The chemotherapeutic agent DMXAA potently and specifically activates the TBK1-IRF-3 signaling axis

Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) represent a novel approach to the treatment of cancer, resulting in the collapse of tumor vasculature and tumor death. 5,6-dimethylxanthenone-4-acetic acid (DMXAA) is a VDA currently in advanced phase II clinical trials, yet its precise mechanism of action is unknown despite extensive preclinical and clinical investigations. Our data demonstrate that DMXAA is a novel and specific activator of the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) signaling pathway. DMXAA treatment of primary mouse macrophages resulted in robust IRF-3 activation and approximately 750-fold increase in IFN-beta mRNA, and in contrast to the potent Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS), signaling was independent of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and elicited minimal nuclear factor kappaB-dependent gene expression. DMXAA-induced signaling was critically dependent on the IRF-3 kinase, TBK1, and IRF-3 but was myeloid differentiation factor 88-, Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta-, IFN promoter-stimulator 1-, and inhibitor of kappaB kinase-independent, thus excluding all known TLRs and cytosolic helicase receptors. DMXAA pretreatment of mouse macrophages induced a state of tolerance to LPS and vice versa. In contrast to LPS stimulation, DMXAA-induced IRF-3 dimerization and IFN-beta expression were inhibited by salicylic acid. These findings detail a novel pathway for TBK1-mediated IRF-3 activation and provide new insights into the mechanism of this new class of chemotherapeutic drugs.     

The roles of two IkappaB kinase-related kinases in lipopolysaccharide and double stranded RNA signaling and viral infection

Viral infection and stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or double stranded RNA (dsRNA) induce phosphorylation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor (IRF)-3 and its translocation to the nucleus, thereby leading to the IFN-beta gene induction. Recently, two IkappaB kinase (IKK)-related kinases, inducible IkappaB kinase (IKK-i) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), were suggested to act as IRF-3 kinases and be involved in IFN-beta production in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and viral infection. In this work, we investigated the physiological roles of these kinases by gene targeting. TBK1-deficient embryonic fibroblasts (EFs) showed dramatic decrease in induction of IFN-beta and IFN-inducible genes in response to LPS or dsRNA as well as after viral infection. However, dsRNA-induced expression of these genes was residually detected in TBK1-deficient cells and intact in IKK-i-deficient cells, but completely abolished in IKK-i/TBK1 doubly deficient cells. IRF-3 activation, in response not only to dsRNA but also to viral infection, was impaired in TBK1-deficient cells. Together, these results demonstrate that TBK1 as well as, albeit to a lesser extent, IKK-i play a crucial role in the induction of IFN-beta and IFN-inducible genes in both TLR-stimulated and virus-infected EFs.     

Crypt stem cell survival in the mouse intestinal epithelium is regulated by prostaglandins synthesized through cyclooxygenase-1.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are important mediators of epithelial integrity and function in the gastrointestinal tract. Relatively little is known, however, about the mechanism by which PGs affect stem cells in the intestine during normal epithelial turnover, or during wound repair. PGs are synthesized from arachidonate by either of two cyclooxygenases, cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1) or cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which are present in a wide variety of mamalian cells. Cox-1 is thought to be a constitutively expressed enzyme, and the expression of Cox-2 is inducible by cytokines or other stimuli in a variety of cell types. We investigated the role of PGs in mouse intestinal stem cell survival and proliferation following radiation injury. The number of surviving crypt stem cells was determined 3.5 d after irradiation by the microcolony assay. Radiation injury induced a dose-dependent decrease in the number of surviving crypts. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of Cox-1 and Cox-2, further reduced the number of surviving crypts in irradiated mice. The indomethacin dose response for inhibition of PGE2 production and reduction of crypt survival were similar. DimethylPGE2 reversed the indomethacin-induced decrease in crypt survival. Selective Cox-2 inhibitors had no effect on crypt survival. PGE2, Cox-1 mRNA, and Cox-1 protein levels all increase in the 3 d after irradiation. Immunohistochemistry for Cox-1 demonstrated localization in epithelial cells of the crypt in the unirradiated mouse, and in the regenerating crypt epithelium in the irradiated mouse. We conclude that radiation injury results in increased Cox-1 levels in crypt stem cells and their progeny, and that PGE2 produced through Cox-1 promotes crypt stem cell survival and proliferation.     

Lipopolysaccharide induces prostaglandin H synthase-2 protein and mRNA in human alveolar macrophages and blood monocytes.

