Abstract

15-Deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) is a cyclopentenonic prostaglandin endowed with powerful anti-inflammatory activities, as shown in animal models of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases, where pharmacological administration of this prostanoid can ameliorate inflammation and local tissue damage via activation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and/or covalent modifications of cellular proteins. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF superfamily expressed in most of the cells, including those of immune system such as T lymphocytes, in which it is up-regulated upon antigen-specific stimulation. This cytokine plays an important role in regulating various physiological and immunopathological processes, such as immunosurveillance of tumors and tissue destruction associated with different inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here, we demonstrate that 15d-PGJ₂ inhibits trail mRNA and protein expression by down-regulating the activity of its promoter in human T lymphocytes. Our data indicate that both the chemically reactive cyclopentenone moiety of 15d-PGJ₂ and the activation of PPARγ may be involved in this repressive mechanism. We identified nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) as a direct target of the prostanoid. 15d-PGJ₂ significantly decreases the expression and/or DNA binding of c-rel, RelA, and p50 transcription factors to the NF-κB1 site of trail promoter. Moreover, 15d-PGJ₂-mediated activation of the transcription factor heat shock factor-1 may contribute to inhibit trail promoter activity in transfected Jurkat T cells. These results suggest that modulation of TRAIL gene expression by 15d-PGJ₂ in T cells may provide a novel pharmacological tool to modify the onset and the progression of specific autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.