Peptide GC31 inhibits chemokines and ICAM-1 expression in corneal fibroblasts exposed to LPS or poly(I:C) by blocking the NF-κB and MAPK pathways

Abstract In keratitis, keratocytes play a vital role by releasing inflammatory cytokines and expressing intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1). GC31 is a peptide derived from thrombomodulin, an endogenous protein with potential anti-inflammation properties. We evaluated the protective effect of GC31 in LPS- or poly(I:C)-induced corneal fibroblasts. Cultured keratocytes were treated with either LPS or poly(I:C); The mRNA and protein expressions of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-γ were determined by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA. The expression level of ICAM-1 was estimated by real-time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot. The underlying pathways were investigated by detecting NF-κB p65 translocation and phosphorylation of IκBα, p65, p38, JNK, and ERK. The MTS assay was used to measure cell viability of keratocytes after GC31 incubation. The elevation of IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-γ expression induced by LPS or poly(I:C) was significantly inhibited by GC31 in a dose-dependent manner at both mRNA and protein levels. GC31 also reduced the expression of ICAM-1 in keratocytes after LPS or poly(I:C) stimulation. LPS or poly(I:C) induced p65 translocation and phosphorylation of IκBα, p65, p38, and JNK were suppressed by GC31.GC31 is not only an effective inhibitor of LPS-induced inflammatory response, but it also inhibits poly(I:C)-induced release of inflammatory cytokines and ICAM-1 expression by blocking the NF-κB and MAPK (p38 and JNK) pathways. This suggested that GC31 may exert a protective effect in attenuating corneal inflammation by suppressing the immune response of the fibroblasts.