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. 2014 Apr 24;16(2):R102. doi: 10.1186/ar4551

Blocking the janus-activated kinase pathway reduces tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced interleukin-18 bioactivity by caspase-1 inhibition

Hubert Marotte 1,2, Pei-Suen Tsou 1, Tatiana Fedorova 1, Adam J Pinney 1, Benjamin Lewis 1, Alisa E Koch 1,3,✉
PMCID: PMC4060193  PMID: 24762050

Abstract

Introduction

Our objective was to examine the role of the janus-activated kinase (JAK) pathway in the modulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-induced-IL-18 bioactivity by reduction of caspase-1 function.

Methods

Caspase-1 expression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts treated with TNF was assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Interleukin (IL)-18 was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cell lysates and conditioned media and detected by immunofluorescence (IF) staining in RA synovial fibroblasts. The critical pathways for TNF-induced caspase-1 expression were determined by using chemical inhibitors of signaling followed by TNF stimulation. IL-18 bioactivity was assessed using human myelomonocytic KG-1 cells.

Results

TNF induced RA synovial fibroblast caspase-1 expression at the protein level in a time-dependant manner (P < 0.05). Blocking the JAK pathway reduced TNF-induced-caspase-1 expression at the transcriptional and protein levels by approximately 60% and 40%, respectively (P < 0.05). Blocking the JAK pathway reduced TNF-induced-caspase-1 expression at the transcriptional, protein, and activity levels by approximately 60%, 40%, and 53%, respectively (P < 0.05). We then confirmed by IF that TNF-induced IL-18 and investigated roles of the ERK1/2 and JAK pathways. Blocking the JAK pathway, TNF induced intracytoplasmic granular IL-18 expression suggesting a defect of caspase-1. Finally, blocking the JAK pathway, we observed a reduction of IL-18 bioactivity by 52% in RA synovial fibroblasts (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results provide a new way to regulate TNF-induced-IL-18 bioactivity by blocking capase-1. These data present a novel role for JAK inhibition in RA patients and emphasize JAK inhibition use as a new therapeutic option in RA management.

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflamed synovial tissue containing a massive infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages with synovial fibroblast proliferation. IL-18, an IL-1 family member, is involved in RA pathogenesis [1]. We and others have shown that IL-18 plays an important role in the immune response, in local or systemic angiogenesis [2,3], and in monocyte recruitment [4]. Various sources of IL-18 have been identified including antigen-presenting cells, as well as keratinocytes, articular chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and synovial fibroblasts [5,6].

IL-18, is produced as a biologically inactive precursor protein (pro-IL-18) containing a propeptide domain localized to the cytoplasm. To be activated, pro-IL-18 requires cleavage by the IL-1β-converting enzyme (ICE), which is a member of the aspartate-specific cysteine protease family (caspase-1). Caspase-1 is produced as an inactive form. To be activated, its needs to be cleaved into 20 kDa and 10 kDa subunits. Both subunits form heterodimers with interactions with other proteins and are involved in inflammasome formation and activation of inflammatory processes [7]. Active caspase-1 is located in the plasma membrane, where it cleaves pro-IL-18 (inactive) to IL-18 (still inactive). Caspase-1 and pro-IL-18/IL-18 are complexed to other proteins that are involved in the secretion of IL-18 [8,9]. Caspase-1 is also a critical putative target in patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) [10]. When IL-18 is secreted, it becomes active [11]. IL-18 bioactivity is dependent on both IL-18 and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP, its natural inhibitor) levels [5,6].

Among various signaling pathways, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and janus-activated kinase (JAK) pathways are thought to be critical in RA pathogenesis [12]. All these pathways can be activated by TNF-α [5,6]. We previously described ways to regulate TNF-induced IL-18 bioactivity in RA synovial fibroblasts by modulation of IL-18 or IL-1BP [5,6]. Here, we explore regulation of TNF-induced IL-18 bioactivity by reduction of TNF-induced caspase-1 in RA synovial fibroblasts.

