Suppression of lps-induced inflammation and cell migration by azelastine through inhibition of jnk/nf-κb pathway in bv2 microglial cells

Phuong Linh Nguyen, Bich Phuong Bui, Men Thi Hoai Duong, Kyeong Lee, Hee Chul Ahn, Jungsook Cho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are implicated in many neuropathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases. To explore potential JNK3 inhibitors from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug library, we performed structure-based virtual screening and identified azelastine (Aze) as one of the candidates. NMR spectroscopy indicated its direct binding to the ATP-binding site of JNK3, validating our observations. Although the antihistamine effect of Aze is well documented, the involvement of the JNK pathway in its action remains to be elucidated. This study investigated the effects of Aze on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced JNK phosphorylation, pro-inflammatory mediators, and cell migration in BV2 microglial cells. Aze was found to inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of JNK and c-Jun. It also inhibited the LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nitric oxide. Wound healing and transwell migration assays indicated that Aze attenuated LPS-induced BV2 cell migration. Furthermore, Aze inhibited LPS-induced IκB phosphorylation, thereby suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Collectively, our data demonstrate that Aze exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-migratory effects through inhibition of the JNK/NF-κB pathway in BV2 cells. Based on our findings, Aze may be a potential candidate for drug repurposing to mitigate neuroinflammation in various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9061
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume22
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • Azelastine
  • BV2 microglial cells
  • C-Jun N-terminal kinase
  • Drug repurposing
  • JNK inhibitor
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)
  • Structure-based virtual screening

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