Apolipoprotein C3 induces inflammation and organ damage by alternative inflammasome activation

Nat Immunol. 2020 Jan;21(1):30-41. doi: 10.1038/s41590-019-0548-1. Epub 2019 Dec 9.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / immunology*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Apolipoprotein C-III / genetics
  • Apolipoprotein C-III / immunology*
  • Caspase 8 / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / immunology
  • Inflammation / genetics
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Kidney Diseases / immunology*
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein / immunology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism

Substances

  • APOC3 protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Apolipoprotein C-III
  • Inflammasomes
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein
  • NLRP3 protein, human
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • SCIMP protein, human
  • TLR2 protein, human
  • TLR4 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • Caspase 8