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Using RNA-interference to Investigate the Innate Immune Response in Mouse Macrophages
12:47

Using RNA-interference to Investigate the Innate Immune Response in Mouse Macrophages

Published on: November 3, 2014

RNA synthesis in activated macrophages I. Poly(I) X poly(C)-induced triggering of cytolytic activity is associated

L Varesio, H J Issaq, D Taramelli

    European Journal of Immunology
    |December 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Polyinosinic, polycytidylic acid [poly(I) X poly(C)] activates macrophages, increasing their tumor-killing ability but decreasing RNA synthesis. This reduced RNA synthesis may serve as a novel indicator of macrophage activation.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Murine peritoneal macrophages (pM phi) are key immune cells involved in host defense.
    • Polyinosinic, polycytidylic acid [poly(I) X poly(C)] is a synthetic double-stranded RNA known to activate immune cells.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the impact of poly(I) X poly(C) on macrophage activation and RNA metabolism.
    • To explore the relationship between poly(I) X poly(C)-induced activation, cytolytic activity, and RNA synthesis in macrophages.

    Main Methods:

    • Macrophages were treated with proteose-peptone and poly(I) X poly(C).
    • Cytolytic activity and glucose oxidation were measured.
    • RNA synthesis was assessed by [3H]uridine incorporation.
    • Intracellular uridine triphosphate (UTP) pool specific activity and [32P] orthophosphate labeling were analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Poly(I) X poly(C) enhanced the cytolytic activity and glucose oxidation of macrophages.
    • A significant decrease in [3H]uridine incorporation into RNA was observed in activated macrophages.
    • The reduction in RNA labeling correlated with poly(I) X poly(C) dose and tumoricidal activity.
    • Mechanistic studies ruled out altered cell permeability or UTP pool specific activity as causes for reduced RNA labeling.

    Conclusions:

    • Poly(I) X poly(C)-activated macrophages exhibit a depressed rate of RNA synthesis.
    • The rate of RNA synthesis could be a potential new indicator for macrophage activation.

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