NLRP3 inflammasome has a protective effect against oxazolone-induced colitis: a possible role in ulcerative colitis

The inflammasomes induce maturation of pro-interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and pro-IL-18. We investigated roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). After induction of oxazolone-induced colitis, a mouse UC model, colonic tissues were assayed for inflammatory mediators. Histological studies were performed on inflamed colonic tissue from mice and UC patients. Histological severity of murine colitis peaked on day 1, accompanied by an increase in the expression of Th2 cytokines including IL-4 and IL-13. Oxazolone treatment stimulated maturation of pro-caspase-1 and pro-IL-1 beta, while it reduced IL-18 expression. Either exogenous IL-1 beta or IL-18 ameliorated the colitis with or without reduction in Th2 cytokine expression, respectively. Induction of colitis decreased MUC2 expression, which was reversed by administration of IL-18, but not IL-1 beta. Compared to wild-type mice, NLRP3(-/-) mice exhibited higher sensitivity to oxazolone treatment with enhancement of Th2 cytokine expression and reduction of mature IL-1 beta and IL-18 production; this phenotype was rescued by exogenous IL-1 beta or IL-18. Immunofluorescent studies revealed positive correlation of NLRP3 expression with disease severity in UC patients, and localization of the inflammasome-associated molecules in macrophages. The NLRP3 inflammasome-derived IL-1 beta and IL-18 may play a protective role against UC through different mechanisms.