Isoliquiritigenin inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation with CAPS mutations by suppressing caspase-1 activation and mutated NLRP3 aggregation.

The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases. Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is an autoinflammatory disease caused by NLRP3 gene mutations that results in excessive IL-1ß production. We previously identified isoliquiritigenin (ILG), a component of Glycyrrhiza uralensis extracts, as a potent inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we aimed to investigate whether ILG inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome caused by NLRP3 gene mutations. We demonstrated that ILG significantly inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and IL-1ß production in two CAPS model THP-1 cell lines, NLRP3-D303N and NLRP3-L353P, in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 inhibited LDH release and IL-1ß production in NLRP3-D303N cells, but not in NLRP3-L353P cells. Western blotting and caspase-1 activity assays showed that ILG, as well as caspase inhibitors, including Z-VAD and YVAD, suppressed caspase-1 activation. Notably, ILG prevented cryo-sensitive foci formation of NLRP3 without affecting the levels of intracellular Ca2+. We concluded that ILG effectively prevents the constitutive activation of the inflammasome associated with NLRP3 gene mutations by inhibiting the aggregation of cryo-sensitive mutated NLRP3.

A novel Nlrp3 knock-in mouse model with hyperactive inflammasome in development of lethal inflammation.

NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) is a central protein contributing to human inflammatory disorders, including cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome and sepsis. However, the molecular mechanisms and functions of NLRP3 activation in various diseases remain unknown. Here, we generated gain-of-function knock-in mice associated with Muckle-Wells syndromes using the Cre-LoxP system allowing for the constitutive T346M mutation of NLRP3 to be globally expressed in all cells under the control of tamoxifen. The mice were treated with tamoxifen for 4 days before determining their genotype by PCR and sequence analysis. In vitro, we found that bone marrow-derived macrophage from homozygous T346M mutation mice displayed a robust ability to produce IL-1ß in response to lipopolysaccharide exposure. Moreover, ASC specks and oligomerization were observed in the homozygous mutant bone marrow-derived macrophages in the presence of lipopolysaccharides alone. Mechanistically, K+ and Ca2+ depletion and mitochondrial depolarization contribute to the hyperactivation of mutant NLRP3. In vivo, homozygous mice carrying the T346M mutation exhibit weight loss and mild inflammation in the resting state. In the lipopolysaccharide-mediated sepsis model, homozygous mutant mice exhibited higher mortality and increased serum circulating cytokine levels, accompanied by serious liver injury. Furthermore, an increase in myeloid cells in the spleen has been suggested to be a risk factor for inducing sepsis sensitivity. Altogether, we describe a cryopyrin-associated syndrome animal model with the T346M mutation of NLRP3 and suggest that the hyperactivated inflammasome aggregated by the mutant NLRP3 lowers the inflammatory response threshold both in vitro and in vivo.

FAAH served a key membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3 protein independently of the endocannabinoid system.

NLRP3, the sensor protein of the NLRP3 inflammasome, plays central roles in innate immunity. Over-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory diseases, while gain-of-function mutations of NLRP3 cause cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). NLRP3 inhibitors, particularly those that inhibit inflammasome assembly and activation, are being intensively pursued, but alternative approaches for targeting NLRP3 would be highly desirable. During priming NLRP3 protein is synthesized on demand and becomes attached to the membranes of ER and mitochondria. Here, we show that fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the key integral membrane enzyme in the endocannabinoid system, unexpectedly served the critical membrane-anchoring and stabilizing role for NLRP3. The specific interaction between NLRP3 and FAAH, mediated by the NACHT and LRR domains of NLRP3 and the amidase signature sequence of FAAH, was essential for preventing CHIP- and NBR1-mediated selective autophagy of NLRP3. Heterozygous knockout of FAAH, resulting in ~50% reduction in both FAAH and NLRP3 expression, was sufficient to substantially inhibit the auto-inflammatory phenotypes of the NLRP3-R258W knock-in mice, while homozygous FAAH loss almost completely abrogates these phenotypes. Interestingly, select FAAH inhibitors, in particular URB597 and PF-04457845, disrupted NLRP3-FAAH interaction and induced autophagic NLRP3 degradation, leading to diminished inflammasome activation in mouse macrophage cells as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from CAPS patients. Our results unraveled a novel NLRP3-stabilizing mechanism and pinpointed NLRP3-FAAH interaction as a potential drug target for CAPS and other NLRP3-driven diseases.

