Inhibitor of NF-κB Kinase Subunit ε Contributes to Neuropsychiatric Manifestations in Lupus-Prone Mice Through Microglial Activation

Objective. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by multiorgan dysfunction. Neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) occurs in 30-40% of lupus patients and is the most severe presentation of SLE, frequently resulting in limitation of daily life. Recent studies have shown that microglia, tissue-resident macrophages in the central nervous system, are involved in the pathogenesis of NPSLE. This study was undertaken to explore new therapeutic targets for NPSLE focusing on microglia.Methods. RNA sequencing of microglia in MRL/lpr, lupus-prone mice, as well as that of microglia cultured in vitro with cytokines were performed. A candidate gene, which could be a therapeutic target for NPSLE, was identified, and its role in microglial activation and phagocytosis was investigated using specific inhibitors and small interfering RNA. The effect of intracerebroventricular administration of the inhibitor on the behavioral abnormalities of MRL/lpr was also evaluated.Results. Transcriptome analysis revealed the up-regulation of Ikbke, which encodes the inhibitor of NF-kappa B kinase subunit e (IKBK epsilon) in both microglia from MRL/lpr mice and cytokine-stimulated microglia in vitro. Intracerebroventricular administration of an IKBK epsilon inhibitor ameliorated cognitive function and suppressed microglial activation in MRL/lpr mice. Mechanistically, IKBK epsilon inhibition reduced glycolysis, which dampened microglial activation and phagocytosis.Conclusion. These findings suggest that IKBK epsilon plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of NPSLE via microglial activation, and it could serve as a therapeutic target for NPSLE.

Automated summary

This study identified Ikbke as a potential therapeutic target for NPSLE based on its involvement in microglial activation and phagocytosis. Inhibition of IKBK epsilon improved cognitive function and suppressed microglial activation in MRL/lpr mice, suggesting its importance in the pathogenesis of NPSLE.