Lijing Su

Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-like Protein MLKL Causes Necrotic Membrane Disruption upon Phosphorylation by RIP3

Programmed necrotic cell death induced by the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) family of cytokines is dependent on a kinase cascade consisting of receptor-interacting kinases RIP1 and RIP3. How these kinase activities cause cells to die by necrosis is not known. The mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein MLKL is a functional RIP3 substrate that binds to RIP3 through its kinase-like domain but lacks kinase activity of its own. RIP3 phosphorylates MLKL at the T357 and S358 sites. Reported here is the development of a monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated MLKL in cells dying of this pathway and in human liver biopsy samples from patients suffering from drug-induced liver injury. The phosphorylated MLKL forms an oligomer that binds to phosphatidylinositol lipids and cardiolipin. This property allows MLKL to move from the cytosol to the plasma and intracellular membranes, where it directly disrupts membrane integrity, resulting in necrotic death.

Reconstitution of the vital functions of Munc18 and Munc13 in neurotransmitter release.

Reconstituting Synaptic Vesicle Fusion Membrane fusion reactions have been reconstituted in vitro, but often the reconstituted reactions have not directly mirrored the requirements for synaptic vesicle fusion in vivo. Previous work generally used only N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein SNAP receptors (SNAREs) and one or two additional components and could not explain why deletion of Munc18-1 or Munc13 abolishes neurotransmitter release completely, yielding the severe disruptions of synaptic vesicle release in knockout mouse. Ma et al. (p. 421, published online 20 December; see the Perspective by Hughson) now present a faithful reconstitution of synaptic vesicle fusion. Membrane fusion required Munc18-1 and Munc13 when the reconstitution experiments included all eight key components (three SNAREs, Munc18-1, Munc13, synaptotagmin-1, NSF, and α-SNAP). A model of neurotransmitter release explains why two proteins not needed for membrane fusion in vitro are needed in vivo. [Also see Perspective by Hughson] Neurotransmitter release depends critically on Munc18-1, Munc13, the Ca2+ sensor synaptotagmin-1, and the soluble N-ethylmaleimide–sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptors (SNAREs) syntaxin-1, synaptobrevin, and SNAP-25. In vitro reconstitutions have shown that syntaxin-1–SNAP-25 liposomes fuse efficiently with synaptobrevin liposomes in the presence of synaptotagmin-1–Ca2+, but neurotransmitter release also requires Munc18-1 and Munc13 in vivo. We found that Munc18-1 could displace SNAP-25 from syntaxin-1 and that fusion of syntaxin-1–Munc18-1 liposomes with synaptobrevin liposomes required Munc13, in addition to SNAP-25 and synaptotagmin-1-Ca2+. Moreover, when starting with syntaxin-1–SNAP-25 liposomes, NSF–α-SNAP disassembled the syntaxin-1–SNAP-25 heterodimers and abrogated fusion, which then required Munc18-1 and Munc13. We propose that fusion does not proceed through syntaxin-1–SNAP-25 heterodimers but starts with the syntaxin-1–Munc18-1 complex; Munc18-1 and Munc13 then orchestrate membrane fusion together with the SNAREs and synaptotagmin-1-Ca2+ in an NSF- and SNAP-resistant manner.

NLRP3 activation and mitosis are mutually exclusive events coordinated by NEK7, a new inflammasome component

The NLRP3 inflammasome responds to microbes and danger signals by processing and activating proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. We found here that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was restricted to interphase of the cell cycle by NEK7, a serine-threonine kinase previously linked to mitosis. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome required NEK7, which bound to the leucine-rich repeat domain of NLRP3 in a kinase-independent manner downstream of the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). This interaction was necessary for the formation of a complex containing NLRP3 and the adaptor ASC, oligomerization of ASC and activation of caspase-1. NEK7 promoted the NLRP3-dependent cellular inflammatory response to intraperitoneal challenge with monosodium urate and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis in mice. Our findings suggest that NEK7 serves as a cellular switch that enforces mutual exclusivity of the inflammasome response and cell division.

Binding of Munc18-1 to synaptobrevin and to the SNARE four-helix bundle.

