Calcium-sensing receptor-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome response to calciprotein particles drives inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Nat Commun. 2020 Aug 25;11(1):4243. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17749-6.

Abstract

Increased extracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]ex) trigger activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in monocytes through calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). To prevent extraosseous calcification in vivo, the serum protein fetuin-A stabilizes calcium and phosphate into 70-100 nm-sized colloidal calciprotein particles (CPPs). Here we show that monocytes engulf CPPs via macropinocytosis, and this process is strictly dependent on CaSR signaling triggered by increases in [Ca2+]ex. Enhanced macropinocytosis of CPPs results in increased lysosomal activity, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and IL-1β release. Monocytes in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exhibit increased CPP uptake and IL-1β release in response to CaSR signaling. CaSR expression in these monocytes and local [Ca2+] in afflicted joints are increased, probably contributing to this enhanced response. We propose that CaSR-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation contributes to inflammatory arthritis and systemic inflammation not only in RA, but possibly also in other inflammatory conditions. Inhibition of CaSR-mediated CPP uptake might be a therapeutic approach to treating RA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology*
  • Calcinosis
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism*
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / deficiency
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / metabolism*
  • Phosphates / metabolism
  • Pinocytosis
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing / deficiency
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • THP-1 Cells
  • alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein / metabolism

Substances

  • Inflammasomes
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Phosphates
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing
  • alpha-2-HS-Glycoprotein
  • Calcium