Prmt2 Regulates the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Responses in Lungs and Macrophages

Precise control of the LPS stimulation in the lung modulates inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness involving the well-known TLR4/NF-kappa B pathway. As a consequence, the expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines is tightly regulated with the recruitment of neutrophils. Changes in the LPS-induced responses have been observed in the Prmt2-Col6a1 monosomic model, suggesting the presence of dosage-sensitive genes controlling LPS pathway in the mouse. In this article, we report that the Prmt2 regulates the LPS-induced lung responses in lungs and macrophages. We demonstrate that Prmt2 gene dosage influences the lung airway hyperresponsiveness, the recruitment of neutrophils, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. In addition, Prmt2 loss of function also altered the nuclear accumulation of NF-kappa B in stimulated macrophages. Prmt2 should be considered as a new member of the NF-kappa B pathway controlling LPS-induced inflammatory and lung responses in a dosage-dependent manner, certainly through regulating nuclear accumulation of NF-kappa B as shown already in fibroblasts. The Journal of Immunology, 2011, 187: 4826-4834.