Statin synergizes with LPS to induce IL-1beta release by THP-1 cells through activation of caspase-1

Mol Immunol. 2008 Apr;45(8):2158-65. doi: 10.1016/j.molimm.2007.12.008. Epub 2008 Feb 1.

Abstract

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a hereditary syndrome characterized by recurring episodes of fever and inflammation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MKD patients secrete high levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta when stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which is thought to be a primary cause of the inflammation. However, the link between a deficient mevalonate kinase and excessive IL-1beta release remains unclear. To investigate this we made use of a model in which monocytic cells (THP-1) were treated with simvastatin. Statins are compounds that inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase and thereby artificially impair the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, mimicking mevalonate kinase deficiency. Our study revealed that LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells treated with simvastatin had an increased caspase-1 mediated processing of proIL-1beta. This increased processing was caused by enhanced autoprocessing of caspase-1, rather than enhanced transcription or translation of caspase-1 or proIL-1beta. Simvastatin-induced activation of caspase-1 was caused by an impairment of non-sterol isoprenoid biosynthesis, as the isoprenyl intermediate GGPP could block activation of caspase-1 and mIL-1beta release. In addition, inhibition of both farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase and geranylgeranyltransferase I also induce mIL-1beta release. Taken together, these results demonstrate that simvastatin augments LPS-induced IL-1beta release post-translationally, by inducing caspase-1 activity. These findings suggest that MKD patients may have overactive caspase-1, causing enhanced IL-1beta processing and subsequent inflammation in response to bacterial components.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Caspase 1 / genetics
  • Caspase 1 / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Drug Synergism
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Interleukin-18 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-1beta / genetics
  • Interleukin-1beta / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Space / drug effects
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology*
  • Protein Precursors / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Simvastatin / pharmacology*
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Interleukin-18
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Protein Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Simvastatin
  • Caspase 1