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Bruton's tyrosine kinase regulates TLR7/8-induced TNF transcription via nuclear factor-κB recruitment

Theresa H Page1, Anna M Urbaniak1, Ana I Espirito Santo1

  • 1Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7FY, United Kingdom.

Insights

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a key role in regulating tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production. This study reveals Btk's distinct functions in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 versus TLR7/8 signalling pathways in human macrophages.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is crucial in immune responses but requires tight regulation to prevent deleterious effects.
  • Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate responses to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
  • Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) was previously implicated in regulating TNF production via TLR4 signalling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) in Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) mediated tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production.
  • To elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms by which Btk influences TLR7/8 signalling in primary human macrophages.
  • To compare the function of Btk in TLR4 versus TLR7/8 signalling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Gene over-expression and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Btk in primary human macrophages.
  • Stimulation of macrophages with TLR7/8 agonists.
  • Analysis of p65 RelA phosphorylation at Ser-536 and its nuclear translocation.

Main Results:

  • Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) is shown to be active in the TLR7/8 signalling pathway.
  • Btk mediates the phosphorylation of p65 RelA at Ser-536, promoting its nuclear entry.
  • Distinct roles for Btk in TLR4-induced versus TLR7/8-induced TNF production were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) plays a significant role in regulating TNF production through TLR7/8 signalling in human macrophages.
  • Btk's involvement in TLR7/8 signalling differs from its previously established role in TLR4 signalling.
  • These findings highlight the complex and pathway-specific functions of Btk in innate immune responses.

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