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NMI and IFP35 serve as proinflammatory DAMPs during cellular infection and injury

Zhikai Xiahou1,2, Xiangli Wang1,2, Juan Shen1,2

  • 1National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.

Nature Communications
|October 18, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Two novel damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) and interferon-induced protein 35 (IFP35), promote inflammation by activating macrophages. Targeting these DAMPs may offer new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are crucial mediators of innate immunity, inflammation, and cellular damage.
  • Identifying novel DAMPs and understanding their functions are vital for developing therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify novel DAMPs involved in inflammatory responses.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which these DAMPs activate immune cells and exacerbate inflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the role of N-myc and STAT interactor (NMI) and interferon-induced protein 35 (IFP35) as DAMPs.
  • Utilized mouse models of septic shock and acetaminophen-induced liver injury.
  • Analyzed macrophage activation, cytokine release, and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB pathway.

Main Results:

  • Extracellular NMI and IFP35 were released by activated macrophages during sepsis and liver injury.
  • NMI and IFP35 activated macrophages via TLR4 and NF-κB, leading to pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
  • Serum NMI levels correlated with severe inflammation, and NMI deficiency reduced mortality in disease models.

Conclusions:

  • NMI and IFP35 function as DAMPs that exacerbate inflammation by activating macrophages.
  • These molecules represent potential therapeutic targets for managing inflammatory conditions.
  • Targeting extracellular NMI and IFP35 could mitigate sepsis and liver injury outcomes.

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