Pharmacological modulation and genetic deletion of REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ regulates dendritic cell development

Mohammed Amir1, Sean Campbell1, Theodore M Kamenecka2

  • 1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA.

Insights

Nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ negatively regulate dendritic cell (DC) development and activation. Their deficiency enhances DC maturation, while agonists like SR9009 inhibit it, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Endocrinology

Background:

  • Nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ regulate metabolism and circadian rhythms.
  • REV-ERBs are implicated in macrophage and T cell immunity.
  • The role of REV-ERBs in dendritic cells (DCs) remains largely undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ in dendritic cell differentiation and activation.
  • To determine if REV-ERBs act as regulators of DC maturation and function.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ expression during bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) differentiation.
  • Assessment of DC maturation markers (CD86, MHCII) and cytokine production in REV-ERB deficient BMDCs.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of REV-ERB activity using the agonist SR9009 in BMDCs.

Main Results:

  • REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ expression increased during BMDC differentiation.
  • BMDCs deficient in REV-ERBs exhibited enhanced expression of maturation markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • SR9009 treatment suppressed DC maturation markers and pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Conclusions:

  • REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ function as negative regulators of dendritic cell development and activation.
  • Pharmacological targeting of REV-ERBs offers a potential strategy for modulating DC activity in therapies.