CCR2 Signaling Selectively Regulates IFN-?: Role of ?-Arrestin 2 in IFNAR1 Internalization.

ABSTRACT: An integral component of the antiviral response, type I IFNs require regulation to modulate immune activation. We identify ?-arrestin 2 as a key modulator of type I IFN in primary human macrophages, an essential component of the innate immune response. ?-Arrestin 2 was selectively activated by CCL2/CCR2 signaling, which induced a decrease in IFN-?, but not IFN-? expression. Small interfering RNA knockdown of ?-arrestin 2 demonstrated its role in IFNAR1 internalization, as well as STAT1 and IRF3 activation. As a result, cytokine responses were not propagated following HIV infection and TLR3 activation. However, remnants of IFN signaling remained intact, despite ?-arrestin 2 activation, as IFN-?, IFN-?, IFN-?1, IRF7, TRAIL, and MxA expression were sustained. Similar effects of ?-arrestin 2 on IFN signaling occurred in hepatocytes, suggesting that arrestins may broadly modulate IFN responses in multiple cell types. In summary, we identify a novel role of ?-arrestin 2 as an integral regulator of type I IFN through its internalization of IFNAR1 and a subsequent selective loss of downstream IFN signaling.

SUBMITTER: Williams DW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6310093 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature