首发精神分裂症PBMCNF-κB活性及其mRNA表达与IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-αmRNA表达的关系

目的：探讨首发精神分裂症患者外周血单个核细胞（PBMC）NF-κB的活性及其mRNA表达与IL-β、IL-6、TNF-α mRNA表达的相互关系，为临床应用NF-κB调节剂提供理论依据。方法：应用NF-κB活性ELISA试剂盒，检测精神分裂症组和健康对照组PBMC中NF-κB活性，并采用RT-PCR方法，测定两组PBMC中NF-κB mRNA表达及IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α mRNA表达。结果：①精神分裂症组PBMC中NF-κB的活性及NF-κB mRNA表达量与对照组相比均明显增高，差异有显著性（P〈0．05）；②精神分裂症组PBMC中IL-1β、IL-6、TNF-α mRNA表达量与对照组相比均明显增高，差异有显著性（均P〈0．05）；③在精神分裂症组及对照组中，PBMC中NF-κB的活性与其mRNA表达量无明显相关（均P〉0．05）；④在精神分裂症组和对照组中，PBMC中NF-κB的活性与IL-1β、TNF-α mRNA均呈正相关（均P〈0．05）；无论是在精神分裂症组或对照组中，PBMC中NF-κB的活性与IL-6 mRNA均无明显相关（均P〉0．05）。结论：精神分裂症患者PBMC中NF-κB mRNA表达及活性均增高，对NF-κB活性的检测更能反映NF-κB的转录调控功能情况；活化的NF-κB对IL-1β、TNF-α的基因转录起了重要的调控作用。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体在脂多糖诱导RAW264.7巨噬细胞促炎性细胞因子产生中的作用

目的 探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体在脂多糖（LPS）诱导巨噬细胞促炎性细胞因子产生中的作用和机制.方法 按照随机数字表法将小鼠单核巨噬细胞株（RAW264.7）细胞分为空白对照组、ZD7155组、LPS组和LPS ＋ZD7155组.酶联免疫吸附试验法（ELISA）测定各组细胞培养上清液中肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）和白细胞介素-1β（IL-1β）的含量,逆转录聚合酶链式反应（RT-PCR）检测RAW264.7细胞内TNF-α和IL-1β mRNA表达,凝胶电泳迁移检测法（EMSA）检测RAW264.7细胞内核因子-κB（NF-κB）和活化蛋白-1（AP-1）活性的变化.结果 和空白对照组相比,ZD7155组培养上清液中的TNF-α和IL-1β含量差异没有统计学意义（P＞0.05）,但是LPS组细胞培养上清液中的TNF-α和IL-1β含量均显著高于空白对照组（均P〈0.01）和ZD7155组（均P〈0.05）.LPS组细胞内的TNF-α和IL-1β mRNA表达是空白对照组的2.19倍（P〈0.01）和1.77倍（P〈0.01）,细胞内NF-κB和AP-1活性是空白对照组的1.43倍（P〈0.01）和1.90倍（P〈0.01）.而LPS＋ZD7155组上清液中的TNF-α和IL-1β含量较LPS组下降（均P〈0.05）,细胞内TNF-α和IL-1β mRNA表达较LPS组下降了34.7%（P〈0.01）和49.72%（P〈0.01）,同时细胞内NF-κB活性和AP-1活性较LPS组下降了46.15%（P〈0.05）和48.42%（P〈0.05）.结论 血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体通过活化转录因子NF-κB和AP-1,参与了LPS诱导巨噬细胞促炎性细胞因子TNF-α和IL-1β的产生和释放.     

NF-κB结合元件缺失对NOX1启动子转录活性的影响

目的:构建含NADPH氧化酶1(NOX1)近端启动子区的pGL3萤光素酶报告基因载体及缺失NF-κB结合元件的相应载体,分别测定其相应活性,探讨NF-κB结合元件缺失对NOX1启动子区转录活性的影响。方法:采用PCR法克隆NOX1启动子区序列(1 415 bp),将目的片段与pGL3萤光素酶载体分别双酶切、纯化后进行连接(pGL3-NOX1-1415),测序鉴定;应用Alibaba 2.1软件分析NOX1近端启动子区,获取NF-κB结合元件;重叠PCR法将含该元件的启动子区域(88 bp)缺失,并构建相应载体(pGL3-NOX1-1327)。将两载体分别与pRL-TK内参质粒瞬时转染进入A549细胞,采用TNF-α(10μg/L)刺激细胞24 h,萤光酶标仪检测A549细胞的萤光素酶活性。结果:测序鉴定结果提示pGL3-NOX1-1415及NF-κB结合元件缺失的pGL3-NOX1-1327载体构建成功;细胞实验显示,TNF-α刺激后,转染pGL3-NOX1-1415的A549细胞萤光素酶活性明显强于对照组(P0.05),而转染NF-κB结合元件缺失的pGL3-NOX1-1327的细胞萤光素酶活性明显低于转染pGL3-NOX1-1415组(P0.05)。结论:TNF-α诱导A549细胞NOX1基因活化与NF-κB密切相关,NF-κB参与了TNF-α诱导的NOX1基因启动子的转录调控。     

Calpain inhibitor I对烧伤小鼠肝脏NF-κB转录及炎性细胞因子分泌的影响

探讨Calpain inhibitorI（CI—I）对严重烧伤小鼠肝脏IκBα表达，NF-κB转录及炎性细胞因子分泌的影响。将CI-I腹腔给药预处理小鼠1h后背部行20％全身体表面积（TBsA）Ⅲ度烧伤，收集肝组织，检测其IκBα表达，NF-κB转录和血清TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6分泌水平。与烧伤对照组比较，CI-I预处理后肝脏NF-κB转录活性和炎性细胞因子分泌有所降低。提示CI-I预处理可有效抑制严重烧伤小鼠肝细胞NF-κB活化和血清炎性细胞因子分泌，从而有利于烧伤后的炎症调节。     

细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白-1减轻细胞因子诱导胰岛β细胞促凋亡基因的表达

目的 构建稳定表达细胞因子信号传导抑制蛋白－1（SOCS-1）蛋白的细胞,探讨其在胰岛β细胞凋亡中的保护作用。方法 克隆大鼠SOCS-1基因,构建表达载体pEGFP-C1-SOCS1并转染入大鼠胰岛细胞系RINm5F中,构建稳定表达SOCS-1蛋白的细胞。分别用细胞因子IL-1β 、TNF-α、IFN-γ 、IL-1β联合IFN-r、IL-1β联合TNF-α及IFN-γ刺激24h,RT-PCR与Western blot检测凋亡相关指标。结果 成功构建了稳定表达SOCS-1蛋白的细胞。用IFN-γ、IL-1β联合IFN-r、IL-1β联合TNF-α及IFN-γ刺激后,未转染SOCS-1质粒的细胞iNOS转录水平显著升高。在用所有细胞因子刺激后,未转染SOCS-1质粒的细胞caspase-3表达及活性均显著升高。 结论 SOCS-1蛋白能减轻多种细胞因子诱导的胰岛β细胞促凋亡基因的表达。     

跨膜型肿瘤坏死因子-α胞内段基序稳定表达细胞株的建立及功能研究

目的 建立高表达跨膜型肿瘤坏死因子-α胞内段(TNF-intracellular domain,TNF-ICD)基序的人乳腺癌MCF-7细胞株,为研究TM-TNF-α的反向信号提供工具.方法 采用脂质体介入法将含人TNF-ICD的pIRES2-EGFP病毒载体导入MCF-7中,经鉴定、筛选获得能稳定表达TNF-ICD细胞株.采用MTT法检测转染细胞对TNF-α的敏感度,比色法检测NO含量,ELISA方法 检测NF-κB的活性.结果 TNF-ICD基因转染入MCF-7细胞后表达在细胞膜上,并能提高该细胞NF-κB活性,抵抗TNF-α的杀伤,增加其NO产生;应用NF-κB抑制剂PDTC处理后能恢复该细胞对TNF的敏感性.结论 获得稳定表达TNF-ICD的MCF-7细胞株,TNF-ICD可能作为TM-TNF-α细胞内的一段活化基序参与TM-TNF-α的反向信号,并通过活化NF-κB,抵抗可溶性TNF-α介导的细胞毒作用,增加NO的产生.     

