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Prostaglandin E2 stimulates AP-1-mediated CD14 expression in mouse macrophages via cyclic AMP-dependent protein

H Iwahashi1, A Takeshita, S Hanazawa

  • 1Department of Oral Microbiology, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Keyakidai, Sakado City, Saitama, Japan.

Insights

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly boosts CD14 gene expression in mouse macrophages by activating the AP-1 pathway through protein kinase A. This enhances the cells' response to bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Prostaglandins (PGs) are rapidly produced by epithelial cells during Gram-negative bacterial infections.
  • CD14 is a key receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), initiating inflammatory responses.
  • The role of PGs in modulating CD14 expression during bacterial infections requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on CD14 gene expression in mouse macrophages.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways involved in PGE2-mediated CD14 regulation.
  • To determine the functional consequence of PGE2 on macrophage response to LPS.

Main Methods:

  • Primary mouse macrophages were treated with various PGs (PGE1, PGE2, PGA1) and cAMP-elevating agents.
  • CD14 gene expression was analyzed using quantitative PCR and Western blotting.
  • Involvement of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) was assessed using specific inhibitors (H-89 and GF109203X).
  • Transcriptional activity was measured via run-on assays.
  • AP-1 transcription factor activity was evaluated using DNA-binding assays and luciferase reporter assays.
  • The role of AP-1 components (c-Jun, c-Fos) was studied using antisense oligonucleotides.
  • The effect of PGE2 on LPS-induced cytokine production (IL-1beta, IL-6) was examined.

Main Results:

  • PGE1, PGE2, and PGA1 significantly stimulated CD14 gene expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
  • cAMP-elevating agents also increased CD14 expression.
  • PGE2-induced CD14 expression was mediated by PKA, not PKC.
  • PGE2 enhanced CD14 gene expression at the transcriptional level.
  • PGE2 stimulated the transcriptional activity of AP-1.
  • Inhibition of c-Jun and c-Fos by antisense oligonucleotides blocked PGE2-induced CD14 expression.
  • PGE2 pretreatment synergistically enhanced LPS-induced expression of IL-1beta and IL-6.

Conclusions:

  • PGE2 stimulates CD14 gene expression in mouse macrophages via a cAMP-dependent PKA pathway.
  • PGE2-induced CD14 expression is regulated at the transcriptional level and involves the activation of AP-1 transcription factors (c-Jun and c-Fos).
  • PGE2 enhances the inflammatory response of macrophages to LPS by upregulating CD14 expression and subsequently cytokine production.

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