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Modulation of endotoxin-induced endothelial activity by microtubule depolymerization.

BACKGROUND: Endotoxin not only activates the Toll-mediated signaling pathway within endothelial cells that leads to neutrophil migration but also causes the polymerization of microtubules. The potential role of this polymerization event, however, is unknown. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with endotoxin were pretreated with or without the microtubule depolymerizing agent colchicine. Toll-mediated signaling events and protein production were in turn investigated by Western blot, gel shift, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, neutrophil adhesion was assayed fluorometrically under the various conditions. RESULTS: Endotoxin led to activation of the various Toll-mediated pathways, production of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-8, and subsequent neutrophil adhesion. Pretreatment with colchicine led to selective inhibition of anti-dual phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2, anti-dual phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase, and adaptor protein-1; selective enhancement of p38; and no effect on nuclear factor-kappaB. This selective modulation of intracellular signaling resulted in attenuated intercellular adhesion molecule-1, interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2 production, but enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 expression. As a result, microtubule disruption led to a significant reduction in neutrophil adhesion. CONCLUSION: Microtubule formation is essential to optimal endotoxin-induced intracellular signaling through anti-dual phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2, anti-dual phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase, and adaptor protein-1. Failure of these signaling events is associated with a marked reduction in the formation of a proadhesive phenotype that may prove to be beneficial in modulating neutrophil recruitment during sepsis.

Adaptor Protein Complex 1↗

Lipopolysaccharide activates distinct signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cell lines expressing Toll-like receptors.

LPS elicits several immediate proinflammatoy responses in peripheral blood leukocytes via a recently described pathway including CD14, Toll-like receptors (TLR), serine-threonine kinases, and NF-kappaB transcription factor. However, the functional responses of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) to stimulation with LPS are unknown. Expression of mRNA and protein for CD14 and TLRs were assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry in mouse and human IEC lines. LPS-induced activation of signaling pathways (p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, p65, NF-kappaB) were assessed by immunoblotting and gel shifts. CD14 mRNA and protein expression were not detectable in IEC. However, human TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4 mRNA were present in IEC. TLR4 protein was expressed in all cell lines; however, TLR2 protein was absent in HT29 cells. Immunofluorescent staining of T84 cells demonstrated the cell-surface presence of the TLRs. LPS-stimulation of IEC resulted in activation (>1.5-fold) of the three members of the MAPK family. In contrast, LPS did not significantly induce activation of JNK and p38 in CMT93 cells, p38 in T84 cells and MAPK and JNK in HT29 cells. Downstream, LPS activated NF-kappaB in IEC in a time-, dose-, and serum-dependent manner. IEC express TLRs that appear to mediate LPS stimulation of specific intracellular signal transduction pathways in IEC. Thus, IEC may play a frontline role in monitoring lumenal bacteria.

Animals↗

Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-Akt pathway in the regulation of IL-10 and IL-12 by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide.

Stimulation of the APC by Porphyromonas gingivalis LPS has been shown to result in the production of certain pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, the signaling pathways that regulate these processes are currently unknown. In the present study, the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway in regulating P. gingivalis LPS-induced production of IL-10, IL-12 p40, and IL-12 p70 by human monocytes was investigated. P. gingivalis LPS selectively activates the PI3K-Akt pathway via Toll-like receptor 2, and inhibition of this pathway results in an abrogation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, whereas the activation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 kinases were unaffected. Analysis of cytokine production following stimulation of monocytes with P. gingivalis LPS revealed that inhibition of the PI3K pathway differentially regulated IL-10 and IL-12 synthesis. IL-10 production was suppressed, whereas IL-12 levels were enhanced. Inhibition of P. gingivalis LPS-mediated activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway resulted in a pronounced augmentation of NF-kappaB p65 that was independent of IkappaB-alpha degradation. Furthermore, the ability of the PI3K-Akt pathway to modulate IL-10 and IL-12 production appears to be mediated by the selective suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 activity, as the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059 closely mimicked the effects of wortmannin and LY294002 to differentially regulate IL-10 and IL-12 production by P. gingivalis LPS-stimulated monocytes. These studies provide new insight into how engagement of the PI3K-Akt pathway by P. gingivalis LPS affects the induction of key immunoregulatory cytokines that control both qualitative and quantitative aspects of innate and adaptive immunity.

Cells, Cultured↗

Toll-like receptor 4-mediated signal pathway induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide in human gingival fibroblasts.

The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) secreted by Porphyromonas gingivalis is implicated in the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are the major constituent of gingival connective tissue. In this study, we examined the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on HGFs by flow cytometric analysis, and studied the signal transduction induced by LPS stimulation of HGFs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation. We show that LPS binds to HGFs, and that HGFs express TLR4 and myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88). P. gingivalis LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1 production in HGFs was inhibited by anti-TLR4 antibody. P. gingivalis LPS treatment of HGFs activated several intracellular proteins including protein tyrosine kinases, and upregulated the expression of IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and activating protein-1 (AP-1), and these events were suppressed by anti-TLR4 monoclonal antibody. Our findings suggest that the binding of P. gingivalis LPS to TLR4 on HGFs activates various second messenger systems.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Functional role for toll-like receptors in atherosclerosis and arterial remodeling.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Activation of inflammatory cascades is causally related to the development of atherosclerotic disease. Toll-like receptors are innate immune receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In this review the pathways by which toll-like receptors might play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis will be discussed according to recent literature. RECENT FINDINGS: Toll-like receptors are expressed in atherosclerotic tissue. Next to pathogens, endogenous toll-like receptor ligands have been linked with the development of arterial occlusive disease. In mouse models of hyperlipidemia, a potential role for the toll-like receptor pathway has been suggested in hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Recent in-vitro studies revealed a mechanism by which toll-like receptor ligation results in a strong inhibition of cholesterol efflux from macrophages. In addition, oxidized lipoproteins interact with toll-like receptors. Furthermore, activation of the apoptotic cascade, which is important during atherogenesis, enhances the toll-like receptor pathway resulting in upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Human epidemiologic studies have linked TLR4 polymorphism with atherosclerosis. However, data on the association between atherosclerosis progression and TLR4 polymorphisms are conflicting. Next to plaque growth, arterial remodeling is an important determinant of luminal narrowing in atherosclerosis. Recently, a possible role for TLR4 signaling in arterial remodeling has been revealed in mouse models. SUMMARY: A clarification of the molecule [corrected] mechanisms by which the toll-like receptor signaling cascade influences atherosclerosis might [corrected] lead to novel strategies to intervene in the development of this life-threatening disease.

Animals↗

Is targeting Toll-like receptors and their signaling pathway a useful therapeutic approach to modulating cytokine-driven inflammation?

Cytokine-driven inflammation and tissue destruction is a common theme of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis. Research over the last two decades demonstrated the importance of cytokines that are not only expressed chronically but also are capable of signaling at sites of chronic inflammation. Cytokines thus regulate major pathological processes that include inflammation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and fibrosis. This research led to the identification of key cytokines involved in these processes, two of which, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1, have also been successfully targeted in the clinic. However, what triggers and maintains cytokine gene expression in chronic inflammation remains a mystery. In this article, we review current progress in the understanding of cytokine-driven inflammation and discuss current evidence implicating Toll-like receptors (TLRs), recently identified as the receptors recognizing self versus non-self molecular patterns, in the regulation of cytokine-driven inflammation. Whether targeting TLRs and their downstream signaling pathway will prove to be a successful approach for the treatment of these devastating diseases remains to be determined.

Animals↗

Cutting edge: a novel Toll/IL-1 receptor domain-containing adapter that preferentially activates the IFN-beta promoter in the Toll-like receptor signaling.

MyD88 is a Toll/IL-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adapter common to signaling pathways via Toll-like receptor (TLR) family. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates the existence of a MyD88-independent pathway, which may explain unique biological responses of individual TLRs, particularly TLR3 and TLR4. TIR domain-containing adapter protein (TIRAP)/MyD88 adapter-like, a second adapter harboring the TIR domain, is essential for MyD88-dependent TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways, but not for MyD88-independent pathways. Here, we identified a novel TIR domain-containing molecule, named TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TRIF). As is the case in MyD88 and TIRAP, overexpression of TRIF activated the NF-kappaB-dependent promoter. A dominant-negative form of TRIF inhibited TLR2-, TLR4-, and TLR7-dependent NF-kappaB activation. Furthermore, TRIF, but neither MyD88 nor TIRAP, activated the IFN-beta promoter. Dominant-negative TRIF inhibited TLR3-dependent activation of both the NF-kappaB-dependent and IFN-beta promoters. TRIF associated with TLR3 and IFN regulatory factor 3. These findings suggest that TRIF is involved in the TLR signaling, particularly in the MyD88-independent pathway.

Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport↗

Nuclear localization of the Nipah virus W protein allows for inhibition of both virus- and toll-like receptor 3-triggered signaling pathways.

The Nipah virus V and W proteins, which are encoded by the P gene via RNA editing, have a common N-terminal domain but unique C-terminal domains. They localize to the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively, and have both been shown to function as inhibitors of JAK/STAT signaling. Here we report that V and W proteins also block virus activation of the beta interferon (IFN-beta) promoter and the IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-responsive IFN-stimulated gene 54 promoter. Surprisingly, only W protein shows strong inhibition of promoter activation in response to stimulation of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) by extracellular double-stranded RNA. This activity is dependent on the nuclear localization of W protein. Within the unique C-terminal domain of W protein, we have identified a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that requires basic residues at positions 439, 440, and 442. This NLS is responsible for mediating the preferential interaction of W protein with karyopherin-alpha 3 and karyopherin-alpha 4. Nuclear localization of W protein therefore enables it to target both virus and TLR3 pathways, whereas the cytoplasmic V protein is restricted to inhibiting the virus pathway. We propose that this discrepancy is in part due to the V protein being less able to block signaling in response to the kinase, TBK-1, whereas both V and W can prevent promoter activation in response to IKKepsilon. We demonstrate that, when the TLR3 pathway is stimulated, the levels of phosphorylated IRF3 are reduced in the presence of W protein but not V protein, confirming the differential effects of these proteins and illustrating that W protein-mediated inhibition is due to a loss of active IRF3.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Toll-like receptors. II. Distribution and pathways involved in TLR signalling.

The innate immune system senses invading microorganisms by a phylogenetically conserved family of proteins--TLRs. They are expressed in several types of cells that represent a route of entry of pathogens into the host organism and that can contribute to protection against infection. Except for cells of the immune system, TLRs are present in epithelial cells of the skin, respiratory, intestinal, and genitourinary tracts that form the first protective barrier to invading pathogens. Polarized regulation of TLR expression in epithelial cells explains why pathogenic but not commensal bacteria elicit inflammatory responses. TLR-induced intracellular signalling pathways show remarkable complexity: apart from a common signalling pathway, additional signalling pathways specific for each of the TLRs are responsible for a fine tuning of the immune response, thus securing effective pathogen-directed biological responses.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

The role of MyD88-like adapters in Toll-like receptor signal transduction.

Signal-transduction pathways activated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been the subject of intense investigation because of the key role played by TLRs in the recognition and elimination of microbes. Signalling is initiated by a domain termed the Toll/interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor (TIR) domain that occurs on the cytosolic face of TLRs. This recruits, via homotypic interactions, adapter proteins that contain TIR domains. Three such adapter proteins have been discovered to date, and have been named MyD88, Mal [MyD88 adapter-like; also known as TIRAP (TIR domain-containing adapter protein)] and Trif (TIR-domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-beta). Differences are emerging between TLRs in terms of which adapter is recruited by which TLR. This may lead to specificities in TLR signalling, with pathways being triggered that are specific for the elimination of the invading microbe. However, signals that separate Mal from MyD88 have yet to emerge, although biochemical differences between the two proteins imply that each will have a specific function.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Microbial recognition via Toll-like receptor-dependent and -independent pathways determines the cytokine response of murine dendritic cell subsets to CD40 triggering.

Dendritic cells (DC) can produce Th-polarizing cytokines and direct the class of the adaptive immune response. Microbial stimuli, cytokines, chemokines, and T cell-derived signals all have been shown to trigger cytokine synthesis by DC, but it remains unclear whether these signals are functionally equivalent and whether they determine the nature of the cytokine produced or simply initiate a preprogrammed pattern of cytokine production, which may be DC subtype specific. Here, we demonstrate that microbial and T cell-derived stimuli can synergize to induce production of high levels of IL-12 p70 or IL-10 by individual murine DC subsets but that the choice of cytokine is dictated by the microbial pattern recognition receptor engaged. We show that bacterial components such as CpG-containing DNA or extracts from Mycobacterium tuberculosis predispose CD8alpha(+) and CD8alpha(-)CD4(-) DC to make IL-12 p70. In contrast, exposure of CD8alpha(+), CD4(+) and CD8alpha(-)CD4(-) DC to heat-killed yeasts leads to production of IL-10. In both cases, secretion of high levels of cytokine requires a second signal from T cells, which can be replaced by CD40 ligand. Consistent with their differential effects on cytokine production, extracts from M. tuberculosis promote IL-12 production primarily via Toll-like receptor 2 and an MyD88-dependent pathway, whereas heat-killed yeasts activate DC via a Toll-like receptor 2-, MyD88-, and Toll/IL-1R domain containing protein-independent pathway. These results show that T cell feedback amplifies innate signals for cytokine production by DC and suggest that pattern recognition rather than ontogeny determines the production of cytokines by individual DC subsets.

