A asma ocupacional é a forma mais comum de doença pulmonar relacionada ao trabalho e vários dos casos reportados estão correlacionados à exposição de proteases. A serino protease subtilisina foi bastante utilizada na década de 60 e foi a principal responsável pela alta incidência de asma na indústria de detergente. Este projeto visou a desenvolver um modelo murino de inflamação alérgica pulmonar à subtilisina e caracterizar os mecanismos principais envolvidos nessa resposta. A sensibilização e desafio com subtilisina induziu doença alérgica pulmonar, verificada pela eosinofilia às vias aéreas, produção de muco, IgE total, hiper reatividade brônquica e produção de citocinas tipo II no pulmão. Estas respostas foram dependentes da atividade enzimática da subtilisina, PAR-2, receptor de IL-33 ST2, IL-1R e da sinalização via MyD88. Em conjunto, nossos resultados estabelecem um novo modelo experimental de asma ocupacional induzida por subtilisina e fornece os principais mecanismos moleculares responsáveis pela inflamação alérgica. / Occupational asthma is the most common form of pulmonary disease related to work. Most of occupational asthma cases reported are strictly correlated with proteases exposure. Serine protease subtilisin was widely used in the detergent industry during the 60s, which resulted in increased incidence of occupational asthma. We aimed to develop and characterize a murine model of occupational asthma using subtilisin as allergen. Briefly, sensitization and challenge with subtilisin triggered lung allergic inflammation, as accessed by eosinophilic influx to the airways, mucus production, and increased levels of type II cytokines. Subtilisin induced total IgE and airway hyperactivity. Allergic responses to subtilisin were dependent on its serine protease activity, protease-activated receptor (PAR)-2, IL-33 receptor ST2, IL-1R, and Myd88 signaling. Together, these data establish a new murine model of occupational asthma induced by subtilisin and provide the main molecular mechanisms responsible for allergic inflammation.

O conhecimento dos eventos biológicos que ocorrem no periápice dos dentes com necrose pulpar se torna importante para compreender o desenvolvimento das lesões periapicais. Muitas são as moléculas e mediadores que participam na instalação da lesão periapical, a partir da infecção bacteriana que ocorre no interior dos canais radiculares. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar moléculas do sistema imune inato, da osteoclastogênese e metaloproteinases em lesões periapicais (LP) induzidas experimentalmente em camundongos knockout e wild type. Para esse objetivo, o presente estudo foi dividido em dois trabalhos distintos. O primeiro teve como objetivo avaliar a expressão de metaloproteinase 2 (MMP2) e metaloproteinase 9 (MMP9) durante a progressão da LP em camundongos knockout para TLR2 (TLR2 KO) e MyD88 (MyD88 KO), em comparação com camundongos wild type (WT). O segundo estudo avaliou a correlação da expressão gênica e imunomarcação de RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 e MyD88 durante a progressão da LP em camundongos WT. No primeiro estudo lesões periapicais foram induzidas em molares inferiores de 54 camundongos TLR2 KO, MyD88 KO e WT (n=18/grupo). Após 7, 21 e 42 dias, os animais foram eutanaziados e as mandíbulas foram dissecadas e submetidas a processamento histotécnico. Os cortes histológicos foram submetidos a imunohistoquímica e posteriormente foi avaliada presença ou ausência de MMP2 e MMP9 nos diferentes grupos. No segundo estudo, 35 camundongos WT foram utilizados. As lesões periapicais foram induzidas nos primeiros molares inferiores de ambos os lados. Após 0 (G0), 7 (G7), 21 (G21) e 42 (G42) dias, os animais foram anestesiados e eutanasiados para que as mandíbulas fossem dissecadas e divididas ao meio.O lado direito das mandíbulas foi para o processamento histotécnico, para posterior marcação de RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 e MyD88, por meio da imuno-histoquímica do lado esquerdo da mandíbula foi utilizado para a extração de RNA, para a determinação da expressão gênica de RANK (Tnfrsf11a), RANKL (Tnfrsf11), OPG (Tnfrsf11b), TLR2 (Tlr2) e MyD88 (Myd88) utilizando quantificação em Tempo Real da Reação da Polimerase em Cadeia (qRT-PCR). Para ambos os estudos, testes paramétricos e não paramétricos foram realizados com nível de significância de 5%. Foi possível observar, no primeiro estudo, que nos períodos iniciais da progressão da lesão periapical, houve um aumento na imunomarcação de MMP9 nos camundongos TLR2 KO e MyD88 KO, quando comparados aos WT, diferente da MMP2 que não se observou nenhum aumento na imunomarcação. No entanto, aos 42 dias observou-se uma redução da imunomarcação de MMP2 e um aumento da MMP9 nos camundongos TLR2 KO. Adicionalmente, no segundo estudo, foi possível observar um aumento da imunomarcação para RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 e MyD88 durante a progressão da lesão periapical (p<0,05). O aumento da expressão de Tnfrsf11 foi diferente entre os grupos G0 e G42, e G21 e G42 (p=0,006). No entanto, a expressão de Tnfrsf11b foi diferente entre os grupos G0 e G7, G7, G21 e G42, sendo possível observar uma diminuição dessa expressão ao longo do tempo (p<0,001). Tlr2 foi mais expresso entre os grupos G0 e G42 (p=0,03). E a expressão da molécula Myd88 foi estatisticamente significante entre os grupos G0 e G7, G21 e G42 (p=0,01). A razão Tnfrsf11/Tnfrsf11b aumentou durante a progressão da lesão periapical (p=0,002). Também foi possível observar uma correlação moderada entre Myd88 e Rankl (r=0,42; p=0,03) e entre Myd88 e Tlr2 (r=0,48; p<0,0001). Após as metodologias empregadas e os dados analisados, concluímos que a produção de MMP2 e MMP9 foi modulada por TLR2 e Myd88 durante a progressão da lesão periapical. Alem disso, podemos sugerir que existe uma correlação positiva entre o sistema RANK/RANKL/OPG e as proteínas do sistema imune inato, TLR2 e MyD88, durante a perda óssea decorrente da infecção bacteriana dos canais radiculares e posterior progressão da lesão periapical. / Knowledge of the biological events occurring inteeth apex with pulp necrosis becomes important to understand the development of periapical lesions. There are manymolecules and mediators that participate in the installation of the periapical lesion, from the bacterial infection that occurs inside the root canals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate molecules of the innate immune system, osteoclastogenesis and metalloproteinases in experimentally apical periodontitis (AP) induced in knockout and wild type mice. For this purpose, the present study was divided into two distinct studies. The first one aimed to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) and metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) during the progression of AP in TLR2 knockout mice (TLR2 KO) and MyD88 knockout mice (MyD88 KO), compared to wild type mice (WT). The second study evaluated the correlation of gene expression and immunostaining of RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 and MyD88 during LP progression in WT mice. In the first study AP were induced in lower molars of 54 TLR2 KO, MyD88 KO and WT mice (n = 18 / group). After 7, 21 and 42 days, the animals were euthanized and the jaws were dissected and submitted to histotechnical processing. The histological sections were submitted to immunohistochemistry and subsequently the presence or absence of MMP2 and MMP9 in the different groups was evaluated. In the second study, 35 WT mice were used. Periapical lesions were induced in the lower first molars on both sides. After 0 (G0) to 7 (G7), 21 (G21) and 42 (G42) days, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized so that the jaws were dissected and divided in half. The right side of the jaws was for the histotechnic processing, for subsequent imunostaining of RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 and MyD88, through immunohistochemistry and the left side of the jaws was used for the extraction of RNA, for the determination of expression of RANK (Tnfrsf11a), RANKL (Tnfrsf11), OPG (Tnfrsf11b), TLR2 (Tlr2) and MyD88 (Myd88) using Quantification Real Time of Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). For both studies, parametric and non-parametric tests were performed with