We and others have previously demonstrated that human alveolar macrophages produce more PGE2 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than do blood monocytes. We hypothesized that this observation was due to a greater increase in prostaglandin H synthase-2 (PGHS-2) enzyme mass in the macrophage compared to the monocyte. To evaluate this hypothesis, alveolar macrophages and blood monocytes were obtained from healthy nonsmoking volunteers. The cells were cultured in the presence of 0 to 10 micrograms/ml LPS. LPS induced the synthesis of large amounts of a new 75-kD protein in human alveolar macrophages, and a lesser amount in monocytes. Synthesis of this protein required more than 6 h and peaked in 24 to 48 h; the protein reacted with an anti-PGHS-2 antibody prepared against mouse PGHS-2. Associated with synthesis of the protein was a marked increase in LPS-stimulated and arachidonic acid-stimulated synthesis of PGE2 by alveolar macrophages compared to monocytes. Cells not exposed to LPS contained only PGHS-1 and synthesized very little PGE2 during culture or in response to exogenous arachidonic acid. An LPS-induced mRNA, which hybridized to a human cDNA probe for PGHS-2 mRNA, was produced in parallel with production of this new protein and was produced in much greater amounts by alveolar macrophages compared to blood monocytes. This mRNA was not detectable in cells not exposed to LPS. In contrast, both types of cells contain mRNA, which hybridizes to a cDNA probe for PGHS-1. This mRNA did not increase in response to LPS. LPS also had no effect on PGHS-1 protein. These data demonstrate that PGE2 synthesis in human alveolar macrophages and blood monocytes correlates to the mass of PGHS-2 in the cell. We conclude that the greater ability of the macrophage to synthesize PGE2 in response to LPS is due to greater synthesis of PGHS-2 by the macrophage.     

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene activation is regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Prostaglandin E2 production by tissue-fixed macrophages (Mphi) after severe injury contributes to an enhanced susceptibility to infection and sepsis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) on prostaglandin (PGE2) production and cyclooxygenase II (COX-2) gene activation in LPS-stimulated macrophages (Mphi). RAW264.7 cells, a mouse Mphi cell line, were exposed to various concentrations of dibutyryl cAMP +/- lipopolysaccharide (10 microg/mL) stimulation. Total Mphi ribonucleic acid (RNA) was harvested for the determination of COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) with mouse complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) by Northern blot assay. Mphi supernatant was collected for the measurement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by L929 bioassay and PGE2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Mphi NFkappaB activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Dibutyryl cAMP significantly inhibited TNF production by LPS-stimulated Mphi. Dibutyryl cAMP (1 mM) alone induced PGE2 production. Dibutyryl cAMP (100 microM and 1 mM) also augmented PGE2 production by LPS-stimulated Mphi. Dibutyryl cAMP had similar effect on Mphi COX-2 mRNA expression and NFkappaB activity. Our data demonstrate that cAMP modulates Mphi TNF production and upregulates COX-2 gene and PGE2 production.     

Lipopolysaccharide induces macrophage migration via prostaglandin D(2) and prostaglandin E(2)

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces prostaglandins (PGs) concomitant to eliciting macrophage migration. We evaluated the role of PGs in initiating the migration of macrophages, especially focusing on PGD(2) and PGE(2). In RAW264.7 macrophages, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, CAY10404 [3-(4-methylsulphonylphenyl)-4-phenyl-5-trifluoromethylisoxazole], completely inhibited LPS-mediated migration at 4 h (early phase) but only partially inhibited the migration at 8 h (late phase), suggesting the presence of PG-dependent and -independent pathways. In the early phase, LPS up-regulated mRNA expressions of COX-2, hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS), and microsomal-PGE synthase 1, increasing PGD(2) and PGE(2) substantially. The chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 lymphocytes (CRTH2) agonist, DK-PGD(2) (13-14-dihydro-15-keto-PGD(2)), and the EP4 agonist, ONO-AE1-329 (16-{3-methoxymethyl}phenyl-omega-tetranor-3,7-dithia-prostaglandin E(1)), but not selective agonists of D prostanoid receptor, E prostanoid receptor (EP) 2, or EP3, stimulated random migration (chemokinesis). In peritoneal macrophages from CRTH2-deficient and H-PGDS-deficient mice, LPS-mediated migration was significantly inhibited at either early or late phases of the migration. The H-PGDS inhibitor, HQL-79 [4-(diphenylmethoxy)-1-[3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)propyl-piperidine]], partially inhibited the migration of the RAW264.7 macrophage in both phases. These results suggest the importance of the PGD(2)/CRTH2 pathway in LPS-mediated migration of macrophages. In the late phase of migration, LPS up-regulated monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 mRNA. The CC chemokine receptor (CCR2) antagonist, RS102895 [1'-[2-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethyl]-spiro[4H-3,1-benzoxazine-4,4'-piperidin]-2(1H)-one], inhibited LPS-mediated migration in the late phase without affecting the early phase. ONO-AE1-329, but not DK-PGD(2), up-regulated MCP-1 mRNA. Taken together, LPS stimulation of chemokinesis or chemotaxis, or both, occurs in macrophages via PGD(2) and PGE(2) in tandem arrangement; i.e., 1) LPS stimulates prostaglandin signaling, initiating early migration through the PGD(2)/CRTH2 and PGE(2)/EP4 signaling pathways; and 2) LPS leads induction of MCP-1, which contributes to later phase migration of the macrophages through the PGE(2)/EP4 pathway.     

The role of arachidonic acid metabolite PGE2 on T cell proliferative response

We have examined the role of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase-derived metabolites of arachidonic acid (AA) during T cell activation. One of the major products of cyclooxygenase activity is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). As is known, macrophages (Mo) are the main PGE2 producer cells among the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBL) and can be induced to release PGE2 during T cell activation. On culturing PBL with T cell mitogens such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or monoclonal antibody OKT3, the levels of PGE2 produced by Mo were positively correlated with the entity of the T cell mitogenic signal. During T cell activation, subcellular factors able to provide positive or negative signals on the Mo PGE2 production are released in culture. We observed that recombinant IL2 strongly enhanced PGE2 synthesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated Mo culture, while recombinant interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) partially inhibited its production. Moreover, purified IL1 induced PGE2 synthesis in resting Mo and increased its production when Mo were activated by LPS. The PGE2 released during T cell activation seems to have no effect on T cell mitogenesis, since the addition of cyclooxygenase inhibitors did not influence the proliferative response of mitogen stimulated T cells. However, the addition of PGE2 to OKT3 stimulated PBL at the beginning of the culture period inhibited the proliferative response in a dose-dependent manner. Its addition had no effect on PHA-stimulated PBL cultures. The PGE2-dependent inhibition of OKT3-induced T cell proliferation declined progressively from about 50-10% as the addition of PGE2 was delayed from 0 to 24 hr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Modulation of alveolar macrophage-driven fibroblast proliferation by alternative macrophage mediators.

Tissue fibrosis results, in part, from an interaction between growth regulatory molecules released by mononuclear phagocytes and fibroblasts. In the chronic interstitial lung disorders, alveolar macrophages, the mononuclear phagocytes of the lung, are known to spontaneously release two growth factors for fibroblasts, fibronectin and alveolar macrophage-derived growth factor (AMDGF) that together stimulate nonreplicating lung fibroblasts to divide. In addition to these two primary growth promoting signals, alveolar macrophages are able to release other mediators that may have a potential role in modulating lung fibroblast replication in response to these primary signals, including interferon gamma (IFN gamma), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and interleukin 1 (IL-1). To evaluate this possibility, we examined the effect of each of these other mediators on lung fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF in serum-free, defined medium. IFN gamma had no effect on fibroblast replication. In contrast, PGE2 resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF with 50% of the maximum inhibition observed at a PGE2 concentration of less than 10 ng/ml. IL-1, while not active as a primary growth promoting signal, at concentrations of 4-10 U/ml, augmented fibroblast replication in response to fibronectin and AMDGF by 10 to 15%. Temporally, the growth augmenting effect of IL-1 occurred early in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. These data indicate that lung fibroblast replication in response to two of the primary growth promoting signals spontaneously released by alveolar macrophages in the interstitial lung disorders, while uninfluenced by IFN gamma, can be inhibited by PGE2 and modestly augmented by IL-1. Understanding the relevant fibroblast growth modulatory signals within the alveolar microenvironment in the chronic interstitial disorders may lead to rational therapeutic strategies designed to interrupt the fibrotic process.     

An essential role of cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha in prostaglandin E2-mediated bone resorption associated with inflammation

Prostaglandin E (PGE)2 produced by osteoblasts acts as a potent stimulator of bone resorption. Inflammatory bone loss is accompanied by osteoclast formation induced by bone-resorbing cytokines, but the mechanism of PGE2 production and bone resorption in vivo is not fully understood. Using cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha)-null mice, we examined the role of cPLA2alpha in PGE2 synthesis and bone resorption. In bone marrow cultures, interleukin (IL)-1 markedly stimulated PGE2 production and osteoclast formation in wild-type mice, but not in cPLA2alpha-null mice. Osteoblastic bone marrow stromal cells induced the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and membrane-bound PGE2 synthase (mPGES) in response to IL-1 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to produce PGE2. Osteoblastic stromal cells collected from cPLA2alpha-null mice also induced the expression of COX-2 and mPGES by IL-1 and LPS, but could not produce PGE2 due to the lack of arachidonic acid release. LPS administration to wild-type mice reduced femoral bone mineral density by increased bone resorption. In cPLA2alpha-null mice, however, LPS-induced bone loss could not be observed at all. Here, we show that cPLA2alpha plays a key role in PGE production by osteoblasts and in osteoclastic bone resorption, and suggest a new approach to inflammatory bone disease by inhibiting cPLA2alpha.