Involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in innate and humoral adaptive immune responses to fungal beta-glucan

J Immunol. 2009 Dec 15;183(12):8061-7. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.0902477.

Abstract

Fungal beta-glucan, such as curdlan, triggers antifungal innate immune responses as well as shaping adaptive immune responses. In this study, we identified a key pathway that couples curdlan to immune responses. Curdlan promoted the production of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta by dendritic cells and macrophages through the NLRP3 inflammasome. Stimulation with Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae also triggered the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1beta production. In vivo, NLRP3 was required for efficient Ag-specific Ab production when curdlan was used as an adjuvant, whereas it was dispensable for the induction of Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation. Furthermore, stimulation of purified B cells with curdlan-induced CD69 up-regulation and IgM production while stimulation with other NLRP3 inflammasome activators, such as silica and aluminum salt, did not. Notably, this induction required NLRP3 but was independent of Toll-like receptor and IL-1 receptor family signaling, suggesting the presence of NLRP3-dependent and IL-1 receptor family independent mechanisms in B cells responsible for Ab responses. Collectively, these findings reveal a critical role for the NLRP3 inflammasome in the regulation of antifungal innate immune responses as well as B cell activation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies, Fungal / biosynthesis
  • Antibodies, Fungal / blood
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / microbiology
  • Candida albicans / immunology
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / microbiology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Inflammation Mediators / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / immunology
  • beta-Glucans / administration & dosage*
  • beta-Glucans / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antibodies, Fungal
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • Nlrp3 protein, mouse
  • beta-Glucans
  • curdlan