Toll-like receptors, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells family members and receptor for advanced glycation end-products in allergic airway inflammation

Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infection results in S100A8/A9-dependent cardiac dysfunction

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.a.) infection accounts for nearly 20% of all cases of hospital acquired pneumonia with mortality rates >30%. P.a. infection induces a robust inflammatory response, which ideally enhances bacterial clearance. Unfortunately, excessive inflammation can also have negative effects, and often leads to cardiac dysfunction with associated morbidity and mortality. However, it remains unclear how P.a. lung infection causes cardiac dysfunction. Using a murine pneumonia model, we found that P.a. infection of the lungs led to severe cardiac left ventricular dysfunction and electrical abnormalities. More specifically, we found that neutrophil recruitment and release of S100A8/A9 in the lungs activates the TLR4/RAGE signaling pathways, which in turn enhance systemic inflammation and subsequent cardiac dysfunction. Paradoxically, global deletion of S100A8/A9 did not improve but aggravated cardiac dysfunction and mortality likely due to uncontrolled bacterial burden in the lungs and heart. Our results indicate that P.a. infection induced release of S100A8/9 is double-edged, providing increased risk for cardiac dysfunction yet limiting P.a. growth.

Neuroprotection by Nrf2 via modulating microglial phenotype and phagocytosis after intracerebral hemorrhage

Activated microglia are divided into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functional states. In anti-inflammatory state, activated microglia contribute to phagocytosis, neural repair and anti-inflammation. Nrf2 as a major endogenous regulator in hematoma clearance after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has received much attention. This study aims to investigate the mechanism underlying Nrf2-mediated regulation of microglial phenotype and phagocytosis in hematoma clearance after ICH. In vitro experiments, BV-2 cells were assigned to normal group and administration group (Nrf2-siRNA, Nrf2 agonists Monascin and Xuezhikang). In vivo experiments, mice were divided into 5 groups: sham, ICH + vehicle, ICH + Nrf2-/-, ICH + Monascin and ICH + Xuezhikang. In vitro and in vivo, 72 h after administration of Monascin and Xuezhikang, the expression of Nrf2, inflammatory-associated factors such as Trem1, TNF-α and CD80, anti-inflammatory, neural repair and phagocytic associated factors such as Trem2, CD206 and BDNF were analyzed by the Western blot method. In vitro, fluorescent latex beads or erythrocytes were uptaken by BV-2 cells in order to study microglial phagocytic ability. In vivo, hemoglobin levels reflect the hematoma volume. In this study, Nrf2 agonists (Monascin and Xuezhikang) upregulated the expression of Trem2, CD206 and BDNF while decreased the expression of Trem1, TNF-α and CD80 both in vivo and in vitro. At the same time, after Monascin and Xuezhikang treatment, the phagocytic capacity of microglia increased in vitro, neurological deficits improved and hematoma volume lessened in vivo. These results were reversed in the Nrf2-siRNA or the Nrf2-/- mice. All these results indicated that Nrf2 enhanced hematoma clearance and neural repair, improved neurological outcomes through enhancing microglial phagocytosis and alleviating neuroinflammation.

AXL Inhibits Proinflammatory Factors to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain by Regulating the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective

This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) in relieving inflammatory pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

RA mouse model was constructed by collagen antibody induction. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the level of AXL in RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) and joint synovium. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO) were detected by ELISA. The inflammatory infiltration in joints was determined via HE staining. The mechanical abnormal pain and hyperalgesia were detected by the Von Frey microfilament test. The protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (3COX-2), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), p65, and phosphor (p)-p65 were detected by Western blotting.

Results

The expression of AXL in RA-FLS and RA mice was downregulated, while the expression of iNOS and COX-2 was upregulated. The levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and NO were increased in RA-FLS and RA mice. RA mice presented inflammatory cell infiltration, bone and cartilage destruction, and joint space stenosis. AXL overexpression alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and pathological injury in RA mice. Additionally, AXL overexpression inhibited the expression of TLR4 and p-p65.

Conclusion

AXL inhibits inflammatory pain in RA mice by suppressing TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

The SP-TLR axis, which locally primes the nasal mucosa, is impeded in patients with allergic rhinitis

Background

Substance P (SP) and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) contribute to airway disease, particularly during viral infection. We recently demonstrated that SP can act as an initial response to viral stimuli in the upper airway by upregulating TLRs in the nasal epithelia (the SP‐TLR axis). Patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) suffer from prolonged airway infections. The aim of the present study was to examine if patients with AR exhibit a disturbance in the SP‐TLR axis.

Method

Human nasal biopsies and human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from healthy volunteers and patients with AR were cultured in the presence of SP. Epithelial expression of TLR4, neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and neurokinin 1 (NK1) were evaluated with flow cytometry and/or quantitative polymerase chain reaction after 30 min to 24 h. The effect of SP on nasal lipopolysaccharide‐induced interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) release was investigated.

Results

SP stimulation of tissue from healthy volunteers resulted in a transient increase of the TLR4 expression, whereas stimulation of AR patient‐derived material led to a delayed and prolonged upregulation of TLR4. NEP expression in HNEC was lower in AR than healthy controls whereas NK1 receptor expression was increased. SP pretreatment increased TLR4‐dependent IL‐8 expression in healthy controls, but not in AR.

Conclusions

SP‐induced regulation of TLR4 in the human nasal mucosa is disturbed in AR. An altered SP‐mediated innate immune response may contribute to the dysfunctional and often prolonged responses to infection in AR.

TLR7/8 in the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease

Neuroinflammation and autoimmune mechanisms have a key part in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Therefore, we evaluated the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) as a link between inflammation and autoimmunity in PD. An in vivo model of PD was performed by administration of 1-metil 4-fenil 1,2,3,6-tetraidro-piridina (MPTP) at the dose of 20 mg/kg every 2 h for a total administration of 80/kg, both in single Knock Out (KO) mice for TLR7, TLR 8, and TLR9 and in double KO mice for TLR 7/8^-/-. All animals were compared with WT animals used as a control group. All animals were sacrificed after 7 days form the first administration of MPTP. The genetic absence of TLR 7 and 8 modified the PD pathway, increasing the immunoreactivity for TH and DAT compared to PD groups and decreasing microglia and astrocytes activation. Moreover, the deletion of TLR7 and TLR8 significantly reduced T-cell infiltration in the substantia nigra and lymph nodes, suggesting a reduction of T-cell activation. Therefore, our result highlights a possibility that an immunotherapy approach, by using a dual antagonist of TLR 7 and 8, could be considered as a possible target to develop new therapies for Parkinson diseases.

Evaluation of mechanisms of action of re-purposed drugs for treatment of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health emergency caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The rapid worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection has necessitated a global effort to identify effective therapeutic strategies in the absence of vaccine. Among the re-purposed drugs being tested currently, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), without or with zinc ion (Zn++) and the antibiotic azithromycin (AZM), has been administered to prevent or treat patients with COVID-19. The outcome of multiple clinical studies on HCQ has been mixed. Zn++ interferes with viral replication by inhibiting replicative enzymes and its entry into cells may be facilitated by HCQ. Another immunomodulatory drug, methotrexate (MTX), is well known for its ability to mitigate overactive immune system by upregulating the anti-inflammatory protein, A20. However, its beneficial effect in treating COVID-19 has not drawn much attention. This review provides an overview of the virology of SARS-CoV-2 and an analysis of the mechanisms by which these anti-inflammatory agents may act in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. We propose a rationale for the combinatorial use of these re-purposed drugs that may help to combat this ongoing pandemic health emergency.

Heat stress combined with lipopolysaccharide alter the activity and superficial molecules of peripheral monocytes

The purpose of this study was to focus on the underlying relationship between the hyperactivity for the peripheral monocytes and heat stroke by investigating the inflammatory oxidative activity of and the expression of superficial molecules. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 10 healthy adult volunteers. Human blood monocytes were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and sequent adherent culture. The objectives were divided into four groups: 43°C heat stress combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, 43°C heat stress group, LPS group, and control group. There were 10 cases in each group. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used to measure the concentrations of supernatant inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-10 (IL-10)). After loaded by 2,7-Dichlorodi-hydrofluorescein-diacetate (DCFHDA) fluorescent probe, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined by a flow cytometry. After fluorescent microspheres incubation, the phagocytosis of monocytes was observed under a fluorescent microscope. Respectively, the flow cytometry and Western blot were used to evaluate the level of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) on the monocytes. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of TREM-1 and TLR-4 was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The heat stress combined with LPS stimulation promoted the peripheral monocytes to produce inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10) and release ROS. Otherwise, such complex strike significantly suppressed the phagocytic activity of monocytes in peripheral blood. Moreover, the expression of TREM-1, TLR-4 and CD86 was measured by the flow cytometry on peripheral monocytes which were respectively promoted by the union of heat stress and LPS. The results of Western blot and RT-PCR demonstrated the similar kinetics on these superficial molecules (TREM-1, TLR-4, and CD86) stimulated by the combination of heat stress and LPS. The underlying mechanism of the dysfunction for the peripheral monocytes may be related to the abnormal expression of superficial molecules TREM-1, TLR-4, and CD86 on the monocytes induced by heat stress and LPS.

TREM-1; Is It a Pivotal Target for Cardiovascular Diseases?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are as menacing as ever and still continue to kill adults worldwide, notwithstanding tremendous efforts to decrease their consequent mortality and morbidity. Lately, a growing body of research indicated that inflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and complications of CVDs. A receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) was shown to induce and amplify the inflammation in both acute and chronic disease’ pathogenesis and progression, which hence makes it one of the most important complication factors of CVDs. Thus, studies endeavored to investigate the role played by TREM-1 in CVDs with respect to their etiologies, complications, and possible therapeutics. We examined here, for the first time, the most relevant studies regarding TREM-1 involvement in CVDs. We critically analyzed and summarized our findings and made some suggestions for furtherance of the investigations with the aim to utilize TREM-1 and its pathways for diagnostic, management, and prognosis of CVDs. Overall, TREM-1 was found to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions, such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and atherosclerosis. Although most therapeutic approaches are yet to be elucidated, our present research outcome displays a promising future to utilizing the TREM-1 pathway as a potential target for understanding and managing CVDs.

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells in the pathogenesis of periodontitis: potential novel treatment strategies

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal diseases are polymicrobial inflammatory disorders of the tissue, ligament, and bone structures supporting teeth. Periodontitis (inflammation with corresponding loss of attachment) affects 40-50% of adults. Recently, members of the Triggering Receptor on Myeloid Cell (TREM) family have been studied to determine their relationship to these diseases. Areas covered: TREM-1 is a receptor expressed on the surface of PMNs, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and keratinocytes upregulated in the presence of periodontal inflammation. TREM-1 expression can be upregulated by oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis that can be abrogated by a sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline. When cleaved from the cell surface, a soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) can be used as a biomarker of inflammation and might also provide a link between oral and systemic inflammation. While less understood, TREM-2 has a role in osteoclastogenesis which could contribute to the alveolar bone destruction seen in more advanced periodontitis. Expert commentary: Additional studies to simulate biofilm microenvironment in TREM research are warranted. Longitudinal studies determining TREM-1, sTREM-1, and TREM-2 levels in tissues over time and progression of periodontal diseases would provide valuable information in the role of TREM receptors as indicators of or contributors to the disease process.

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells and 5'adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase in the inflammatory response: a potential therapeutic target

INTRODUCTION

The events in the cellular and molecular signaling triggered during inflammation mitigate tissue healing. The metabolic check-point control mediated by 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is crucial for switching the cells into an activated state capable of mediating inflammatory events. The cell metabolism involved in the inflammatory response represents a potential therapeutic target for the pharmacologic management of inflammation. Areas covered: In this article, a critical review is presented on triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cell (TREM) receptors and their role in the inflammatory responses, as well as homeostasis between different TREM molecules and their regulation. Additionally, we discussed the relationship between TREM and AMPK to identify novel targets to limit the inflammatory response. Literature search was carried out from the National Library of Medicine's Medline database (using PubMed as the search engine) and Google Scholar and identified relevant studies up to 30 March 2016 using inflammation, TREM, AMPK, as the key words. Expert commentary: The prevention of phenotype switching of immune cells during inflammation by targeting AMPK and TREM-1 could be beneficial for developing novel management strategies for inflammation and associated complications.