Cell-extrinsic TNF collaborates with TRIF signaling to promote Yersinia-induced apoptosis

摘要

Innate immune responses that are crucial for control of infection are often targeted by microbial pathogens. Blockade of NF-κB and MAPK signaling by the Yersinia virulence factor YopJ inhibits cytokine production by innate immune cells but also triggers cell death. This cell death requires RIPK1 kinase activity and caspase-8, which are engaged by TLR4 and the adaptor protein TRIF. Nevertheless, TLR4- and TRIF-deficient cells still undergo significant apoptosis, implicating TLR4/TRIF-independent pathways in the death of Yersinia-infected cells. Here we report a previously undescribed role for TNF receptor signaling in Yersinia-induced cell death of murine macrophages, which occurs despite the blockade of NF-κB and MAPK signaling imposed by Yersinia on infected cells. Intriguingly, direct analysis of YopJ injection revealed a heterogeneous population of injection-high and injection-low cells, and demonstrated that TNF expression came from the injection-low population. Moreover, TNF production by this sub-population was necessary for maximal apoptosis in the population of highly injected cells. These data demonstrate an important role for collaboration between TNF and Pattern Recognition Receptor signals in promoting maximal apoptosis during bacterial infection, and demonstrate that heterogeneity in virulence factor injection and cellular responses play an important role in promoting anti-Yersinia immune defense.