Caveolin-1-Knockout Mouse as a Model of Inflammatory Diseases

J Immunol Res. 2018 Aug 29:2018:2498576. doi: 10.1155/2018/2498576. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is the scaffold protein of caveolae, which are minute invaginations of the cell membrane that are involved in endocytosis, cell signaling, and endothelial-mediated inflammation. CAV1 has also been reported to have a dual role as either a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter, depending on the type of cancer. Inflammation is an important player in tumor progression, but the role of caveolin-1 in generating an inflammatory milieu remains poorly characterized. We used a caveolin-1-knockout (CAV1-/-) mouse model to assess the inflammatory status via the quantification of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as the ability of circulating lymphocytes to respond to nonspecific stimuli by producing cytokines. Here, we report that the CAV1-/- mice were characterized by a low-grade systemic proinflammatory status, with a moderate increase in the IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12p70 levels. CAV1-/- circulating lymphocytes were more prone to cytokine production upon nonspecific stimulation than the wild-type lymphocytes. These results show that CAV1 involvement in cell homeostasis is more complex than previously revealed, as it plays a role in the inflammatory process. These findings indicate that the CAV1-/- mouse model could prove to be a useful tool for inflammation-related studies.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caveolae / metabolism*
  • Caveolin 1 / genetics*
  • Caveolin 1 / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endocytosis
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout

Substances

  • Caveolin 1
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators