Profiling the proteomic inflammatory state of human astrocytes using DIA mass spectrometry

BackgroundAstrocytes are the most abundant cells in the central nervous system and are responsible for a wide range of functions critical to normal neuronal development, synapse formation, blood-brain barrier regulation, and brain homeostasis. They are also actively involved in initiating and perpetuating neuroinflammatory responses. However, information about their proteomic phenotypes under inflammation is currently limited.MethodData-independent acquisition mass spectrometry was applied to extensively characterize the profile of more than 4000 proteins in immortalized human fetal astrocytes under distinct inflammatory conditions induced by TNF, IL-1, and LPS, while multiplex immunoassay-based screening was used to quantify a wide range of cytokines released under these inflammatory conditions. Then, immunocytochemistry and western blotting were used to verify the activation of canonical and non-canonical NF-B upon exposure to the different stimuli. Finally, an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier consisting of a co-culture of primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells and primary human astrocytes was used to verify the inflammatory response of astrocytes upon LPS exposure in a more complex in vitro system.ResultsWe reported on a set of 186 proteins whose levels were significantly modulated by TNF, IL-1, and LPS. These three stimuli induced proteome perturbations, which led to an increased abundance of key inflammatory proteins involved in antigen presentation and non-canonical NF-B pathways. TNF and IL-1, but not LPS, also activated the canonical NF-B pathway, which in turn led to an extensive inflammatory response and dysregulation of cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins. In addition, TNF and LPS, but not IL-1, increased the abundance of several interferon-stimulated gene products. Finally, TNF and IL-1 similarly upregulated the secretion of several cytokines and chemokines, whereas LPS only induced a moderate increase in IL-8, IFN-, and IL-1 secretion. Upregulation of proteins associated with type I IFN and non-canonical NF-B signaling was also observed in primary astrocytes co-cultured with primary brain microvascular endothelial cells exposed to LPS.ConclusionsThe present study provides comprehensive information about the proteomic phenotypes of human astrocytes upon exposure to inflammatory stimuli both in monoculture and in co-culture with human brain microvascular endothelial cells.