Combined loss of cRel/p50 subunits of NF-?B leads to impaired innate host response in sepsis

Emilie Courtine, Nicolas Cognard, Julie Mazzolini, Marion Antona, Frederic Pene, Catherine Fitting, Sebastian Jacques, Christope Rousseau, Florence Niedergang, Steven Demetrious Gerondakis, Jean-Daniel Chiche, Fatah Ouaaz, Jean-Paul Mira

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

NF-?B, which comprises homo- and hetero-dimers of the five members of the Rel family, plays a crucial role in immunity to infection. The cRel and p50 subunits have been implicated in the development and function of the immune cells, but their in vivo importance remains poorly explored in sepsis. We aimed to study the impact of the combined loss of these two subunits on the innate response to infection in a cecal ligation and puncture model of sepsis. We have explored the possible defects in host defense, including pathogen clearance, bacterial phagocytosis and cytokine plasma release. We also performed gene profiling of cRel-/-p50-/- and wild-type LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Deficiency of cRel and p50 led to enhanced mortality to sepsis that was associated with defective macrophages phagocytosis, decreased bacterial clearance and moderate cytokine response. Transcription profile analysis revealed a common inflammatory response but a significant down-regulated transcription of genes encoding for pathogen recognition receptors and antimicrobial molecules, supporting the in vivo findings in mice. In conclusion, the cRel and p50 subunits of NF-?B play an important combined role in the innate response and are crucial for survival and pathogen clearance in polymicrobial sepsis. ? The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)753 - 763
Number of pages11
JournalInnate Immunity
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Cite this