Altered Macrophage Function Associated with Crystalline Lung Inflammation in Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency.

Deficiency of ASM (acid sphingomyelinase) causes the lysosomal storage Niemann-Pick disease (NPD). Patients with NPD type B may develop progressive interstitial lung disease with frequent respiratory infections. Although several investigations using the ASM-deficient (ASMKO) mouse NPD model revealed inflammation and foamy macrophages, there is little insight into the pathogenesis of NPD-associated lung disease. Using ASMKO mice, we report that ASM deficiency is associated with a complex inflammatory phenotype characterized by marked accumulation of monocyte-derived CD11b+ macrophages and expansion of airspace/alveolar CD11c+ CD11b- macrophages, both with increased size, granularity, and foaminess. Both the alternative and classical pathways were activated, with decreased in situ phagocytosis of opsonized (Fc-coated) targets, preserved clearance of apoptotic cells (efferocytosis), secretion of Th2 cytokines, increased CD11c+/CD11b+ cells, and more than a twofold increase in lung and plasma proinflammatory cytokines. Macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, and noninflammatory lung cells of ASMKO lungs also exhibited marked accumulation of chitinase-like protein Ym1/2, which formed large eosinophilic polygonal Charcot-Leyden-like crystals. In addition to providing insight into novel features of lung inflammation that may be associated with NPD, our report provides a novel connection between ASM and the development of crystal-associated lung inflammation with alterations in macrophage biology.

Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency: A Clinical and Immunological Perspective.

Acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) enzyme, leading to the accumulation of varying degrees of sphingomyelin. Lipid storage leads to foam cell infiltration in tissues, and clinical features including hepatosplenomegaly, pulmonary insufficiency and in some cases central nervous system involvement. ASM enzyme replacement therapy is currently in clinical trial being the first treatment addressing the underlying pathology of the disease. Therefore, presently, it is critical to better comprehend ASMD to improve its diagnose and monitoring. Lung disease, including recurrent pulmonary infections, are common in ASMD patients. Along with lung disease, several immune system alterations have been described both in patients and in ASMD animal models, thus highlighting the role of ASM enzyme in the immune system. In this review, we summarized the pivotal roles of ASM in several immune system cells namely on macrophages, Natural Killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, B cells and T cells. In addition, an overview of diagnose, monitoring and treatment of ASMD is provided highlighting the new enzyme replacement therapy available.

Acid Sphingomyelinase-Ceramide System in Bacterial Infections.

Acid sphingomyelinase hydrolyzes sphingomyelin to ceramide and phosphorylcholine. Ceramide molecules spontaneously interact with each other and generate ceramide-enriched membrane domains. These ceramide-enriched domains further fuse, forming large ceramideenriched platforms that participate in the organization of receptors and in the amplification of signaling molecules. Recent studies have suggested several bacteria and bacterial toxins that stimulate the activation and the translocation of acid sphingomyelinase, which leads to the release of ceramide. The acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide system also regulates the internalization of bacteria into the host cell, the subsequent cytokine release, inflammatory response, and initiation of host cell apoptosis. In addition, ceramide has been implicated in the fusion of phagosomes and lysosomes upon bacterial infection. Thus, this system modulates the reorganization of cell membrane receptors and intracellular signaling molecules during bacteria-host interactions. The acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide system may thus serve as a novel therapeutic target for treating infections.

Mycobacterial Infection is Promoted by Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 Regulating a Signaling Cascade Leading to Activation of ß1-Integrin.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mycobacteria-induced diseases, especially tuberculosis, cause more than 1 million deaths each year, which is higher than any other single bacterial pathogen. Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (Nsm2) has been implied in many physiological processes and diseases, but the role of Nsm2 in pathogen-host interactions and mycobacterial infections has barely been studied. METHODS: We investigated the role of the Nsm2/ceramide system in systemic infection of mice and murine macrophages with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) as a model for mycobacterial infection. For in vitro assays we isolated bone marrow-derived macrophages from Wildtype mice or Nsm2-heterozygous and investigated the role of Nsm2 for macrophage migration/clustering as well as the involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38K), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), ß1-integrin and Rac1 activity by Western blot and microscopic studies. For in vivo assays we injected mice intravenously with BCG and analyzed infected tissues for the role of Nsm2-mediated activation of ß1-integrin in granuloma formation and bacterial burden. RESULTS: Our results reveal that BCG infection of macrophages results in rapid stimulation of Nsm2. Genetic and pharmacological studies demonstrate that Nsm2 stimulates a signaling cascade via p38K and JNK to an activation of surface ß1-integrin and Rac1 that leads to the formation of granuloma-like macrophages clusters in vitro and granuloma in vivo. Heterozygosity of Nsm2 in macrophages or antibody-mediated neutralization of active b1-integrin reduced macrophage clusters in vitro and granuloma formation in vivo. Most importantly, Nsm2 heterozygosity or treatment with neutralizing antibodies against ß1-integrin protected mice from systemic BCG infections and chronic infections of the liver and spleen. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the Nsm2/ ceramide system plays an important role in systemic infection of mice with mycobacteria by regulating a signaling cascade via p38K, JNK, b1-integrin and Rac1.

Acid Sphingomyelinase-Derived Ceramide Regulates ICAM-1 Function during T Cell Transmigration across Brain Endothelial Cells.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating disorder of the CNS characterized by immune cell infiltration across the brain vasculature into the brain, a process not yet fully understood. We previously demonstrated that the sphingolipid metabolism is altered in MS lesions. In particular, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), a critical enzyme in the production of the bioactive lipid ceramide, is involved in the pathogenesis of MS; however, its role in the brain vasculature remains unknown. Transmigration of T lymphocytes is highly dependent on adhesion molecules in the vasculature such as intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). In this article, we hypothesize that ASM controls T cell migration by regulating ICAM-1 function. To study the role of endothelial ASM in transmigration, we generated brain endothelial cells lacking ASM activity using a lentiviral shRNA approach. Interestingly, although ICAM-1 expression was increased in cells lacking ASM activity, we measured a significant decrease in T lymphocyte adhesion and consequently transmigration both in static and under flow conditions. As an underlying mechanism, we revealed that upon lack of endothelial ASM activity, the phosphorylation of ezrin was perturbed as well as the interaction between filamin and ICAM-1 upon ICAM-1 clustering. Functionally this resulted in reduced microvilli formation and impaired transendothelial migration of T cells. In conclusion, in this article, we show that ASM coordinates ICAM-1 function in brain endothelial cells by regulating its interaction with filamin and phosphorylation of ezrin. The understanding of these underlying mechanisms of T lymphocyte transmigration is of great value to develop new strategies against MS lesion formation.

Decreasing SMPD1 activity in BEAS-2B bronchial airway epithelial cells results in increased NRF2 activity, cytokine synthesis and neutrophil recruitment.

Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) type B is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterized by variable levels of impairment in sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 1 (SMPD1) activity. Lung involvement is the most important prognostic factor in NPD-B, with recurrent respiratory infections starting in infancy being the major cause of morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that decreased SMPD1 activity impaired airway epithelium host defense response. SMPD1 activity was reduced using inducible shRNA. Surprisingly, decreasing SMPD1 activity by 50%, resulted in increased neutrophil recruitment, both at baseline and in response to bacterial stimulation. This correlated with elevated levels of cytokine mRNA shown to contribute to neutrophil recruitment in unstimulated (e.g. IL-8 and GRO-α) and infected cells (e.g. IL-8, GRO-α, GM-CSF and CCL20). Instead of preventing the host defence responses, decreased SMPD1 activity results in an inflammatory response even in the absence of infection. Moreover, decreasing SMPD1 activity resulted in a pro-oxidative shift. Accordingly, expression of an inactive mutant, SMPD1[L225P] but not the WT enzyme increased activation of the antioxidant transcription factor NRF2. Therefore, decreasing SMPD1 activity by 50% in airway epithelial cells, the equivalent of the loss of one allele, results in the accumulation of oxidants that activates NRF2 and a concomitant increased cytokine production as well as neutrophil recruitment. This can result in a chronic inflammatory state that impairs host defence similar to scenarios observe in other chronic inflammatory lung disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Cystic Fibrosis.

