Identification of Toll-like receptor signaling inhibitors based on selective activation of hierarchically acting signaling proteins

o-Vanillin binds covalently to MAL/TIRAP Lys-210 but independently inhibits TLR2

Toll-like receptor (TLR) innate immunity signalling protects against pathogens, but excessive or prolonged signalling contributes to a range of inflammatory conditions. Structural information on the TLR cytoplasmic TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domains and the downstream adaptor proteins can help us develop inhibitors targeting this pathway. The small molecule o-vanillin has previously been reported as an inhibitor of TLR2 signalling. To study its mechanism of action, we tested its binding to the TIR domain of the TLR adaptor MAL/TIRAP (MALTIR). We show that o-vanillin binds to MALTIR and inhibits its higher-order assembly in vitro. Using NMR approaches, we show that o-vanillin forms a covalent bond with lysine 210 of MAL. We confirm in mouse and human cells that o-vanillin inhibits TLR2 but not TLR4 signalling, independently of MAL, suggesting it may covalently modify TLR2 signalling complexes directly. Reactive aldehyde-containing small molecules such as o-vanillin may target multiple proteins in the cell.

Single-cell sequencing reveals that specnuezhenide protects against osteoporosis via activation of METTL3 in LEPR+ BMSCs

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) has garnered significant attention due to its substantial morbidity and mortality rates, imposing considerable health burdens on societies worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis pathogenesis remain largely elusive, and the available therapeutic interventions are limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative strategies in the treatment of osteoporosis.

PURPOSE

The primary objective of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying osteoporosis pathogenesis using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), thereby proposing novel therapeutic agents.

METHODS

The mice osteoporosis model was established through bilateral ovariectomy. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were employed to assess the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. scRNA-seq was utilized to identify and analyze distinct molecular mechanisms and sub-clusters. Gradient dilution analysis was used to obtain specific sub-clusters, which were further validated by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were applied for screening potential agents in the TCMSPs database. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S (ARS) staining were performed to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Osteogenic organoids analysis was employed to assess the proliferation and sphere-forming ability of BMSCs. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were conducted to investigate signaling pathways. Wound healing assay and tube formation analysis were employed to evaluate the angiogenesis of endothelial cells.

RESULTS

The scRNA-seq analysis revealed the crucial role of LEPR+ BMSCs in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, which was confirmed by immunofluorescence staining of the epiphysis. Subsequently, the LEPR+ BMSCs were obtained by gradient dilution analysis and identified by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Accordingly, specnuezhenide (Spe) was screened and identified as a potential compound targeting METTL3 from the TCMSPs database. Spe promoted bone formation as evidenced by μ-CT, and H&E analysis. Additionally, Spe enhanced the osteogenic capacity of LEPR+ BMSCs through ALP and ARS assay. Notably, METTL3 pharmacological inhibitors S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) attenuated the aforementioned osteo-protective effects of Spe. Particularly, Spe enhanced the LEPR+ BMSCs-dependent angiogenesis through the secretion of SLIT3, which was abolished by SAH in LEPR+ BMSCs.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings suggest that Spe could enhance the osteogenic potential of LEPR+ BMSCs and promote LEPR+ BMSCs-dependent angiogenesis by activating METTL3 in LEPR+ BMSCs, indicating its potential as an ideal therapeutic agent for clinical treatment of osteoporosis.

Design, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory agents against acute lung injury and colitis

Acute lung injury (ALI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are common inflammatory illnesses that seriously affect people's health. Herein, a series of 4-hydroxylcoumarin (4-HC) derivatives were designed and synthesized. The inhibitory effects of these compounds on LPS-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) release from J774A.1 cells were then screened via ELISA assay, compound B8 showed 3 times more active than the lead compound 4-HC. The most active compound B8 had the IC50 values of 4.57 μM and 6.51 μM for IL-6 release on mouse cells J774A.1 and human cells THP-1, respectively. Furthermore, we also found that B8 could act on the MAPK pathway. Based on the target prediction results of computer virtual docking, kinase inhibitory assay was carried out, and it revealed that targeting IRAK1 was a key mechanism for B8 to exert anti-inflammatory activity. Moreover, B8 exerted a good therapeutic effect on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model and liposaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI mouse models. The acute toxicity experiments indicated that high-dose B8 caused no adverse reactions in mice, confirming its safety in vivo. Additionally, the preliminary pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of B8 in SD rats were also examined, revealing a bioavailability (F) of 28.72 %. In conclusion, B8 is a potential candidate of drug for the treatment of ALI and colitis.

A Bacterial Quorum Sensing Regulated Protease Inhibits Host Immune Responses by Cleaving Death Domains of Innate Immune Adaptors

Innate immune adaptor proteins are critical components of the innate immune system that propagate pro-inflammatory responses from their upstream receptors, and lead to pathogen clearance from the host. Bacterial pathogens have developed strategies to survive inside host cells without triggering the innate immune surveillance in ways that are still not fully understood. Here, it is reported that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces its quorum sensing mechanism after macrophage engulfment. Further investigation of its secretome identified a quorum sensing regulated product, LasB, is responsible for innate immune suppression depending on the MyD88-mediated signaling. Moreover, it is showed that this specific type of pathogen-mediated innate immune suppression is due to the enzymatic digestion of the death domains of the innate immune adaptors, mainly MyD88, and attributed to LasB's large substrate binding groove. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the secretion of LasB from P. aeruginosa directly contributed to MyD88 degradation within macrophages. Hence, it is discovered an example of bacterial quorum sensing-regulated cellular innate immune suppression by direct cleavage of immune adaptors.

Bidirectional crosstalk of the cAMP/ROS-dependent signaling pathways in inflammatory macrophage: An activation of formononetin

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a toxic stimulant to macrophage inflammation. Inflammation intersects cell metabolism and often directs host immunopathogenesis stress. We aim here at pharmacological discovering of formononetin (FMN) action, to which anti-inflammatory signaling spans across immune membrane receptors and second messenger metabolites. In ANA-1 macrophage stimulated by LPS, and simultaneous treatment with FMN, results show the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and estrogen receptor (ER) signals, in concert with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), respectively. LPS stimulates inactivation of the ROS-dependent nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by upregulating TLR4, but it does not affect cAMP. However, FMN treatment not only activates Nrf2 signaling by TLR4 inhibition, but also it activates cAMP-dependent protein kinase activities by upregulating ER. The cAMP activity gives rise to phosphorylation (p-) of protein kinase A, liver kinase B1 and 5'-AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, bidirectional signal crosstalk is amplified between p-AMPK and ROS, as FMN combinational validation with AMPK activator/inhibitor/target small-interfering RNA or ROS scavenger. The signal crosstalk is well positioned serving as the 'plug-in' knot for rather long signaling axis, and the immune-to-metabolic circuit via ER/TLR4 signal transduction. Collectively, convergence of the FMN-activated signals drives significant reduction of cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6 and NLR family pyrin domain-containing protein 3, in LPS-stimulated cell. Although anti-inflammatory signaling is specifically related to the immune-type macrophage, the p-AMPK antagonizing effect arises from FMN combination with ROS scavenger H-bond donors. Information of our work assists in predictive traits against macrophage inflammatory challenges, using phytoestrogen discoveries.

Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7)-mediated antiviral response protects mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection

SARS-CoV-2-induced impaired antiviral and excessive inflammatory responses cause fatal pneumonia. However, the key pattern recognition receptors that elicit effective antiviral and lethal inflammatory responses in-vivo are not well defined. CoVs possess single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) genome that is abundantly produced during infection and stimulates both antiviral interferon (IFN) and inflammatory cytokine/ chemokine responses. Therefore, in this study, using wild-type control and TLR7 deficient BALB/c mice infected with a mouse-adapted SARS-COV-2 (MA-CoV-2), we evaluated the role of TLR7 signaling in MA-CoV-2-induced antiviral and inflammatory responses and disease outcome. We show that TLR7-deficient mice are more susceptible to MA-CoV-2 infection as compared to infected control mice. Further evaluation of MA-CoV-2 infected lungs showed significantly reduced mRNA levels of antiviral type I (IFNα/β) and type III (IFNλ) IFNs, IFN stimulated genes (ISGs, ISG15 and CXCL10), and several pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in TLR7 deficient compared to control mice. Reduced lung IFN/ISG levels and increased morbidity/mortality in TLR7 deficient mice correlated with high lung viral titer. Detailed examination of total cells from MA-CoV-2 infected lungs showed high neutrophil count in TLR7 deficient mice compared to control mice. Additionally, blocking TLR7 activity post-MA-CoV-2 infection using a specific inhibitor also enhanced disease severity. In summary, our results conclusively establish that TLR7 signaling is protective during SARS-CoV-2 infection, and despite robust inflammatory response, TLR7-mediated IFN/ISG responses likely protect the host from lethal disease. Given similar outcomes in control and TLR7 deficient humans and mice, these results show that MA-CoV-2 infected mice serve as excellent model to study COVID-19.

Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1078 Alleviates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats via Modulating the Gut Microbiota and Repairing the Intestinal Barrier Damage

This study focused on the effects of Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1078 on the intestinal barrier and systemic inflammation of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. Female rats were divided into three groups with daily intragastric administration of either saline (control group and model group) or B. breve CCFM1078 (CCFM1078 group, 3 × 10⁹cfu/rat per day) for 5 weeks. In the Model and CCFM1078 groups, arthritis was induced by subcutaneous collagen injection. We found that B. breve CCFM1078 can repair the intestinal barrier, reduce LPS translocation, regulate gut microbiota composition, and increase short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. Then, it can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines release, adjust immune dysfunction, and inhibit TLR4-MyD88-dependent pathways and downstream inflammatory pathways to alleviate joint inflammation in CIA rats. These findings suggest that B. breve CCFM1078 may alleviate joint inflammation by adjusting the profile of gut microbiota and enhancing the intestinal barrier.

The Association Between Gut Microbiota, Toll-Like Receptors, and Colorectal Cancer

The large number of microbes found in the gut are involved in various critical biological processes in the human body and have dynamic and complex interactions with the immune system. Disruptions in the host's gut microbiota and the metabolites produced during fermentation promote the development of intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize specific microbial-associated molecular patterns specific to microorganisms whose signaling is involved in maintaining intestinal homeostasis or, under certain conditions, mediating dysbiosis-associated intestinal inflammation. The signaling pathways of TLRs are described first, followed by a discussion of the interrelationship between gut microbes and TLRs, including the activation of TLRs by gut microbes and the effect of TLRs on the distribution of gut microbiota, particularly the role of microbes in colorectal carcinogenesis via TLRs. Finally, we discuss the potential roles of various TLRs in colorectal cancer.

A phospho-tyrosine-based signaling module using SPOP, CSK, and LYN controls TLR-induced IRF activity

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize pathogen- and host-derived factors and control immune responses via the adaptor protein MyD88 and members of the interferon regulatory transcription factor (IRF) family. IRFs orchestrate key effector functions, including cytokine release, cell differentiation, and, under certain circumstances, inflammation pathology. Here, we show that IRF activity is generically controlled by the Src kinase family member LYN, which phosphorylates all TLR-induced IRFs at a conserved tyrosine residue, resulting in K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of IRFs. We further show that LYN activity is controlled by the upstream kinase C-terminal Src kinase (CSK), whose activity, in turn, is controlled by the adaptor protein SPOP, which serves as molecular bridge to recruit CSK into the TLR signaling complex and to activate CSK catalytic activity. Consistently, deletion of SPOP or CSK results in increased LYN activity, LYN-directed IRF degradation, and inhibition of IRF transcriptional activity. Together, the data reveal a key regulatory mechanism for IRF family members controlling TLR biology.

Negative Effects of SIGIRR on TRAF6 Ubiquitination in Acute Lung Injury In Vitro

In this study, the effects of single immunoglobin IL-1 receptor-related protein (SIGIRR) on tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) ubiquitination in acute lung injury (ALI) were evaluated in both alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophage cells in vitro. Our results found that SIGIRR negatively regulated TRAF6 ubiquitination and such SIGIRR inhibition could enhance the TRAF6 expression in both alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and alveolar macrophage cells (AMCs). SIGIRR knockdown may increase NF-κB activity via TRAF6 regulation by the classical but not the nonclassical NF-κB signaling pathway. Such modulation between TRAF6 and SIGIRR could affect cytokine secretion and exacerbate the immune response; the IL-8, NFKB1, and NFKBIA mRNA levels were reduced after SIGIRR overexpression. The current study reveals the molecular mechanisms of the negative regulatory roles of SIGIRR on the innate immune response related to the LPS/TLR-4 signaling pathway and provides evidence for strategies to clinically treat inflammatory diseases.

Clobetasol Propionate Is a Heme-Mediated Selective Inhibitor of Human Cytochrome P450 3A5

The human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 metabolize most drugs and have high similarities in their structure and substrate preference. Whereas CYP3A4 is predominantly expressed in the liver, CYP3A5 is upregulated in cancer, contributing to drug resistance. Selective inhibitors of CYP3A5 are, therefore, critical to validating it as a therapeutic target. Here we report clobetasol propionate (clobetasol) as a potent and selective CYP3A5 inhibitor identified by high-throughput screening using enzymatic and cell-based assays. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest a close proximity of clobetasol to the heme in CYP3A5 but not in CYP3A4. UV-visible spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance analyses confirmed the formation of an inhibitory type I heme-clobetasol complex in CYP3A5 but not in CYP3A4, thus explaining the CYP3A5 selectivity of clobetasol. Our results provide a structural basis for selective CYP3A5 inhibition, along with mechanistic insights, and highlight clobetasol as an important chemical tool for target validation.