Methods

Cytokines, culture of human RA synovial fibroblasts, and chemical inhibitors

TNF was purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN, USA). Fibroblasts were isolated from RA synovium obtained from RA patients undergoing arthroplasty or synovectomy as described previously [5,6]. For all human specimens used in this study, we obtained written informed consent and all aspects of the study were approved by the University of Michigan Institutional Review Board. Allergies were not reported and no skin tests were performed on these RA patients. MAPK inhibitors (ERK1/2, PD98059; p38, SB202190; and JNK2, SP600125), an NF-κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC)), or a JAK2 inhibitor (AG490) were used at 10 μM of each inhibitor, except PDTC at 200 μM [5,6]. All inhibitors were purchased from Calbiochem (San Diego, CA, USA). All experiments were performed in serum-free media except experiments for IL-18 detection.

Cell lysis and western blotting

To study the effect of TNF on caspase-1 expression, RA synovial fibroblasts were incubated with TNF (20 ng/ml) in RPMI 1640 and processed, as previously described [5,6]. We used a rabbit anti-human caspase-1 antibody (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA) overnight at 4°C and then horseradish peroxidase-conjugated antibody (1:1,000 dilution) for 1 hour at room temperature. Blots were scanned and analyzed for band intensities, as previously described [5,6].

Caspase-1 activity assay

RA synovial fibroblasts (2 × 106/well) were pre-incubated with the chemical inhibitors (described above) for 2 hours and then treated with TNF (20 ng/ml) for 24 hours in serum-free RPMI 1640. Cells were washed and then lysed with the lysis buffer from the caspase-1 activity assay kit. Cell lysates were centrifuged, and the supernatant was assessed. Caspase-1 activity in the supernatant was determined using a colorimetric caspase-1 activity assay kit (R&D Systems).

IL-18 detection in conditioned media

RA synovial fibroblasts were stimulated with TNF (20 ng/ml) in RPMI 1640 with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) supplementation for 72 hours. Conditioned medium was collected and concentrated 10-fold using Amicon Ultra 3,000 MW concentrators from Millipore (Bedford, MA, USA). Equal volumes of conditioned media were loaded and processed for western blotting as previously described above except that primary polyclonal rabbit anti-human IL-18 antibody was used (Santa Cruz biotechnology, Santa Cruz, CA, USA).

ELISA for IL-18 and IL-18BP

RA synovial fibroblasts were stimulated with TNF for 8 to 48 hours in RPMI with 10% FBS and conditioned medium was collected and concentrated as described above. IL-18 was assessed in conditioned media and cell lysates using an ELISA kit from Bender MedSystems (Burlingame, CA, USA). IL-18BP was assessed in conditioned media using an ELISA kit from R&D Systems.

RNA extraction and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)

Following the manufacturer’s protocol, RNA was isolated from RA synovial fibroblasts and processed as described previously [5,6]. We used specific primer sequences for caspase-1: forward: 5′-AGCCAACATGCCCATCACTCGG-3′, reverse: 5′- TGCTACGGTGCACAGGGAATGG -3′; and for β-actin: forward: 5′-GTCAGGCAGCTCGTAGCTCT-3′, reverse: 5′-GCCATGTACGTTGCTATCCA-3′ and the following cycles: 50°C for 2 minutes, 95°C for 2 minutes, and 40 cycles of 95°C for 30 seconds, 55°C for 30 seconds, and 68°C for 30 seconds. For quantification, the relative abundance of each gene was normalized to β-actin.

IL-18 bioactivity

The biologic activity of IL-18 was measured using human myelomonocytic KG-1 cells, as previously described [5,6]. KG-1 cells (3 × 106 cells/ml; 100 μL), with or without mouse monoclonal anti-IL-18 antibody at 1 μg/ml (R&D Systems), were dispensed into the wells of 96-well Falcon microtiter plates (Becton Dickinson). Next, 100 μL of samples or recombinant human IL-18 standard was added to each well. The plates were incubated, and culture supernatants were harvested 24 hours later. The IFNγ concentration in this media was determined by ELISA (Invitrogen, Grand Island, NY, USA). IL-18 bioactivity was determined based on the difference in IFNγ levels between cultures with and those without mouse anti-IL-18 monoclonal antibody.

Immunofluorescence staining

RA synovial fibroblasts were plated in 8-well Labtek chamber slides and processed as described previously [6]. Briefly, cells were untreated or stimulated with TNF (20 ng/ml) for 48 hours with or without preincubation with PD98059 or AG490 for 2 hours. After 48 hours, cells were washed, fixed, permeabilized, and blocked. IL-18 primary antibody (10 μg/ml), which reacts with both immature and mature IL-18 forms, was used after washing in combination with Alexa Fluor-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody. After washing, nuclei were stained with 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole (Invitrogen). Slides were dehydrated, mounted, and coverslipped. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was detected using an Olympus FV-500 microscope (Olympus America, Melville, NY, USA).

Statistical analysis

Statistically significant differences between groups were calculated using Student’s t-test. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. All statistical data are expressed as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM).

Results

TNF induced functional caspase-1 in RA synovial fibroblasts

To determine whether pro-IL-18 was potentially cleaved by active caspase-1 to the IL-18 active form, we examined caspase-1 expression in cell lysates and IL-18 expression in cell lysates and conditioned media at the protein level, without or with TNF stimulation. TNF induced caspase-1 at the protein level in cell lysates in a time-dependent manner (Figure 1A) and the mature IL-18 secretion in the conditioned media assessed by western blot and ELISA (Figure 1B,C). The pro-IL-18 level in cell lysates did not change over time (Figure 1D), suggesting that pro-IL-18 is cleaved to IL-18 and then secreted. These data indicate that TNF induced functional caspase-1 to cleave pro-IL-18.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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TNF-induced functional caspase-1 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts. RA synovial fibroblasts (2 × 105/well plates; 2 ml/well) were stimulated with TNF in serum-free media for 0 to 48 hours. Caspase-1 expression was assessed at the protein level in cell lysates. Bands shown are specific for active caspase-1. Bars show the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) from at least six independent experiments using different donors (A). RA synovial fibroblasts (2 × 105/well in 6-well plates; 2 ml/well) were stimulated in RPMI with 10% FBS for 72 hours. IL-18 was detected by western blotting in 10-times concentrated conditioned media. A representative blot of three independent experiments using different donors is shown (B). RA synovial fibroblasts (2 × 105/well in 6-well plates; 2 ml/well) were treated with TNF (20 ng/ml) for 8, 24, and 48 hours in RPMI with 10% FBS. IL-18 protein induction was assessed by ELISA in concentrated conditioned media (C) and cell lysates (D). Results are expressed as the mean of fold induction with SEM. *P <0.05 versus non stimulated (NS).

Role of the JAK pathway in TNF-induced caspase-1

To identify signaling events that are critical for TNF-induced caspase-1, RA synovial fibroblasts were incubated with chemical signaling inhibitors for 2 hours, followed by TNF stimulation. Only JAK pathway inhibition significantly decreased TNF-induced caspase-1 at the transcriptional level in RA synovial fibroblasts (57% reduction; P <0.05; n = 3; Figure 2A). TNF-induced caspase-1 protein expression was markedly reduced when the JAK pathway was blocked in RA synovial fibroblasts (P <0.05; n = 4; Figure 2B). According to our blot, this reduction is due mainly to a reduction of pro-caspase-1 expression. At the end, we assessed the functional activity of capsase-1. Blocking the JAK pathway strongly reduced TNF-induced caspase-1 activity (P <0.05; n = 3; Figure 2C). Furthermore, blocking the JNK pathway already slightly decreased the TNF-induced caspase-1 activity (P <0.05; n = 3; Figure 2C). These data indicate that the JAK pathway is a critical pathway for TNF-induced caspase-1 and IL-18 bioactivity.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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The JAK pathway: a critical pathway for TNF-induced functional caspase-1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts (2 × 105/well; 2 ml/well) were pre-incubated with the indicated inhibitors for 2 hours, followed by stimulation with TNF (20 ng/ml) for 48 hours. Caspase-1 was assessed at the mRNA level (A), the protein level (B), and its activity was measured (C). RA synovial fibroblasts (2 × 105/well; 2 ml/well; in RPMI with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS)) were pre-incubated with AG490 for 2 hours, followed by stimulation with TNF for 48 hours. Medium was collected and concentrated, while cell lysates were processed. IL-18 levels were assessed by ELISA in both conditioned media (D) and cell lysates (E). IL-18BP levels (F) and IL-18 bioactivity (G) were assessed in the conditioned media. Bars show the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). *P <0.05. NS, non stimulated; n, number of donors and independent experiments.

Blocking JAK results in reduction of TNF-induced IL-18 bioactivity in RA synovial fibroblasts

After showing the key role of JAK in TNF-induced caspase-1 expression and activity, we assessed its function on maturation of IL-18. In conditioned media, JAK blockade potently decreased TNF-induced IL-18 (P < 0.05; n = 4; Figure 2D), whereas IL-18BP was not affected (Figure 2F). In cell lysates, when JAK was blocked, TNF-induced IL-18 increased, suggesting a defect of IL-18 secretion (P <0.05; n = 4; Figure 2E). As IL-18 bioactivity is the result of the balance between mature secreted IL-18 and IL-18BP, we explored IL-18 bioactivity in the same conditioned media using KG-1 cells. We confirmed that TNF induced IL-18 bioactivity and this induction was reduced by 52% after blockade of the JAK pathway (P <0.05; n = 4; Figure 2G). The data confirmed that blocking the JAK pathway reduced IL-18 bioactivity without effect on IL-18BP.

Blocking caspase-1 results in inhibition of release of IL-18

IL-18 expression inside the cell was detected using IF in various stimulation conditions. We confirmed induction of expression of pro-IL-18 by TNF (Figure 3C). To validate this assay, we blocked the ERK pathway, which was previously reported to be critical for TNF-induced-pro-IL-18 and observed inhibition of IL-18 after TNF stimulation (Figure 3D) [5]. Additionally upon blocking JAK, we observed an intracytoplasmic granular staining (Figure 3E). This suggests accumulation of pro-IL-18 without secretion, suggesting a lack of effect of caspase-1. These results indicate a crucial role of the JAK pathway in regulating TNF-induced IL-18 bioactivity (Figure 3F). The data confirmed that blocking the JAK pathway reduced IL-18 bioactivity by IL-18 maturation reduction.

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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Localization of IL-18 on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial fibroblasts with or without stimulation with TNF (20 ng/ml for 2 hours) was examined by immunofluorescence. RA synovial fibroblasts were pre-incubated for 2 hours with PD98059 or AG490 (ERK1/2 and JAK pathway chemical inhibitors at 10 μM, respectively) and then stimulated with TNF (20 ng/ml) for 48 hours. Control IgG (A) and IL-18 (B) detection without stimulation showed no staining. After 48 hours of TNF stimulation, we observed staining in the cytoplasm (C). Upon TNF stimulation, after blocking the ERK1/2 pathway, no detection was observed in the cytoplasm (D). Upon TNF stimulation, after blocking the JAK pathway, IL-18 was detected in the cytoplasm with some granularity (E). Images shown are representative of three independent experiments. Schematic representation of TNF induction of mature IL-18 by induction of functional caspase-1 through the JAK pathway (F).

Discussion

Compared to other pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-18 is highly regulated at the expression, maturation, and bioactivity levels. Constitutive IL-18 mRNA and protein in the precursor form are present in non stimulated human cells and in untreated tissues [13]. Without stimulation, IL-18 is primarily present in the precursor form, which requires conversion by caspase-1 to the mature and bioactive form [11]. The membrane-bound form of IL-18 was recently described to be caspase-1 dependent and restricted to a subgroup of monocytes [14].

