TMPRSS2 Impacts Cytokine Expression in Murine Dendritic Cells

Background: The transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) proteolytically activates the envelope proteins of several viruses for viral entry via membrane fusion and is therefore an interesting and promising target for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals. However, the use of a host protein as a target may lead to potential side effects, especially on the immune system. We examined the effect of a genetic deletion of TMPRSS2 on dendritic cells. Methods: Bone marrow cells from wild-type (WT) and TMPRSS2-deficient mice (TMPRSS2(−/−)) were differentiated to plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and classical DCs (cDCs) and activated with various toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. We analyzed the released cytokines and the mRNA expression of chemokine receptors, TLR7, TLR9, IRF7 and TCF4 stimulation. Results: In cDCs, the lack of TMPRSS2 led to an increase in IL12 and IFNγ in TLR7/8 agonist resiquimod or TLR 9 agonist ODN 1668-activated cells. Only IL-10 was reduced in TMPRSS2(−/−) cells in comparison to WT cells activated with ODN 1668. In resiquimod-activated pDCs, the lack of TMPRSS2 led to a decrease in IL-6, IL-10 and INFγ. ODN 1668 activation led to a reduction in IFNα. The effect on receptor expression in pDCs and cDCs was low. Conclusion: The effect of TMPRSS2 on pDCS and cDCs depends on the activated TLR, and TMPRSS2 seems to affect cytokine release differently in pDCs and cDCs. In cDCs, TMPRSS2 seems to suppress cytokine release, whereas in pDCS TMPRSS2 possibly mediates cytokine release.