Synergism between curdlan and GM-CSF confers a strong inflammatory signature to dendritic cells

J Immunol. 2012 Feb 15;188(4):1789-98. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.1101755. Epub 2012 Jan 16.

Abstract

A simultaneous engagement of different pathogen recognition receptors provides a tailor-made adaptive immunity for an efficient defense against distinct pathogens. For example, cross-talk of TLR and C-type lectin signaling effectively shapes distinct gene expression patterns by integrating the signals at the level of NF-κB. In this study, we extend this principle to a strong synergism between the dectin-1 agonist curdlan and an inflammatory growth factor, GM-CSF. Both together act in synergy in inducing a strong inflammatory signature that converts immature dendritic cells (DCs) to potent effector DCs. A variety of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12p70), costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86, CD40, and CD70), chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CCL12, CCL17), as well as receptors and molecules involved in fugal recognition and immunity such as Mincle, dectin-1, dectin-2, and pentraxin 3 are strongly upregulated in DC treated simultaneously with curdlan and GM-CSF. The synergistic effect of both stimuli resulted in strong IκBα phosphorylation, its rapid degradation, and enhanced nuclear translocation of all NF-κB subunits. We further identified MAPK ERK as one possible integration site of both signals, because its phosphorylation was clearly augmented when curdlan was coapplied with GM-CSF. Our data demonstrate that the immunomodulatory activity of curdlan requires an additional signal provided by GM-CSF to successfully initiate a robust β-glucan-specific cytokine and chemokine response. The integration of both signals clearly prime and tailor a more effective innate and adaptive response against invading microbes and fungi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / biosynthesis
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Chemokines / biosynthesis
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / immunology*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / pharmacology
  • I-kappa B Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunologic Factors*
  • Lectins, C-Type / agonists
  • Lectins, C-Type / biosynthesis
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / immunology
  • Signal Transduction
  • beta-Glucans / immunology*
  • beta-Glucans / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Chemokines
  • Cytokines
  • I-kappa B Proteins
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nfkbia protein, mouse
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial
  • beta-Glucans
  • dectin 1
  • NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha
  • curdlan
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE32986