significance level of 5%. It was possible to observe in the first study that in the initial periods of AP progression there was an increase in MMP9 immunostaining in TLR2 KO and MyD88 KO mice when compared to WT, different from MMP2 that no increase in immunostaining was observed. However, at 42 days there was a reduction in MMP2 immunostaining and an increase of MMP9 in TLR2 KO mice was observed. Additionally, in the second study, it was possible to observe an increase in the immunostaining for RANK, RANKL, OPG, TLR2 and MyD88 during periapical lesion progression (p <0.05). The increase in Tnfrsf11 expression was different between groups G0 and G42, and G21 and G42 (p = 0.006). However, the expression of Tnfrsf11b was different between the G0 and G7, G7, G21 and G42 groups, and a decrease in expression over time (p <0.001) was observed. Tlr2 was more expressed between the G0 and G42 groups (p = 0.03). And the expression of the Myd88 molecule was statistically significant between the G0 and G7, G21 and G42 groups (p = 0.01). The Tnfrsf11 / Tnfrsf11b ratio increased during the AP progression (p = 0.002). It was also possible to observe a moderate correlation between Myd88 and Rankl (r = 0.42, p = 0.03) and between Myd88 and Tlr2 (r = 0.48, p <0.0001). After the methodologies used and the data analyzed, we conclude that the production of MMP2 and MMP9 was modulated by TLR2 and Myd88 during the AP progression. In addition, we can suggest that there is a positive correlation between the RANK / RANKL / OPG system and the proteins of the innate immune system, TLR2 and MyD88, during bone loss due to bacterial infection of the root canals and subsequent progression of the apical periodontitis.

INTRODUÇÃO: O receptor tipo Toll 4 (TLR4) pertencente a uma família de receptores do sistema imune inato, reconhece o padrão molecular de lipopolissacarídeos (LPS), expressos por bactérias Gram negativas. Sua cascata de sinalização, nas células apresentadoras de antígeno, ocorre por duas vias principais: MyD88-dependente, que resulta na ativação de NF-B e na expressão de genes de resposta inflamatória e MyD88-independente, responsável pela ativação dos fatores IRF3 e IRF7, culminando na síntese de interferons e , envolvidos na resposta anti-viral e anti-bacteriana. Células não-imunes, de diversos tecidos, também expressam TLR4, incluindo células pancreáticas murinas e humanas. Devido ao seu papel nos processos inflamatórios, os TLR estão implicados em doenças crônicas como obesidade e diabetes. Estudo anterior do grupo identificou TLR4 como uma molécula que ativa sinais inflamatórios e provoca alterações na homeostase das células . Neste trabalho, investigamos qual via é ativada por LPS e quais os efeitos da expressão do TLR4 na viabilidade celular e na produção de insulina em células murinas. MÉTODOS: Células MIN6 (linhagem celular de insulinoma de camundongo) foram cultivadas em condições de hipo (2,8mM glicose), normo (5,6mM glicose) e hiperglicemia (11,2mM glicose), por 4 dias. Após esse período, foi adicionado LPS (50 ng/mL) por 48h e foram feitas análises por PCR em tempo real, Western Blot, ELISA e citometria de fluxo. RESULTADOS: Os resultados confirmam o aumento de TLR4 em células em condições de hiperglicemia e a via de sinalização ativada por LPS é a via MyD88-dependente, envolvida na produção de citocinas pró-inflamatórias. A via de indução de intérferons tipo 1 está ausente nestas células. Além disso, TLR4 ativado por LPS aumentou secreção de insulina em resposta a glicose, mas não induziu a morte celular. CONCLUSÃO: A expressão de TLR4 em células pancreáticas murinas é induzida em resposta ao aumento da glicemia, constituindo um novo elo entre a agressão à célula causada por altos níveis de glicose e a alteração da função celular induzida por LPS / INTRODUCTION: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) belongs to a family of innate immunity receptors and recognizes the molecular pattern present in lipopolysaccharides (LPS), typical of Gram-negative bacteria. There are two TLR4 signaling pathways, typically in antigen-presenting cells: one is MyD88-dependent, activating NF-kB transcription factor and triggering inflammatory