3T3 Cells↗

Antitumor NK activation induced by the Toll-like receptor 3-TICAM-1 (TRIF) pathway in myeloid dendritic cells.

Myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) recognize and respond to polyI:C, an analog of dsRNA, by endosomal Toll-like receptor (TLR) 3 and cytoplasmic receptors. Natural killer (NK) cells are activated in vivo by the administration of polyI:C to mice and in vivo are reciprocally activated by mDCs, although the molecular mechanisms are as yet undetermined. Here, we show that the TLR adaptor TICAM-1 (TRIF) participates in mDC-derived antitumor NK activation. In a syngeneic mouse tumor implant model (C57BL/6 vs. B16 melanoma with low H-2 expresser), i.p. administration of polyI:C led to the retardation of tumor growth, an effect relied on by NK activation. This NK-dependent tumor regression did not occur in TICAM-1(-/-) or IFNAR(-/-) mice, whereas a normal NK antitumor response was induced in PKR(-/-), MyD88(-/-), IFN-beta(-/-), and wild-type mice. IFNAR was a prerequisite for the induction of IFN-alpha/beta and TLR3. The lack of TICAM-1 did not affect IFN production but resulted in unresponsiveness to IL-12 production, mDC maturation, and polyI:C-mediated NK-antitumor activity. This NK activation required NK-mDC contact but not IL-12 function in in vivo transwell analysis. Implanted tumor growth in IFNAR(-/-) mice was retarded by adoptively transferring polyI:C-treated TICACM-1-positive mDCs but not TICAM-1(-/-) mDCs. Thus, TICAM-1 in mDCs critically facilitated mDC-NK contact and activation of antitumor NK, resulting in the regression of low MHC-expressing tumors.

Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport↗

Neisseria meningitidis can induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production via pathways independent from CD14 and toll-like receptor 4.

Fulminant meningococcal sepsis (FMS) is considered the prototypical Gram-negative sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is thought to be the main toxic element that induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production after interaction with CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, there is increasing evidence that LPS is not the sole toxic element of meningococci. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of CD14 and TLR4 in pro-inflammatory cytokine induction by meningococci. To this end, cytokine induction by isolated meningoccal LPS, wild-type N. meningitidis H44/76 (LPS+-meningococci) matched for concentrations of LPS and LPS-deficient N. meningitidis H44/76lpxA (LPS - -meningococci) was studied in human PBMCs and murine peritoneal macrophages (PMs). Pre-incubation of PBMCs with WT14, a monoclonal antibody against CD14, abolished TNF-alpha and IL-1beta induction by E. coli LPS, while cytokine induction by meningococcal LPS was only partially inhibited. When LPS+- and LPS - -meningococci at higher concentrations were used as stimuli, anti-CD14 had a minimal effect. In C3H/HeJ murine PMs, devoid of a functional TLR4, minimal IL-1alpha, IL-6 and TNF-alpha production was seen after stimulation with 10 ng/mL E. coli or meningococcal LPS. However, at higher concentrations (1000 ng LPS/mL) the production of TNF-alpha, but not IL-1alpha or IL-6, occurred also independently of TLR4. The expression of a functional TLR4 in murine PMs had no effect on the cytokine induction by LPS+- or LPS - -meningococci. It is concluded that pro-inflammatory cytokine induction by N. meningitidis can occur independently of CD14 and TLR4.

