Autophagy is a key regulator of cellular homeostasis that can be activated by pathogen-associated molecules and recently has been shown to influence IL-1 secretion by macrophages. However, the mechanisms behind this are unclear. Here, we describe a novel role for autophagy in regulating the production of IL-1 in antigen-presenting cells. After treatment of macrophages with Toll-like receptor ligands, pro-IL-1 was specifically sequestered into autophagosomes, whereas further activation of autophagy with rapamycin induced the degradation of pro-IL-1 and blocked secretion of the mature cytokine. Inhibition of autophagy promoted the processing and secretion of IL-1 by antigen-presenting cells in an NLRP3-and TRIF-dependent manner. This effect was reduced by inhibition of reactive oxygen species but was independent of NOX2. Induction of autophagy in mice in vivo with rapamycin reduced serum levels of IL-1 in response to challenge with LPS. These data demonstrate that autophagy controls the production of IL-1 through at least two separate mechanisms: by targeting pro-IL-1 for lysosomal degradation and by regulating activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.IL-1 is an important proinflammatory cytokine, released at sites of infection or injury, that regulates diverse physiological responses, including cellular recruitment, appetite, sleep, and body temperature (1). IL-1 is first produced as a proform in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as TLR ligands. This inactive precursor is cleaved into the bioactive (p17) molecule by caspase 1, following the activation of an inflammasome (2).Inflammasomes are molecular scaffolds that trigger the activation of caspase 1 and subsequent maturation of IL-1 and IL-18. Typically, inflammasomes are formed from at least one member of the cytosolic innate immune sensor family, the NOD-like receptors (NLRs), including NLRP1, NLRP3, and NLRC4, coupled with the adaptor apoptosis-associated specklike protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC or PYCARD) and caspase 1 (2). The NLRP3 inflammasome is the best characterized to date and is activated by a number of endogenous and exogenous signals.Most studies in vitro employ TLR ligands, particularly LPS, to induce pro-IL-1 formation, but in many cases, this is not enough to stimulate inflammasome activation and secretion of the mature cytokine. Instead, a second signal is commonly required, and this can come from a number of endogenous and exogenous sources, including ATP and particulates, including uric acid crystals, amyloid-, silica, asbestos, synthetic microparticles, and alum (3-8). Extracellular ATP triggers the P2X7 ATP-gated ion channel, leading to K ϩ efflux and induces recruitment of the pannexin-1 membrane pore (9). This may then allow extracellular NLRP3 agonists to enter the cell and activate inflammasome assembly (9). Particulates have been proposed to act through one of two mechanisms. Uptake of particulates by phagocytes may lead to lysosomal damage and release of lysosomal products into the cytosol, which a...
Many currently used and candidate vaccine adjuvants are particulate in nature, but their mechanism of action is not well understood. Here, we show that particulate adjuvants, including biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) and polystyrene microparticles, dramatically enhance secretion of interleukin-1 (IL-1) by dendritic cells (DCs). The ability of particulates to promote IL-1 secretion and caspase 1 activation required particle uptake by DCs and NALP3. Uptake of microparticles induced lysosomal damage, whereas particle-mediated enhancement of IL-1 secretion required phagosomal acidification and the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B, suggesting a role for lysosomal damage in inflammasome activation. Although the presence of a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist was required to induce IL-1 production in vitro, injection of the adjuvants in the absence of TLR agonists induced IL-1 production at the injection site, indicating that endogenous factors can synergize with particulates to promote inflammasome activation. The enhancement of antigenspecific antibody production by PLG microparticles was independent of NALP3. However, the ability of PLG microparticles to promote antigen-specific IL-6 production by T cells and the recruitment and activation of a population of CD11b ؉ Gr1 ؊ cells required NALP3. Our data demonstrate that uptake of microparticulate adjuvants by DCs activates the NALP3 inflammasome, and this contributes to their enhancing effects on innate and antigenspecific cellular immunity.Caspase-1 ͉ IL-1 ͉ microparticle
Members of the caspase family of cysteine proteases have been firmly established to play key roles in signal transduction cascades that culminate in apoptosis (programmed cell death). Caspases are normally expressed as inactive precursor enzymes (zymogens) that become activated during apoptosis and proceed to dismantle the cell from within. To date, three major apoptosis-associated pathways to caspase activation have been elucidated. Certain caspases, such as caspase-1, also occupy important positions in signaling pathways associated with immune responses to microbial pathogens. In this situation, caspase activation is associated with the maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-18, and not apoptosis per se. Here, we discuss the current understanding of how caspases are activated during apoptosis and inflammation and the roles these proteases play in either context.
The mucosal surfaces of the gastrointestinal tract are continually exposed to an enormous antigenic load of microbial and dietary origin, yet homeostasis is maintained. Pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) have a key role in maintaining the integrity of the epithelial barrier and in promoting maturation of the mucosal immune system. Commensal bacteria modulate the expression of a broad range of genes involved in maintaining epithelial integrity, inflammatory responses, and production of antimicrobial peptides. Mice deficient in PRMs can develop intestinal inflammation, which is dependent on the microbiota, and in humans, PRM polymorphisms are associated with exacerbated inflammatory bowel disease. Innate immune responses and epithelial barrier function are regulated by PRM-induced signaling at multiple levels, from the selective expression of receptors on mucosal cells or compartments to the expression of negative regulators. Here, we describe recent advances in our understanding of innate signaling pathways, particularly by Toll-like receptors and nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing receptors at mucosal surfaces.
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