Cutting Edge: Critical Role for Mesothelial Cells in Necrosis-Induced Inflammation through the Recognition of IL-1α Released from Dying Cells

Endogenous danger signals released from necrotic cells are thought to be sensed by phagocytes leading to secretion of IL-1 alpha and neutrophilic recruitment. However, the mechanisms for IL-1 alpha production and IL-1 alpha-mediated sterile inflammation remain poorly understood. We report here that necrotic cell extracts elicited little secretion of CXCL1 and IL-6 from macrophages but robust production in mesothelial cells. The induction of CXCL1 as well as activation of NF-kappa B and MAPKs by cytosolic extracts required the presence of IL-1a in the necrotic cell. Conversely, expression of IL-1R and MyD88 but not IL-1 alpha, RICK, TLR2, TLR4, TRIF, or inflammasome components in mesothelial cells was critical for the production of CXCL1. Furthermore, IL-1 alpha was critical to induce the recruitment of neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity via CXCR2. These studies show that IL-1 alpha is a key danger signal released from necrotic cells to trigger CXCL1 secretion and recruitment of neutrophils via IL-1R/MyD88 on neighboring mesothelial cells. The Journal of Immunology, 2008, 181: 8194-8198.