P2Y6 Receptor Signaling Pathway Mediates Inflammatory Responses Induced by Monosodium Urate Crystals

Gout occurs in individuals with hyperuricemia when monosodium urate (MSU) crystals precipitate in tissues and induce acute inflammation via phagocytic cells such as monocytes. MSU crystals have been demonstrated in skin diseases such as tophaceous gout or psoriasis; however, the importance of MSU crystals in the skin is totally unknown. In this study, we found that MSU crystals, through P2Y(6) receptors, stimulated normal human keratinocytes (NHK) to produce IL-1 alpha, IL-8/CXCL8, and IL-6. P2Y(6) receptor expression increased in MSU-stimulated NHK. Both P2Y(6)-specific antagonist and P2Y(6) antisense oligonucleotides significantly inhibited the production of IL-1 alpha, IL-8/CXCL8, and IL-6 by NHK. Similarly, the P2Y(6)-specific antagonist completely inhibited the MSU-induced production of IL-1 beta by THP-1 cells, a human monocytic cell line. Remarkably, the P2Y(6)-specific antagonist significantly reduced neutrophil influx in both mouse air pouch and peritonitis models. Thus, these results indicate that the P2Y(6) receptor signaling pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for MSU-associated inflammatory diseases, such as tophaceous gout. The Journal of Immunology, 2012, 188: 436-444.