Macrophages play a key role in regulating inflammation in part through the production of inflammatory cytokines. In response to priming by IFN-g and a secondary activation signal, macrophages produce high levels of IL-12 that in turn induces IFN-g production and promotes generation of TH1 type immune response. Importantly, inflammatory responses are typically self-limiting and when deregulated, can lead to excessive tissue damage. While the regulatory mechanisms involved limiting the inflammatory response remain largely undefined, we discovered that pre-exposure to TNF-a or scavenger receptor ligands markedly inhibited the production of IL-12 by macrophages. Inhibition of IL- 12 did not require the production of defined inhibitors of macrophage activation including, IL-10, IL-4 or PGE2. The objective of the proposed studies is to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms that mediate these novel endogenous regulatory effects of TNF-a and scavenger receptor ligands.
In Aim 1 we will test the hypothesis TNF-a and scavenger receptor ligands are important endogenous regulators of inflammation both in vitro and in vivo by determining the sequence of exposure to stimuli that is critical in regulating IL-12 expression, whether this mechanism inhibits additional inflammatory cytokine expression, and whether additional activational signals (including CD4OL, LPS and HA), inhibit IL-12.
In Aims 2 and 3 we will test the hypotheses that TNF-a (2) and scavenger receptor ligands (3) inhibit the activation of transcription factors required for inflammatory gene expression and identify the cis-acting elements targeted by the regulatory mechanisms involved. We will also test the hypothesis that cyclopentenone prostaglandins play a role in TNF-a- and scavenger receptor-mediated inhibition of cytokine production and if so whether they act through a PPARy-dependent, or a PPARy-independent pathway involving the inhibition of IK kinase and inhibition of NF-KB.
In Aim 3 we will test the hypothesis that the anti-inflammatory effects of TNF-a and scavenger receptor observed in vivo are due at least in part to their capacity to inhibit production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI045813-04
Application #
6691068
Study Section
Immunological Sciences Study Section (IMS)
Program Officer
Esch, Thomas R
Project Start
2001-02-01
Project End
2006-01-31
Budget Start
2004-02-01
Budget End
2005-01-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$317,292
Indirect Cost
Name
Wistar Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
075524595
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
Middleton, Melissa K; Zukas, Alicia M; Rubinstein, Tanya et al. (2009) 12/15-lipoxygenase-dependent myeloid production of interleukin-12 is essential for resistance to chronic toxoplasmosis. Infect Immun 77:5690-700
Middleton, Melissa Kristine; Zukas, Alicia Marie; Rubinstein, Tanya et al. (2006) Identification of 12/15-lipoxygenase as a suppressor of myeloproliferative disease. J Exp Med 203:2529-40