NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis Pathway Contributes to the Pathogenesis of Candida albicans Keratitis

PURPOSE: Fungal keratitis is a sight-threatening corneal infection caused by fungal pathogens, and the pathogenic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis contributes to Candida albicans (C. albicans) keratitis and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: An in vivo mouse model of C. albicans keratitis and an in vitro culture model of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) challenged with heat-killed C. albicans (HKCA) were established in this study. The degree of corneal infection was evaluated by clinical scoring. Gene expression was assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis or immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate protein expression. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to examine the pyroptotic cell death. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay was performed to assess cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Compared with the mock-infected group, we observed that the mRNA levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 (CASP1), interleukin (IL)−1β and gasdermin-D (GSDMD) in C. albicans-infected mice cornea was significantly increased. Our data also demonstrated that the protein expression of NLRP3 and the pyroptosis-related markers apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved CASP1, N-GSDMD, cleaved IL-1β and cleaved IL-18 as well as pyroptotic cell death were dramatically elevated in the mouse model of C. albicans keratitis. More importantly, NLRP3 knockdown markedly alleviated pyroptosis and consequently reduced corneal inflammatory reaction in C. albicans keratitis. In vitro, the presence of activated NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptotic cell death were validated in HCECs exposed to HKCA. Furthermore, the potassium (K(+)) channel inhibitor glyburide decreased LDH release and suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in HCECs exposed to HKCA. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current study revealed for the first time that NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis occur in C. albicans-infected mouse corneas and HCECs. Moreover, NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis signaling is involved in the disease severity of C. albicans keratitis. Therefore, This NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pathway may be an attractive target for the treatment of fungal keratitis.