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Updated: Jun 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: THP-1 Macrophage Response to LPS/ATP — Unveiling the Pyroptosis, Apoptosis, and Necroptosis Spectrum
Published on: May 3, 2024
Chlojaponilactone B Attenuates THP-1 Macrophage Pyroptosis by Inhibiting the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Qiyin Wen1, Bingjinfeng Zhan1, Lu Jin1
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Pyroptosis, an innate immune response, plays a crucial role in the pathological process of inflammatory diseases. Although pyroptosis blockade is considered a potential therapeutic strategy, no ideal candidate drug has been identified. The natural product Chojaponilactone B (CJB) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, but its role in macrophage pyroptosis has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of CJB in inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis. Using an LPS/ATP-induced THP-1 macrophage pyroptosis model, we found that CJB significantly inhibited pyroptosis and reduced the levels of NLRP3, caspase 1, N-GSDMD, and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that CJB interfered with LPS/ATP-induced THP-1 macrophage gene expression, suggesting involvement in anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic signaling pathways. Additionally, CJB suppressed LPS/ATP-induced elevations in TLRs, MyD88, pro-IL-1β, and NF-κB and blocked NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. In summary, CJB inhibits NLRP3 activation and macrophage pyroptosis through the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, providing important evidence for its development as a potential drug for treating pyroptosis-related inflammatory diseases.
Insights
Chojaponilactone B (CJB) effectively inhibits pyroptosis, a key inflammatory process in macrophages. This natural compound targets the NLRP3 inflammasome and TLR/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, offering potential for treating inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pyroptosis is a crucial inflammatory response in innate immunity implicated in various diseases.
- Blocking pyroptosis is a therapeutic target, but effective drugs are lacking.
- Chojaponilactone B (CJB), a natural product, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, but its effect on pyroptosis is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effect of CJB on macrophage pyroptosis.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of CJB's anti-pyroptotic action.
Main Methods:
- Established an LPS/ATP-induced THP-1 macrophage pyroptosis model.
- Assessed pyroptosis markers including NLRP3, caspase 1, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18.
- Utilized RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression changes.
- Investigated the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation.
Main Results:
- CJB significantly inhibited LPS/ATP-induced pyroptosis in THP-1 macrophages.
- CJB reduced the expression of NLRP3, caspase 1, N-GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18.
- RNA sequencing indicated CJB modulates inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic signaling pathways.
- CJB suppressed TLRs, MyD88, pro-IL-1β, and NF-κB activation, inhibiting NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation.
Conclusions:
- CJB effectively inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent macrophage pyroptosis.
- The mechanism involves the suppression of the TLR/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
- CJB shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for pyroptosis-related inflammatory diseases.
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