋白变化的调控作用结果显示,未受LPS刺激的细胞富含微管蛋白,微管蛋白交联形成辐射状的交联丝网,丝网在细胞中分布均匀;LPS刺激后,微管蛋白募集在细胞膜、核膜周围;p38α、p38β、p38γ亚型的特异性抑制剂FHPI对LPS诱导的微管蛋白募集无影响,而p38无活性突变体p38δ(AF)的基因转染,可抑制LPS诱导的细胞骨架微管蛋白的募集;肌动蛋白在静息的细胞内主要存在于细胞膜周围,LPS作用后,肌动蛋白在细胞中形成广泛分布的辐射状应激纤维;p38上游激酶活性诱变体MKK6b基因转染可诱导Raw细胞形成类似的应激纤维,而p38γ(AF)的基因转染,可抑制LPS诱导的细胞应激纤维的形成.上述结果表明,p38δ可能参与了LPS诱导的微管蛋白的重构;而LPS诱导Raw细胞应激纤维的形成,可能是通过p38γ蛋白激酶而发挥作用.     

利用荧光生物感受器研究p38MAPK的生物活性

[目的]观察生理状态下人骨肉瘤细胞中p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases,p38MAPKs)被磷酸化的过程。[方法]先进行ECFP-p38MAPK-Citrine(p38MAPK biosensor)融合蛋白表达载体的构建及鉴定,然后转染MG-63细胞24h后观察转染效率和融合蛋白表达情况。在荧光显微镜下,应用Meta Flour FRET 4.6软件测量转化生长因子-β1刺激MG-63细胞前后p38MAPK biosensor的荧光能量共振转移的变化情况。[结果]p38MAPK biosensor转染效率达30%~40%,均匀分布在胞质和胞核中。转化生长因子-β1刺激MG-63细胞后,胞质和胞核内荧光能量共振转移比值(Citrine/CFP)迅速增高,历时约30min达到最大值。特异性p38MAPK抑制剂SB-203580与细胞共孵育后,FRET比值逐渐减小。[结论]应用荧光能量共振转移技术使我们在活细胞生理状态下,实时动态监测p38MAPK被磷酸化的时空信息。     

白介素17对脂多糖诱导人支气管上皮细胞炎症损伤的影响

目的:探讨白介素17A(interleukin-17A, IL-17A)对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide, LPS)诱导的人支气管上皮细胞(16-HBE)炎症损伤的影响及其可能机制。方法:体外培养16-HBE细胞系,予LPS、IL-17A进行干预,分为空白对照组、LPS组、IL-17A组、IL-17A+LPS组。采用酶联免疫吸附法(Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Elisa)测定细胞培养液上清中IL-4、IFN-γ、IL-6、IL-8等炎症因子的水平,蛋白印迹法(Western Blot, WB)检测细胞中丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase, MAPKs)信号通路相关蛋白:细胞外调节蛋白激酶(ERK)、P38蛋白激酶(P38)、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)的表达及其相应磷酸化蛋白(P-ERK、P-P38、P-JNK)的表达。体外培养16-HBE细胞系,予LPS、IL-17A以及ERK1/2抑制剂(U0126)、p38抑制剂(SB203580)和JNK抑制剂(SP600125),分为空白对照组、LPS+IL-17A组、IL-17A+LPS+UO126组、IL-17A+LPS+SB203580组、IL-17A+LPS+SP600125组。采用酶联免疫吸附法测定细胞培养液上清中IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-6、IL-8等炎症因子水平。结果:与空白对照组比较,LPS、IL-17A组,细胞上清中IL-6、IL-8的表达明显升高(P0.01),IL-4的表达降低(空白组vs LPS组P0.01,空白组vs IL-17A组P0.05),细胞内磷酸化ERK、P38、JNK蛋白的表达明显增加(空白组vs LPS组P0.05,空白组vs IL-17A组P0.01)。IL-17A+LPS组细胞上清中IL-6、IL-8、IL-4水平及细胞内P-ERK、P-P38、P-JNK的表达较LPS、IL-17A组更高(P0.05)。添加ERK、P38和JNK抑制剂后,与LPS+IL-17A组对比,IL-17A+LPS+U0126组、IL-17A+LPS+SB203580组和IL-17A+LPS+SP600125组细胞上清中IL-6、IL-8、IL-4水平下降(P0.05)。结论:IL-17A可能通过上调IL-6、IL-8的表达加重LPS诱导的16-HBE细胞炎症损伤,MAPKs可能是这一过程中的重要信号转导通路。     