Select targeting of intracellular Toll-interleukin-1 receptor resistance domains for protection against influenza-induced disease

TLRs are a family of PRRs that respond to PAMPs or host-derived Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs) to initiate host inflammation and immune responses. TLR dimerization and recruitment of adapter molecules is critical for intracellular signaling and is mediated through intracellular Toll-Interleukin 1 Receptor Resistance (TIR) domain interactions. Human TIR domains, including reported structures of TIR1, TIR2, TIR6, TIR10, TIRAP, and MyD88, contain Cysteine (Cys) interactions or modifications that are disproportionally at, or near, reported biological TIR interfaces, or in close proximity to functionally important regions. Therefore, we hypothesized that intracellular TIR Cys regulation may have greater functional importance than previously appreciated. Expression of mutant TLR4-C747S or treatment of TLR4 reporter cells with a small molecule, Cys-binding inhibitor of TLR4, TAK-242, abrogated LPS signaling in vitro . Using TAK-242, mice were protected from lethal influenza challenge as previously reported for extracellular TLR4 antagonists. Molecular modeling and sequence analysis of the region surrounding TLR4-Cys747 indicate conservation of a WxxxE motif identified among bacterial and NAD+-consuming TIRs, as well as within the TIRs domains of surface TLRs 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10. Together, these data support the hypothesis that critical Cys within the TIR domain are essential for TLR4 functionality.

Mesenchymal stromal cells induce inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma through various signaling pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of malignant liver disease worldwide. Molecular changes in HCC collectively contribute to Wnt/β-catenin, as a tumor proliferative signaling pathway, toll-like receptors (TLRs), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), as well as the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), predominant signaling pathways linked to the release of tumor-promoting cytokines. It should also be noted that the Hippo signaling pathway plays an important role in organ size control, particularly in promoting tumorigenesis and HCC development. Nowadays, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)-based therapies have been the subject of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies for liver such as cirrhosis, liver failure, and HCC. At present, despite the importance of basic molecular pathways of malignancies, limited information has been obtained on this background. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine the true concept of interactions between MSCs and tumor cells. What is known, these cells could migrate toward tumor sites so apply effects via paracrine interaction on HCC cells. For example, one of the inhibitory effects of MSCs is the overexpression of dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) as an important antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway. A growing body of research challenging the therapeutic roles of MSCs through the secretion of various trophic factors in HCC. This review illustrates the complex behavior of MSCs and precisely how their inhibitory signals interface with HCC tumor cells.

A high-throughput screening identifies histone deacetylase inhibitors as therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND

Medulloblastoma is the most frequently occurring malignant brain tumor in children. Current treatment strategies for medulloblastoma include aggressive surgery, cranio-spinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Because current treatments can cause severe long-term side effects and are not curative, successful treatment remains a challenge.

METHODS

In this study, we employed a high-throughput cell viability assay to screen 12,800 compounds and to identify drug candidates with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We also tested these compounds for attenuating medulloblastoma tumor development using mouse xenografts.

RESULTS

We identified two histone deacetylase inhibitors (dacinostat and quisinostat) with anti-proliferative properties for medulloblastoma cells. We showed that both compounds induce cytotoxicity, trigger cell apoptosis, and block cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase. In addition, dacinostat and quisinostat attenuated xenograft medulloblastoma growth in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that histone deacetylase inhibitors are potent therapeutic agents against medulloblastoma.

Understanding early TLR signaling through the Myddosome

TLRs are expressed on the plasma and endosomal membranes of innate immune cells acting as sensors of foreign and inherent danger signals that threaten the host. Upon activation, TLRs facilitate the assembly of large intracellular oligomeric signaling complexes, termed Myddosomes, which initiate key signal transduction pathways to elicit critical inflammatory immune responses. The formation of the Myddosome is integral for TLR signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms controlling its formation, disassembly, and the subsequent proximal signaling events remain to be clearly defined. In this review, we present a brief overview of TLR signal transduction pathways, summarize the current understanding of the Myddosome and the proteins that comprise its structure, including MyD88 and members of the IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) family. Finally, we will discuss recent advances and open questions regarding early TLR signaling in the context of the Myddosome complex.

Triaryl Pyrazole Toll-Like Receptor Signaling Inhibitors: Structure-Activity Relationships Governing Pan- and Selective Signaling Inhibitors

The immune system uses members of the toll-like receptor (TLR) family to recognize a variety of pathogen- and host-derived molecules in order to initiate immune responses. Although TLR-mediated, pro-inflammatory immune responses are essential for host defense, prolonged and exaggerated activation can result in inflammation pathology that manifests in a variety of diseases. Therefore, small-molecule inhibitors of the TLR signaling pathway might have promise as anti-inflammatory drugs. We previously identified a class of triaryl pyrazole compounds that inhibit TLR signaling by modulation of the protein-protein interactions essential to the pathway. We have now systematically examined the structural features essential for inhibition of this pathway, revealing characteristics of compounds that inhibited all TLRs tested (pan-TLR signaling inhibitors) as well as compounds that selectively inhibited certain TLRs. These findings reveal interesting classes of compounds that could be optimized for particular inflammatory diseases governed by different TLRs.