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Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: April 21, 2015
Glycogen synthase kinase 3-β: a master regulator of toll-like receptor-mediated chronic intestinal inflammation
Claudia Hofmann1, Nadja Dunger, Jürgen Schölmerich
1Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Medical Center, Germany. claudia.hofmann@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Background:
A disturbed regulation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signal transduction resulting in the exclusive activation of proinflammatory signaling pathways may be critical for the perpetuation of established chronic colitis. Glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (GSK3-β) was recently identified as an important regulator of TLR signaling mediating excessive inflammatory responses. The aim of this study was to assess the role of GSK3-β activity in chronic intestinal inflammation.
Methods:
Chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), CpG-ODN, or GSK3-β inhibitors (SB216763, LiCl). Intestinal inflammation was evaluated by histologic analysis and cytokine secretion of mesenteric lymph node cells (MLC). Nuclear extracts of MLC and lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were analyzed for nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and CREB activity. Murine and human intestinal immune cells were stimulated in vitro with CpG-ODN, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or anti-CD3 with or without LiCl.
Results:
GSK3-β blockade significantly reduced chronic intestinal inflammation and even abolished the colitis-intensifying effects of CpG-ODN treatment. In vitro inhibition of GSK3-β reduced the proinflammatory phenotype of both murine and human intestinal immune cells from chronic inflamed tissue. In vivo blockade of GSK3-β resulted in a shift from NF-κB activity toward CREB activity in murine MLC and LPMC.
Conclusions:
Blockade of GSK3-β attenuates excessive proinflammatory TLR-mediated immune responses. GSK3-β inhibition therefore constitutes a promising therapeutic option for selectively reducing exaggerated intestinal immune reactions toward the luminal flora in inflammatory bowel disease.
Insights
Inhibition of Glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3-β) significantly reduced chronic intestinal inflammation and inflammatory responses. GSK3-β blockade offers a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammatory bowel disease by reducing exaggerated immune reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic colitis involves dysregulated Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, promoting inflammation.
- Glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta (GSK3-β) is implicated in excessive TLR-mediated inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of GSK3-β activity in chronic intestinal inflammation.
- To evaluate GSK3-β inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for colitis.
Main Methods:
- Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced chronic colitis in mice.
- Treatment with GSK3-β inhibitors (SB216763, LiCl) or controls.
- Histological analysis, cytokine assessment, and analysis of NF-κB and CREB activity in immune cells.
Main Results:
- GSK3-β blockade significantly reduced chronic intestinal inflammation.
- Inhibition of GSK3-β diminished the pro-inflammatory phenotype of intestinal immune cells.
- In vivo GSK3-β blockade shifted immune cell activity from NF-κB towards CREB.
Conclusions:
- GSK3-β blockade attenuates excessive pro-inflammatory TLR-mediated immune responses.
- GSK3-β inhibition is a potential therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel disease.
- Targeting GSK3-β may selectively reduce exaggerated immune reactions to gut microbiota.
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