Open Access

CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous cells via M2 macrophage polarization

  • Authors:
    • Xiao-Wen Gao
    • Han-Lin Hu
    • Ming-Hua Xie
    • Cai-Xia Tang
    • Jun Ou
    • Zheng-Hao Lu
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: June 7, 2023     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12058
  • Article Number: 359
  • Copyright: © Gao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) belongs to the CX3C chemokine family and is involved in various disease processes. However, its role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, western blotting, reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and ELISA assays were used to assess target gene expression. In addition, immunofluorescence and TUNEL staining were used to assess macrophage infiltration, monocyte migration and apoptosis. The present study aimed to reveal if and how CX3CL1 regulates IDD progression by exploring its effect on macrophage polarization and apoptosis of human nucleus pulposus cells (HNPCs). The data showed that CX3CL1 bound to CX3C motif chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) promoted the M2 phenotype polarization via JAK2/STAT3 signaling, followed by increasing the secretion of anti‑inflammatory cytokines from HNPCs. In addition, HNPC‑derived CX3CL1 promoted M2 macrophage‑derived C‑C motif chemokine ligand 17 release thereby reducing the apoptosis of HNPCs. In clinic, the reduction of mRNA and protein levels CX3CL1 in degenerative nucleus pulposus tissues (NPs) was measured. Increased M1 macrophages and pro‑inflammatory cytokines were found in NPs of IDD patients with low CX3CL1 expression. Collectively, these findings suggested that the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates IDD by reducing inflammation and apoptosis of HNPCs via macrophages. Therefore, targeting CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis is expected to produce a new therapeutic approach for IDD.
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July-2023
Volume 26 Issue 1

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Gao X, Hu H, Xie M, Tang C, Ou J and Lu Z: CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous cells via M2 macrophage polarization. Exp Ther Med 26: 359, 2023
APA
Gao, X., Hu, H., Xie, M., Tang, C., Ou, J., & Lu, Z. (2023). CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous cells via M2 macrophage polarization. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 26, 359. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12058
MLA
Gao, X., Hu, H., Xie, M., Tang, C., Ou, J., Lu, Z."CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous cells via M2 macrophage polarization". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 26.1 (2023): 359.
Chicago
Gao, X., Hu, H., Xie, M., Tang, C., Ou, J., Lu, Z."CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis alleviates inflammation and apoptosis in human nucleus pulpous cells via M2 macrophage polarization". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 26, no. 1 (2023): 359. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2023.12058