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Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets

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* and Fen Wang*

DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211015091109

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Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Antigen TpF1 Induces Activation of Macrophages and Accelerates P2X7R-Induced NLRP3-Dependent Release of IL-1β

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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.

Keywords: Treponema pallidum, TpF1, macrophage, NLRP3, P2X7R, IL-1β.

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