Differential pro-inflammatory responses of TNF-α receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) on LOX-1 signalling

TNF-alpha potently induces LOX-1 expression in THP-1 macrophages at concentrations between 1.25-50 ng/mL. The interplay between the two TNF receptors (TNFR1 and TNFR2) was apparent in the expression pattern of LOX-1 in response to TNF-alpha. Interestingly, R1 signal abrogation depleted both TNFR2 as well as LOX-1 transcript expression, suggesting that TNFR1 holds priority in the relative signaling mechanism between TNFR1 and TNFR2. TNF-alpha was also found to abrogate the oxidized-LDL (ox-LDL) mediated increase in intracellular pool of NO, a known downstream intermediate of LOX-1 pro-inflammatory signaling cascade. At the level of ox-LDL clearance, TNF-alpha inhibited the uptake (scavenging) of ox-LDL via LOX-1. Our study demonstrates the ability of TNF-alpha to enhance the signaling propensity of LOX-1 by increasing its expression and inhibiting its scavenging property.