Lipopolysaccharide-Enhanced Responses against Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in FcgRIIb-Deficient Macrophages, a Profound Impact of an Environmental Toxin on a Lupus-Like Mouse Model

Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcgRIIb) is the only inhibitory-FcgR in the FcgR family, and FcgRIIb-deficient (FcgRIIb<sup>−/−</sup>) mice develop a lupus-like condition with hyper-responsiveness against several stimulations. The activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a cellular environm...

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Main Authors: Kanyarat Udompornpitak, Thansita Bhunyakarnjanarat, Awirut Charoensappakit, Cong Phi Dang, Wilasinee Saisorn, Asada Leelahavanichkul
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-04-01
Series:International Journal of Molecular Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/8/4199
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Summary:Fc gamma receptor IIb (FcgRIIb) is the only inhibitory-FcgR in the FcgR family, and FcgRIIb-deficient (FcgRIIb<sup>−/−</sup>) mice develop a lupus-like condition with hyper-responsiveness against several stimulations. The activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a cellular environmental sensor, might aggravate activity of the lupus-like condition. As such, 1,4-chrysenequinone (1,4-CQ), an Ahr-activator, alone did not induce supernatant cytokines from macrophages, while the 24 h pre-treatment by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a representative inflammatory activator, prior to 1,4-CQ activation (LPS/1,4-CQ) predominantly induced macrophage pro-inflammatory responses. Additionally, the responses from FcgRIIb<sup>−/−</sup> macrophages were more prominent than wild-type (WT) cells as determined by (i) supernatant cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10), (ii) expression of the inflammation associated genes (<i>NF-κB, aryl hydrocarbon receptor</i>, <i>iNOS, IL-1β</i> and activating-<i>FcgRIV</i>) and cell-surface CD-86 (a biomarker of M1 macrophage polarization), and (iii) cell apoptosis (Annexin V), with the lower inhibitory-<i>FcgRIIb</i> expression. Moreover, 8-week-administration of 1,4-CQ in 8 week old FcgRIIb<sup>−/−</sup> mice, a genetic-prone lupus-like model, enhanced lupus characteristics as indicated by anti-dsDNA, serum creatinine, proteinuria, endotoxemia, gut-leakage (FITC-dextran), and glomerular immunoglobulin deposition. In conclusion, an Ahr activation worsened the disease severity in FcgRIIb<sup>−/−</sup> mice possibly through the enhanced inflammatory responses. The deficiency of inhibitory-FcgRIIb in these mice, at least in part, prominently enhanced the pro-inflammatory responses. Our data suggest that patients with lupus might be more vulnerable to environmental pollutants.
ISSN:1661-6596
1422-0067