显性失活IκBα质粒对胰腺癌PC-3细胞株核因子-κB和环氧合酶-2表达的影响

目的：观察显性失活IκBα质粒转染胰腺癌PC-3细胞株后，对细胞核因子-κB（NF-κB）和环氧合酶-2（COX-2）表达的影响。 方法： 免疫组织化学证实NF-κB和COX-2在胰腺癌PC-3细胞株中的表达，逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）和蛋白免疫印迹（Western blotting）检测PC-3细胞转染显性失活IκBα质粒后，细胞中NF-κB和COX-2表达的变化。 结果： 胰腺癌PC-3细胞株中存在NF-κB和COX-2的表达，转染显性失活IκBα质粒后，细胞中NF-κB和COX-2表达均下调，且体现出一定的时间依赖性关系。 结论： 胰腺癌PC-3细胞株中存在NF-κB和COX-2的阳性表达。显性失活的IκBα质粒可抑制细胞中NF-κB和COX-2的表达。     

多种细胞因子对转化生长因子β1转录的调控作用

目的探讨细胞因子TNF-α、IFN-γ、IFN-α、PDGF-BB、bFGF对TGF-β1启动活性的影响.方法以人基因组DNA为模板,PCR扩增获得含有人TGF-β1基因启动子序列的-1 328～+812 bp片段,与氯霉素乙酰基转移酶(CAT)报告基因构建重组体phTGF2.14, 将其瞬时转染大鼠nFSC细胞,加入细胞因子进行干预,测定CAT活性.结果10 ng/ml TNF-α可以使重组体的CAT活性升高3.24倍;浓度为1 000 U/ml的IFN-γ、IFN-α使phTGF2.14的CAT活性分别降低至对照的(42±12)%、(58±6)%;浓度为10 ng/ml的PDGF-BB、bFGF对TGF-β1基因启动子的活性没有影响;IFN-γ、IFN-α和TNF-α联合应用TGF-β1基因启动子的活性分别为对照的1.32和1.46倍.结论TNF-α可促进TGF-β1基因启动子的活性;IFN-γ、IFN-α则对TGF-β1基因启动子的启动活性有抑制作用;IFN-γ、IFN-α可以阻断TNF-α对TGF-β1基因启动子的促进作用;PDGF-BB、bFGF对TGF-β1基因启动子的启动活性无影响,此研究为进一步研究细胞因子在纤维化疾病的相互作用机制提供了依据.     

核酸锁修饰的NF-κB诱捕寡核甘酸对肺泡巨噬细胞源性基质金属蛋白酶9表达的影响

目的：研究核酸锁（LNA）修饰的NF-κB诱捕寡核甘酸(ODNs)对TNF-α诱导的慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)患者肺泡巨噬细胞（AM）源性MMP-9、MMP-2表达以及NF-κB活性的影响。方法:从COPD患者支气管肺泡灌洗液中分离与培养AM，脂质体转染NF-κB 诱捕 (decoy) ODNs和NF-κB 错配ODNs，接着以TNF-α刺激AM。以半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应（RT-PCR）法检测MMP-9、MMP-2 mRNA的表达；以Western blotting检测MMP-9蛋白的表达；以凝胶阻滞分析实验（EMSA）检测NF-κB活性。结果:NF-κB decoy ODNs显著抑制TNF-α诱导的AM源性MMP-9、MMP-2 mRNA及MMP-9蛋白的表达（P<0.05）；错配ODNs则对TNF-α诱导的AM源性MMP-9、MMP-2 mRNA以及MMP-9蛋白的表达无显著影响（P>0.05）。NF-κB decoy ODNs显著降低TNF-α刺激所致的NF-κB活性水平（P<0.05），而错配ODNs则对TNF-α刺激所致的NF-κB活性水平无显著影响（P>0.05）。结论:LNA修饰的NF-κB decoy ODNs能够抑制TNF-α诱导的AM源性MMP-9和MMP-2的表达；LNA修饰和decoy ODNs为COPD的治疗提供了新的思路。     

