Tie2 signalling through Erk1/2 regulates TLR4 driven inflammation

The inflammatory response is essential for eradication of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) presenting microbial invaders but requires exquisite regulation to prevent detrimental vascular inflammation. Endothelial cells play active roles in both the initiation of inflammation, through the detection of LPS by Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), and the resolution of inflammation, through the actions of the receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie2. The process by which Tie2 attenuates LPS-TLR4 driven inflammation is poorly understood. To investigate the effects of Tie2 on TLR4 signalling, Nf-κB activation was monitored in cells expressing Tie2 mutants harboring tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) substitutions in the cytoplasmic domain. Tie2 attenuated LPS induced Nf-κB activation in a manner requiring Tie2 kinase activation, the carboxy-terminal tyrosine residue Y1100 and downstream Erk1/2 signalling. Tyrosine 1100 was also required for the Tie2 dependent decrease in expression of the TLR4 signalling proteins, TRAF6 and IRAK1 and stabilization of the Nf-κB inhibitor, IκBα. In contrast, upregulation of known TLR4 antagonist miRNA-146b-5p required all three tyrosine phosphorylation sites in Tie2. Finally, we confirmed in an in vivo model that activation of Tie2 signalling reduces LPS mediated inflammation. Our results show that Y1100 initiated Erk1/2 signalling is essential for the anti-inflammatory effect of Tie2 on TLR4 mediated inflammation.