Acid Sphingomyelinase (ASM) is a Negative Regulator of Regulatory T Cell (Treg) Development.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Regulatory T cell (Treg) is required for the maintenance of tolerance to various tissue antigens and to protect the host from autoimmune disorders. However, Treg may, indirectly, support cancer progression and bacterial infections. Therefore, a balance of Treg function is pivotal for adequate immune responses. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) is a rate limiting enzyme involved in the production of ceramide by breaking down sphingomyelin. Previous studies in T-cells have suggested that ASM is involved in CD28 signalling, T lymphocyte granule secretion, degranulation, and vesicle shedding similar to the formation of phosphatidylserine-exposing microparticles from glial cells. However, whether ASM affects the development of Treg has not yet been described. METHODS: Splenocytes, isolated Naive T lymphocytes and cultured T cells were characterized for various immune T cell markers by flow cytometery. Cell proliferation was measured by Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dye, cell cycle analysis by Propidium Iodide (PI), mRNA transcripts by q-RT PCR and protein expression by Western Blotting respectively. RESULTS: ASM deficient mice have higher number of Treg compared with littermate control mice. In vitro induction of ASM deficient T cells in the presence of TGF-ß and IL-2 lead to a significantly higher number of Foxp3+ induced Treg (iTreg) compared with control T-cells. Further, ASM deficient iTreg has less AKT (serine 473) phosphorylation and Rictor levels compared with control iTreg. Ceramide C6 led to significant reduction of iTreg in both ASM deficient and WT mice. The reduction in iTreg leads to induction of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 but not IFN-γ mRNA levels. CONCLUSION: ASM is a negative regulator of natural and iTreg.

CD39 and CD161 modulate Th17 responses in Crohn's disease.

CD39 (ENTPD1) is expressed by subsets of pathogenic human CD4(+) T cells, such as Th17 cells. These Th17 cells are considered important in intestinal inflammation, such as seen in Crohn's disease (CD). Recently, CD161 (NKR-P1A) was shown to be a phenotypic marker of human Th17 cells. In this study, we report that coexpression of CD161 and CD39 not only identifies these cells but also promotes Th17 generation. We note that human CD4(+)CD39(+)CD161(+) T cells can be induced under stimulatory conditions that promote Th17 in vitro. Furthermore, CD4(+)CD39(+)CD161(+) cells purified from blood and intestinal tissues, from both healthy controls and patients with CD, are of the Th17 phenotype and exhibit proinflammatory functions. CD39 is coexpressed with CD161, and this association augments acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) activity upon stimulation of CD4(+) T cells. These pathways regulate mammalian target of rapamycin and STAT3 signaling to drive the Th17 phenotype. Inhibition of ASM activity by pharmacological blockers or knockdown of ASM abrogates STAT3 signaling, thereby limiting IL-17 production in CD4(+) T cells obtained from both controls and patients with active CD. Increased levels of CD39(+)CD161(+) CD4(+) T cells in blood or lamina propria are noted in patients with CD, and levels directly correlate with clinical disease activity. Hence, coexpression of CD39 and CD161 by CD4(+) T cells might serve as a biomarker to monitor Th17 responsiveness. Collectively, CD39 and CD161 modulate human Th17 responses in CD through alterations in purinergic nucleotide-mediated responses and ASM catalytic bioactivity, respectively.

Factor associated with neutral sphingomyelinase activity mediates navigational capacity of leukocytes responding to wounds and infection: live imaging studies in zebrafish larvae.

Factor associated with neutral sphingomyelinase activity (FAN) is an adaptor protein that specifically binds to the p55 receptor for TNF (TNF-RI). Our previous investigations demonstrated that FAN plays a role in TNF-induced actin reorganization by connecting the plasma membrane with actin cytoskeleton, suggesting that FAN may impact on cellular motility in response to TNF and in the context of immune inflammatory conditions. In this study, we used the translucent zebrafish larvae for in vivo analysis of leukocyte migration after morpholino knockdown of FAN. FAN-deficient zebrafish leukocytes were impaired in their migration toward tail fin wounds, leading to a reduced number of cells reaching the wound. Furthermore, FAN-deficient leukocytes show an impaired response to bacterial infections, suggesting that FAN is generally required for the directed chemotactic response of immune cells independent of the nature of the stimulus. Cell-tracking analysis up to 3 h after injury revealed that the reduced number of leukocytes is not due to a reduction in random motility or speed of movement. Leukocytes from FAN-deficient embryos protrude pseudopodia in all directions instead of having one clear leading edge. Our results suggest that FAN-deficient leukocytes exhibit an impaired navigational capacity, leading to a disrupted chemotactic response.

Filaggrin-dependent secretion of sphingomyelinase protects against staphylococcal α-toxin-induced keratinocyte death.

BACKGROUND: The skin of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) has defects in keratinocyte differentiation, particularly in expression of the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin. AD skin lesions are often exacerbated by Staphylococcus aureus-mediated secretion of the virulence factor α-toxin. It is unknown whether lack of keratinocyte differentiation predisposes to enhanced lethality from staphylococcal toxins. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether keratinocyte differentiation and filaggrin expression protect against cell death induced by staphylococcal α-toxin. METHODS: Filaggrin-deficient primary keratinocytes were generated through small interfering RNA gene knockdown. RNA expression was determined by using real-time PCR. Cell death was determined by using the lactate dehydrogenase assay. Keratinocyte cell survival in filaggrin-deficient (ft/ft) mouse skin biopsies was determined based on Keratin 5 staining. α-Toxin heptamer formation and acid sphingomyelinase expression were determined by means of immunoblotting. RESULTS: We found that filaggrin expression, occurring as the result of keratinocyte differentiation, significantly inhibits staphylococcal α-toxin-mediated pathogenicity. Furthermore, filaggrin plays a crucial role in protecting cells by mediating the secretion of sphingomyelinase, an enzyme that reduces the number of α-toxin binding sites on the keratinocyte surface. Finally, we determined that sphingomyelinase enzymatic activity directly prevents α-toxin binding and protects keratinocytes against α-toxin-induced cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The current study introduces the novel concept that S aureus α-toxin preferentially targets and destroys filaggrin-deficient keratinocytes. It also provides a mechanism to explain the increased propensity for S aureus-mediated exacerbation of AD skin disease.

Novel insights into the application of recombinant mutated phospholipases D as antigens for developing new strategies against Loxoscelism.

Loxoscelism is the pathological condition triggered by a brown spider bite. The venom of these spiders is rich in phospholipases D (PLDs), which can induce virtually all local and systemic manifestations. Recombinant mutated PLDs from clinically relevant Loxosceles species in South America have been investigated as potential antigens to develop novel therapeutic strategies for loxoscelism. However, certain gaps need to be addressed before a clinical approach can be implemented. In this study, we examined the potential of these recombinant mutated PLDs as antigens by testing some variations in the immunization scheme. Furthermore, we evaluated the efficacy of the produced antibodies in neutralizing the nephrotoxicity and sphingomyelinase activity of brown spider venoms. Our findings indicate that the number of immunizations has a greater impact on the effectiveness of neutralization compared to the amount of antigen. Specifically, two or three doses were equally effective in reducing dermonecrosis and edema. Additionally, three immunizations proved to be more effective in neutralizing mice lethality than one or two. Moreover, immunizations mitigated the signs of kidney injury, a crucial aspect given that acute renal failure is a serious systemic complication. In vitro inhibition of the sphingomyelinase activity of Loxosceles venoms, a key factor in vivo toxicity, was nearly complete after incubation with antibodies raised against these antigens. These findings underscore the importance of implementing an effective immunization scheme with multiple immunizations, without the need for high antigen doses, and enhances the spectrum of neutralization exhibited by antibodies generated with these antigens. In summary, these results highlight the strong potential of these antigens for the development of new therapeutic strategies against cutaneous and systemic manifestations of loxoscelism.

