Nicotinamide inhibits B lymphocyte activation by disrupting MAPK signal transduction

Biochem Pharmacol. 2007 Mar 15;73(6):831-42. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.11.024. Epub 2006 Dec 2.

Abstract

Nicotinamide (NAm) represents both a pharmacological agent known to express cell preserving and anti-inflammatory properties, and a useful investigational tool to elucidate cellular pathways regulating a wide range of cellular functions. We demonstrate in this study that exogenous NAm, when used at pharmacological doses, inhibits activation of primary murine B lymphocytes in response to multiple ligands. NAm appears to affect a membrane proximal event leading to MAPKs activation, a transduction pathway shared by multiple receptors including the antigen-specific B cell receptor, CD38, CD40 and TLR4 receptors. NAm inhibited phospho-ERK accumulation, and only marginally affected phospho-p38 and phospho-JNK induction upon BCR stimulation of naive B lymphocytes. Accordingly, NAm also affected the expression of known targets of the MAPK ERK pathway such as CD69 and cyclin D2. Based on a comparison with well-characterized pharmacological inhibitors, we suggest in this work that NAm may inhibit a post-translational modification mediated by a yet unidentified mono(ADP-ribose)transferase. Collectively, our observations indicate that in addition to its previously described effect on cells of the innate immune system, NAm is able to modulate the activity of B lymphocytes suggesting a potential role of this vitamin in regulating antibody-mediated autoimmune disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine / pharmacology
  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects
  • Antigens, CD / analysis
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Female
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / drug effects*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Niacinamide / pharmacology*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD69 antigen
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose
  • Niacinamide
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Calcium