A novel tylophorine analog W-8 up-regulates forkhead boxP3 expression and ameliorates murine colitis

J Leukoc Biol. 2013 Jan;93(1):83-93. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0812402. Epub 2012 Nov 9.

Abstract

Tylophorine and analogs are phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids, several of which have been reported to have anticancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their function in the immune system remains widely unknown. Transcription factor Foxp3 is critical for the development and function of Treg, which down-regulates the immune system and maintains tolerance to self-antigens. In the present study, we defined a novel tylophorine analog, W-8, enhanced TGF-β-induced Foxp3 expression at the mRNA and the protein levels. Interestingly, W-8 synergistically increased the level of TGF-β-induced p-Smad3 through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway and enhanced the demethylation of the promoter region of the Foxp3 through inhibition of the ERK pathway and DNMT1 expression. Moreover, administration of W-8 suppressed TNBS-induced murine colitis and increased Tregs in lymphoid tissues. Finally, W-8 enhanced conversion of naïve T cells to Tregs in vivo. In summary, our results defined a novel compound that enhanced Foxp3 expression through transcriptional and epigenetic programs, and it might serve as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Colitis / immunology*
  • Colitis / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / biosynthesis*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / drug effects
  • Indolizines / pharmacology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mice
  • Phenanthrenes / pharmacology*
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / drug effects
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • Indolizines
  • Phenanthrenes
  • tylophorine