Pharmacological targeting of NLRP3 deubiquitination for treatment of NLRP3-associated inflammatory diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (58) ◽  
pp. eabe2933
Author(s):  
Guang-Ming Ren ◽  
Jian Li ◽  
Xiao-Chun Zhang ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Yang Xiao ◽  
...  

Pharmacologically inhibiting nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) family, pyrin domain–containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation results in potent therapeutic effects in a wide variety of preclinical inflammatory disease models. NLRP3 deubiquitination is essential for efficient NLRP3 inflammasome activity, but it remains unclear whether this process can be harnessed for therapeutic benefit. Here, we show that thiolutin (THL), an inhibitor of the JAB1/MPN/Mov34 (JAMM) domain–containing metalloprotease, blocks NLRP3 inflammasome activation by canonical, noncanonical, alternative, and transcription-independent pathways at nanomolar concentrations. In addition, THL potently inhibited the activation of multiple NLRP3 mutants linked with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS). Treatment with THL alleviated NLRP3-related diseases in mouse models of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis, monosodium urate–induced peritonitis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, CAPS, and methionine-choline–deficient diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mechanistic studies revealed that THL inhibits the BRCC3-containing isopeptidase complex (BRISC)–mediated NLRP3 deubiquitination and activation. In addition, we show that holomycin, a natural methyl derivative of THL, displays an even higher inhibitory activity against NLRP3 inflammasome than THL. Our study validates that posttranslational modification of NLRP3 can be pharmacologically targeted to prevent or treat NLRP3-associated inflammatory diseases. Future clinical development of derivatives of THL may provide new therapies for NLRP3-related diseases.

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2327
Author(s):  
Eun Hye Lee ◽  
Jin Hak Shin ◽  
Seon Sook Kim ◽  
Su Ryeon Seo

A natural phenolic acid compound, sinapic acid (SA), is a cinnamic acid derivative that contains 3,5-dimethoxyl and 4-hydroxyl substitutions in the phenyl ring of cinnamic acid. SA is present in various orally edible natural herbs and cereals and is reported to have antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective activities. Although the anti-inflammatory function of SA has been reported, the effect of SA on the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has not been explored. In the present study, to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of SA, we examined whether SA modulates the NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that SA blocked caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC) pyroptosome formation was consistently blocked by SA treatment. SA specifically inhibited NLRP3 activation but not the NLRC4 or AIM2 inflammasomes. In addition, SA had no significant effect on the priming phase of the NLRP3 inflammasome, such as pro-IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome expression levels. Moreover, we found that SA attenuated IL-1β secretion in LPS-induced systemic inflammation in mice and reduced lethality from endotoxic shock. Our findings suggest that the natural compound SA has potential therapeutic value for the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory diseases.


Reproduction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (6) ◽  
pp. 449-460
Author(s):  
Zixi Chen ◽  
Yali Shan ◽  
Xingji You ◽  
Hang Gu ◽  
Chen Xu ◽  
...  

The nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a critical role in various inflammatory diseases. We sought to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in uterine activation for labor at term and preterm. We found that NLRP3 inflammasome was activated in the myometrium tissues obtained from the pregnant women undergoing labor at term (TL) compared with those not undergoing labor (TNL) at term. NLRP3 inflammasome was also activated in amnion and chorion-deciduas in TL and preterm labor (PTL) groups. In the mouse model, uterine NLRP3 inflammasome and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) were activated toward term and during labor. Treatment of pregnant mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and RU38486 induced preterm birth (PTB) and also promoted uterine NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB activation. Treatment of pregnant mice with NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor BAY11-7082 and MCC950 delayed the onset of labor and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB activation in uterus. MCC950 postponed labor onset of the mice with LPS and RU38486 treatment and inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in uterus. Our data provide the evidence that NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in uterine activation for labor onset in term and PTB in humans and mouse model.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Dong Ren ◽  
Jie Ma ◽  
Jun Hou ◽  
Wen-Jin Xiao ◽  
Wei-Hua Jin ◽  
...  

