Intracellular pools of DAG-activated TRPC3 channels are essential for TLR4 activation

Abstract

Toll-like receptor 4, the receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), drives inflammatory responses that protect against pathogens and boost the adaptive immunity. LPS responses are known to depend on calcium fluxes, but the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Here we present evidence that the transient receptor potential canonical channel 3 (TRPC3) is activated intracellularly during macrophage exposure to LPS and is essential for Ca2+ release from internal stores. In this way TRPC3 participates in cytosolic Ca2+ elevations, TLR4 endocytosis, activation of inflammatory transcription factors and cytokine upregulation. We also report that TRPC3 is activated by diacylglycerol (DAG) generated by the phosphatidic acid phosphatase lipin-1. In accord with this, lipin-1-deficient cells show reduced Ca2+ responses to LPS challenge. A cameleon indicator directed to the endoplasmic reticulum shows that this is the organelle from which TRPC3 mediates the Ca2+ release. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of TRPC3 reduces systemic inflammation induced by LPS in mice. Collectively, our study unveils a central component of LPS-triggered Ca2+ signaling that involves intracellular sensing of lipin-1-derived DAG by TRPC3.