Conclusions
SapC-DOPS was similar to LPS in the immune response and may induce the production of cytokines in macrophages via the TLR4 signaling pathway and, at least in part, the alteration of the NF-κB pathway.
Methods
We investigated the capacity of SapC-DOPS to induce cytokines in vivo and in vitro and analyzed the involvement of TLR and NF-kB in these cytokines production.
Results
SapC-DOPS could activate the cytokine production by peripheral macrophages, enhance the expressions of TLR4 and stimulate the NF-κB nuclear translocation. PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor, could decrease the SapC-DOPS inducible TNF-α and IL-1β production. Conclusions: SapC-DOPS was similar to LPS in the immune response and may induce the production of cytokines in macrophages via the TLR4 signaling pathway and, at least in part, the alteration of the NF-κB pathway.