cytokine production and the other is MyD88-independent, leading to activation of IRF3 and IRF-7 and production of interferons e , involved in antiviral and antibacterial immune responses. Non-immune cells in several tissues also express TLR4, including human and murine pancreatic cells. Due to their role in inflammatory processes, TLRs have been implicated in chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. Our previous study identified TLR4 as a molecule which activates inflammatory signals and induces changes in cell homeostasis. In this study, we investigated which of the TLR4 pathways is activated by LPS and the effects of glucose levels on cell viability and insulin production in a mouse insulinoma cell line. METHODS: MIN6 cells were maintained in low (2,8mM), normal (5,6mM) and high (11,2mM) glucose levels for 4 days, and then incubated with LPS (50 ng/mL) for 48 hours. Analyses were done by real-time PCR, Western Blot, ELISA and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Analysis confirmed increase in TLR4 gene expression in hyperglycemic conditions and showed that the signaling pathway activated by LPS is MyD88-dependent. The interferon induction pathway is absent in these cells. Furthermore, upon activation by LPS, TLR4 impacts on insulin secretion in response to glucose, but without triggering cell death. CONCLUSION: We conclude that TLR4 expression in mouse pancreatic cells is induced in response to increased glucose levels, constituting a new link in the chain of events leading to cell stress caused by high glucose levels with concomitant changes in cell function induced by LPS

The mammalian intestine harbors an estimated 100 trillion microorganisms, which normally maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the host. The intestinal epithelium consists of a single layer of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) that provides a physical barrier as well as innate immune defense, preventing this vast community of microbes from entering host tissues. Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) acts as the first line of antigen-specific immunity at the interface between the gut microbiota and the intestinal epithelium. Polymeric IgA secreted by plasma cells in the intestinal lamina propria is transported across IECs by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Defects in epithelial barrier and immune functions can lead to infections with opportunistic and pathogenic microbes and contribute to the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here we investigate the ability of IEC biomarkers to define the mechanism and severity of intestinal inflammation, as well as provide insight into the function of IEC in regulating intestinal homeostasis and inflammation. Importantly, down-regulation of pIgR expression was a common feature in human IBD and mouse models of experimental colitis. One molecule of pIgR is consumed for every molecule of SIgA transported, thus high expression of pIgR is required to maintain sufficient supply of SIgA. Accordingly, we investigate the mechanisms by which IECs regulate pIgR expression in response to colonic bacteria. Cross-talk between the microbiota and IECs is mediated by pattern recognition receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLR), leading to expression of gene products that enhance epithelial barrier function and innate immunity. The cytoplasmic adaptor protein MyD88 transduces signals from TLRs that recognize bacterial products. We show that pIgR induction by colonic bacteria is dependent on TLR4-MyD88 activation of NF-κB signaling. We examined the role of epithelial-specific MyD88 signaling in antibacterial immunity and epithelial expression of key gene products that participate in innate immunity in the gut by generating mice with an IEC-targeted deletion of the Myd88 gene (MyD88ΔIEC). MyD88ΔIEC mice display immunological and antimicrobial defects resulting in increased susceptibility to experimental colitis. We conclude that cross-talk between bacteria and IECs via MyD88-dependent signaling is crucial for maintenance of gut homeostasis.

No description available.

No description available.

