Title:Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Antigen TpF1 Induces Activation of
Macrophages and Accelerates P2X7R-Induced NLRP3-Dependent Release
of IL-1β
Volume: 22
Issue: 4
Author(s): Dong-Ping Lu*, Jie Jia, Shao-Feng Wei, Wei-Lian Zhang, Rui Liang, Ting Liu, Wen-Zhi Yang, Bing-Yan Li, Rong Zhang*Fen Wang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, Shenzhen 518133,
Guangdong, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Bao’an District Chronic Disease Hospital for Prevention and Cure, Shenzhen
518133, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, Shenzhen 518133,
Guangdong, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Bao’an District Chronic Disease Hospital for Prevention and Cure, Shenzhen
518133, Guangdong, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics, Huangshi Maternity & Children's Health Hospital Edong
Healthcare Group, Huangshi 435000, Hubei, P.R. China
Keywords:
Treponema pallidum, TpF1, macrophage, NLRP3, P2X7R, IL-1β.
Abstract:
Background: Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum (Tp)
infection, which causes local inflammation in the host. TpF1 is an oligomeric protein expressed
by the Tp-infected host that can induce the host immune response. There are few studies regarding
the role of TpF1 in macrophage activation and the subsequent release of cytokines.
Objective: The objective of this study is to elucidate the effects of TpF1 on the pathological process
of Syphilis. In addition, we explored how purinergic 2X7 (P2X7R) induced NOD-like receptor
family protein 3 (NLRP3) -dependent release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the underlying
mechanisms.
Methods: We explored the influence of TpF1 on cytokine release by macrophages using qRT-PCR
and ELISA. The specific phenotype of activated macrophages was determined by flow cytometry.
Results: TpF1 was able to activate macrophages and induce the M1 macrophage phenotype. Moreover,
TpF1 activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages, which was mediated by P2X7R.
Conclusion: The Tp-induced protein TpF1 is able to induce macrophage activation and P2X7R-induced
NLRP3-dependent release of IL-1β. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for clarifying
the clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of syphilis.