Nlrp3 inflammasome activation in macrophages suffices for inducing autoinflammation in mice.

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) are a spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders caused by gain-of-function NLRP3 mutant proteins that form hyperactive inflammasomes leading to overproduction of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18. Expressing the murine gain-of-function Nlrp3A350V mutant selectively in neutrophils recapitulates several autoinflammatory features of human CAPS, but the potential contribution of macrophage inflammasome hyperactivation to CAPS development is poorly defined. Here, we show that expressing Nlrp3A350V in macrophages is sufficient for driving severe multi-organ autoinflammation leading to perinatal lethality in mice. In addition, we show that macrophages contribute to autoinflammation also in adult mice, as depleting macrophages in mice ubiquitously expressing Nlrp3A350V significantly diminishes splenic and hepatic IL-1ß production. Interestingly, inflammation induced by macrophage-selective Nlrp3A350V expression does not provoke an influx of mature neutrophils, while neutrophil influx is still occurring in macrophage-depleted mice with body-wide Nlrp3A350V expression. These observations identify macrophages as important cellular drivers of CAPS in mice and support a cooperative cellular model of CAPS development in which macrophages and neutrophils act independently of each other in propagating severe autoinflammation.

The Clinical Application of Pulsed Radiofrequency Induces Inflammatory Pain via MAPKs Activation: A Novel Hint for Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment.

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) works by delivering short bursts of radiofrequency to a target nerve, thereby affecting nerve signal transduction to reduce pain. Although preliminary clinical investigations have shown that PRF treatment can be used safely as an alternative interventional treatment in patients with refractory pain conditions, unexpected damage to a normal nerve/ganglion is still one of the possible complications of using the PRF strategy. Noxious pain may also be triggered if PRF treatment accidentally damages an intact nerve. However, few studies in the literature have described the intracellular modifications that occur in neuronal cells after PRF stimulation. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of PRF on unimpaired nerve function and investigated the potential mechanisms of PRF-induced pain. Wistar rats were stimulated with 30-60 V of PRF for 6 min, and mechanical allodynia, cold hypersensitivity, cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production, and mitogen-activated protein kinase activity (p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, JNK/SAPK) were analyzed. The results indicated that PRF stimulation induced a significant algesic effect and nociceptive response. In addition, the protein array and Western blotting analyses showed that the clinical application of 60 V of PRF can induce the activation of MAPKs and the production of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs in the lumbar dorsal horn, which is necessary for nerve inflammation, and it can be suppressed by MAPK antagonist treatment. These results indicate that PRF stimulation may induce inflammation of the intact nerve, which in turn causes inflammatory pain. This conclusion can also serve as a reminder for PRF treatment of refractory pain.

Lipopolysaccharide stimulation test on cultured PBMCs assists the discrimination of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome from systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) share many common manifestations. We aim to identify an applicable method to assist disease discrimination. Inflammatory cytokines were measured in the plasma of patients with CAPS, sJIA with persistent disease course and healthy controls. Supernatants collected from non-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and those undergone inflammasome stimulation tests utilizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with and without adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were investigated. Inflammatory cytokines in patient plasma fail to differentiate sJIA from CAPS. PBMCs from sJIA secrets higher amount of IL-1ß and IL-18 while CAPS PBMCs produces more caspase-1 without stimulation. IL-1ß, IL-18, and caspase-1 were significantly elevated among CAPS PBMCs (all p < 0.05) upon LPS stimulation, but not when additional ATPs were provided. Levels of cytokines and PBMC responses to the stimulation assays were similar among all sJIA patients regardless of their history of macrophage activation syndrome. Unstimulated PBMC activities and the LPS inflammasome stimulation assay without exogenic ATPs can assist the differentiation of CAPS from sJIA with persistent disease course.