Le fer est un oligo-élément nécessaire pour le fonctionnement normal de toutes les cellules de l'organisme et joue un rôle essentiel dans de nombreuses fonctions biologiques. Cependant, le niveau de fer dans le corps doit être bien réglé, sinon la carence en fer entraine des divers états pathologiques tels que l'anémie et la diminution de l’immunité. D'autre part, une surcharge en fer potentialise la multiplication des germes, aggrave l’infection et la formation de radicaux libres ayant des effets toxiques sur les cellules et leurs composants, ce qui favorise les maladies cardio-vasculaires, l'inflammation et le cancer. L'hepcidine (HAMP), un régulateur négatif de l'absorption du fer, induit la dégradation de la ferroportine (FPN), le seul exportateur connu de fer ce qui réduit sa libération par les macrophages et inhibe son absorption gastro-intestinale. HAMP est synthétisé principalement par les hépatocytes, mais aussi par les macrophages. Cependant, il y a très peu de données sur la façon dont HAMP est régulé au niveau des macrophages. Plus récemment, nous avons constaté que l’induction de l’hepcidin dans le foie par le polysaccharide (LPS) est dépendante de la voie de signalisation médiée par « Toll-like receptor 4 » (TLR4). Grâce au TLR4, le LPS induit l'activation des macrophages qui sécrètent de nombreuses différentes cytokines inflammatoires, y compris Interleukine 6 (IL-6), responsable de l'expression de HAMP hépatique. Dans le premier chapitre de la présente étude, nous avons étudié la régulation de HAMP dans la lignée cellulaire macrophagique RAW264.7 et dans les macrophages péritonéaux murins stimulés par différents ligands des TLRs. Nous avons constaté que TLR2 et TLR4 par l'intermédiaire de la protéine adaptatrice « myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 » (MyD88) activent l'expression de HAMP dans les cellules RAW264.7 et les macrophages péritonéaux sauvages murins, tandis que cette expression a été supprimée dans les macrophages isolés des souris TLR2-/-, TLR4-déficiente ou MyD88-/-. En outre, nous avons constaté que la production d'IL-6 par les cellules RAW264.7 stimulées avec du LPS a été renforcée par l’ajout des quantités élevées de fer dans le milieu de culture. Au cours de l’inflammation, le niveau de HAMP est fortement augmenté. Ainsi, lorsque l'inflammation persiste, l’expression de HAMP continue à être activée par des cytokines pro-inflammatoires conduisant à une hyposidérémie. Malgré que cette dernière soit considérée comme une défense de l'hôte pour priver les micro-organismes de fer, celle ci cause un développement d'anémies nommées anémies des maladies chroniques. Ainsi, dans le deuxième chapitre de la présente étude, nous avons étudié l'implication des TLRs et leurs protéines adaptatrices MyD88 et TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) dans le développement des hyposidérémies. En utilisant des souris déficientes en MyD88 et TRIF, nous avons montré que les voies de signalisations MyD88 et TRIF sont essentielles pour l’induction de HAMP par le LPS. Malgré l'absence de HAMP, les souris déficientes ont été capables de développer une hyposidérémie, mais la réponse des souris déficientes en MyD88 a été très légère, ce qui indique l'exigence de cette protéine pour assurer une réponse maximale au LPS. En outre, nous avons constaté que la signalisation MyD88 est nécessaire pour le stockage du fer au niveau de la rate, ainsi que l'induction de lipocaline 2 (LCN2), qui est une protéine impliquée dans la fixation du fer pour limiter la croissance bactérienne. Indépendamment de MyD88 ou TRIF, l'activation de TLR4 et TLR3 a conduit, au niveau de la rate, à une diminution rapide de l’expression de FPN et du « Human hemochromatosis protein » (HFE) qui est une protéine qui limite la séquestration du fer cellulaire à partir de la circulation. Cependant, malgré cette baisse d’expression, le manque de la signalisation MyD88 a altéré de manière significative la réponse hyposidérémique. En établissant le rôle des TLRs et de la protéine adaptatrice MyD88 dans la diminution du taux du fer sérique au cours de la réponse inflammatoire, nous avons remarqué qu’en réponse au surcharge en fer les souris déficientes en MyD88 accumulent de manière significative plus de fer hépatique par rapport aux souris sauvages, et cela indépendamment des TLRs. Ainsi, dans le troisième chapitre de la présente étude, nous avons étudié le phénotype observé chez les souris déficientes en MyD88. Nous avons trouvé que l'expression de HAMP chez ces souris a été plus faible que celle des souris de type sauvage. Pour cela, nous avons exploré la signalisation à travers la voie du « Bone Morphogenetic