TIR-Domain-Containing Adapter-Inducing Interferon-β (TRIF) Is Essential for MPTP-Induced Dopaminergic Neuroprotection

Minghui Shan1, Sen Lin2, Shurong Li3

  • 1Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Pathology, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical CollegeChengdu, China; Department of Clinical Pathology, Nanyang Central HospitalNangyang, China.

Insights

Toll-like receptor adaptor TRIF regulates microglial M1/M2 phenotype shifts in Parkinson's disease models. TRIF inhibition worsens neurodegeneration and dopamine neuron loss, highlighting its protective role.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Microglial M1 and M2 phenotypes dynamically change during Parkinson's disease (PD) neurodegeneration.
  • The regulatory mechanisms governing the microglial M1/M2 paradigm in PD remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TRIF (Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adapter inducing interferon-β) in regulating microglial M1/M2 phenotype dynamics.
  • To examine the impact of TRIF inhibition on dopaminergic neuron survival and dopamine metabolism in PD models.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized MPTP-induced neurodegeneration mouse model and in vitro co-culture systems (MN9D and BV2 cells).
  • Assessed dopamine metabolites, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell survival, and microglial activation/migration.
  • Employed small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting TRIF (siTRIF) and MPP+ treatment.

Main Results:

  • TRIF inhibition exacerbated TH-positive cell loss and decreased dopamine metabolites in MPTP models.
  • TRIF inhibition disrupted microglial M1/M2 dynamic transformation, promoting M1 phenotype and inhibiting beneficial M2 transformation.
  • siTRIF treatment increased BV2 cell activation and migration, and led to increased MN9D cell apoptosis.
  • MPP+ treatment reduced dopamine transporter (DAT) and TH synthesis in MN9D cells.

Conclusions:

  • TRIF acts as a crucial regulator of microglial M1/M2 phenotype dynamics.
  • TRIF interruption negatively impacts dopaminergic neuron survival and dopamine-related protein production.
  • This study provides insights into PD pathogenesis via innate inflammation regulation by TRIF.