IL-17A Induces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Production in Macrophages via MAPKinases, NF-κB and AP-1

• Main Authors: Jian Chen, Meng-yang Liao, Xing-li Gao, Qi Zhong, Ting-ting Tang, Xian Yu, Yu-hua Liao, Xiang Cheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cell Physiol Biochem Press GmbH & Co KG 2013-11-01
• Series: Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry
• Subjects: Inflammatory cytokines; Macrophages; Interleukin 17A
• Online Access: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/354525
• ISSN: 1015-8987; 1421-9778

Background: Interleukin (IL)-17A, a newly identified cytokine, may participate in the transition of a stable plaque into an unstable plaque. Macrophages play a critical role in the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. Methods: RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with IL-17A. The mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines was determined by RT-PCR. The cytokines production in the supernatants was measured by ELISA. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to confirm that IL-17A-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines production via IL-17RA signaling. The western blot assay was used to detect the phosphorylation of MAPKinases including p38 and ERK1/2. The DNA binding activity of nuclear factor NF-κB and AP-1 were detected by EMSA. Results: IL-17A induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages in a time- and dose-dependent manner, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, IL-1ß, and IL-6. Meanwhile, IL-17A resulted in the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2 and increased DNA-binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1. Pharmacological inhibitors of p38 and ERK1/2 partly attenuated IL-17A-induced TNF-a, IL-1ß, and IL-6 production. Either NF-κB inhibitor or AP-1 inhibitor also partly decreased the IL-17A-induced cytokine production. Conclusions: IL-17A induces pro-inflammatory cytokines production in macrophages via MAPKinases, NF-κB and AP-1 pathway.