WNT2B activates macrophages via NF-κB signaling pathway in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammation is a significant pathological manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet its mechanism has remained unclear. Although WNT2B is enriched in the intestinal inflammatory tissue of IBD patients, the specific mechanism of WNT2B in the formation of intestinal inflammation remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate whether macrophages expressing WNT2B can aggravate intestinal tissue inflammation. Samples were collected from both normal individuals and patients with IBD at multiple colon sites. Macrophages were identified using tissue immunofluorescence. IκB kinase (IKK)-interacting protein (IKIP), which interacts with WNT2B, was found by protein cross-linking and protein mass spectrometry. The expression of WNT2B, IKIP, the NF-κB pathway, and downstream molecules were analyzed. An acute colitis model of C57BL/6J mice was established using an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated WNT2B knockdown system and 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The degree of intestinal inflammation in mice was assessed upon WNT2B knockdown in macrophages. Macrophages expressing WNT2B were found to be enriched in the colitis tissues of IBD patients. WNT2B in macrophages activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines. By competitively binding IKIP, WNT2B reduced the binding of IKIP to IKKβ and promoted the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Using an AAV-mediated WNT2B knockdown system, WNT2B expression in intestinal macrophages was suppressed, leading to a reduction in intestinal inflammation. WNT2B activated the NF-κB pathway and enhanced the expression of downstream inflammatory cytokines by competitively binding to IKIP, potentially contributing to colon inflammatory injury in IBD.