孕酮和骨化三醇通过miR-590-5p靶向RelA调控子宫内膜癌细胞Ishikawa的 细胞因子分泌

目的：探讨孕酮和骨化三醇抑制子宫内膜癌细胞Ishikawa细胞因子分泌的分子机制。方法：孕酮和骨化三醇分别处理Ishikawa细胞，检测细胞因子IL-1β、TNF-α、CXCL1及CXCL2的mRNA水平，NF-κB亚基RelA、RelB、c-Rel、p50、p52蛋白水平。荧光素酶报告检测RelA启动子活性。高通量测序检测孕酮和骨化三醇处理Ishikawa细胞后miRNA表达差异。过表达孕酮和骨化三醇共同调控的差异miRNA，检测RelA表达。结果：孕酮和骨化三醇分别处理Ishikawa细胞后，细胞因子IL-1β、TNF-α、CXCL1、CXCL2分泌水平和表达均显著降低（P<0.05）,NF-κB亚基RelA表达下调，NF-κB亚基RelB、c-Rel、p50、p52表达无改变。孕酮和骨化三醇分别处理Ishikawa细胞，RelA启动子活性变化差异无统计学意义（P>0.05），但RelA mRNA水平降低（P<0.05）。孕酮和骨化三醇分别处理Ishikawa细胞后，有110种miRNAs表达上调，骨化三醇处理后有57种miRNAs表达上调，其中14种miRNAs...     

TNF-α and IL-1β sensitize human MSC for IFN-γ signaling and enhance neutrophil recruitment

During inflammatory processes, tissue environmental cues are influencing the immunoregulatory properties of tissue-resident mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC). In this study, we elucidated one of the molecular and cellular responses of human MSC exposed to combinations of inflammatory cytokines. We showed that during multi-cytokine priming by TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ, IL-1β further augmented the well-established immunoregulatory activity induced by TNF-α/IFN-γ. On the molecular level, TNF-α and IL-1β enhanced the expression of IFN-γ receptor (IFN-γR) via NF 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NF-κΒ) signaling. In turn, enhanced responsiveness to IFN-γ stimulation activated STAT5 and p38-MAPK signaling. This molecular feedback resulted in an increased IL-8 release and augmented recruitment of polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMN). Our study suggests the possibility that responses of MSC to multi-cytokine priming regimens may be exploited therapeutically to fine-tune inflammatory activity in tissues. This study elucidates molecular mechanisms underlying the immunological priming of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their interaction with neutrophils.     

Actin骨架偶联IRAK-NF-κB信号通路参与细菌脂蛋白诱导的交叉耐受

目的： 采用人单核细胞株(THP-1)，建立小剂量BLP诱导THP-1细胞对BLP耐受的细胞模型，观察BLP诱导THP-1细胞对BLP耐受及对LPS交叉耐受时细胞actin骨架的变化情况，并探讨细胞actin骨架在BLP耐受及交叉耐受形成中的作用。方法: 采用人单核细胞株THP-1，建立小剂量BLP预处理诱导的BLP耐受细胞模型；采用ELISA法测定炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β及IL-6浓度；采用FITC标记的鬼笔环肽进行actin骨架染色；采用EMSA法检测NF-κB转录活性。结果: 大剂量BLP(100 μg/L)及大剂量LPS(100 μg/L)孵育6 h可诱导THP-1细胞的炎症反应激活， TNF-α、IL-1β及IL-6的释放显著增加， 白细胞介素-1受体相关激酶-1（IRAK-1）活性显著增强，NF-κB转录活性明显上调，细胞actin骨架收缩成团块状，细胞形态改变并形成伪足；而用小剂量BLP(10 μg/L)预处理12 h后，THP-1细胞对大剂量BLP(100 μg/L)及大剂量LPS(100 μg/L)孵育6 h的耐受性均明显增强， 炎症因子(TNF-α、IL-1β及IL-6的释放明显减少，IRAK-1激酶活性被显著抑制，NF-κB转录活性明显降低，细胞伪足形成明显减少且形态明显改善，但仍有肌动蛋白聚集呈“团块”样；此外，actin骨架聚集抑制剂鬼笔环肽可取消由小剂量BLP诱导的耐受及交叉耐受， TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6释放明显升高，IRAK-1激酶活性明显提高，NF-κB转录活性明显上调。结论: 细胞骨架actin参与THP-1细胞BLP耐受及BLP交叉耐受的形成，其机制与actin骨架偶联的IRAK-NF-κB信号通路有关。     

Simultaneous measurement of antigen-stimulated interleukin-1 beta and gamma interferon production enhances test sensitivity for the detection of Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle

In order to identify cytokines that may be useful as candidates for inclusion in diagnostic tests for Mycobacterium bovis infection in cattle, we compared the levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in whole-blood cultures from tuberculosis (TB) reactor animals or TB-free controls following stimulation with M. bovis-specific antigens (purified protein derivative from M. bovis [PPD-B] or ESAT-6/CFP-10). In addition to IFN-γ responses, the production of IL-1β and TNF-α was also statistically significantly elevated in TB reactor cattle over that in uninfected controls following stimulation with PPD-B or ESAT-6/CFP-10 peptides. Thus, we evaluated whether the use of these two additional readouts could disclose further animals not detected by measuring IFN-γ alone. To this end, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to define diagnostic cutoffs for positivity for TNF-α and IL-1β. These results revealed that for ESAT-6/CFP-10-induced responses, the use of all three readouts (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) in parallel increased the sensitivity of detection of M. bovis-infected animals by 11% but also resulted in a specificity decrease of 14%. However, applying only IFN-γ and IL-1β in parallel resulted in a 5% increase in sensitivity without the corresponding loss of specificity. The results for PPD-B-induced responses were similar, although the loss of specificity was more pronounced, even when only IFN-γ and IL-1β were used as readout systems. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the use of an additional readout system, such as IL-1β, can potentially complement IFN-γ by increasing overall test sensitivity for the detection of M. bovis infection in cattle.     

A20重组蛋白通过NF-κB/TGF-β1/CTGF信号通路抑制哮喘小鼠气道重构的初步实验研究

目的探讨A20重组蛋白对支气管哮喘小鼠气道重构及NF-κB信号通路的影响。方法 40只雄性清洁级Balb/c小鼠,随机数字表法分为4组,每组10只,分别为:生理盐水对照组;卵蛋白(OVA)哮喘组;A20重组蛋白治疗3 d组;A20重组蛋白治疗7 d组。在末次激发24 h后所有小鼠取左肺组织行苏木精-伊红(HE)染色及PAS染色。取右肺组织分别用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA),RT-PCR和Western blote检测支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中IL-4、IL-5、TNF-α及IFN-γ含量以及肺组织中结缔组织生长因子(Connective tissue growth factor,CTGF)、转化生长因子-β1(trailsforming growth factor-β1,TGF-β1)的mRNA表达和核转录因子(nuclear factor kappa B,NF-κB)的表达。结果哮喘模型组小鼠与对照组相比较BALF中炎症细胞计数、IL-4、IL-5、TNF-α水平增高,而IFN-γ水平降低;肺组织CTGF、TGF-β1的转录和表达水平以及NF-κB表达水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.01)。A20重组蛋白3 d和7 d干预组小鼠与哮喘模型组相比较BALF中炎症细胞计数、IL-4、IL-5、TNF-α水平,CTGF、TGF-β1的转录和表达水平,NF-κB表达水平均显著降低,而BALF中IFN-γ水平明显上升,具有显著差异(P<0.05),但2个不同治疗组之间上述各指标间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 A20重组蛋白可抑制哮喘小鼠气道重构的发生,其机制有可能是通过抑制NF-κB/TGF-β1/CTGF信号通路而实现的。     

α7烟碱型乙酰胆碱受体激动剂抑制骨水泥微粒刺激小鼠外周血单核细胞分泌炎性因子

目的探讨α7烟碱型乙酰胆碱受体(α7n AChR)激动剂PNU282987对骨水泥微粒刺激小鼠外周血单核细胞分泌炎性反应因子的影响及其分子机制。方法分离培养小鼠外周血单核细胞,使用聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)微粒刺激后,ELISA检测培养上清液中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6的含量;RT-PCR检测细胞TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6的mRNA表达;Western blot检测p-p65、p65、p-JAK2、JAK2、p-STAT3、STAT3及β-actin的表达;ELISA检测NF-κB DNA结合活力。结果单核细胞经PMMA微粒刺激后,上清液中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6的含量明显增高(P0.05);细胞TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA表达明显增高(P0.05);p65、JAK2和STAT3磷酸化明显增强(P0.05);NF-κB DNA结合活力明显增高(P0.05)。不同浓度PNU282987作用后,上清液中TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6的含量呈浓度依耐性下降(P0.05);细胞TNF-α、IL-1β和IL-6 mRNA表达呈浓度依耐性下降(P0.05);总p65、JAK2和STAT3的表达不变;p-p65、p-JAK2和p-STAT3的表达呈浓度依耐性下降(P0.05);NF-κB DNA结合活力也呈浓度依耐性下降(P0.05)。结论α7n AChR激动剂PNU282987能显著抑制PMMA骨水泥微粒所诱导的小鼠血单核细胞炎性反应因子的分泌。     

ZC3H12D attenuated inflammation responses by reducing mRNA stability of proinflammatory genes

Infection in airspaces and lung parenchyma may cause acute lung injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome due to acute inflammatory response, leading to organ failure and high mortality. ZC3H12D has been shown to modulate Toll-like receptor signaling. This study aimed to investigate the change of ZC3H12D during acute lung injury and its role in inflammation processes. Mice were challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) intratracheally. The expression levels of Zc3h12d, NF-κB, and cytokines were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), ELISA, and Western blot. The mRNA stability was assessed by qPCR after cells were treated with actinomycin D for specified times. The 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR) of c-fos was cloned immediately downstream of the luciferase coding sequence driven by CMV promoter and luciferase activity was measured with a Luciferase Assay kit. Upon LPS treatment, ZC3H12D levels were reduced in mouse immune cells, whereas levels of NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly increased. Knockdown Zc3h12d in THP1 cells resulted in the upregulation of NF-κB while overexpression of Zc3h12d inhibited NF-κB expression. Ectopic Zc3h12d significantly reduced the mRNA stability of c-fos, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Attachment of the c-fos 3′-UTR made luciferase expression levels sensitive to levels of ZC3H12D. The data indicated that ZC3H12D could suppress both the initial inflammation storm and chronic inflammation by targeting the mRNA of cytokines as well as NF-κB and c-fos.     

TNF-alpha and IFN-alpha enhance influenza-A-virus-induced chemokine gene expression in human A549 lung epithelial cells

Lung epithelial cells are the primary cellular targets for respiratory virus pathogens such as influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Here, we have analyzed influenza A, influenza B and Sendai virus-induced chemokine response in human A549 lung epithelial cells. Influenza virus infection resulted in low CCL2/MCP-1, CCL5/RANTES, CXCL8/IL-8 and CXCL10/IP-10 production at late times of infection. However, when cells were pretreated with TNF-α or IFN-α, influenza-A-virus-induced chemokine production was greatly enhanced. Cytokine pretreatment resulted in enhanced expression of RIG-I, IKKε, interferon regulatory factor (IRF)1, IRF7 and p50 proteins. Most importantly, influenza-A-virus-induced DNA binding of IRF1, IRF3, IRF7 and NF-κB onto CXCL10 ISRE and NF-κB elements, respectively, was markedly enhanced in cytokine-pretreated cells. Our results suggest that IFN-α and TNF-α have a significant role in priming epithelial cells for higher cytokine and chemokine production in influenza A virus infection.     

Sjögren's syndrome autoantibodies provoke changes in gene expression profiles of inflammatory cytokines triggering a pathway involving TACE/NF-κB

We explore the association of the inflammatory gene expression profile observed in the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder Sj?gren's syndrome (SS) with changes in TNF-α converting enzyme (TACE), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κB levels showing that pathways that include TNF-α signaling converge on NF-κB contributing to exacerbate the diseases. The treatment of human salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs) with SS anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies (Abs) result in a progressive increase in NF-κB-DNA binding, that includes a marked enhancement in NF-κB subunit p65 protein-DNA binding. A human cytokine multi-analyte array demonstrated that the NF-κB proinflammatory target genes, increased by anti-Ro/SSA Abs treatment, includes CXC chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL6 and CXCL9), CC chemokines (CCL2, CCL13 and CCL20), interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1F8, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-13, IL-17 and IL-22) and their receptors (IL-1RN, IL-10Rα, IL-13Rα, CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4 and CXCR1). Blockade of TACE through the use of the specific inhibitor TAPI-1 regulates proinflammatory cytokines production in SGEC treated with anti-Ro/SSA Abs inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and activation. To further investigate the role of NF-κB on anti-Ro/SSA Abs-determined proinflammatory gene expression, we used the inhibitory protein IκB-α dominant negative super-repressor as inhibitor of NF-κB-DNA binding, demonstrating that transfection with dominant-negative IκB-α in anti-Ro/SSA-treated SGEC determined a marked reduction of proinflammatory cytokines gene expression. Although further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying SS, our results demonstrate that SS Abs exert their pathogenic effects via triggering the TACE/TNF-α/NF-κB axis.