The systemic autoinflammatory disorders for dermatologists. Part 1: overview.

The systemic autoinflammatory disorders (SAIDs) or periodic fever syndromes are disorders of innate immunity, which can be inherited or acquired. They are almost all very rare and easily overlooked; typically, patients will have seen multiple specialities prior to diagnosis, so a high level of clinical suspicion is key. It is important to note that these are 'high-value' diagnoses as the majority of these syndromes can be very effectively controlled, dramatically improving quality of life and providing protection against the development of irreversible complications such as AA amyloidosis. In this article, we take an overview of SAIDs and look at the common features; in Part 2, we take a more in-depth look at the better recognized or more dermatologically relevant conditions.

KN3014, a piperidine-containing small compound, inhibits auto-secretion of IL-1ß from PBMCs in a patient with Muckle-Wells syndrome.

NLRP3, an intracellular pattern recognition receptor, recognizes numerous pathogens and/or its own damage-associated molecules, and forms complexes with the adaptor protein ASC. These complexes constitute the NLRP3 inflammasome, a platform for processing interleukin (IL)-1ß and/or IL-18. Several NLRP3 mutations result in constitutive activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, causing cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). To the best of our knowledge, small compounds that specifically inhibit inflammasome activation through the pyrin domain (PYD) have not yet been developed. This study describes an attempt to develop small compounds targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. A core chemical library of 9,600 chemicals was screened against reconstituted NLRP3 inflammasome in a cell-free system with an amplified luminescence proximity homogeneous assay and a cell-based assay by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Inflammasome activation was evaluated by ASC-speck formation in human PBMCs, accompanied by IL-1ß secretion and processing, and by using IL-1ß-based dual operating luciferase (IDOL) mice. The activity of these compounds was evaluated clinically using PBMCs from a patient with Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), a type of CAPS, with an R260W mutation in NLRP3. Screening identified KN3014, a piperidine-containing compound targeting the interaction between NLRP3 and ASC through the PYD. KN3014 reduced ASC-speck formation in human PBMCs, luminescence from IDOL mice, and auto-secretion of IL-1ß by PBMCs from the patient with MWS. These findings suggest that KN3014 may be an attractive candidate for treatment of MWS, as well as other NLRP3 inflammasomopathies.

Slc6a3-dependent expression of a CAPS-associated Nlrp3 allele results in progressive behavioral abnormalities and neuroinflammation in aging mice.

BACKGROUND: An association between neuroinflammation and age-related neurologic disorders has been established but the molecular mechanisms and cell types involved have not been thoroughly characterized. Activity of the proinflammatory NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and our recent studies in patients suggest that dopaminergic neurons within the degenerating mesencephalon express NLRP3 throughout the progression of PD. Here, we directly test the impact of enhanced inflammasome activity in mesencephalic neurons by characterizing motor function, tissue integrity, and neuroinflammation in aging mice harboring hyperactivating mutations within the endogenous murine Nlrp3 locus, enabled only in cells expressing the dopaminergic neuron-specific Slc6a3 promoter. METHODS: We compared mice harboring inducible alleles encoding the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome activating mutations Nlrp3A350V and Nlrp3L351P inserted into the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 locus. Tissue specific expression was driven by breeding these animals with mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the dopaminergic neuron-specific Slc6a3 promoter. The experimental mice, designed to express hyperactive NLRP3 only when the endogenous mouse Nlrp3 promotor is active in dopaminergic neurons, were analyzed throughout 18 months of aging using longitudinal motor function assessments. Biochemical and histologic analyses of mesencephalic tissues were conducted in 1- and 18-month-old animals. RESULTS: We observed progressive and significant deficits in motor function in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P, compared with animals expressing Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Age-dependent neuroinflammatory changes in the mesencephalon were noted in all animals. Analysis of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the substantia nigra revealed a significant increase in astrocyte number in animals expressing Nlrp3L351P compared with Nlrp3WT and Nlrp3A350V. Further analysis of Nlrp3L351P striatal tissues indicated genotype specific gliosis, elevated Il1b expression, and both morphologic and gene expression indicators of proinflammatory A1 astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Dopaminergic neurons have the potential to accumulate NLRP3 inflammasome activators with age, including reactive oxygen species, dopamine metabolites, and misfolded proteins. Results indicate the Nlrp3 locus is active in dopaminergic neurons in aging mice, and that the hyperactive Nlrp3L351P allele can drive neuroinflammatory changes in association with progressive behavioral deficits. Findings suggest neuronal NLRP3 inflammasome activity may contribute to neuroinflammation observed during normal aging and the progression of neurologic disorders.

