HCV genomic RNA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in human myeloid cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Elevated plasma levels of IL-1β and IL-18 from patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection indicate a possible activation of inflammasome by HCV.

Methodology/principal findings

To demonstrate whether HCV infection activates the inflammasome, we investigated inflammasome activation from HCV infected hepatic Huh7 cells, or monocytic cells and THP-1 derived macrophages challenged with HCV virions, but no any inflammasome activation was detected in these cells. However, when we transfected HCV genomic RNA into monocytes or macrophages, IL-1β was secreted in a dose-dependent manner. We also detected ASC oligomerization and caspase-1 cleavage in HCV RNA transfected macrophages. Using shRNA-mediated gene silencing or specific inhibitors, we found that HCV RNA-induced

SUBMITTER: Chen W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3882267 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature