NOD2 contributes to Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced bone resorption.

The NOD-like receptors are cytoplasmic proteins that sense microbial by-products released by invasive bacteria. Although NOD1 and NOD2 are functionally expressed in cells from oral tissues and play a role triggering immune responses, the role of NOD2 receptor in the bone resorption and in the modulation of osteoclastogenesis is still unclear. We show that in an experimental model of periodontitis with Porphyromonas gingivalis W83, NOD2(-/-) mice showed lower bone resorption when compared to wild type. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that wild-type infected mice showed an elevated RANKL/OPG ratio when compared to NOD2(-/-) infected mice. Moreover, the expression of 2 osteoclast activity markers-cathepsin K and matrix metalloproteinase 9-was significantly lower in gingival tissue from NOD2(-/-) infected mice compared to WT infected ones. The in vitro study reported an increase in the expression of the NOD2 receptor 24 hr after stimulation of hematopoietic bone marrow cells with M-CSF and RANKL. We also evaluated the effect of direct activation of NOD2 receptor on osteoclastogenesis, by the activation of this receptor in preosteoclasts culture, with different concentrations of muramyl dipeptide. The results show no difference in the number of TRAP-positive cells. Although it did not alter the osteoclasts differentiation, the activation of NOD2 receptor led to a significant increase of cathepsin K expression. We confirm that this enzyme was active, since the osteoclasts resorption capacity was enhanced by muramyl dipeptide stimulation, evaluated in osteoassay plate. These results show that the lack of NOD2 receptor impairs the bone resorption, suggesting that NOD2 receptor could contribute to the progression of bone resorption in experimental model of periodontitis. The stimulation of NOD2 by its agonist, muramyl dipeptide, did not affect osteoclastogenesis, but it does favor the bone resorption capacity identified by increased osteoclast activity.

[Role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NLRs) in viral infections]. / Papel de los receptores tipo toll (TLRs) y receptores para dominios de oligomerización para la unión a nucleótidos (NLRs) en las infecciones virales.

The immune system (IS) cells are capable of recognizing a wide variety of microorganisms, through receptors that are expressed and distributed throughout the cell architecture. The interaction between the pathogen-associated molecular patterns or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or DAMPs) and pattern recognition receptors (PRR), present in host cells, is a critical event that involves intracellular signaling processes that end up in the expression of both, proinflammatory and antiviral mediators. Accordingly, the proper functioning of the different mechanisms of signal transduction from the cell membrane to the cytoplasm will depend on the integrity of these receptors (PRR); and therefore, the IS response triggered against pathogens including viral agents. Hence, in this review we discuss the role of toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain receptors (NLRs) in viral infections, using as evidence the studies in humans and mice known to date.

Joint NOD2/RIPK2 signaling regulates IL-17 axis and contributes to the development of experimental arthritis.

Intracellular pattern recognition receptors such as the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors family members are key for innate immune recognition of microbial infection and may play important roles in the development of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatic diseases. In this study, we evaluated the role of NOD1 and NOD2 on development of experimental arthritis. Ag-induced arthritis was generated in wild-type, NOD1(-/-), NOD2(-/-), or receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 2(-/-) (RIPK2(-/-)) immunized mice challenged intra-articularly with methylated BSA. Nociception was determined by electronic Von Frey test. Neutrophil recruitment and histopathological analysis of proteoglycan lost was evaluated in inflamed joints. Joint levels of inflammatory cytokine/chemokine were measured by ELISA. Cytokine (IL-6 and IL-23) and NOD2 expressions were determined in mice synovial tissue by RT-PCR. The NOD2(-/-) and RIPK2(-/-), but not NOD1(-/-), mice are protected from Ag-induced arthritis, which was characterized by a reduction in neutrophil recruitment, nociception, and cartilage degradation. NOD2/RIPK2 signaling impairment was associated with a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF, IL-1ß, and CXCL1/KC). IL-17 and IL-17 triggering cytokines (IL-6 and IL-23) were also reduced in the joint, but there is no difference in the percentage of CD4(+) IL-17(+) cells in the lymph node between arthritic wild-type and NOD2(-/-) mice. Altogether, these findings point to a pivotal role of the NOD2/RIPK2 signaling in the onset of experimental arthritis by triggering an IL-17-dependent joint immune response. Therefore, we could propose that NOD2 signaling is a target for the development of new therapies for the control of rheumatoid arthritis.