Selective inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by designed peptide originating from ASC.

NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a multiprotein complex which forms within cells in response to various microbial and self-derived triggers. Mutations in the gene encoding NLRP3 cause rare cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) and growing evidence links NLRP3 inflammasome to common diseases such as Alzheimer´s disease. In order to modulate different stages of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly nine peptides whose sequences correspond to segments of inflammasome components NLRP3 and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) were selected. Five peptides inhibited IL-1ß release, caspase-1 activation and ASC oligomerization in response to soluble and particulate NLRP3 triggers. Modulatory peptides also attenuated IL-1ß maturation induced by constitutive CAPS-associated NLRP3 mutants. Peptide corresponding to H2-H3 segment of ASC pyrin domain selectively inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome by binding to NLRP3 pyrin domain in the micromolar range. The peptide had no effect on AIM2 and NLRC4 inflammasomes as well as NF-κB pathway. The peptide effectively dampened neutrophil infiltration in the silica-induced peritonitis and when equipped with Antennapedia or Angiopep-2 motifs crossed the blood-brain barrier in a mouse model. Our study demonstrates that peptides represent an important tool for targeting multiprotein inflammatory complexes and can serve as the basis for the development of novel anti-inflammatory strategies for neurodegeneration.

Rapid and Sustained Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Canakinumab in Patients With Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndrome Ages Five Years and Younger.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term efficacy and safety of canakinumab and the response to vaccination in children ages ≤5 years with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS). METHODS: CAPS patients (ages ≤5 years) received 2 mg/kg canakinumab subcutaneously every 8 weeks; patients with neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) received a starting dose of 4 mg/kg in this open-label trial. Efficacy was evaluated using physician global assessment of disease activity and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and amyloid A (SAA). Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. Vaccination response was evaluated using postvaccination antibody titers at 4 and 8 weeks after immunization. RESULTS: Of the 17 patients enrolled, 12 (71%) had Muckle-Wells syndrome, 4 (24%) had NOMID, and 1 (6%) had familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome. All 17 patients had a complete response to canakinumab. Disease activity improved according to the physician global assessment, and for 65% of the patients autoinflammatory disease was characterized as "absent" at the end of the study. Median CRP levels decreased over time. No such change was evident in SAA levels. During the extension study, postvaccination antibody titers increased above protective levels in 16 (94%) of 17 assessable vaccinations. Ten of the patients (59%) had AEs suspected to be related to canakinumab; 8 (47%) experienced at least 1 serious AE (SAE). None of the AEs or SAEs required interruption of canakinumab therapy. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that canakinumab effectively maintains efficacy through 152 weeks and appears to have no effect on the ability to produce antibodies against standard childhood non-live vaccines. The safety profile of canakinumab was consistent with previous studies, supporting long-term use of canakinumab for CAPS in children ≤5 years of age.

Choline Uptake and Metabolism Modulate Macrophage IL-1ß and IL-18 Production.