Here, we confirmed that TNF induced caspase-1 in a time-dependent manner at both protein and activity levels in RA synovial fibroblasts, as previously suggested [5]. We also confirmed that TNF induced IL-18 expression and secretion from RA synovial fibroblasts [5]. IL-18 in the conditioned media after TNF induction suggested the presence of functional TNF-induced caspase-1. This is consistent with previous data showing that TNF induces IL-1β [15].

AG490 is mainly a strong inhibitor of JAK2. However, it was described to also inhibit the JAK3 pathway. Hence, these inhibitors are not specific enough to claim JAK2 specificity. We previously described that the JAK pathway was not involved in TNF-induced IL-18 or IL-18BP in the same in vitro model [5]. As a result, in this model of IL-18 bioactivity induced by TNF, we describe a new way to reduce IL-18 bioactivity by regulation of caspase-1. Previously, we observed that the ERK pathway was critical for IL-18 expression [5], whereas the JNK-2 and NF-κB pathways were important for IL-18BP expression [6]. Compared to our previous results, we found a new specific pathway for regulating IL-18 bioactivity, that is, the JAK pathway.

TNF induces many intracellular signaling pathways. The JAK pathway is activated by TNF through its binding to its type I receptor [16]. Furthermore, expression of chemokines induced by TNF was reduced by blocking the JAK pathway in RA synovial fibroblasts [17] and in RA synovial macrophages [18]. So in this model, blocking the JAK2 pathway specifically reduced TNF-induced IL-18 bioactivity only by reduction of IL-18 secretion due to inhibition of functional caspase-1. In vivo, JAK2 pathway inhibition has been shown to improve inflammatory arthritis in a rodent model [19] and blocking JAK1/3 has been shown to reduce joint destruction [20]. JAK inhibitors suppress both innate and adaptative immunity in the K/BxN serum transfer model [18]. In human RA, JAK inhibitors are a new attractive therapeutic option for RA management [21].

Conclusions

These results provide a novel way to regulate TNF-induced-IL-18 bioactivity by blocking capase-1. These results suggest an additional mechanism to explain the beneficial effect of JAK inhibitors in RA.

Abbreviations

CAPS: cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes; FBS: fetal bovine serum; ICE: interleukin-1β-converting enzyme; IF: immunofluorescence; IFNγ: interferon-γ; IL: interleukin; JAK: Janus-activated kinase; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB: nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; PDTC: pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate; RA: rheumatoid arthritis; TNF: tumor necrosis factor.

Competing interests

The authors except Dr Koch have no competing interests. Dr Koch recently joined Eli Lilly Pharmaceutical Company. However, the work was performed prior to that.

Authors’ contributions

HM: conception and design, data collection and analysis, manuscript writing and final approval of the manuscript. PST: data collection and analysis, critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. TF: data collection and analysis, critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. AJP: data collection and analysis, critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. BL: data collection and analysis, critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. AEK: data collection and analysis, financial support, critical revision and final approval of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Contributor Information

Hubert Marotte, Email: hubert.marotte@chu-st-etienne.fr.

Pei-Suen Tsou, Email: ptsou@umich.edu.

Tatiana Fedorova, Email: tfed@umich.edu.

Adam J Pinney, Email: pinneyaj@umich.edu.

Benjamin Lewis, Email: benlewis@umich.edu.

Alisa E Koch, Email: aekoch@umich.edu.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr KW Janczak for providing the KG-1 cell line. This study was supported by the Frederick GL Huetwell and William D Robinson, MD Professorship in Rheumatology (AEK); the Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (AEK); the Arthritis Foundation (PT); the French Society of Rheumatology (HM), Bettencourt-Schueller Foundation (HM), and Philippe Foundation (HM).

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