Cardiotrophin-1 stimulates intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in human aortic endothelial cells

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) play critical roles in mediating monocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium and monocyte migration into the subendothelial regions of the vessels. Inasmuch as cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1), an IL-6-type cytokine, was expressed in human atherosclerotic plaque, we examined whether CT-1 induces monocyte adhesion and migration by stimulating gene and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Immunocytochemistry revealed that CT-1 increased intensity of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 immunoreactivity in HAECs. Adhesion assay and chemotaxis assay revealed that CT-1 increased human monocytic THP-1 cell adhesion to HAECs and promoted chemotaxis in THP-1 cells, which were attenuated by anti-ICAM-1 and anti-MCP-1 antibody, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that CT-1 increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase, and Akt and that their inhibitors, PD-98059, SB-203580, and LY-294002, respectively, inhibited phosphorylation. RNase protection assay and ELISA demonstrated that CT-1 increased gene and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and MCP-1. EMSA revealed that CT-1 enhanced NF-kappaB DNA-binding activity. CT-1-mediated upregulation of ICAM-1 and MCP-1 was suppressed by PD-98059, SB-203580, LY-294002, and parthenolide. The present study demonstrates that CT-1 promotes monocyte adhesion and migration by stimulating ICAM-1 and MCP-1 through mechanisms that involve ERK1/2 MAP kinase, p38 MAP kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and NF-kappaB pathways and suggests that CT-1 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.     

Distinct signaling pathways for MCP-1-dependent integrin activation and chemotaxis

Transmigration of monocytes to the subendothelial space is the initial step of atherosclerotic plaque formation and inflammation. Integrin activation and chemotaxis are two important functions involved in monocyte transmigration. To delineate the signaling cascades leading to integrin activation and chemotaxis by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), we have investigated the roles of MAPK and Rho GTPases in THP-1 cells, a monocytic cell line. MCP-1 stimulated beta1 integrin-dependent, but not beta2 integrin-dependent cell adhesion in a time-dependent manner. MCP-1-mediated cell adhesion was inhibited by a MEK inhibitor but not by a p38-MAPK inhibitor. In contrast, MCP-1-mediated chemotaxis was inhibited by the p38-MAPK inhibitor but not by the MEK inhibitor. The inhibitor of Rho GTPase, C3 exoenzyme, and a Rho kinase inhibitor abrogated MCP-1-dependent chemotaxis but not integrin-dependent cell adhesion. Further, C3 exoenzyme and the Rho kinase inhibitor blocked MCP-1-dependent p38-MAPK activation. These data indicate that ERK is responsible for integrin activation, that p38-MAPK and Rho are responsible for chemotaxis mediated by MCP-1, and that Rho and the Rho kinase are upstream of p38-MAPK in MCP-1-mediated signaling. This study demonstrates that two distinct MAPKs regulate two dependent signaling cascades leading to integrin activation and chemotaxis induced by MCP-1 in THP-1 cells.     

Resistin induces monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion by increasing ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in endothelial cells via p38MAPK-dependent pathway

Resistin, firstly reported as an adipocyte-specific hormone, is suggested to be an important link between obesity and diabetes. Recent studies have suggested an association between resistin and atherogenic processes. The adhesion of circulating monocytes to endothelial cells is a critical step in the early stages of atherosclerosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of resistin on the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that resistin caused a significant increase in monocyte adhesion. In exploring the underlying mechanisms of resistin action, we found that resistin-induced monocyte adhesion was blocked by inhibition of p38MAPK activation using SB203580 and SB202190. Furthermore, resistin increased the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by HUVECs and these effects were also p38MAPK-dependent. Resistin-induced monocyte adhesion was also blocked by monoclonal antibodies against ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Taken together, these results show that resistin increases both the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 by endothelial cells and monocyte adhesion to HUVECs via p38MAPK-dependent pathways.     

