HIV-1 increases TLR responses in human primary astrocytes

Involvement of lncRNA TUG1 in HIV-1 Tat-Induced Astrocyte Senescence

HIV-1 infection in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy has been associated with premature aging. Among the various features of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders, astrocyte senescence has been surmised as a potential cause contributing to HIV-1-induced brain aging and neurocognitive impairments. Recently, lncRNAs have also been implicated to play essential roles in the onset of cellular senescence. Herein, using human primary astrocytes (HPAs), we investigated the role of lncRNA TUG1 in HIV-1 Tat-mediated onset of astrocyte senescence. We found that HPAs exposed to HIV-1 Tat resulted in significant upregulation of lncRNA TUG1 expression that was accompanied by elevated expression of p16 and p21, respectively. Additionally, HIV-1 Tat-exposed HPAs demonstrated increased expression of senescence-associated (SA) markers-SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and SA-heterochromatin foci-cell-cycle arrest, and increased production of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines. Intriguingly, gene silencing of lncRNA TUG1 in HPAs also reversed HIV-1 Tat-induced upregulation of p21, p16, SA-β gal activity, cellular activation, and proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, increased expression of astrocytic p16 and p21, lncRNA TUG1, and proinflammatory cytokines were observed in the prefrontal cortices of HIV-1 transgenic rats, thereby suggesting the occurrence of senescence activation in vivo. Overall, our data indicate that HIV-1 Tat-induced astrocyte senescence involves the lncRNA TUG1 and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for dampening accelerated aging associated with HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins.

Immune Functions of Astrocytes in Viral Neuroinfections

Neuroinfections of the central nervous system (CNS) can be triggered by various pathogens. Viruses are the most widespread and have the potential to induce long-term neurologic symptoms with potentially lethal outcomes. In addition to directly affecting their host cells and inducing immediate changes in a plethora of cellular processes, viral infections of the CNS also trigger an intense immune response. Regulation of the innate immune response in the CNS depends not only on microglia, which are fundamental immune cells of the CNS, but also on astrocytes. These cells align blood vessels and ventricle cavities, and consequently, they are one of the first cell types to become infected after the virus breaches the CNS. Moreover, astrocytes are increasingly recognized as a potential viral reservoir in the CNS; therefore, the immune response initiated by the presence of intracellular virus particles may have a profound effect on cellular and tissue physiology and morphology. These changes should be addressed in terms of persisting infections because they may contribute to recurring neurologic sequelae. To date, infections of astrocytes with different viruses originating from genetically distinct families, including Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, Togaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Picomaviridae, Rhabdoviridae, and Herpesviridae, have been confirmed. Astrocytes express a plethora of receptors that detect viral particles and trigger signaling cascades, leading to an innate immune response. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on virus receptors that initiate the release of inflammatory cytokines from astrocytes and depict the involvement of astrocytes in immune functions of the CNS.

Antiviral response within different cell types of the CNS

The central nervous system (CNS) is a constitutive structure of various cell types conserved by anatomical barriers. Many of the major CNS cell-type populations distributed across the different brain regions are targets for several neurotropic viruses. Numerous studies have demonstrated that viral susceptibility within the CNS is not absolute and initiates a cell-type specific antiviral defence response. Neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells are among the major resident cell populations within the CNS and are all equipped to sense viral infection and induce a relative antiviral response mostly through type I IFN production, however, not all these cell types adopt a similar antiviral strategy. Rising evidence has suggested a diversity regarding IFN production and responsiveness based on the cell type/sub type, regional distinction and cell`s developmental state which could shape distinct antiviral signatures. Among CNS resident cell types, neurons are of the highest priority to defend against the invading virus due to their poor renewable nature. Therefore, infected and uninfected glial cells tend to play more dominant antiviral roles during a viral infection and have been found to be the major CNS IFN producers. Alternatively, neuronal cells do play an active part during antiviral responses but may adopt differential strategies in addition to induction of a typical type I IFN response, to minimize the chance of cellular damage. Heterogeneity observed in neuronal IFN responsiveness may be partially explained by their altered ISGs and/or lower STATS expression levels, however, further in vivo studies are required to fully elucidate the specificity of the acquired antiviral responses by distinct CNS cell types.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone improves neuropathological changes in the brain of Tg26 mice, a model for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder

The combined antiretroviral therapy era has significantly increased the lifespan of people with HIV (PWH), turning a fatal disease to a chronic one. However, this lower but persistent level of HIV infection increases the susceptibility of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Therefore, research is currently seeking improved treatment for this complication of HIV. In PWH, low levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been associated with worse neurocognitive impairment. Hence, BDNF administration has been gaining relevance as a possible adjunct therapy for HAND. However, systemic administration of BDNF is impractical because of poor pharmacological profile. Therefore, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of BDNF-mimicking 7,8 dihydroxyflavone (DHF), a bioactive high-affinity TrkB agonist, in the memory-involved hippocampus and brain cortex of Tg26 mice, a murine model for HAND. In these brain regions, we observed astrogliosis, increased expression of chemokine HIV-1 coreceptors CXCR4 and CCR5, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial damage. Hippocampi and cortices of DHF treated mice exhibited a reversal of these pathological changes, suggesting the therapeutic potential of DHF in HAND. Moreover, our data indicates that DHF increases the phosphorylation of TrkB, providing new insights about the role of the TrkB-Akt-NFkB signaling pathway in mediating these pathological hallmarks. These findings guide future research as DHF shows promise as a TrkB agonist treatment for HAND patients in adjunction to the current antiviral therapies.

Microglial Implications in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: Lessons From Viral RNA Neurotropism and Possible Relevance to Parkinson's Disease

Since December 2019, humankind has been experiencing a ravaging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, the second coronavirus pandemic in a decade after the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) disease in 2012. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 results in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is responsible for over 3.1 million deaths worldwide. With the emergence of a second and a third wave of infection across the globe, and the rising record of multiple reinfections and relapses, SARS-CoV-2 infection shows no sign of abating. In addition, it is now evident that SARS-CoV-2 infection presents with neurological symptoms that include early hyposmia, ischemic stroke, meningitis, delirium and falls, even after viral clearance. This may suggest chronic or permanent changes to the neurons, glial cells, and/or brain vasculature in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19. Within the central nervous system (CNS), microglia act as the central housekeepers against altered homeostatic states, including during viral neurotropic infections. In this review, we highlight microglial responses to viral neuroinfections, especially those with a similar genetic composition and route of entry as SARS-CoV-2. As the primary sensor of viral infection in the CNS, we describe the pathogenic and neuroinvasive mechanisms of RNA viruses and SARS-CoV-2 vis-à-vis the microglial means of viral recognition. Responses of microglia which may culminate in viral clearance or immunopathology are also covered. Lastly, we further discuss the implication of SARS-CoV-2 CNS invasion on microglial plasticity and associated long-term neurodegeneration. As such, this review provides insight into some of the mechanisms by which microglia could contribute to the pathophysiology of post-COVID-19 neurological sequelae and disorders, including Parkinson's disease, which could be pervasive in the coming years given the growing numbers of infected and re-infected individuals globally.

Role of astroglial toll-like receptors (TLRs) in central nervous system infections, injury and neurodegenerative diseases

Central nervous system (CNS) innate immunity plays essential roles in infections, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain or spinal cord injuries. Astrocytes and microglia are the principal cells that mediate innate immunity in the CNS. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), expressed by astrocytes and microglia, sense pathogen-derived or endogenous ligands released by damaged cells and initiate the innate immune response. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a well-characterized family of PRRs. The contribution of microglial TLR signaling to CNS pathology has been extensively investigated. Even though astrocytes assume a wide variety of key functions, information about the role of astroglial TLRs in CNS disease and injuries is limited. Because astrocytes display heterogeneity and exhibit phenotypic plasticity depending on the effectors present in the local milieu, they can exert both detrimental and beneficial effects. TLRs are modulators of these paradoxical astroglial properties. The goal of the current review is to highlight the essential roles played by astroglial TLRs in CNS infections, injuries and diseases. We discuss the contribution of astroglial TLRs to host defense as well as the dissemination of viral and bacterial infections in the CNS. We examine the link between astroglial TLRs and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and present evidence showing the pivotal influence of astroglial TLR signaling on sterile inflammation in CNS injury. Finally, we define the research questions and areas that warrant further investigations in the context of astrocytes, TLRs, and CNS dysfunction.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors in Retroviral Infection

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key pathogen sensing receptors that respond to diverse microbial ligands, and trigger both innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Since their discovery, a growing body of evidence has pointed to an important role for TLRs in retroviral infection and pathogenesis. These data suggest that multiple TLRs contribute to the anti-retroviral response, and that TLR engagement by retroviruses can have complex and divergent outcomes for infection. Despite this progress, numerous questions remain about the role of TLRs in retroviral infection. In this review, I summarize existing evidence for TLR-retrovirus interactions and the functional roles these receptors play in immunity and pathogenesis, with particular focus on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Cytosolic DNA Sensors and CNS Responses to Viral Pathogens

