Differential use of CARD9 by dectin-1 in macrophages and dendritic cells

Helen S Goodridge1, Takahiro Shimada, Andrea J Wolf

  • 1Immunobiology Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.

Insights

Dectin-1 and CARD9 signaling are crucial for anti-fungal responses. However, their ability to induce TNF-alpha varies significantly across different immune cells, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Innate Immunity

Background:

  • Pattern recognition receptors TLR2 and Dectin-1 are vital for macrophage and dendritic cell (DC) responses to fungi.
  • Proinflammatory cytokine induction relies on signals from both TLR2 and Dectin-1.
  • CARD9 has been identified as a key mediator in innate anti-fungal immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Dectin-1-CARD9 signaling in TNF-alpha induction across various immune cell types.
  • To understand the variations in Dectin-1-CARD9 signaling efficiency in different macrophage and DC populations.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the regulation of Dectin-1-CARD9-mediated cytokine production.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized murine bone marrow-derived macrophages and dendritic cells (DC).
  • Stimulated cells via Dectin-1 and analyzed NF-kappaB activation and TNF-alpha production.
  • Examined the effects of priming with GM-CSF or IFN-gamma on Dectin-1-CARD9 signaling.
  • Investigated CARD9 recruitment to phagosomes and its interaction with TLR signaling.

Main Results:

  • Dectin-1-CARD9 signals failed to activate NF-kappaB and induce TNF-alpha in naive murine bone marrow-derived macrophages.
  • Priming with GM-CSF or IFN-gamma enabled Dectin-1-CARD9-mediated TNF-alpha induction in macrophages.
  • Significant variations in TNF-alpha production were observed in different macrophage/DC populations upon Dectin-1 ligation.
  • CARD9 was recruited to phagosomes and enhanced TLR-induced cytokine production, even when Dectin-1 signaling was insufficient.

Conclusions:

  • The efficacy of Dectin-1-CARD9 signaling for TNF-alpha induction is cell-type specific.
  • Additional inhibitory factors likely restrict Dectin-1-CARD9 signaling in certain immune cells.
  • CARD9 plays a crucial role in enhancing TLR-mediated cytokine production, independent of Dectin-1's direct signaling capacity in some contexts.