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induces oxidative stress and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Hydrogen-rich saline (HRS), a well-known ROS scavenger, has been shown to possess therapeutic benefit on AP in many animal experiments. Recent findings have indicated that the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an intracellular multiprotein complex required for the maturation of interleukin- (IL-) 1β, may probably be a potential target of HRS in the treatment of AP. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and meanwhile assessed the degree of oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades, as well as the histological alterations in mice suffering from cerulein-induced AP after the treatment of HRS. The results showed that the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in AP mice was substantially inhibited following the administration of HRS, which was paralleled with the decreased NF-κB activity and cytokines production, attenuated oxidative stress and the amelioration of pancreatic tissue damage. In conclusion, our study has, for the first time, revealed that inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome probably contributed to the therapeutic potential of HRS in AP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5386 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ferrero-Andrés ◽  
Arnau Panisello-Roselló ◽  
Joan Roselló-Catafau ◽  
Emma Folch-Puy

The discovery of inflammasomes has enriched our knowledge in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases. The NLR pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) has emerged as the most versatile and well-characterized inflammasome, consisting of an intracellular multi-protein complex that acts as a central driver of inflammation. Its activation depends on a tightly regulated two-step process, which includes a wide variety of unrelated stimuli. It is therefore not surprising that the specific regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation remain unclear. Inflammasome-mediated inflammation has become increasingly important in acute pancreatitis, an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that is one of the fatal diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This review presents an update on the progress of research into the contribution of the NLRP3 inflammasome to acute pancreatic injury, examining the mechanisms of NLRP3 activation by multiple signaling events, the downstream interleukin 1 family of cytokines involved and the current state of the literature on NLRP3 inflammasome-specific inhibitors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (6) ◽  
pp. G909-G920 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanju Wang ◽  
Yaohui Wang ◽  
Zhenfeng Wang ◽  
Yu Qi ◽  
Beibei Zong ◽  
...  

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has an anti-inflammatory effect in the mouse model of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, but how GDF11 regulates intestinal inflammation during ulcerative colitis (UC) is poorly defined. The Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-1 containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely associated with intestinal inflammation because of its ability to increase IL-1β secretion. Our aim is to determine whether GDF11 has an effect on attenuating experimental colitis in mice. In this study, using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis mouse model, we reported that GDF11 treatment attenuated loss of body weight, the severity of the disease activity index, shortening of the colon, and histological changes in the colon. GDF11 remarkably suppressed IL-1β secretion and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in colon samples and RAW 264.7 cells, such as the levels of NLRP3 and activated caspase-1. Furthermore, we found that GDF11 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation by downregulating the Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB p65 pathway and reactive oxygen species production via the typical Smad2/3 pathway. Thus, our research shows that GDF11 alleviates DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation, providing some basis for its potential use in the treatment of UC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we identify a new role for growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), which ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis. Meanwhile, we discover a new phenomenon of GDF11 inhibiting IL-1β secretion and Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-1 containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. These findings reveal that GDF11 is a new potential candidate for the treatment of ulcerative colitis patients with a hyperactive NLRP3 inflammasome.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Zhang ◽  
Siting Hong ◽  
Shuhan Qi ◽  
Wenxiu Liu ◽  
Xiaohui Zhang ◽  
...  

Increasing evidence suggests that the NLRP3 (nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome participates in cardiovascular diseases. However, its role and activation mechanism during hypertension remains unclear. In this study, we tested the role and mechanism of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in NLRP3 inflammasome activation during hypertension. We observed that the expressions of CaSR and NLRP3 were increased in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) along with aortic fibrosis. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome associated with CaSR and collagen synthesis was induced by angiotensin II (Ang II). Furthermore, inhibition of CaSR and NLRP3 inflammasome attenuated proinflammatory cytokine release, suggesting that CaSR-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may be a therapeutic target in aortic dysfunction and vascular inflammatory lesions.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 1219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Zhizi Tong ◽  
Songhong Jiang ◽  
Wenyan Zheng ◽  
Jianjun Zhao ◽  
...  

The NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome senses pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and activates caspase-1, which provokes release of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 as well as pyroptosis to engage in innate immune defense. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a large and dynamic endomembrane compartment, critical to cellular function of organelle networks. Recent studies have unveiled the pivotal roles of the ER in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. ER–mitochondria contact sites provide a location for NLRP3 activation, its association with ligands released from or residing in mitochondria, and rapid Ca2+ mobilization from ER stores to mitochondria. ER-stress signaling plays a critical role in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Lipid perturbation and cholesterol trafficking to the ER activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings emphasize the importance of the ER in initiation and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.


Pharmacology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 101 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 236-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shiro Nakamura ◽  
Toshio Watanabe ◽  
Tetsuya Tanigawa ◽  
Sunao Shimada ◽  
Yuji Nadatani ◽  
...  

Activation of the NOD-Like Receptor Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which consists of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and pro-caspase-1, triggers pro-caspase-1 cleavage promoting the processing of pro-interleukin (IL)-1β into mature IL-1β, which is critical for the development of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced enteropathy. We investigated the effects of isoliquiritigenin, a flavonoid derived from the roots of Glycyrrhiza species, on NSAID-induced small intestinal damage and the inflammasome activation. To induce enteropathy, mice were administered indomethacin by gavage with or without isoliquiritigenin pretreatment. Some mice received an intraperitoneal injection of recombinant murine IL-1β in addition to isoliquiritigenin and indomethacin. Indomethacin induced small intestinal damage and increased protein levels of cleaved caspase-1 and mature IL-1β in the small intestine. Treatment with 7.5 and 75 mg/kg isoliquiritigenin inhibited indomethacin-induced small intestinal damage by 40 and 56%, respectively. Isoliquiritigenin also inhibited the indomethacin-induced increase in cleaved caspase-1 and mature IL-1β protein levels, whereas it did not affect the mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Protection against intestinal damage in isoliquiritigenin-treated mice was completely abolished with exogenous IL-1β. NLRP3–/– and caspase-1–/– mice exhibited resistance to intestinal damage, and isoliquiritigenin treatment failed to inhibit the damage in NLRP3–/– and caspase-1–/– mice. Isoliquiritigenin prevents NSAID-induced small intestinal damage by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judit Erdei ◽  
Andrea Tóth ◽  
Enikő Balogh ◽  
Benard Bogonko Nyakundi ◽  
Emese Bányai ◽  
...  

Hemolytic or hemorrhagic episodes are often associated with inflammation even when infectious agents are absent suggesting that red blood cells (RBCs) release damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). DAMPs activate immune and nonimmune cells through pattern recognition receptors. Heme, released from RBCs, is a DAMP and induces IL-1βproduction through the activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing family and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in macrophages; however, other cellular targets of heme-mediated inflammasome activation were not investigated. Because of their location, endothelial cells can be largely exposed to RBC-derived DAMPs; therefore, we investigated whether heme and other hemoglobin- (Hb-) derived species induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in these cells. We found that heme upregulated NLRP3 expression and induced active IL-1βproduction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). LPS priming largely amplified the heme-mediated production of IL-1β. Heme administration into C57BL/6 mice induced caspase-1 activation and cleavage of IL-1βwhich was not observed in NLRP3−/−mice. Unfettered production of reactive oxygen species played a critical role in heme-mediated NLRP3 activation. Activation of NLRP3 by heme required structural integrity of the heme molecule, as neither protoporphyrin IX nor iron-induced IL-1βproduction. Neither naive nor oxidized forms of Hb were able to induce IL-1βproduction in HUVECs. Our results identified endothelial cells as a target of heme-mediated NLRP3 activation that can contribute to the inflammation triggered by sterile hemolysis. Thus, understanding the characteristics and cellular counterparts of RBC-derived DAMPs might allow us to identify new therapeutic targets for hemolytic diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yahui Zhang ◽  
Baohua Hou ◽  
Peiyu Liang ◽  
Xin Lu ◽  
Yifan Wu ◽  
...  

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in the central nervous system (CNS). The NLRP3 inflammasome is considered an important regulator of immunity and inflammation, both of which play a critical role in MS. However, the underlying mechanism of NLRP3 inflammasome activation is not fully understood. Here we identified that the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1) channel in microglia, as a Ca2+ influx-regulating channel, played an important role in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Deletion or pharmacological blockade of TRPV1 inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia in vitro. Further research revealed that TRPV1 channel regulated ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through mediating Ca2+ influx and phosphorylation of phosphatase PP2A in microglia. In addition, TRPV1 deletion could alleviate mice experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and reduce neuroinflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These data suggested that the TRPV1 channel in microglia can regulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and consequently mediate neuroinflammation. Meanwhile, our study indicated that TRPV1–Ca2+–PP2A pathway may be a novel regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, pointing to TRPV1 as a potential target for CNS inflammatory diseases.


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