CD13 is a novel regulator of TLR4 endocytosis in dendritic cells (CAM5P.241)

Abstract

Abstract Toll like receptors (TLRs) recognize antigens produced by infection or injury to induce innate immunity via cell surface or endocytic pathways. TLR4 sequentially triggers both pathways, leading to TLR4 activation of the pro-inflammatory NF-kB pathway from the cell surface followed by dynamin-mediated TLR4 endocytosis, activation of TRIF and production of anti-inflammatory IRF (Interferon Regulatory Factor)3-regulated genes. We found that myeloid cell surface peptidase CD13 regulates TLR4 signal transduction by controlling dynamin-dependent endocytosis. In response to LPS, CD13KO DCs showed enhanced activation of IRF3, increase in its target gene IFN-β and inducible nitric oxide activity in a dynamin dependent manner. Endogenous TLR4 ligands produced in response to ischemic injury provoked hyperactivation of pIRF3 and its target cytokines in CD13KO animals. CD13KO DCs internalize higher levels of cell-associated TLR4 ligands released by dying cells or the TLR4 ligand LPS, indicating that CD13 regulates inflammatory TLR4 responses in vivo by modulating DC antigen uptake. Our results further suggest that CD13 and the LPS binding protein, CD14, may potentially act as opposing regulators of TLR4 endocytosis in inflammation. We propose that in response to injury or infection, CD13 serves to balance the immune response by modulating TLR4 induced pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles and maintain inflammatory equilibrium that is critical to proper wound healing.