Low expression of TNFAIP3 enhances the function of dendritic cells in AMD via MAPK signaling pathway

Abstract Purpose TNFAIP3 is an important negative regulator of inflammation and immunity. In this study, we explore the role of TNFAIP3 in wAMD. Method We used real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression level of TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and DCs of wAMD and normal people. Subsequently, we transfected DCs with adenovirus to silent TNFaip3, and detected the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 secreted by DCs by ELISA. The phosphorylation levels of JNK, p38 and ERK 1/2 were detected by flow cytometry. Result Compared with normal people, the expression level of TNFAIP3 in PBMCs and DCs of wAMD patients was significantly decreased. Silenced TNFAIP3 could increase the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 secreted by DCs, decrease the level of IL-10, and also increase the levels of JNK and p38 phosphorylation. Conclusion This study showed that the expression level of TNFAIP3 was significantly decreased in wAMD patients, and the decrease of TNFAIP3 could lead to the change of inflammatory cytokines secreted by DCs through the MAPK pathway.