Proteins 6 » (BMP6) qui est considérée comme étant la voie fondamentale de la régulation de HAMP en réponse aux concentrations du fer intracellulaires et extracellulaires et nous avons trouvé que l'expression protéique de Smad4, un régulateur positif de l'expression de HAMP, est significativement plus faible chez les souris MyD88-/- par rapport aux souris sauvages. En outre, on a montré que MyD88 interagit avec « mothers against decapentaplegic, Drosophila, homolog 4 » (Smad4) et que cette interaction est essentielle pour l’induction de HAMP à travers la voie BMP6. En conclusion, notre étude montre que l'expression de HAMP dans les macrophages est régulée principalement par TLR2 et TLR4 à travers la voie MyD88 et que l'accumulation du fer dans les macrophages peut affecter les niveaux des cytokines pro-inflammatoires. En outre, nos analyses démontrent que le développement d’hyposidérémie en réponse au LPS se produit par l'intermédiaire d’un mécanisme dépendant de MyD88 qui est dissociée de la production de cytokines et de HAMP. En plus, nos recherches montrent que MyD88 est nécessaire pour l'expression de Smad4 et cela pour garantir une réponse optimale à travers la signalisation BMP6, conduisant ainsi à une expression adéquate de HAMP. Enfin, la protéine MyD88 joue un rôle crucial dans, la régulation de HAMP au niveau des macrophages, la diminution du taux du fer sérique en réponse au LPS et le maintien de l'homéostasie du fer. / Iron is an oligoelement necessary for normal functioning of all body cells and plays an essential role in many biological functions. However, the level of iron in the body must be well regulated, otherwise iron deficiency results in various pathological conditions such as anemia and decreased immunity. On the other hand, iron overload potentiates the multiplication of germs and infection worsens, and the formation of free radicals with toxic effects on cells and their components, thus promoting cardiovascular diseases, inflammation and cancer. Hepcidin (HAMP), a negative regulator of iron absorption, induces the degradation of the only known iron exporter ferroportin (FPN) resulting in the reduction of iron release by macrophages and in the inhibition of its gastrointestinal uptake. HAMP is synthesized mainly by hepatocytes but also by macrophages. However, there are very little data about how HAMP is regulated in macrophages. More recently, we found that HAMP induction in the liver by polysaccharide (LPS) is dependent on the signaling pathway mediated by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Through TLR4, LPS induces the activation of macrophages which will secrete many different inflammatory cytokines, including Interleukine 6 (IL-6), responsible of hepatic HAMP expression. In the first chapter of the present study, we investigated HAMP regulation in the RAW264.7 macrophage cell line and in murine peritoneal macrophages stimulated with different TLR ligands. We found that TLR2 and TLR4 signaling through the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) adaptor protein activate hepcidin expression in RAW264.7 cells and in wild-type murine peritoneal macrophages, while this expression was abolished in TLR2−/−, TLR4-deficient or MyD88−/− isolated macrophages. Moreover, we found that IL-6 production by RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS was enhanced by high amounts of iron present in the culture medium. During inflammation, the level of HAMP is greatly increased. Thus, when inflammation persists, HAMP expression continues to be activated by proinflammatory cytokines leading to hypoferremia. Despite that the latter is considered as host defence to deprive microorganisms of iron, this will cause the development of anemia of chronic disease. Thus, in the second chapter of the present study, we investigated the involvement of TLRs signaling through their adaptor proteins MyD88 and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) in the development of hypoferremia. Using MyD88-deficient and TRIF-deficient mice, we show that MyD88 and TRIF signaling pathways are critical for HAMP up-regulation by LPS. Despite the lack of HAMP, both deficient mice were able to develop hypoferremia; however the response in MyD88 deficient mice was very mild, indicating the requirement of MyD88 adaptor protein for the acute hypoferremic response to LPS. Furthermore, we found that MyD88 signaling is required for iron sequestration in the spleen and the induction of lipocalin 2 (LCN2) which is a protein involved in iron sequestration that in turn limits bacterial growth. Independently of MyD88 or TRIF, the activation of TLR4 and TLR3 signaling resulted in rapid down-regulation of splenic FPN and the Human hemochromatosis protein (HFE) which is a protein that limit cellular iron uptake from the circulation. However, despite the latter down-regulation, the lack of MyD88 signaling significantly impaired the hypoferremic response. While establishing the role of TLRs signaling through MyD88 adaptor protein in the acute phase of hypoferemia, we noticed that MyD88-deficient mice accumulate significantly more iron in their livers than wild-type mice in response to iron loading, and this independently of TLRs. Thus, in this third chapter of the present study, we studied the phenotype observed in MyD88-deficient mice. We found that HAMP expression in MyD88-deficient mice was lower than wild-type mice. Regarding this result, we explored the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins 6 (BMP6) signaling which is considered to be the fundamental pathway regulating HAMP levels in response to intracellular and extracellular iron concentrations and we found by western blot that Smad4 expression is significantly lower in MyD88-/- mice when compared to wild-type mice. We further show that MyD88 interacts with the mothers against decapentaplegic, Drosophila, homolog 4 (Smad4), a positive regulator of HAMP expression, and that this interaction is critical for HAMP induction through the Smad4 iron-sensing pathway. In conclusion, our study shows that HAMP expression in macrophages is regulated mainly through TLR2 and TLR4 receptors via the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway and that autocrine regulation of iron accumulation in macrophages by HAMP may affect the levels of proinflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the development of hypoferremia during LPS response occur via a MyD88-dependent mechanism that is dissociated from peripheral cytokine production and hepatic HAMP induction. This work shows that MyD88 is required for Smad4 expression to guarantee an optimum response to BMP6 signaling, leading to adequate HAMP expression. Finally, the MyD88 adopter protein plays a crucial role in the regulation of HAMP expression by macrophages, the development of the hypoferremic response by LPS and the maintenance of iron homeostasis.

A contribuição de células B para a memória imunológica se dá por duas distintas populações: células B de memória e células produtoras de anticorpos de longa vida (ASC). A inter-relação entre estas células bem como os mecanismos envolvidos para a manutenção destas tem sido pouco entendida. O veneno de Thalassophryne nattereri tem se mostrado capaz de induzir uma intensa resposta imune de memória. Nós avaliamos o efeito das Natterinas, que são as toxinas majoritárias e inéditas, na indução e manutenção da resposta imune de memória de células B. Este estudo, além de permitir um maior esclarecimento da resposta humoral de memória induzida pelo veneno do peixe T. nattereri, permitiu o estudo da complexa organização do compartimento de células B de memória e ASCs. Também evidenciamos a importância da atividade proteásica para a manutenção da cronicidade de resposta de células B no peritônio, no baço e na medula, como verificamos que a ativação de receptores inatos como osTLRs é decisiva para a geração e manutenção de ASCs B220pos/neg em resposta às Natterinas, dependentes das vias de sinalização MyD88 ou TRIF. Estas sinalizações controlam a magnitude, a qualidade e a longa duração da resposta humoral de memória. / The contribution of B cells for the immunological memory feels for two different populations: memory B cells and long-lived antibodies secreting cells (ASC). The interrelation among these cells as well as the mechanisms involved for the maintenance of these it has been little understood. The venom of Thalassophryne nattereri possesses the ability to induce an intense memory immune response. We evaluated the effect of Natterins that are majority toxins in the venom, in the induction and maintenance of the immune memory response of cells B. The study, besides allowing a larger explanation of the humoral memory response induced by the venom of the fish, it allowed the understanding of the complex organization of the memory B cells compartment, mainly of the subtype of long-lived cells (ASC). Also, we showed the importance of the protease activity of Natterins in the maintenance of the chronic B cell responses in the three analyzed compartments. We verify that the activation of Toll like receptors is decisive for the generation and maintenance of ASCs B220pos/neg in response to Natterins, dependent on the MyD88 or TRIF signaling that control the quality and the duration of the humoral memory response.

