IL-27 enhances LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine production via upregulation of TLR4 expression and signaling in human monocytes

J Immunol. 2012 Jan 15;188(2):864-73. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101912. Epub 2011 Dec 7.

Abstract

IL-27, which is produced by activated APCs, bridges innate and adaptive immunity by regulating the development of Th cells. Recent evidence supports a role for IL-27 in the activation of monocytic cells in terms of inflammatory responses. Indeed, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities are attributed to IL-27, and IL-27 production itself is modulated by inflammatory agents such as LPS. IL-27 primes LPS responses in monocytes; however, the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is not understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-27 priming results in enhanced LPS-induced IL-6, TNF-α, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β expression in human primary monocytes. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for IL-27 priming, we measured levels of CD14 and TLR4 required for LPS binding. We determined that IL-27 upregulates TLR4 in a STAT3- and NF-κB-dependent manner. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed enhanced membrane expression of TLR4 and more distinct colocalization of CD14 and TLR4 upon IL-27 priming. Furthermore, IL-27 priming enhanced LPS-induced activation of NF-κB family members. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a role for IL-27 in regulating TLR4 expression and function. This work is significant as it reveals new mechanisms by which IL-27 can enhance proinflammatory responses that can occur during bacterial infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / immunology
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / pathology
  • Cell Separation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokine CCL3 / biosynthesis
  • Chemokine CCL4 / biosynthesis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism*
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology
  • Interleukin-6 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukins / physiology*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Monocytes / pathology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / biosynthesis*
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis
  • Up-Regulation / immunology*

Substances

  • Chemokine CCL3
  • Chemokine CCL4
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukins
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • MYDGF protein, human
  • RNA, Messenger
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • TNF protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha