208 A NOVEL ROLE FOR THE GAS3/PMP22 FAMILY MEMBER EMP2 IN THE REGULATION OF INFLAMMATION

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> Cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis is currently the leading cause of death by noncommunicable diseases worldwide. Development of atherosclerosis which is considered a chronic inflammatory disease has been associated with a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 has been associated with atherosclerotic plaque formation as well as plaque rupture. Previous reports using ApoE^{^−/−}/IL1-β^−/− mice have described a significant decrease in atherosclerotic area further highlighting the importance of this apical cytokine. IL-1β is released by monocytes and macrophages following P2X7 receptor activation by ATP, however the exact mechanism by which release occurs is poorly understood. We have previously identified the GAS3/PMP22 family member, epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2), as a P2X7 C-terminus interacting protein. Blocking EMP2 has been shown to reduce early <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> infectivity and modify cytokine secretion; however the function of EMP2 in this role is not described. The purpose of this study was to establish the role of EMP2 in P2X7 receptor dependent IL-1β release. <h3>Methods</h3> THP1 monocytic cells were transfected with non-targeting control siRNA, siRNA specific for EMP2 or the fluorescent indicator SiGLO, using the reagent Dharmafect Duo with an optimised protocol for THP-1 cells. Transfection efficiency was determined by flow cytometry and the efficiency of the knock-down was assessed by real-time PCR. THP1 cells were then treated with PMA (500 nM) for 3 hours to promote differentiation to a more macrophage like phenotype. Differentiated THP1 cells were stimulated with 1 µg/ml of LPS with and without a P2X7 receptor antagonist (A438079 hydrochloride), followed by BzATP (300 µM, P2X7 agonist) for 20 minutes. Cell supernatants were collected and IL-1β release was measured by ELISA; cytotoxicity was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. <h3>Results</h3> BzATP treatment of THP1 cells significantly enhanced IL-1β release compared with LPS stimulation alone. P2X7 receptor dependent IL-1β release was almost completely inhibited by pre-treatment with the receptor antagonist. SiRNA knockdown of EMP2 was approximately 40%, as confirmed by real-time PCR, and significantly enhanced P2X7 receptor dependent IL-1β release compared with controls. There was no significant difference in LDH release following stimulation with LPS or BzATP, suggesting that the increase in IL-1β release was not due to cytotoxicity. <h3>Conclusions</h3> EMP2 contributes to the regulation of P2X7 receptor dependent IL-1β release by differentiated THP1 cells.