Choline is a vitamin-like nutrient that is taken up via specific transporters and metabolized by choline kinase, which converts it to phosphocholine needed for de novo synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), the main phospholipid of cellular membranes. We found that Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation enhances choline uptake by macrophages and microglia through induction of the choline transporter CTL1. Inhibition of CTL1 expression or choline phosphorylation attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1ß and IL-18 production in stimulated macrophages. Mechanistically, reduced choline uptake altered mitochondrial lipid profile, attenuated mitochondrial ATP synthesis, and activated the energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). By potentiating mitochondrial recruitment of DRP1, AMPK stimulates mitophagy, which contributes to termination of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Correspondingly, choline kinase inhibitors ameliorated acute and chronic models of IL-1ß-dependent inflammation.

Blocking TRPA1 and TNF-α Signal Improves Bortezomib-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bortezomib (BTZ) is largely used as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma. However, one of the significant limiting complications of BTZ is painful peripheral neuropathy during BTZ therapy. The purpose of this study was to examine the underlying mechanisms leading to neuropathic pain induced by BTZ. METHODS: ELISA and western blot analysis were used to examine the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and its receptor, transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and intracellular p38-MAPK and JNK signal in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion. Behavioral test was performed to determine mechanical pain and cold sensitivity in a rat model. RESULTS: Systemic injection of BTZ significantly increased mechanical pain and cold sensitivity as compared with control animals (P< 0.05 vs. control rats). Our data also showed that protein expression of TRPA1 was upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion of BTZ rats and blocking TRPA1 attenuated mechanical pain and cold sensitivity in control rats and BTZ rats (P< 0.05 vs. vehicle control). Notably, the inhibitory effect of blocking TRPA1 on mechanical pain and cold sensitivity was smaller in BTZ rats than that in control rats. In addition, a blockade of TNF-α attenuated intracellular p38-MAPK and JNK signal in the dorsal root ganglion. This also decreased TRPA1 expression and alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity in BTZ rats. CONCLUSION: We revealed specific signaling pathways leading to neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapeutic BTZ. The data also suggest that blocking TRPA1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha is beneficial to alleviate neuropathic pain during BTZ intervention.

Gasdermin D mediates the pathogenesis of neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease in mice.

Mutated NLRP3 assembles a hyperactive inflammasome, which causes excessive secretion of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-18 and, ultimately, a spectrum of autoinflammatory disorders known as cryopyrinopathies of which neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID) is the most severe phenotype. NOMID mice phenocopy several features of the human disease as they develop severe systemic inflammation driven by IL-1ß and IL-18 overproduction associated with damage to multiple organs, including spleen, skin, liver, and skeleton. Secretion of IL-1ß and IL-18 requires gasdermin D (GSDMD), which-upon activation by the inflammasomes-translocates to the plasma membrane where it forms pores through which these cytokines are released. However, excessive pore formation resulting from sustained activation of GSDMD compromises membrane integrity and ultimately causes a pro-inflammatory form of cell death, termed pyroptosis. In this study, we first established a strong correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome activation and GSDMD processing and pyroptosis in vitro. Next, we used NOMID mice to determine the extent to which GSDMD-driven pyroptosis influences the pathogenesis of this disorder. Remarkably, all NOMID-associated inflammatory symptoms are prevented upon ablation of GSDMD. Thus, GSDMD-dependent actions are required for the pathogenesis of NOMID in mice.

Progressive waves of IL-1ß release by primary human monocytes via sequential activation of vesicular and gasdermin D-mediated secretory pathways.

IL-1ß is an essential cytokine, but its release needs to be strictly controlled to avoid severe inflammatory manifestations. Lacking a signal sequence, IL-1ß does not follow the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi route. Several pathways have been proposed to mediate its release. One involves the translocation of pro-IL-1ß into intracellular vesicles of lysosomal origin that eventually fuse with the plasma membrane. Another exploits pores formed on the plasma membrane upon proteolytic cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD). Here we investigated how primary monocytes-the main source of IL-1ß in humans-control IL-1ß release in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli of increasing intensity and found that two different routes are induced depending on the strength of activation. Triggering of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) by LPS induces slow IL-1ß release through LAMP2A+ vesicles. In contrast, the simultaneous stimulation of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR7/8 drives high levels of ROS, GSDMD cleavage and faster IL-1ß secretion. Drugs blocking ROS production prevent GSDMD cleavage supporting a role of oxidative stress in GSDMD-mediated secretion. Singly stimulated monocytes undergo apoptosis, whereas triple stimulation triggers pyroptosis, which might amplify inflammation. In both cases, however, IL-1ß secretion precedes cell death. Inhibition of caspases 4/5 prevents GSDMD cleavage and pore-mediated secretion, but not vesicular release. The two pathways also display other distinct pharmacologic sensitivities that reflect the underlying mechanisms. Remarkably, single TLR4 stimulation is sufficient to activate massive, GSDMD-mediated IL-1ß secretion in monocytes from patients affected by Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndrome (CAPS), an autoinflammatory disease linked to NLRP3 mutations. The exaggerated sensitivity to activation correlates with high basal ROS levels in CAPS monocytes. In conclusion, the vesicular pathway limits IL-1ß release upon low pathogen load while stronger stimulation or concomitant cell stress induce instead uncontrolled secretion via GSDMD leading to detrimental inflammatory manifestations.

Participation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in neuropathic pain evoked by chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin via central GABAergic pathway.

Background Neuropathic pain is observed in patients as chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin is used to treat metastatic digestive tumors; however, the mechanisms responsible for hyperalgesia are not well understood. Chronic neuroinflammation is one of the hallmarks of pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. Since the midbrain periaqueductal gray is an important component of the descending inhibitory pathway controlling on central pain transmission, we examined the role for pro-inflammatory cytokines system of the periaqueductal gray in regulating mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity evoked by oxaliplatin. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin in rats. ELISA and western blot analysis were used to examine pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and their receptors expression. Results IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were elevated within the periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats. Protein expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α receptors (namely, IL-1R, IL-6R, and TNFR subtype TNFR1) in the plasma membrane periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats was upregulated, whereas the total expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors was not altered. In oxaliplatin rats, impaired inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid within the periaqueductal gray was accompanied with decreases in withdrawal thresholds to mechanical stimulus and % time spent on the cold plate. Our data further showed that the concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid were largely restored by blocking those pro-inflammatory cytokine receptors in periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats; and mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity evoked by oxaliplatin were attenuated. Stimulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the periaqueductal gray also blunted neuropathic pain in oxaliplatin rats. Conclusions Our data suggest that the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and membrane pro-inflammatory cytokine receptor in the periaqueductal gray of oxaliplatin rats is likely to impair the descending inhibitory pathways in regulating pain transmission and thereby contributes to the development of neuropathic pain after application of chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin.

Chemokine (c-c motif) receptor 2 mediates mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in sickle cell disease mice.

Approximately one-third of individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) develop chronic pain. This debilitating pain is inadequately treated because the underlying mechanisms driving the pain are poorly understood. In addition to persistent pain, patients with SCD are also in a tonically proinflammatory state. Previous studies have revealed that there are elevated plasma levels of many inflammatory mediators including chemokine (c-c motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in individuals with SCD. Using a transgenic mouse model of SCD, we investigated the contributions of CCL2 signaling to SCD-related pain. Inhibition of chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), but not CCR4, alleviated the behavioral mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in SCD. Furthermore, acute CCR2 blockade reversed both the behavioral and the in vitro responsiveness of sensory neurons to an agonist of TRPV1, a neuronal ion channel previously implicated in SCD pain. These results provide insight into the immune-mediated regulation of hypersensitivity in SCD and could inform future development of analgesics or therapeutic measures to prevent chronic pain.

Involvement of pro-inflammation signal pathway in inhibitory effects of rapamycin on oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain.

Background Oxaliplatin is a third-generation chemotherapeutic agent that is commonly used to treat metastatic digestive tumors; however, one of the main limiting complications of oxaliplatin is painful peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to examine the underlying mechanisms by which mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its signal are responsible for oxaliplatin-evoked neuropathic pain. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin in rats. ELISA and Western blot analysis were used to examine the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) and the expression of mTOR signal pathway. Results Oxaliplatin increased mechanical and cold sensitivity as compared with control animals ( P < 0.05 vs. control rats). Oxaliplatin also amplified the expression of p-mTOR and mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1 and 4E-binding protein 1 in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion. Blocking mTOR using rapamycin attenuated peripheral painful neuropathy observed in oxaliplatin rats ( P < 0.05 vs. vehicle control). This inhibitory effect was accompanied with decreases of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. In addition, inhibition of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K) attenuated the expression of p-mTOR and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in oxaliplatin rats, and this further attenuated mechanical and cold hypersensitivity. Conclusions The data revealed specific signaling pathways leading to oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain, including the activation of PI3K-mTOR and pro-inflammatory cytokine signal. Inhibition of these pathways alleviates neuropathic pain. Targeting one or more of these molecular mediators may present new opportunities for treatment and management of neuropathic pain observed during chemotherapeutic application of oxaliplatin.

TNF regulates transcription of NLRP3 inflammasome components and inflammatory molecules in cryopyrinopathies.

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a protein complex responsible for caspase-1-dependent maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and IL-18. Gain-of-function missense mutations in NLRP3 cause the disease spectrum known as the cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). In this study, we generated Nlrp3-knockin mice on various KO backgrounds including Il1b/Il18-, caspase-1-, caspase-11- (Casp1/11-), and Tnf-deficient strains. The Nlrp3L351P Il1b-/- Il18-/- mutant mice survived and grew normally until adulthood and, at 6 months of age, exhibited marked splenomegaly and leukophilia. Injection of these mice with low-dose LPS resulted in elevated serum TNF levels compared with Nlrp3L351P Casp1/11-/- mice and Il1b-/- Il18-/- littermates. Treatment of Nlrp3A350V mice with the TNF inhibitor etanercept resulted in all pups surviving to adulthood, with normal body and spleen/body weight ratios. Nlrp3A350V Tnf-/- mice showed a similar phenotypic rescue, with marked reductions in serum IL-1ß and IL-18, reduced myeloid inflammatory infiltrate in the skin and spleen, and substantial decreases in splenic mRNA expression of both inflammasome components (Nlrp3, Pycard, pro-Casp1) and pro-cytokines (Il1b, Il18). Likewise, we observed a reduction in the expression of both pro-Casp1 and pro-Il1b in cultured Nlrp3A350V Tnf-/- BM-derived DCs. Our data show that TNF is an important transcriptional regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome components in murine inflammasomopathies. Moreover, these results may have therapeutic implications for CAPS patients with partial responses to IL-1-targeted therapies.

Identification of a selective and direct NLRP3 inhibitor to treat inflammatory disorders.

The NLRP3 inflammasome has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of human diseases. A few compounds have been developed to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, but compounds directly and specifically targeting NLRP3 are still not available, so it is unclear whether NLRP3 itself can be targeted to prevent or treat diseases. Here we show that the compound CY-09 specifically blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation. CY-09 directly binds to the ATP-binding motif of NLRP3 NACHT domain and inhibits NLRP3 ATPase activity, resulting in the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation. Importantly, treatment with CY-09 shows remarkable therapeutic effects on mouse models of cryopyrin-associated autoinflammatory syndrome (CAPS) and type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, CY-09 is active ex vivo for monocytes from healthy individuals or synovial fluid cells from patients with gout. Thus, our results provide a selective and direct small-molecule inhibitor for NLRP3 and indicate that NLRP3 can be targeted in vivo to combat NLRP3-driven diseases.