Cutting edge: K63-linked polyubiquitination of NEMO modulates TLR signaling and inflammation in vivo

J Immunol. 2008 Jun 1;180(11):7107-11. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.180.11.7107.

Abstract

Transcription factor NF-kappaB controls the expression of multiple genes involved in immunity and inflammation. The initial activation and duration of NF-kappaB signaling is regulated by posttranslational modifications to IkappaB kinase, which earmarks inhibitors of NF-kappaB for degradation. Prior studies suggest that K63-linked ubiquitination of NEMO (NF-kappaB essential modulator), an IkappaB kinase regulatory subunit, is critical for NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling following engagement of Ag receptors. We now demonstrate that NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways are largely unaffected in primary cells from mice harboring a ubiquitination-defective form of NEMO, NEMO-KR. TLR- but not Ag receptor-induced cellular responses are impaired in NEMO-KR mice, which are more resistant to LPS-induced endotoxic shock than wild-type animals. Thus, one function of NEMO ubiquitination is to fine tune innate immune responses under TLR control.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / immunology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Hemocyanins / immunology
  • I-kappa B Kinase / metabolism*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / immunology
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B / immunology
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • NEMO protein, mouse
  • NF-kappa B
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Hemocyanins
  • I-kappa B Kinase
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • keyhole-limpet hemocyanin