MEK is a key modulator for TLR5-induced interleukin-8 and MIP3α gene expression in non-transformed human colonic epithelial cells

Flagellin, a specific ligand for Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5), is a molecular pattern associated with several bacterial species. Recently, TLR signaling has been intensively studied. However, TLR5-associated signaling in non-transformed colonocytes has not been investigated. Here we studied the expression of cytokines induced by flagellin in non-transformed human colonic NCM460 cells and the signaling mechanisms mediating these responses. Cytokine expression array experiments showed that exposure of the cells to flagellin (100 ng/ml) for 12 h increased the expression of interleukin (IL)-8 and macrophage-inflammatory protein 3α (MIP3α) in a TLR5-specific manner. Flagellin also activated MAP kinases (ERK1/2, JNK, and p38) and degraded IκBα. Dominant negative MEK1 (a kinase that activates ERK1/2) blocked flagellin-stimulated IL-8 and MIP3α transcriptional activity, while the MEK-specific inhibitors PD98059 and U0126 reduced protein production of these cytokines. Conversely, transfection with a constitutively active MEK1 increased IL-8 and MIP3α transcriptional activity in a NFκB-independent manner. Furthermore, overexpression of the constitutively active MEK1 induced IL-8 and MIP3α protein production. We also demonstrated that C-terminal coiled-coil and TRAF-C domains of TRAF6, unable to mediate NFκB activation, are involved in MEK-mediated IL-8 and MIP3α expression. Thus, in non-transformed human colonocytes, MEK activation following flagellin/TLR5 engagement is a key modulator for NFκB-independent, IL-8 and MIP3α expression.