Viral central nervous system (CNS) infections can lead to life threatening encephalitis and long-term neurological deficits in survivors. Resident CNS cell types, such as astrocytes and microglia, are known to produce key inflammatory and antiviral mediators following infection with neurotropic DNA viruses. However, the mechanisms by which glia mediate such responses remain poorly understood. Recently, a class of intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), collectively known as DNA sensors, have been identified in both leukocytic and non-leukocytic cell types. The ability of such DNA sensors to initiate immune mediator production and contribute to infection resolution in the periphery is increasingly recognized, but our understanding of their role in the CNS remains limited at best. In this review, we describe the evidence for the expression and functionality of DNA sensors in resident brain cells, with a focus on their role in neurotropic virus infections. The available data indicate that glia and neurons can constitutively express, and/or can be induced to express, various disparate DNA sensing molecules previously described in peripheral cell types. Furthermore, multiple lines of investigation suggest that these sensors are functional in resident CNS cells and are required for innate immune responses to viral infections. However, it is less clear whether DNA sensormediated glial responses are beneficial or detrimental, and the answer to this question appears to dependent on the context of the infection with regard to the identity of the pathogen, host cell type, and host species. Defining such parameters will be essential if we are to successfully target these molecules to limit damaging inflammation while allowing beneficial host responses to improve patient outcomes.

The impact of substance abuse on HIV-mediated neuropathogenesis in the current ART era

Approximately 37 million people worldwide are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). One highly significant complication of HIV infection is the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in 15-55% of people living with HIV (PLWH), that persists even in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. The entry of HIV into the central nervous system (CNS) occurs within 4-8 days after peripheral infection. This establishes viral reservoirs that may persist even in the presence of ART. Once in the CNS, HIV infects resident macrophages, microglia, and at low levels, astrocytes. In response to chronic infection and cell activation within the CNS, viral proteins, inflammatory mediators, and host and viral neurotoxic factors produced over extended periods of time result in neuronal injury and loss, cognitive deficits and HAND. Substance abuse is a common comorbidity in PLWH and has been shown to increase neuroinflammation and cognitive disorders. Additionally, it has been associated with poor ART adherence, and increased viral load in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), that may also contribute to increased neuroinflammation and neuronal injury. Studies have examined mechanisms that contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage in PLWH, and how substances of abuse exacerbate these effects. This review will focus on how substances of abuse, with an emphasis on methamphetamine (meth), cocaine, and opioids, impact blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity and transmigration of HIV-infected and uninfected monocytes across the BBB, as well as their effects on monocytes/macrophages, microglia, and astrocytes within the CNS. We will also address how these substances of abuse may contribute to HIV-mediated neuropathogenesis in the context of suppressive ART. Additionally, we will review the effects of extracellular dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is increased in the CNS by substances of abuse, on HIV neuropathogenesis and how this may contribute to neuroinflammation, neuronal insult, and HAND in PLWH with active substance use. Lastly, we will discuss some potential therapies to limit CNS inflammation and damage in HIV-infected substance abusers.

The Effects of Opioids on HIV Neuropathogenesis

HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a group of neurological deficits that affect approximately half of people living with HIV (PLWH) despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). There are currently no reliable molecular biomarkers or treatments for HAND. Given the national opioid epidemic, as well as illegal and prescription use of opioid drugs among PLWH, it is critical to characterize the molecular interactions between HIV and opioids in cells of the CNS. It is also important to study the role of opioid substitution therapies in the context of HIV and CNS damage in vitro and in vivo. A major mechanism contributing to HIV neuropathogenesis is chronic, low-level inflammation in the CNS. HIV enters the brain within 4–8 days after peripheral infection and establishes CNS reservoirs, even in the context of ART, that are difficult to identify and eliminate. Infected cells, including monocytes, macrophages, and microglia, produce chemokines, cytokines, neurotoxic mediators, and viral proteins that contribute to chronic inflammation and ongoing neuronal damage. Opioids have been shown to impact these immune cells through a variety of molecular mechanisms, including opioid receptor binding and cross desensitization with chemokine receptors. The effects of opioid use on cognitive outcomes in individuals with HAND in clinical studies is variable, and thus multiple biological mechanisms are likely to contribute to the complex relationship between opioids and HIV in the CNS. In this review, we will examine what is known about both HIV and opioid mediated neuropathogenesis, and discuss key molecular processes that may be impacted by HIV and opioids in the context of neuroinflammation and CNS damage. We will also assess what is known about the effects of ART on these processes, and highlight areas of study that should be addressed in the context of ART.

