A novel mechanism of control of NFκB activation and inflammation involving A2B adenosine receptors

Abstract

The nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) pathway controls a variety of processes, including inflammation, and thus, the regulation of NFκB has been a continued focus of study. Here, we report a newly identified regulation of this pathway, involving direct binding of the transcription factor NFκB1 (the p105 subunit of NFκB) to the C-terminus of the A2B adenosine receptor (A2BAR), independent of ligand activation. Intriguingly, binding of A2BAR to specific sites on p105 prevents polyubiquitylation and degradation of p105 protein. Ectopic expression of the A2BAR increases p105 levels and inhibits NFκB activation, whereas p105 protein levels are reduced in cells from A2BAR-knockout mice. In accordance with the known regulation of expression of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines by p105, A2BAR-null mice generate less interleukin (IL)-10, and more IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α). Taken together, our results show that the A2BAR inhibits NFκB activation by physically interacting with p105, thereby blocking its polyubiquitylation and degradation. Our findings unveil a surprising function for the A2BAR, and provide a novel mechanistic insight into the control of the NFκB pathway and inflammation. © 2012.