TGF-beta regulates T-cell neurokinin-1 receptor internalization and function

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Mar 2;107(9):4293-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0905877107. Epub 2010 Feb 16.

Abstract

Substance P (SP) is a proinflammatory mediator implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other inflammatory states. SP acts by stimulating the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) on T lymphocytes and other cell types, and regulates these cells in a complex interplay with multiple cytokines. The mechanisms of interaction among these inflammatory mediators are not yet fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that function of the NK-1R, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, is modulated by TGF-beta. The latter acts not on a GPCR but via serine-threonine kinase-class receptors. By flow confocal image analysis, we demonstrate that TGF-beta delays SP-induced NK-1R internalization on mucosal T cells isolated from a mouse model of IBD and on granuloma T cells in murine schistosomiasis. Furthermore, luciferase reporter-gene assays revealed that NK-1R stimulation activates the nuclear factor of activated T cell- and activator protein-1-dependent signaling pathways, which are known triggers of effector T-cell cytokine production. TGF-beta markedly increases SP-induced activation of these signaling cascades, suggesting that delayed NK-1R internalization results in enhanced signaling. Providing a link to amplified immune function, SP and TGF-beta, when applied in combination, trigger a strong release of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma and IL17 from intestinal inflammatory T cells, whereas either agonist alone shows no effect. These observations establish precedent that members of two distinct receptor superfamilies can interact via a previously unrecognized mechanism, and reveal a paradigm of GPCR transregulation that is relevant to IBD and possibly other disease processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Endocytosis*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / immunology*
  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Substance P
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*

Substances

  • Receptors, Neurokinin-1
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interleukin-10
  • Substance P