Differential regulation of acid sphingomyelinase in macrophages stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and oxidized LDL immune complexes: role in phagocytosis and cytokine release.

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and oxLDL-containing immune complexes (oxLDL-IC) contribute to the formation of lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells). Fcγ receptors mediate uptake of oxLDL-IC, whereas scavenger receptors internalize oxLDL. We have previously reported that oxLDL-IC, but not free oxLDL, activate macrophages and prolong their survival. Sphingomyelin is a major constituent of cell membranes and lipoprotein particles and acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) hydrolyses sphingomyelin to generate the bioactive lipid ceramide. ASMase exists in two forms: lysosomal (L-ASMase) and secretory (S-ASMase). In this study we examined whether oxLDL and oxLDL-IC regulate ASMase differently, and whether ASMase mediates monocyte/macrophage activation and cytokine release. The oxLDL-IC, but not oxLDL, induced early and consistent release of catalytically active S-ASMase. The oxLDL-IC also consistently stimulated L-ASMase activity, whereas oxLDL induced a rapid transient increase in L-ASMase activity before it steadily declined below baseline. Prolonged exposure to oxLDL increased L-ASMase activity; however, activity remained significantly lower than that induced by oxLDL-IC. Further studies were aimed at defining the function of the activated ASMase. In response to oxLDL-IC, heat-shock protein 70B' (HSP70B') was up-regulated and localized with redistributed ASMase in the endosomal compartment outside the lysosome. Treatment with oxLDL-IC induced the formation and release of HSP70-containing and IL-1ß-containing exosomes via an ASMase-dependent mechanism. Taken together, the results suggest that oxLDL and oxLDL-IC differentially regulate ASMase activity, and the pro-inflammatory responses to oxLDL-IC are mediated by prolonged activation of ASMase. These findings may contribute to increased understanding of mechanisms mediating macrophage involvement in atherosclerosis.

Keratinocyte-derived microvesicle particles mediate ultraviolet B radiation-induced systemic immunosuppression.

A complete carcinogen, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation (290-320 nm), is the major cause of skin cancer. UVB-induced systemic immunosuppression that contributes to photocarcinogenesis is due to the glycerophosphocholine-derived lipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF). A major question in photobiology is how UVB radiation, which only absorbs appreciably in the epidermal layers of skin, can generate systemic effects. UVB exposure and PAF receptor (PAFR) activation in keratinocytes induce the release of large numbers of microvesicle particles (MVPs; extracellular vesicles ranging from 100 to 1000 nm in size). MVPs released from skin keratinocytes in vitro in response to UVB (UVB-MVPs) are dependent on the keratinocyte PAFR. Here, we used both pharmacologic and genetic approaches in cells and mice to show that both the PAFR and enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) were necessary for UVB-MVP generation. Our discovery that the calcium-sensing receptor is a keratinocyte-selective MVP marker allowed us to determine that UVB-MVPs leaving the keratinocyte can be found systemically in mice and humans following UVB exposure. Moreover, we found that UVB-MVPs contained bioactive contents including PAFR agonists that allowed them to serve as effectors for UVB downstream effects, in particular UVB-mediated systemic immunosuppression.

Sphingomyelinases in a journey to combat arthropod-borne pathogen transmission.

Ixodes scapularis ticks feed on humans and other vertebrate hosts and transmit several pathogens of public health concern. Tick saliva is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins, lipids and immunomodulators, such as I. scapularis sphingomyelinase (IsSMase)-like protein, an ortholog of dermonecrotoxin SMase D found in the venom of Loxosceles spp. of spiders. IsSMase modulates the host immune response towards Th2, which suppresses Th1-mediated cytokines to facilitate pathogen transmission. Arboviruses utilize exosomes for their transmission from tick to the vertebrate host, and exosomes derived from tick saliva/salivary glands suppress C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 and interleukin-8 immune response(s) in human skin to delay wound healing and repair processes. IsSMase affects also viral replication and exosome biogenesis, thereby inhibiting tick-to-vertebrate host transmission of pathogenic exosomes. In this review, we elaborate on exosomes and their biogenesis as potential candidates for developing novel control measure(s) to combat tick-borne diseases. Such targets could help with the development of an efficient anti-tick vaccine for preventing the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.

Evaluation of the expression and protective potential of Leptospiral sphingomyelinases.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global distribution, which affects both animals and humans. Pathogenic leptospires, the bacteria that cause this disease, require iron for their growth, and these spirochetes probably use their hemolysins, such as the sphingomyelinases, as a way to obtain this important nutrient from host red blood cells during infection. We expressed and purified the leptospiral sphingomyelinases Sph1, Sph2, Sph4, and SphH in a heterologous system. However, the recombinant proteins were not able to lyse sheep erythrocytes, despite having regular secondary structures. Transcripts for all sphingomyelinases tested were detected by RT-PCR analyses, but only Sph2 and SphH native proteins could be detected in Western blot assays using Leptospira whole extracts as well as in renal tubules of infected hamsters. Moreover, antibodies present in the serum of a human patient with laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis recognized Sph2, indicating that this sphingomyelinase is expressed and exposed to the immune system during infection in humans. However, in an animal challenge model, none of the sphingomyelinases tested conferred protection against leptospirosis.

A novel sphingomyelinase-like enzyme in Ixodes scapularis tick saliva drives host CD4 T cells to express IL-4.

Tick feeding modulates host immune responses. Tick-induced skewing of host CD4(+) T cells towards a Th2 cytokine profile facilitates transmission of tick-borne pathogens that would otherwise be neutralized by Th1 cytokines. Tick-derived factors that drive this Th2 response have not previously been characterized. In the current study, we examined an I. scapularis cDNA library prepared at 18-24 h of feeding and identified and expressed a tick gene with homology to Loxosceles spider venom proteins with sphingomyelinase activity. This I. scapularis sphingomyelinase-like (IsSMase) protein is a Mg(2+)-dependent, neutral (pH 7.4) form of sphingomyelinase. Significantly, in an in vivo TCR transgenic adoptive transfer assay IsSMase programmed host CD4(+) T cells to express the hallmark Th2 effector cytokine IL-4. IsSMase appears to directly programme host CD4 T cell IL-4 expression (as opposed to its metabolic by-products) because induced IL-4 expression was not altered when enzymatic activity was neutralized. TCR transgenic CD4 T cell proliferation (CFSE-dilution) was also significantly increased by IsSMase. Furthermore, a Th2 response is superimposed onto a virally primed Th1 response by IsSMase. Thus, IsSMase is the first identified tick molecule capable of programming host CD4(+) T cells to express IL-4.

The Neutral Sphingomyelinase 2 Is Required to Polarize and Sustain T Cell Receptor Signaling.

By promoting ceramide release at the cytosolic membrane leaflet, the neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (NSM) is capable of organizing receptor and signalosome segregation. Its role in T cell receptor (TCR) signaling remained so far unknown. We now show that TCR-driven NSM activation is dispensable for TCR clustering and initial phosphorylation, but of crucial importance for further signal amplification. In particular, at low doses of TCR stimulatory antibodies, NSM is required for Ca2+ mobilization and T cell proliferation. NSM-deficient T cells lack sustained CD3ζ and ZAP-70 phosphorylation and are unable to polarize and stabilize their microtubular system. We identified PKCζ as the key NSM downstream effector in this second wave of TCR signaling supporting dynamics of microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). Ceramide supplementation rescued PKCζ membrane recruitment and MTOC translocation in NSM-deficient cells. These findings identify the NSM as essential in TCR signaling when dynamic cytoskeletal reorganization promotes continued lateral and vertical supply of TCR signaling components: CD3ζ, Zap70, and PKCζ, and functional immune synapses are organized and stabilized via MTOC polarization.

Betaine Inhibits Interleukin-1ß Production and Release: Potential Mechanisms.

