AMP-activated protein kinase negatively regulates FcεRI-mediated mast cell signaling and anaphylaxis in mice

Background: Aggregation of Fc epsilon RI activates a cascade of signaling events leading to mast cell activation, followed by inhibitory signals that turn off the activating signals. However, the overall view of negative signals in mast cells is still incomplete. Although AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is generally known as a regulator of energy metabolism, is also associated with anti-inflammation, little is known about the role of AMPK in mast cells. Objectives: We investigated the role of AMPK and its regulatory mechanism in mast cells. Method: The roles of AMPK in Fc epsilon RI-dependent activation of bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were evaluated by using chemical agents, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), or adenovirus that modulated the activity or expression of AMPK signaling components. In addition, AMPK alpha 2(-/-) mice were used to verify the role of AMPK in anaphylactic models. Results: Fc epsilon RI signaling and associated effector functions in BMMCs were suppressed by the AMPK activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) and were conversely augmented by siRNA knockdown of AMPK alpha 2 or liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK. Furthermore, AMPK alpha 2 deficiency led to increased Fc epsilon RI-mediated BMMC activation and anaphylaxis that were insensitive to AICAR, whereas enforced expression of AMPK alpha 2 in AMPK alpha 2(-/-) BMMCs reversed the hypersensitive Fc epsilon RI signaling to normal levels. Pharmacologic inhibition or siRNA knockdown of Fyn mimicked AMPK activation, suggesting that Fyn counterregulates the LKB1-AMPK axis. Mechanistically, Fyn controlled AMPK activity by regulating LKB1 localization. Conclusions: The Fyn-regulated LKB1-AMPK axis acts as a novel inhibitory module for mast cell activation, which points to AMPK activators as therapeutic drugs for allergic diseases.