Inflammasome Activation by ATP Enhances Citrobacter rodentium Clearance through ROS Generation

Nod-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is an important cytosolic sensor of cellular stress and infection. Once activated, NLRP3 forms a multiprotein complex (inflammasome) that triggers the maturation and secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. We aimed to define the consequences of NLRP3 induction, utilizing exogenous adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an inflammasome activator, to determine if inflammasome activation increases macrophage killing of Citrobacter rodentium and define mechanisms.

Bacterial survival was measured using a gentamicin protection assay. Inflammasome activation or inhibition in mouse J774A.1 macrophages were assessed by measuring IL-1β; cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured by ELISA and DCFDA, respectively.

Activation of the inflammasome increased bacterial killing by macrophages and its inhibition attenuated this effect with no impact on phagocytosis or cell death. Furthermore, inflammasome activation suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines during infection, possibly due to more effective bacterial killing. While the infection increased ROS production, this effect was reduced by inflammasome inhibitors, indicating that ROS is inflammasome-dependent. ROS inhibitors increased bacterial survival in the presence of ATP, suggesting that inflammasome-induced bacterial killing is mediated, at least in part, by ROS activity.

Improving inflammasome activity during infection may increase bacterial clearance by macrophages and reduce subsequent microbe-induced inflammation.