Regulation Of TNF Production Research Articles

Computational identification and analysis of signaling subnetworks with distinct functional roles in the regulation of TNF production.

Inflammation is a complex process driven by the coordinated action of a vast number of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecular mediators. While experimental studies have provided an abundance of information about the properties and mechanisms of action of individual mediators, essential system-level regulatory patterns that determine the time-course of inflammation are not sufficiently understood. In particular, it is not known how the contributions from distinct signaling pathways involved in cytokine regulation combine to shape the overall inflammatory response over different time scales. We investigated the kinetics of the intra- and extracellular signaling network controlling the production of the essential pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and its anti-inflammatory counterpart, interleukin 10 (IL-10), in a macrophage culture. To tackle the intrinsic complexity of the network, we employed a computational modeling approach using the available literature data about specific molecular interactions. Our computational model successfully captured experimentally observed short- and long-term kinetics of key inflammatory mediators. Subsequent model analysis showed that distinct subnetworks regulate IL-10 production by impacting different temporal phases of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation. Moreover, the model revealed that functionally similar inhibitory control circuits regulate the early and late activation phases of nuclear factor κB and CREB. Finally, we identified and investigated distinct signaling subnetworks that independently control the peak height and tail height of the TNF temporal trajectories. The knowledge of such subnetwork-specific regulatory effects may facilitate therapeutic interventions aimed at precise modulation of the inflammatory response.

TNF polymorphism and bronchoalveolar lavage cell TNF-α levels in chronic beryllium disease and beryllium sensitization

Beryllium stimulates TNF-alpha from chronic beryllium disease (CBD) bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells. We sought to relate TNF polymorphisms to beryllium-stimulated TNF-alpha production, to the development of CBD, and to the risk of more severe CBD over time. We recruited 147 patients with CBD, 112 beryllium-sensitized subjects, and 323 control subjects; genotyped 5 TNF promoter polymorphisms; and measured beryllium-stimulated and unstimulated BAL cell TNF-alpha production from a subset of subjects. Beryllium-stimulated, but not beryllium-unstimulated, BAL cell TNF-alpha production was significantly increased in patients with CBD compared with that seen in those only sensitized (P = .0002). Those subjects with the TNF -857T allele and the only haplotype (haplotype 4) containing this allele demonstrated significantly lower unstimulated BAL cell TNF-alpha production compared with that seen in noncarriers (P = .009). Patients with CBD alone and combined with sensitized subjects carrying the TNF haplotype 1 compared with those without this haplotype had significantly increased beryllium-stimulated BAL cell TNF-alpha levels (P = .02). We found no significant association between patients with CBD, sensitized subjects, and control subjects with any of the TNF promoter polymorphisms or haplotypes. A greater decrease in Pao(2) at maximum exercise was noted in patients with CBD with the -1031C allele (P = .03) and with haplotypes other than the TNF haplotype 1 (P = .01), 3 (from 5) of which contain the -1031C allele. The -857T allele and haplotype 1 are associated with BAL cell TNF-alpha production, indicating a potential role of TNF promoter variants in regulation of TNF production in sensitized subjects and patients with CBD. TNF promoter variants are not risk factors for CBD or sensitization.

Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling by chloroquine.

Previously, we demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory drug chloroquine (CQ) inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha transcription. To define further the mechanism of CQ, we studied the effect of this drug on mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways involved in regulation of TNF production. CQ interfered with phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK)1/2 and the ERK-activating kinases mitogen-activating protein/ERK kinase (MEK)1/2. Both CQ and PD98059, a MEK1 inhibitor, reduced luciferase reporter activity driven by human TNF promoter sequences. However, CQ appeared to mediate these effects by deactivating Raf, the upstream activator of MEK. These findings were supported by functional data demonstrating that CQ and PD98059 interfered with TNF expression in several human and murine cell types while neither inhibitor blocked TNF production in murine RAW264.7 macrophages, a cell line that does not require MEK-ERK signaling for TNF production. Finally, we evaluated whether CQ could sensitize HeLa cells to undergo anti-Fas-mediated apoptosis, an effect observed when ERK activation is interrupted in this cell line. CQ rendered HeLa cells sensitive to anti-Fas treatment in a manner similar to PD98059. Taken together, these data argue that therapeutic concentrations of CQ interfere with ERK activation by a novel mechanism, an effect that could be responsible, at least in part, for the potent anti-inflammatory effects of this drug.

TNF-alpha gene polymorphism: clinical and biological implications.

TNF-alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the severity of different immune-regulated diseases including autoimmune diseases and transplantation. The gene for TNF-alpha is located within the MHC region on chromosome 6p21.3. This is a highly polymorphic region, and the TNF-alpha itself contains a large number of polymorphisms. Some of these polymorphisms form extended haplotypes with the HLA class I and II alleles. TNF polymorphisms have been investigated in different diseases and most often whenever there is an HLA association with the disease (for example IDDM and RA) association(s) with TNF polymorphisms has been described. There are many studies on the function of the TNF polymorphisms showing the influence of the different alleles on the in vitro and in vivo levels of TNF production. However, recent studies in animal models suggest that not only polymorphisms within the TNF cluster are important in the regulation of TNF production but also the receptors as well (TNF R). This suggests that investigating polymorphisms within the TNF cluster and TNF receptors will be important in understanding the role of TNF regulation in a given disease.

Prostaglandin I2Analogue, Iloprost, Down Regulates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases of Macrophages

Objective.Vascular endothelial cells (EC) play a pivotal role in diffuse organ injury seen in ARDS and MOFS. On exposure to cytokines or endotoxin (LPS), EC are stimulated to express adhesion molecules as well as proinflammatory and procoagulant activity. However, the potential feedback control of EC on macrophages (Mφ) is not clear. We studied the cellular mechanism of iloprost, a PGI2analogue, in regulation of TNF production by LPS-stimulated Mφ.Methods.Rabbit alveolar Mφ and mouse Mφ RAW 264.7 cells were exposed toEscherichia coliLPS in the presence of various concentrations of iloprost. TNF production was measured by L929 bioassays. To further study the cellular mechanism of iloprost on Mφ activation, RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by LPS (10 μg/ml) in the presence of either iloprost or specific mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors, either PD98059 or SB202190. P44/P42 and P38 MAPK activation were evaluated by Western blot assays with anti-phospho MAPK antibodies.Results.LPS induced Mφ TNF production, which was inhibited by iloprost. Iloprost also attenuated the activation of P44/P42 and P38 induced by LPS. Inhibition of P44/P42 with PD98059 or P38 with SB202190 significantly reduced TNF production by LPS-stimulated RAW cells.Conclusions.The regulatory mechanism of EC on Mφ activation is dependent on PGI2. The effect of PGI2on Mφ is, at least in part, mediated through inhibiting MAPKs.

Role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in the regulation of TNF production in mice. Effect of stress and inhibition of endogenous glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids (GC) are known inhibitors of TNF production and are increased by endotoxin (LPS) through a stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), suggesting a feedback mechanism. We tried different approaches to study the role of the HPAA and endogenous GC in the regulation of TNF production. Cyanoketone, a GC synthesis inhibitor, inhibited corticosterone (CS) induction by LPS and increased LPS-induced serum TNF levels. Similar results were obtained by pretreating mice with anticorticotropin-releasing hormone Abs. Administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone increased blood CS and inhibited LPS-induced serum TNF. TNF production by mouse blood stimulated in vitro with LPS was inhibited by addition of CS. Blood from stressed or adrenocorticotropic-releasing hormone-treated mice (in which CS levels are elevated) stimulated ex vivo with LPS produced significantly less TNF than blood from control mice. Normal TNF production was restored by the addition of the GC receptor antagonist RU 38486, indicating a role for the elevated endogenous CS levels in the inhibition of TNF production. These data indicate that the HPAA is a major regulator of TNF production.

Role of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) in the regulation of TNF production in mice

Glucocorticoids (CC) are known inhibitors of TNF production and are increased by endotoxin (LPS) through a stimulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA), suggesting a feedback mechanism. We tried different approaches to study the role of the HPAA and endogenous CC in the regulation of TNF production. Cyanoketone, a CC synthesis inhibitor, inhibited corticosterone (CS) induction by LPS and increased LPS-induced serum TNF levels. Similar results were obtained by pretreating mice with anticorticotropin-releasing hormone Abs. Administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone increased blood CS and inhibited LPS-induced serum TNF. TNF production by mouse blood stimulated in vitro with LPS was inhibited by addition of CS. Blood from stressed or adrenocorticotropic-releasing hormone-treated mice (in which CS levels are elevated) stimulated ex vivo with LPS produced significantly less TNF than blood from control mice. Normal TNF production was restored by the addition of the CC receptor antagonist RU 38486, indicating a role for the elevated endogenous CS levels in the inhibition of TNF production. These data indicate that the HPAA is a major regulator of TNF production. The journal of Immunology, 1995,155: 3552-3555.

Tumour necrosis factor production in a rat airpouch model of inflammation: role of eicosanoids.

TNF is a potent cytokine which can induce many of the pathological changes associated with inflammatory disease. In vitro studies have demonstrated that 5-lipoxygenase products promote the production of TNF by activated macrophages, suggesting that 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors may have therapeutic utility for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. A rat airpouch model of inflammation has been used to investigate the relationship between eicosanoid generation and TNF production in vivo. Injection of zymosan into the airpouch caused a time-dependent stimulation of TNF production which preceded leukotriene generation by at least 30 minutes. Injection of LPS into the airpouch also stimulated TNF production but not leukotriene generation. The selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, ICI207968, A64077 and BWA4C, and the 5-lipoxygenase translocation inhibitor MK886, decreased leukotriene generation but enhanced TNF production. Taken together, these results do not support a role for 5-lipoxygenase products in the regulation of TNF production in vivo.

Muramyl dipeptide induces production of hemopoietic growth factors in vivo by a mechanism independent of tumor necrosis factor.

Monocyte products including TNF and IL-1 can stimulate hemopoietic growth factor production in vitro and in vivo. Endotoxin-resistant C3H/HeJ mice have a cellular defect in the regulation of TNF production and provide a model in which to examine the relative importance of TNF and IL-1. To assess the relative role of TNF and IL-1, we injected the synthetic bacterial cell wall derivative muramyl dipeptide (MDP) or LPS into C3H/HeJ mice. Both MDP and LPS stimulated hemopoietic growth factor production in a dose-dependent manner. Northern blot analysis of splenic and lung mRNA revealed that MDP treatment induced granulocyte-macrophage CSF and macrophage-CSF transcripts, whereas LPS treatment induced macrophage-CSF transcripts. Messenger RNA for granulocyte-CSF, IL-3, IL-4, and IL-5 was not detected in control or treated mice. MDP treatment induced IL-1 mRNA but not TNF mRNA, and TNF bioactivity was not detected in the serum of MDP-treated mice. In contrast, LPS treatment induced TNF production. These results identify the hemopoietic growth factors induced by MDP and LPS in vivo, and suggest that MDP stimulates growth factor production by a mechanism independent of TNF.

Endotoxin-macrophage interaction: post-translational regulation of tumor necrosis factor expression.

Thioglycollate-elicited murine peritoneal macrophages produce significant quantities of TNF 2 to 4 h after induction with bacterial endotoxin, LPS. However, macrophages exposed to a second LPS stimulus are refractory and the amount of TNF detected in these supernatants is reduced 10- to 50-fold. The acquisition of the refractory state in vitro or in vivo requires the continued presence of LPS for a minimum of 6 to 8 h, is optimal by 20 h, and is reversible. Refractory macrophages incubated for an additional 48 h in the absence of LPS produce significant quantities of TNF after reexposure to endotoxin. Although LPS refractory macrophages do not release TNF in response to a secondary endotoxin challenge, riboprobe ribonuclease protection assays demonstrated amplification of TNF message, suggesting that post-transcriptional events are involved in the regulation of TNF production in endotoxin refractory macrophages. Immunoprecipitation studies revealed the accumulation of the 26-kDa TNF precursor in lysates of refractory macrophages, thus demonstrating a post-translational regulatory process. Although LPS refractory macrophages do not release TNF in response to a second LPS stimulus, ingestion of zymosan by these cells results in the release of significant quantities of TNF. Furthermore, LPS-refractory macrophages do not demonstrate a reduction in other effector functions including Fc-mediated erythrophagocytosis. Therefore, the LPS refractory state is a metabolically dependent post-translational regulatory process, which requires continuous LPS exposure, is specific in which macrophage effector functions are inhibited, and is reversible with further incubation or by non-LPS-related stimuli.