Abnormal tumor necrosis factor receptor I cell surface expression and NF-κB activation in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome

Objective. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal-dominant autoinflammatory condition caused by mutations in the TNFRSF1A gene. The cellular mechanisms by which mutations in this gene trigger inflammation are currently unclear. Because NF-κB is the major intracellular signaling component inducing secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, we sought to determine whether differences in the clinical phenotype of patients with TRAPS may be attributable to variable effects of TNFRSF1A mutations on TNFRI expression, localization, or NF-κB activity. Methods. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from patients (following informed consent), and cellular nuclear and cytosolic fractions were generated by subcellular fractionation. Localization of IκBα and NF-κB was determined by Western blotting of the resultant fractions. NF-κB subunit activity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis and confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Subcellular localization of TNFRI was determined by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy or by immunoblotting following affinity isolation of plasma membrane by subcellular fractionation. Results. Cells from patients with the fully penetrant C73R mutation had marked activation of the proinflammatory p65 subunit of NF-κB. In contrast, cells from patients with the low-penetrant R92Q mutation displayed high levels of DNA binding by the p50 subunit, an interaction previously linked to repression of inflammation. Interestingly, although cells from patients with the C73R mutation have no TNFRI shedding defect, there was nonetheless an unusually high concentration of functional TNFRI at the plasma membrane. Conclusion. High levels of TNFRI at the cell surface in patients with the C73R mutation hypersensitizes cells to stimulation by TNF, leading to increased NF-κB p65 subunit activation and an exaggerated proinflammatory response. © 2008, American College of Rheumatology.