Double-Stranded RNA Dependent Kinase R Regulates Antibacterial Immunity in Sepsis

Double-stranded RNA dependent kinase R (PKR) is originally identified as an intracellular sensor of viral infection, but its role in bacterial infection remains largely unknown. Here we report that PKR was an important regulator of antibacterial immunity in sepsis. Genetic deletion of PKR or pharmac...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yanliang Yang, Lingli Xie, Yanjun Zhong, Xiaoli Zhong, Ran Meng, Qianqian Xue, Fang Liang, Kai Zhao, Yiting Tang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2020-12-01
Series:Journal of Innate Immunity
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/507932
Description
Summary:Double-stranded RNA dependent kinase R (PKR) is originally identified as an intracellular sensor of viral infection, but its role in bacterial infection remains largely unknown. Here we report that PKR was an important regulator of antibacterial immunity in sepsis. Genetic deletion of PKR or pharmacological inhibition of its kinase activity markedly increased bacterial loads, organ injury, and mortality in polymicrobial infection induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In contrast, PKR deficiency or inhibition did not affect bacterial loads, organ injury, or mortality when mice were systemically challenged with Escherichia coli, an abundant microbe in the gastrointestinal tract. PKR deficiency or inhibition markedly decreased the release of interleukin (IL)-1β after CLP. Defect in IL-1 signaling phenocopied PKR deficiency or inhibition in CLP-induced bacterial sepsis. Taken together, these findings identified a critical role of the PKR signaling pathway in antibacterial immunity.
ISSN:1662-811X
1662-8128