The deubiquitinase A20 mediates feedback inhibition of interleukin-17 receptor signaling

Sci Signal. 2013 Jun 4;6(278):ra44. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2003699.

Abstract

The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) is the signature cytokine of the T helper 17 (TH17) subset of CD4(+) T cells, and antibodies targeting IL-17 or the IL-17 receptor (IL-17R) show clinical efficacy in several autoimmune diseases. Although important for protective immunity against microorganisms, IL-17 causes collateral damage in inflammatory settings. TNFAIP3 encodes the deubiquitinase A20 and is genetically linked to numerous autoimmune syndromes. A20, a potent inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α signaling, removes ubiquitin from signaling intermediates upstream of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), thereby dampening NF-κB-mediated inflammation. We demonstrated that IL-17 stimulates TNFAIP3 expression. Enhanced IL-17-mediated induction of genes encoding proinflammatory factors, including IL-6 and various chemokines, occurred upon knockdown of A20 with short inhibitory RNA or in A20(-/-) cells. A20 associated with the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF6 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6) in an IL-17-dependent manner and restricted the IL-17-dependent activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases. A20 interacted directly with the distal domain of IL-17RA, a previously defined inhibitory domain. Together, these data describe a mechanism of restraining IL-17 signaling and reveal an aspect of A20 activity that may help to explain its role in autoimmunity in humans.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Receptors, Interleukin-17 / genetics
  • Receptors, Interleukin-17 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 / metabolism
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases / metabolism*

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, Interleukin-17
  • TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6
  • Ubiquitin-Specific Proteases