Cilostazol reduces MCP-1-induced chemotaxis and adhesion of THP-1 monocytes by inhibiting CCR2 gene expression

The chemotaxis and adhesion of monocytes to the injured endothelium in the early atherosclerosis is important. Cilostazol, a specific phosphodiesterase type III inhibitor, is known to exhibit anti-atherosclerotic effects mediated by different mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the modulating effect of cilostazol on the MCP-1-induced chemotaxis and adhesion of monocytes. The gene expression of CCR2, the major receptor of MCP-1 in THP-1 monocytes, was also analyzed. The chemotaxis of monocytes toward MCP-1 was investigated using the transwell filter assay. Cilostazol dose-dependently inhibited the MCP-1-induced chemotaxis of monocytes which was shown to be cAMP-dependent. Using western blot analysis and flow cytometry method, we demonstrated the decrease of CCR2 protein at the cell membrane of monocytes by cilostazol treatment. Results from RT/real-time PCR confirmed the decrease of CCR2 mRNA expression by cilostazol which was also mediated by cAMP. Similar inhibition was also noted in human peripheral monocytes. The post-CCR2 signaling pathways including p44/42 and p38 MAPK were examined by western blot analysis. Result confirmed the inhibitory effect of cilostazol on the phosphorylation of p44/42 and p38 MAPK after MCP-1 stimulation. The activation of monocytes after MCP-1 treatment exhibited enhanced adhesion to vascular endothelial cells which was dose-dependently suppressed by cilostazol. Together, cilostazol was demonstrated, for the first time, to inhibit the CCR2 gene expression and MCP-1-induced chemotaxis and adhesion of monocytes which might therefore reduce the infiltration of monocytes during the early atherosclerosis. The present study provides an additional molecular mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerotic effects of cilostazol.     

Ginsenoside metabolite compound K differentially antagonizing tumor necrosis factor-α-induced monocyte-endothelial trafficking

Human leukocyte endothelial adhesion and transmigration occur in the early stage of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Vascular endothelial cells are targeted by pro-inflammatory cytokines modulating many gene proteins responsible for cell adhesion, thrombosis and inflammatory responses. This study examined the potential of compound K to inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α induction of monocyte adhesion onto TNF-α-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVEC were cultured with 10 ng/ml TNF-α with individual ginsenosides of Rb1, Rc, Re, Rh1 and compound K (CK). Ginsenosides at doses of ?50 μM did not show any cytotoxicity. TNF-α induced THP-1 monocyte adhesion to HUVEC, and such induction was attenuated by Rh1 and CK. Consistently, CK suppressed TNF-α-induced expression of HUVEC adhesion molecules of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin, and also Rh1 showed a substantial inhibition. Rh1 and CK dampened induction of counter-receptors, α4/β1 integrin VLA-4 and αL/β2 integrin LFA-1 in TNF-α-treated THP-1 cells. Additionally, CK diminished THP-1 secretion of MMP-9 required during transmigration, inhibiting transendothelial migration of THP-1 cells. CK blunted TNF-α-promoted IL-8 secretion of HUVEC and CXCR1 expression of THP-1 monocytes. Furthermore, TNF-α-activated endothelial IκB phosphorylation and NF-κB nuclear translocation were disturbed by CK, and TNF-α induction of α4/β1 integrin was abrogated by the NF-κB inhibitor SN50. These results demonstrate that CK exerts anti-atherogenic activity with blocking leukocyte endothelial interaction and transmigration through negatively mediating NF-κB signaling.     

Globular adiponectin counteracts VCAM-1-mediated monocyte adhesion via AdipoR1/NF-κB/COX-2 signaling in human aortic endothelial cells

Adiponectin (Ad) is an insulin-sensitizing adipocytokine with anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties. Cleavage of native full-length Ad (fAd) by elastases from activated monocytes generates globular Ad (gAd). Increased gAd levels are observed in the proximity of atherosclerotic lesions, but the physiological meaning of this proteolytic Ad fragment in the cardiovascular system is controversial. We compared molecular and biological properties of fAd and gAd in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). In control HAEC, both fAd and gAd acutely stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production by AMPK-dependent pathways. With respect to fAd, gAd more efficiently increased activation of NF-κB signaling pathways, resulting in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression and COX-2-dependent prostacyclin 2 (PGI(2)) release. In contrast with fAd, gAd also increased p38 MAPK phosphorylation and VCAM-1 expression, ultimately enhancing adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. In HAEC lacking AdipoR1 (by siRNA), both activation of NF-κB as well as COX-2 overexpression by gAd were abrogated. Conversely, gAd-mediated p38MAPK activation and VCAM-1 expression were unaffected, and monocyte adhesion was greatly enhanced. In HAEC lacking COX-2 (by siRNA), reduced levels of PGI(2) further increased gAd-dependent monocyte adhesion. Our findings suggest that biological activities of fAd and gAd in endothelium do not completely overlap, with gAd possessing both AdipoR1-dependent ability to stimulate COX-2 expression and AdipoR1-independent effects related to expression of VCAM-1 and adhesion of monocytes to endothelium.     

