Apolipoprotein C3 induces inflammation and organ damage by alternative inflammasome activation

S Zewinger, J Reiser, V Jankowski, D Alansary… - Nature …, 2020 - nature.com
S Zewinger, J Reiser, V Jankowski, D Alansary, E Hahm, S Triem, M Klug, SJ Schunk…
Nature Immunology, 2020nature.com
NLRP3-inflammasome-driven inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of
diseases. Identification of endogenous inflammasome activators is essential for the
development of new anti-inflammatory treatment strategies. Here, we identified that
apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human monocytes by
inducing an alternative NLRP3 inflammasome via caspase-8 and dimerization of Toll-like
receptors 2 and 4. Alternative inflammasome activation in human monocytes is mediated by …
Abstract
NLRP3-inflammasome-driven inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Identification of endogenous inflammasome activators is essential for the development of new anti-inflammatory treatment strategies. Here, we identified that apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human monocytes by inducing an alternative NLRP3 inflammasome via caspase-8 and dimerization of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4. Alternative inflammasome activation in human monocytes is mediated by the Toll-like receptor adapter protein SCIMP. This triggers Lyn/Syk-dependent calcium entry and the production of reactive oxygen species, leading to activation of caspase-8. In humanized mouse models, ApoC3 activated human monocytes in vivo to impede endothelial regeneration and promote kidney injury in an NLRP3- and caspase-8-dependent manner. These data provide new insights into the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the pathophysiological role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins containing ApoC3. Targeting ApoC3 might prevent organ damage and provide an anti-inflammatory treatment for vascular and kidney diseases.
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