A novel P2X7 receptor activator, the human cathelicidin-derived peptide LL37, induces IL-1β processing and release

The release of IL-1beta is a tightly controlled process that requires induced synthesis of the precursor pro-IL-1beta and a second stimulus that initiates cleavage and secretion of mature IL-1beta. Although ATP as a second stimulus potently promotes IL-1beta maturation and release via P2X(7) receptor activation, millimolar ATP concentrations are needed. The human cathelicidin-derived peptide LL37 is a potent antimicrobial peptide produced predominantly by neutrophils and epithelial cells. In this study, we report that LL37 stimulation of LPS-primed monocytes leads to maturation and release of IL-1beta via the P2X(7) receptor. LL37 induces a transient release of ATP, membrane permeability, caspase-1 activation, and IL-1beta release without cell cytotoxicity. IL-1beta release and cell permeability are suppressed by pretreatment with the P2X(7) inhibitors oxidized ATP, KN04, and KN62. In the presence of apyrase, which hydrolyzes ATP to AMP, the effect of LL37 was not altered, indicating that LL37 rather than autocrine ATP is responsible for the activation of the P2X(7) receptor. We conclude that endogenous LL37 may promote IL-1beta processing and release via direct activation of P2X(7) receptors.