TLR4-Mediated Expression of Mac-1 in Monocytes Plays a Pivotal Role in Monocyte Adhesion to Vascular Endothelium

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is known to mediate monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, however, its role on the expression of monocyte adhesion molecules is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of TLR4 on the expression of monocyte adhesion molecules, and determined the functional role of TLR4-induced adhesion molecules on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. When THP-1 monocytes were stimulated with Kdo2-Lipid A (KLA), a specific TLR4 agonist, Mac-1 expression was markedly increased in association with an increased adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells. These were attenuated by anti-Mac-1 antibody, suggesting a functional role of TLR4-induced Mac-1 on monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. In monocytes treated with MK886, a 5-lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitor, both Mac-1 expression and monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells induced by KLA were markedly attenuated. Moreover, KLA increased the expression of mRNA and protein of 5-LO, suggesting a pivotal role of 5-LO on these processes. In in vivo studies, KLA increased monocyte adhesion to aortic endothelium of wild-type (WT) mice, which was attenuated in WT mice treated with anti-Mac-1 antibody as well as in TLR4-deficient mice. Taken together, TLR4-mediated expression of Mac-1 in monocytes plays a pivotal role on monocyte adhesion to vascular endothelium, leading to increased foam cell formation in the development of atherosclerosis.     

Sphingosine kinase inhibitor suppresses IL-18-induced interferon-gamma production through inhibition of p38 MAPK activation in human NK cells

Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the innate immune response. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a well-known interferon-gamma (IFN-γ inducing factor, which stimulates immune response in NK and T cells. Sphingosine kinase (SPHK) catalyzes the formation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which acts as a second messenger to function as an anti-apoptotic factor and proliferation stimulator of immune cells. In this study, to elucidate whether SPHK is involved in IL-18-induced IFN-γ production, we measured IL-18-induced IFN-γ production after pre-treatment with SPHK inhibitor (SKI) in NK-92MI cells. We found that IL-18-induced IFN-γ expression was blocked by SKI pre-treatment in both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, the increased IFN-γ production by stimulation with IL-18 is mediated through both SPHK and p38 MAPK. To determine the upstream signals of SKI and p38 MAPK in IL-18-induced IFN-γ production, phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK was measured after SKI pre-treatment. As a result, inhibition of SPHK by SKI blocked phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, showing that SPHK activation by IL-18 is an upstream signal of p38 MAPK activation. Inhibition of SPHK by SKI also inhibited IL-18-induced IFN-γ production in human primary NK cells. In conclusion, SPHK activation is an essential factor for IL-18-induced IFN-γ production via p38 MAPK.     

Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) suppresses Rho GTPases in human brain microvascular endothelial cells and inhibits adhesion and transendothelial migration of HIV-1 infected monocytes

Under inflammatory conditions (including HIV-1 encephalitis and multiple sclerosis), activated brain endothelium enhances the adhesion and transmigration of monocytes across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Synthetic ligands that activate the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have anti-inflammatory properties, and PPAR stimulation prevents the interaction of leukocytes with cytokine stimulated-endothelium. However, the mechanism underlying these effects of PPAR ligands and their ability to intervene with leukocyte adhesion and migration across brain endothelial cells has yet to be explored. For the first time, using primary human brain endothelial cells (BMVEC), we demonstrated that monocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration across inflamed endothelium were markedly reduced by PPARgamma activation. In contrast to non-brain-derived endothelial cells, PPARalpha activation in the BMVEC had no significant effect on monocyte-endothelial interaction. Previously, our work indicated a critical role of Rho GTPases (like RhoA) in BMVEC to control migration of HIV-1 infected monocytes across BBB. In this study, we show that in the BMVEC PPARgamma stimulation prevented activation of two GTPases, Rac1 and RhoA, which correlated with decreased monocyte adhesion to and migration across brain endothelium. Relevant to HIV-1 neuropathogenesis, enhanced adhesion and migration of HIV-1 infected monocytes across the BBB were significantly reduced when BMVEC were treated with PPARgamma agonist. These findings indicate that Rac1 and RhoA inhibition by PPARgamma agonists could be a new approach for treatment of neuroinflammation by preventing monocyte migration across the BBB.