TAK1 signaling activity links the mast cell cytokine response and degranulation in allergic inflammation

• DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2a0220-401rrr
• Publication Date: 2020-02-28T15:11:27Z
• Authors: Colton J.F. Watson; Aindriu R.R. Maguire; Melissa M. Rouillard; Robert W.E. Crozier; Michael Yousef; Kelly M. Bruton; Val A. Fajardo; Adam J. MacNeil
• Keywords: Inflammation; 0303 health sciences; NF-kappa B; Bone Marrow Cells; Immunoglobulin E; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases; Models, Biological; Cell Degranulation; 3. Good health; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phosphoserine; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit; 03 medical and health sciences; Gene Expression Regulation; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Hypersensitivity; Animals; Cytokines; Calcium; Female; Mast Cells; Inflammation Mediators; Phosphorylation

Abstract Mast cells drive the inappropriate immune response characteristic of allergic inflammatory disorders via release of pro-inflammatory mediators in response to environmental cues detected by the IgE-FcεRI complex. The role of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a participant in related signaling in other contexts, remains unknown in allergy. We detect novel activation of TAK1 at Ser412 in response to IgE-mediated activation under SCF-c-kit potentiation in a mast cell-driven response characteristic of allergic inflammation, which is potently blocked by TAK1 inhibitor 5Z-7-oxozeaenol (OZ). We, therefore, interrogated the role of TAK1 in a series of mast cell-mediated responses using IgE-sensitized murine bone marrow-derived mast cells, stimulated with allergen under several TAK1 inhibition strategies. TAK1 inhibition by OZ resulted in significant impairment in the phosphorylation of MAPKs p38, ERK, and JNK; and mediation of the NF-κB pathway via IκBα. Impaired gene expression and near abrogation in release of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-13, and chemokines CCL1, and CCL2 was detected. Finally, a significant inhibition of mast cell degranulation, accompanied by an impairment in calcium mobilization, was observed in TAK1-inhibited cells. These results suggest that TAK1 acts as a signaling node, not only linking the MAPK and NF-κB pathways in driving the late-phase response, but also initiation of the degranulation mechanism of the mast cell early-phase response following allergen recognition and may warrant consideration in future therapeutic development.