Betaine is a critical nutrient for mammal health, and has been found to alleviate inflammation by lowering interleukin (IL)-1ß secretion; however, the underlying mechanisms by which betaine inhibits IL-1ß secretion remain to be uncovered. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the mechanisms of betaine in IL-1ß production and release. For IL-1ß production, betaine affects canonical and non-canonical inflammasome-mediated processing of IL-1ß through signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, NLRP3 and caspase-8/11. For IL-1ß release, betaine inhibits IL-1ß release through blocking the exocytosis of IL-1ß-containing secretory lysosomes, reducing the shedding of IL-1ß-containing plasma membrane microvesicles, suppressing the exocytosis of IL-1ß-containing exosomes, and attenuating the passive efflux of IL-1ß across hyperpermeable plasma membrane during pyroptotic cell death, which are associated with ERK1/2/PLA2 and caspase-8/A-SMase signaling pathways. Collectively, this review highlights the anti-inflammatory property of betaine by inhibiting the production and release of IL-1ß, and indicates the potential application of betaine supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in various inflammatory diseases associating with IL-1ß secretion.

NB 06: From a simple lysosomotropic aSMase inhibitor to tools for elucidating the role of lysosomes in signaling apoptosis and LPS-induced inflammation.

Ceramide generation is involved in signal transduction of cellular stress response, in particular during stress-induced apoptosis in response to stimuli such as minimally modified Low-density lipoproteins, TNFalpha and exogenous C6-ceramide. In this paper we describe 48 diverse synthetic products and evaluate their lysosomotropic and acid sphingomyelinase inhibiting activities in macrophages. A stimuli-induced increase of C16-ceramide in macrophages can be almost completely suppressed by representative compound NB 06 providing an effective protection of macrophages against apoptosis. Compounds like NB 06 thus offer highly interesting fields of application besides prevention of apoptosis of macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques in vessel walls. Most importantly, they can be used for blocking pH-dependent lysosomal processes and enzymes in general as well as for analyzing lysosomal dependent cellular signaling. Modulation of gene expression of several prominent inflammatory messengers IL1B, IL6, IL23A, CCL4 and CCL20 further indicate potentially beneficial effects in the field of (systemic) infections involving bacterial endotoxins like LPS or infections with influenza A virus.

Nitric Oxide Generated by Tumor-Associated Macrophages Is Responsible for Cancer Resistance to Cisplatin and Correlated With Syntaxin 4 and Acid Sphingomyelinase Inhibition.

Tumor microenvironment is fundamental for cancer progression and chemoresistance. Among stromal cells tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the largest population of infiltrating inflammatory cells in malignant tumors, promoting their growth, invasion, and immune evasion. M2-polarized TAMs are endowed with the nitric oxide (NO)-generating enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). NO has divergent effects on tumors, since it can either stimulate tumor cells growth or promote their death depending on the source of it; likewise the role of iNOS in cancer differs depending on the cell type. The role of NO generated by TAMs has not been investigated. Using different tumor models in vitro and in vivo we found that NO generated by iNOS of M2-polarized TAMs is able to protect tumor cells from apoptosis induced by the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (CDDP). Here, we demonstrate that the protective effect of NO depends on the inhibition of acid sphingomyelinase (A-SMase), which is activated by CDDP in a pathway involving the death receptor CD95. Mechanistic insights indicate that NO actions occur via generation of cyclic GMP and activation of protein kinase G (PKG), inducing phosphorylation of syntaxin 4 (synt4), a SNARE protein responsible for A-SMase trafficking and activation. Noteworthy, phosphorylation of synt4 at serine 78 by PKG is responsible for the proteasome-dependent degradation of synt4, which limits the CDDP-induced exposure of A-SMase to the plasma membrane of tumor cells. This inhibits the cytotoxic mechanism of CDDP reducing A-SMase-triggered apoptosis. This is the first demonstration that endogenous NO system is a key mechanism through which TAMs protect tumor cells from chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis. The identification of the pathway responsible for A-SMase activity downregulation in tumors leading to chemoresistance warrants further investigations as a means to identify new anti-cancer molecules capable of specifically inhibiting synt4 degradation.