Single-chain variable fragment intrabody impairs LPS-induced inflammatory responses by interfering with the interaction between the WASP N-terminal domain and Btk in macrophages

Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) plays important roles in both acquired and innate immune responses. We recently uncovered that the WASP N-terminal domain specifically binds the Src homology (SH) 3 domain of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) in macrophages. Over-expression of the WASP N-terminal domain impairs LPS-induced inflammatory responses. To evaluate the significance of this interaction in LPS signaling, we established bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM) cell lines from transgenic (Tg) mice expressing anti-WASP N-terminal domain single-chain variable fragment (scFv) intrabody. Anti-WASP scFv specifically bound endogenous WASP and inhibited its specific binding to the SH3 domain of Btk in the Tg BMDMs. Tyrosine phosphorylation in WASP was inhibited after LPS stimulation. As a result, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β gene transcription and NF-κB phosphorylation were impaired. These observations strongly suggest that the phosphorylation of WASP by Btk plays a pivotal role in transducing the LPS signaling pathway in macrophages.

► The interaction of WASP and Btk is critical in innate immune responses.
► Anti-WASP scFv intrabody impairs the interaction between WASP and Btk in macrophages.
► Anti-WASP scFv intrabody inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine responses.
► Phosphorylation of WASP by Btk is inhibited by anti-WASP scFv intrabody.