Animals↗

Multiple roles of Toll-like receptor signaling in atherosclerosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Toll-like receptors are key regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review outlines the recently emerged multiple roles of Toll-like receptor signaling in atherosclerosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Mice deficient in TLR4, TLR2 and MyD88 all have reduced atherosclerosis which establishes that Toll-like receptor-dependent pathways contribute to disease development. Although it is likely that total "infectious burden" contributes to atherosclerosis progression, endogenous ligands may also initiate and modulate Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. CD36, with established roles in recognition of endogenous ligands and atherosclerotic disease, facilitates TLR2 signaling and might therefore represent a bridge between endogenous lipid ligands and Toll-like receptor pathways. Furthermore, lipoprotein oxidation generates ligands that activate Toll-like receptor pathways. At the same time, Toll-like receptor activation may be inhibited by accumulating oxidized phospholipids, which could result in reduced dendritic cell maturation and impaired immunological priming. SUMMARY: Activation of Toll-like receptor signaling can promote atherosclerosis by multiple mechanisms, while some beneficial Toll-like receptor pathways may be inhibited by lipid accumulation. Due to their central role in the disease process, Toll-like receptor signaling pathways represent a target of immunomodulatory therapy with the goal of tipping the balance from excessive chronic inflammation towards resolution of inflammation, while not compromising host defense or atheroprotective immune functions.

Animals↗

ECSIT is an evolutionarily conserved intermediate in the Toll/IL-1 signal transduction pathway.

Activation of NF-kappaB as a consequence of signaling through the Toll and IL-1 receptors is a major element of innate immune responses. We report the identification and characterization of a novel intermediate in these signaling pathways that bridges TRAF6 to MEKK-1. This adapter protein, which we have named ECSIT (evolutionarily conserved signaling intermediate in Toll pathways), is specific for the Toll/IL-1 pathways and is a regulator of MEKK-1 processing. Expression of wild-type ECSIT accelerates processing of MEKK-1, whereas a dominant-negative fragment of ECSIT blocks MEKK-1 processing and activation of NF-kappaB. These results indicate an important role for ECSIT in signaling to NF-kappaB and suggest that processing of MEKK-1 is required for its function in the Toll/IL-1 pathway.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Response of human pulmonary epithelial cells to lipopolysaccharide involves Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent signaling pathways: evidence for an intracellular compartmentalization of TLR4.

Pulmonary epithelial cells are continuously exposed to microbial challenges as a result of breathing. It is recognized that immune myeloid cells express Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which play a major role in detecting microbes and initiating innate immune responses. In contrast, little is known concerning the expression of TLR in pulmonary epithelial cells per se, their distribution within the cell, their function, and the signaling pathways involved. In this work, we demonstrated by reverse transcription-PCR and/or immunoblot that TLR4 and the accessory molecule MD-2 are constitutively expressed in distinct human alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells. We further characterized by flow cytometry, biotinylation/precipitation, and confocal microscopy the intracellular localization of TLR4 in these cells. Despite this intracellular compartmentalization of TLR4, pulmonary epithelial cells were responsive to the TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent Gram-negative bacteria-associated molecular pattern. Using respiratory epithelial cells isolated from TLR4 knock-out and wild type mice, we demonstrated that TLR4 is the actual activating receptor for LPS in these cells. Furthermore we showed that this cell response to LPS involves a signaling complex including the kinases interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK), p38, Jnk, and ERK1/2. Moreover, using vectors expressing dominant-negative forms of MyD88 and TRAF6, we established that LPS-induced activation of respiratory epithelial cells is largely dependent on TLR4 signaling intermediates. Altogether these data demonstrate that TLR4 is a key element in the response of pulmonary epithelial cells to molecules derived from Gram-negative bacteria. The intracellular localization of TLR4 in lung epithelia is expected to play an important role in the prevention of the development of chronic inflammatory disease.

Cell Compartmentation↗

Pathogen recognition and signalling in the Drosophila innate immune response.

Genetic analysis of the innate immune response in Drosophila has provided important insights into the mechanism of microbial sensing and the subsequent host signalling events. The two major players following immune challenge are the Toll and Immune deficiency (IMD) pathways, which are essential for fruit flies to survive infection. These pathways are homologous to the mammalian Toll-like receptor and tumour necrosis factor pathways, respectively. Moreover, microbial pattern-recognition receptors upstream of Toll and IMD, such as the peptidoglycan recognition proteins, have been isolated and studied at the structural and functional level. In the present, we will review recent data pertaining to the genetic, genomic, RNAi and infection studies that have added new complexities to the system.

Animals↗