Sec1/Munc18 (SM) proteins and soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) form part of the core intracellular membrane fusion machinery, but it is unclear how they cooperate in membrane fusion. The synaptic vesicle SNARE synaptobrevin and the plasma membrane SNAREs syntaxin-1 and SNAP-25 assemble into a tight SNARE complex that includes a four-helix bundle formed by their SNARE motifs and is key for fusion. The neuronal SM protein Munc18-1 binds to syntaxin-1 and to the SNARE complex through interactions with the syntaxin-1 N-terminal region that are critical for neurotransmitter release. It has been proposed that Munc18-1 also binds to synaptobrevin and to the SNARE four-helix bundle and that such interactions might be crucial for membrane fusion, but definitive, direct evidence of these interactions has not been described. Using diverse biophysical approaches, we now demonstrate that Munc18-1 indeed binds to synaptobrevin and to the SNARE four-helix bundle. Both interactions have similar affinities (in the low micromolar range) and appear to involve the same cavity of Munc18-1 that binds to syntaxin-1. Correspondingly, the N-terminal region of syntaxin-1 competes with the SNARE four-helix bundle and synaptobrevin for Munc18-1 binding. Importantly, the Munc18-1 binding site on synaptobrevin is located at the C-terminus of its SNARE motif, suggesting that this interaction places Munc18-1 right at the site where fusion occurs. These results suggest a model in which neurotransmitter release involves a sequence of three different types of Munc18-1-SNARE interactions and in which Munc18-1 plays a direct, active role in membrane fusion in cooperation with the SNAREs.

A Plug Release Mechanism for Membrane Permeation by MLKL.

MLKL is crucial for necroptosis, permeabilizing membranes through its N-terminal region upon phosphorylation of its kinase-like domain by RIP3. However, the mechanism underlying membrane permeabilization is unknown. The solution structure of the MLKL N-terminal region determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals a four-helix bundle with an additional helix at the top that is likely key for MLKL function, and a sixth, C-terminal helix that interacts with the top helix and with a poorly packed interface within the four-helix bundle. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements indicate that much of the four-helix bundle inserts into membranes, but not the C-terminal helix. Moreover, we find that the four-helix bundle is sufficient to induce liposome leakage and that the C-terminal helix inhibits this activity. These results suggest that the four-helix bundle mediates membrane breakdown during necroptosis and that the sixth helix acts as a plug that prevents opening of the bundle and is released upon RIP3 phosphorylation.

TLR4/MD-2 activation by a synthetic agonist with no similarity to LPS.

Significance The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex recognizes lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Gram-negative bacteria to induce an innate immune response. Neoseptins, chemically synthesized peptidomimetics that bind and activate the mouse TLR4 (mTLR4)/MD-2 complex independent of LPS, were discovered through unbiased screening and reverse genetic studies, and improved by chemical modification. NMR and X-ray crystallography of the TLR4/MD-2/Neoseptin-3 complex determined the mechanism by which Neoseptin-3 activates mTLR4/MD-2 and triggers myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88- and Toll-interleukin 1 receptor domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta-dependent signaling. Neoseptin-3 binds as a dimer within the hydrophobic pocket of MD-2, contacting residues distinct from those contacted by LPS or lipid A, yet triggering a conformational change very similar to that elicited by LPS or lipid A. Natural peptides might conceivably produce similar effects. Structurally disparate molecules reportedly engage and activate Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and other TLRs, yet the interactions that mediate binding and activation by dissimilar ligands remain unknown. We describe Neoseptins, chemically synthesized peptidomimetics that bear no structural similarity to the established TLR4 ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but productively engage the mouse TLR4 (mTLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex. Neoseptin-3 activates mTLR4/MD-2 independently of CD14 and triggers canonical myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88)- and Toll-interleukin 1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF)-dependent signaling. The crystal structure mTLR4/MD-2/Neoseptin-3 at 2.57-Å resolution reveals that Neoseptin-3 binds as an asymmetrical dimer within the hydrophobic pocket of MD-2, inducing an active receptor complex similar to that induced by lipid A. However, Neoseptin-3 and lipid A form dissimilar molecular contacts to achieve receptor activation; hence strong TLR4/MD-2 agonists need not mimic LPS.

Functional synergy between the Munc13 C-terminal C1 and C2 domains

Neurotransmitter release requires SNARE complexes to bring membranes together, NSF-SNAPs to recycle the SNAREs, Munc18-1 and Munc13s to orchestrate SNARE complex assembly, and Synaptotagmin-1 to trigger fast Ca2+-dependent membrane fusion. However, it is unclear whether Munc13s function upstream and/or downstream of SNARE complex assembly, and how the actions of their multiple domains are integrated. Reconstitution, liposome-clustering and electrophysiological experiments now reveal a functional synergy between the C1, C2B and C2C domains of Munc13-1, indicating that these domains help bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes to facilitate stimulation of SNARE complex assembly by the Munc13-1 MUN domain. Our reconstitution data also suggest that Munc18-1, Munc13-1, NSF, αSNAP and the SNAREs are critical to form a ‘primed’ state that does not fuse but is ready for fast fusion upon Ca2+ influx. Overall, our results support a model whereby the multiple domains of Munc13s cooperate to coordinate synaptic vesicle docking, priming and fusion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13696.001

Membrane bridging and hemifusion by denaturated Munc18.

Neuronal Munc18-1 and members of the Sec1/Munc18 (SM) protein family play a critical function(s) in intracellular membrane fusion together with SNARE proteins, but the mechanism of action of SM proteins remains highly enigmatic. During experiments designed to address this question employing a 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD) fluorescence de-quenching assay that is widely used to study lipid mixing between reconstituted proteoliposomes, we observed that Munc18-1 from squid (sMunc18-1) was able to increase the apparent NBD fluorescence emission intensity even in the absence of SNARE proteins. Fluorescence emission scans and dynamic light scattering experiments show that this phenomenon arises at least in part from increased light scattering due to sMunc18-1-induced liposome clustering. Nuclear magnetic resonance and circular dichroism data suggest that, although native sMunc18-1 does not bind significantly to lipids, sMunc18-1 denaturation at 37°C leads to insertion into membranes. The liposome clustering activity of sMunc18-1 can thus be attributed to its ability to bridge two membranes upon (perhaps partial) denaturation; correspondingly, this activity is hindered by addition of glycerol. Cryo-electron microscopy shows that liposome clusters induced by sMunc18-1 include extended interfaces where the bilayers of two liposomes come into very close proximity, and clear hemifusion diaphragms. Although the physiological relevance of our results is uncertain, they emphasize the necessity of complementing fluorescence de-quenching assays with alternative experiments in studies of membrane fusion, as well as the importance of considering the potential effects of protein denaturation. In addition, our data suggest a novel mechanism of membrane hemifusion induced by amphipathic macromolecules that does not involve formation of a stalk intermediate.

Discovery and Structure–Activity Relationships of the Neoseptins: A New Class of Toll-like Receptor-4 (TLR4) Agonists

Herein, we report studies leading to the discovery of the neoseptins and a comprehensive examination of the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of this new class of small-molecule mouse Toll-like receptor 4 (mTLR4) agonists. The compounds in this class, which emerged from screening an α-helix mimetic library, stimulate the immune response, act by a well-defined mechanism (mouse TLR4 agonist), are easy to produce and structurally manipulate, exhibit exquisite SARs, are nontoxic, and elicit improved and qualitatively different responses compared to lipopolysaccharide, even though they share the same receptor.

Adjuvant effect of the novel TLR1/TLR2 agonist Diprovocim synergizes with anti–PD-L1 to eliminate melanoma in mice

Significance Adjuvants enhance adaptive immune responses, sometimes through unknown mechanisms, and can be used to augment both humoral and cellular responses to cancer antigens. We report the immunological effects of the synthetic chemical adjuvant Diprovocim, which targets the innate immune receptor TLR1/TLR2 in mice and humans. Diprovocim displayed strong adjuvant activity in mice, particularly abetting cellular immune responses. Immunization against a genetically engineered tumor-specific antigen, ovalbumin, when adjuvanted with Diprovocim, inhibited growth of B16 melanoma and prolonged survival in the presence of immune checkpoint blockade by anti–PD-L1; 100% of mice responded to treatment. Our data suggest Diprovocim boosts the success of anti–PD-L1 treatment by increasing the number and activation of tumor-specific CTLs capable of responding to this checkpoint inhibitor. Successful cancer immunotherapy entails activation of innate immune receptors to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturation, antigen presentation, up-regulation of costimulatory molecules, and cytokine secretion, leading to activation of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Here we screened a synthetic library of 100,000 compounds for innate immune activators using TNF production by THP-1 cells as a readout. We identified and optimized a potent human and mouse Toll-like receptor (TLR)1/TLR2 agonist, Diprovocim, which exhibited an EC50 of 110 pM in human THP-1 cells and 1.3 nM in primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. In mice, Diprovocim-adjuvanted ovalbumin immunization promoted antigen-specific humoral and CTL responses and synergized with anti–PD-L1 treatment to inhibit tumor growth, generating long-term antitumor memory, curing or prolonging survival of mice engrafted with the murine melanoma B16-OVA. Diprovocim induced greater frequencies of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes than alum, of which CD8 T cells were necessary for the antitumor effect of immunization plus anti–PD-L1 treatment.