A contribuição de células B para a memória imunológica se dá por duas distintas populações: células B de memória e células produtoras de anticorpos de longa vida (ASC). A inter-relação entre estas células bem como os mecanismos envolvidos para a manutenção destas tem sido pouco entendida. O veneno de Thalassophryne nattereri tem se mostrado capaz de induzir uma intensa resposta imune de memória. Nós avaliamos o efeito das Natterinas, que são as toxinas majoritárias e inéditas, na indução e manutenção da resposta imune de memória de células B. Este estudo, além de permitir um maior esclarecimento da resposta humoral de memória induzida pelo veneno do peixe T. nattereri, permitiu o estudo da complexa organização do compartimento de células B de memória e ASCs. Também evidenciamos a importância da atividade proteásica para a manutenção da cronicidade de resposta de células B no peritônio, no baço e na medula, como verificamos que a ativação de receptores inatos como osTLRs é decisiva para a geração e manutenção de ASCs B220pos/neg em resposta às Natterinas, dependentes das vias de sinalização MyD88 ou TRIF. Estas sinalizações controlam a magnitude, a qualidade e a longa duração da resposta humoral de memória. / The contribution of B cells for the immunological memory feels for two different populations: memory B cells and long-lived antibodies secreting cells (ASC). The interrelation among these cells as well as the mechanisms involved for the maintenance of these it has been little understood. The venom of Thalassophryne nattereri possesses the ability to induce an intense memory immune response. We evaluated the effect of Natterins that are majority toxins in the venom, in the induction and maintenance of the immune memory response of cells B. The study, besides allowing a larger explanation of the humoral memory response induced by the venom of the fish, it allowed the understanding of the complex organization of the memory B cells compartment, mainly of the subtype of long-lived cells (ASC). Also, we showed the importance of the protease activity of Natterins in the maintenance of the chronic B cell responses in the three analyzed compartments. We verify that the activation of Toll like receptors is decisive for the generation and maintenance of ASCs B220pos/neg in response to Natterins, dependent on the MyD88 or TRIF signaling that control the quality and the duration of the humoral memory response.

Obesidade é fator de risco para a hipertensão arterial e os mecanismos envolvidos nesta doença não são totalmente esclarecidos. Camundongos C57BL/6J e transgênicos com com deleção em neurônios e glia da via inflamatória do receptor toll-like-NF&#954;B foram submetidos à dieta hiperlipídica (HL) por 8 e 15 semanas e avaliados parâmetros metabólicos, pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, atividade do sistema nervoso autônomo, fatores inflamatórios e neuropeptídeos no hipotálamo e no tronco encefálico. Os camundongos expostos HL desenvolveram hipertensão arterial acompanhada de disfunção autonômica e aumento de CART no DMH. Os animais transgênicos quando submetidos à dieta HL desenvolveram um quadro de obesidade, porém não apresentaram hipertensão arterial e disfunção autonômica. Além disso, o grupo de animais HL aumentou o RNAm de CCL5 no hipotálamo e de CD86 no tronco-encefálico e a densidade de microglia no NTS caudal. Os resultados sugerem novos mecanismos para a hipertensão e disfunção autonômica secundárias à ingestão de dieta hiperlipídica mostrando o papel do CART o DMH e o envolvimento da via inflamatória do TLR-NF&#954;B em neurônios e glia nos mecanismos desta patologia. / Obesity is a risk factor for high blood pressure and the mechanisms involved in this disease are not fully clarified. C57BL/6J and transgenic mice with toll-like-NF&#954;B receptor inflammatory- pathway deletion in neurons and glia were fed with high-fat diet (HL) for 8 or 15 weeks and assessed metabolic parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, autonomic nervous system activity, inflammatory factors and neuropeptides in the hypothalamus and brainstem. The HL mice developed hypertension accompanied with autonomic dysfunction and increased CART in DMH. Transgenic animals when submitted to HL diet developed obesity, but not showed high blood pressure and autonomic dysfunction. In addition, HL animals had increased CCL5 mRNA in hypothalamus, CD86 mRNA in brainstem and micróglia density in caudal NTS. The results suggest new mechanisms for hypertension and autonomic dysfunction secondary to intake of high-fat diet by showing CART role in DMH and the involvement of the inflammatory pathway TLR-NF&#954;B in neurons and glia.