Cell Type Specific Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in Human Brains and Implications in Alzheimer's Disease

Toll-like receptors mediate important cellular immune responses upon activation via various pathogenic stimuli such as bacterial or viral components. The activation and subsequent secretion of cytokines and proinflammatory factors occurs in the whole body including the brain. The subsequent inflammatory response is crucial for the immune system to clear the pathogen(s) from the body via the innate and adaptive immune response. Within the brain, astrocytes, neurons, microglia, and oligodendrocytes all bear unique compositions of Toll-like receptors. Besides pathogens, cellular damage and abnormally folded protein aggregates, such as tau and Amyloid beta peptides, have been shown to activate Toll-like receptors in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. This review provides an overview of the different cell type-specific Toll-like receptors of the human brain, their activation mode, and subsequent cellular response, as well as their activation in Alzheimer's disease. Finally, we critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting Toll-like receptors for treatment of Alzheimer's disease as well as discussing the limitation of mouse models in understanding Toll-like receptor function in general and in Alzheimer's disease.

Murine astrocytes are responsive to the pro-inflammatory effects of IL-20

Glia are key regulators of inflammatory responses within the central nervous system (CNS) following infection or trauma. We have previously demonstrated the ability of activated astrocytes to rapidly produce pro-inflammatory mediators followed by a transition to an anti-inflammatory cytokine production profile that includes the immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 and the closely related cytokines IL-19 and IL-24. IL-20, another member of the IL-10 family, is known to modulate immune cell activity in the periphery and we have previously demonstrated that astrocytes constitutively express the cognate receptors for this cytokine. However, the ability of glia to produce IL-20 remains unclear and the effects of this pleiotropic cytokine on glial immune functions have not been investigated. In this study, we report that primary murine and human astrocytes are not an appreciable source of IL-20 following challenge with disparate bacterial species or their components. Importantly, we have determined that astrocyte are responsive to the immunomodulatory actions of this cytokine by showing that recombinant IL-20 administration upregulates microbial pattern recognition receptor expression and induces release of the inflammatory mediator IL-6 by these cells. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-20 acts in a dissimilar manner to other IL-10 family members to augment the inflammatory responses of astrocytes.

Innate Immune Signaling and Alcohol Use Disorders

Innate immune signaling is an important feature in the pathology of alcohol use disorders. Alcohol abuse causes persistent innate immune activation in the brain. This is seen in postmortem human alcoholic brain specimens, as well as in primate and rodent models of alcohol consumption. Further, in vitro models of alcohol exposure in neurons and glia also demonstrate innate immune activation. The activation of the innate immune system seems to be important in the development of alcohol use pathology, as anti-immune therapies reduce pathology and ethanol self-administration in rodent models. Further, innate immune activation has been identified in each of the stages of addiction: binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/craving. This suggests that innate immune activation may play a role both in the development and maintenance of alcoholic pathology. In this chapter, we discuss the known contributions of innate immune signaling in the pathology of alcohol use disorders, and present potential therapeutic interventions that may be beneficial for alcohol use disorders.

Astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, age-related CNS diseases, and HAND

Astrocytes regulate local cerebral blood flow, maintain ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, provide metabolic support, regulate synaptic activity, and respond to brain injury, insults, and infection. Because of their abundance, extensive connectivity, and multiple roles in the brain, astrocytes are intimately involved in normal functioning of the CNS and their dysregulation can lead to neuronal dysfunction. In normal aging, decreased biological functioning and reduced cognitive abilities are commonly experienced in individuals free of overt neurological disease. Moreover, in several age-related CNS diseases, chronic inflammation and altered metabolism have been reported. Since people with HIV (PWH) are reported to experience rapid aging with chronic inflammation, altered brain metabolism is likely to be exacerbated. In fact, many studies report altered metabolism in astrocytes in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and HIV. This review will address the roles of astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, in age-related CNS disease, and in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Ethanol induces interferon expression in neurons via TRAIL: role of astrocyte-to-neuron signaling

RATIONALE

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) involves dysregulation of innate immune signaling in brain. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), an innate immune receptor that is upregulated in post-mortem human alcoholics, leads to induction of interferon (IFN) signaling. IFNs have been linked to depressive-like symptoms and therefore may play a role in addiction pathology. Astrocyte-neuronal signaling may contribute to maladaptation of neuronal circuits.

OBJECTIVES

In this manuscript, we examine ethanol (EtOH) induction of IFN signaling in neuronal, astrocyte, and microglial cell lines and assess astrocyte-neuronal interactions.

METHODS

U373 astrocytes, SH-SY5Y neurons, and BV2 microglia were treated with EtOH and analyzed for autocrine/paracrine IFN signaling.

RESULTS

EtOH induced TLR3, IFNβ, and IFNγ in SH-SY5Y neurons and U373 astrocytes, but not in BV2 microglia. The IFN response gene TRAIL was also strongly upregulated by TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C) and EtOH in U373 astrocytes. TRAIL blockage via neutralizing antibody prevented induction of IFNs in SH-SY5Y neurons but not in U373 astrocytes. Blocking TRAIL in conditioned media from EtOH-treated astrocytes prevented induction of IFNs in SH-SY5Y neurons. Finally, an in vivo model of chronic 10-day binge EtOH exposure in C57BL6/J mice, as well as single acute treatment with Poly(I:C), showed increased TRAIL +IR cells in both orbitofrontal and entorhinal cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes a role of astrocyte to neuron TRAIL release in EtOH-induced IFN responses. This may contribute to alcohol associated negative affect and suggest potential therapeutic benefit of TRAIL inhibition in AUD.

HIV-1 increases extracellular amyloid-beta levels through neprilysin regulation in primary cultures of human astrocytes

Since the success of combined antiretroviral therapy, HIV-1-infected individuals are now living much longer. This increased life expectancy is accompanied by a higher prevalence of HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders. Rising too is the incidence in these patients of pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease such as increased deposition of amyloid beta protein (Aβ). Although neurons are major sources of Aβ in the brain, astrocytes are the most numerous glial cells, therefore, even a small level of astrocytic Aβ metabolism could make a significant contribution to brain pathology. Neprilysin (NEP) is a decisive/crucial regulator of Aβ levels. We evaluated the effects of HIV-1 on Aβ deposition and the expression and activity of NEP in primary human astrocytes. Specifically, no differences in intracellular amyloid deposits were found between infected and control cells. However, primary cultures of infected astrocytes showed more extracellular Aβ levels compared to controls. This was accompanied by reduced expression of NEP and to a significant decrease in its activity. These results indicate that the presence of HIV-1 in the brain could contribute to the increase in the total burden of cerebral Aβ.

The Interleukin-10 Family of Cytokines and Their Role in the CNS

Resident cells of the central nervous system (CNS) play an important role in detecting insults and initiating protective or sometimes detrimental host immunity. At peripheral sites, immune responses follow a biphasic course with the rapid, but transient, production of inflammatory mediators giving way to the delayed release of factors that promote resolution and repair. Within the CNS, it is well known that glial cells contribute to the onset and progression of neuroinflammation, but it is only now becoming apparent that microglia and astrocytes also play an important role in producing and responding to immunosuppressive factors that serve to limit the detrimental effects of such responses. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is generally considered to be the quintessential immunosuppressive cytokine, and its ability to resolve inflammation and promote wound repair at peripheral sites is well documented. In the present review article, we discuss the evidence for the production of IL-10 by glia, and describe the ability of CNS cells, including microglia and astrocytes, to respond to this suppressive factor. Furthermore, we review the literature for the expression of other members of the IL-10 cytokine family, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22 and IL-24, within the brain, and discuss the evidence of a role for these poorly understood cytokines in the regulation of infectious and sterile neuroinflammation. In concert, the available data indicate that glia can produce IL-10 and the related cytokines IL-19 and IL-24 in a delayed manner, and these cytokines can limit glial inflammatory responses and/or provide protection against CNS insult. However, the roles of other IL-10 family members within the CNS remain unclear, with IL-20 appearing to act as a pro-inflammatory factor, while IL-22 may play a protective role in some instances and a detrimental role in others, perhaps reflecting the pleiotropic nature of this cytokine family. What is clear is that our current understanding of the role of IL-10 and related cytokines within the CNS is limited at best, and further research is required to define the actions of this understudied family in inflammatory brain disorders.

Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-2 (TREM-2) Activation Balance Astrocyte Polarization into a Proinflammatory Phenotype

Astrocytes react to brain injury with a generic response known as reactive gliosis, which involves activation of multiple intracellular pathways including several that may be beneficial for neuronal survival. However, by unknown mechanisms, reactive astrocytes can polarize into a proinflammatory phenotype that induces neurodegeneration. In order to study reactive gliosis and astroglial polarization into a proinflammatory phenotype, we used cortical devascularization-induced brain ischemia in Wistar rats and primary astroglial cell cultures exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We analyzed the profile of TLR4 expression and the consequences of its activation by gain- and loss-of-function studies, and the effects produced by the activation of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM-2), a negative regulator of TLR4 signaling. Both OGD exposure on primary astroglial cell cultures and cortical devascularization brain ischemia in rats induced TLR4 expression in astrocytes. In vivo, astroglial TLR4 expression was specifically observed in the ischemic penumbra surrounding necrotic core. Functional studies showed that OGD increased the astroglial response to the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and conversely, TLR4 knockout primary astrocytes had impaired nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation when exposed to LPS. In gain-of-function studies, plasmid-mediated TLR4 over-expression exacerbated astroglial response to LPS as shown by sustained NF-κB activation and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα. TREM-2 expression, although present in naïve primary astrocytes, was induced by OGD, LPS, or high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1) exposure. TREM-2 activation by antibody cross-linking or the overexpression of TREM-2 intracellular adaptor, DAP12, partially suppressed LPS-induced NF-κB activation in purified astrocytic cultures. In vivo, TREM-2 expression was observed in macrophages and astrocytes located in the ischemic penumbra. While TREM-2+ macrophages were abundant at 3 days post-lesion (DPL) in the ischemic core, TREM-2+ astrocytes persisted in the penumbra until 14DPL. This study demonstrates that TLR4 expression increases astroglial sensitivity to ligands facilitating astrocyte conversion towards a proinflammatory phenotype, and that astroglial TREM-2 modulates this response reducing the downstream NF-κB activation. Therefore, the availability of TLR4 and TREM-2 ligands in the ischemic environment may control proinflammatory astroglial conversion to the neurodegenerative phenotype.

HIV-1 Tat exacerbates lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine release via TLR4 signaling in the enteric nervous system

The loss of gut epithelium integrity leads to translocation of microbes and microbial products resulting in immune activation and drives systemic inflammation in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. Although viral loads in HIV patients are significantly reduced in the post-cART era, inflammation and immune activation persist and can lead to morbidity. Here, we determined the interactive effects of the viral protein HIV-1 Tat and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on enteric neurons and glia. Bacterial translocation was significantly enhanced in Tat-expressing (Tat+) mice. Exposure to HIV-1 Tat in combination with LPS enhanced the expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the ilea of Tat+ mice and by enteric glia. This coincided with enhanced NF-κB activation in enteric glia that was abrogated in glia from TLR4 knockout mice and by knockdown (siRNA) of MyD88 siRNA in wild type glia. The synergistic effects of Tat and LPS resulted in a reduced rate of colonic propulsion in Tat+ mice treated with LPS. These results show that HIV-1 Tat interacts with the TLR4 receptor to enhance the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS leading to gastrointestinal dysmotility and enhanced immune activation.

Synergy of TLR3 and 7 ligands significantly enhances function of DCs to present inactivated PRRSV antigen through TRIF/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway

PRRS is one of the most important diseases in swine industry. Current PRRS inactivated vaccine provides only a limited protection and cannot induce sufficient cell-mediated immune responses. In this study, we first found that the mRNA and protein levels of Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-6, IL-10) were significantly increased through TRIF/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway when porcine peripheral blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs) were treated with poly (I: C) of TLR3 ligand and imiquimod of TLR7 ligand, along with inactivated PRRSV antigen. Meanwhile, the ability of catching PRRSV antigen was also significantly enhanced. In mice experiment, it was found that the PRRSV-specific T lymphocyte proliferation, the percentages of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and PRRSV-specific CD3⁺ T cells producing IFN-γ and IL-4, the levels of Th1- and Th2-type cytokines and the titers of neutralization antibody were significantly enhanced in poly (I: C), imiquimod along with inactivated PRRSV group. Taken together, results of our experiments described for the first time that synergy of TLR3 and 7 ligands could significantly enhance the function of DCs to present inactivated PRRSV antigen through TRIF/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway and be used as adjuvant candidate for the development of novel PRRS inactivated vaccine.