Interleukin 10 and TNFα synergistically enhance the expression of the G protein-coupled formylpeptide receptor 2 in microglia

Microglia are important participants in inflammatory responses in the central nervous system. We previously observed that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) induces the expression of the formylpeptide receptor mFPR2 on microglial cells. This chemoattractant receptor mediates microglial cell chemotaxis in response to a variety of peptides, including amyloid β peptide (Aβ42), a major pathogenic factor in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In search for agents that regulate microglial activation, we unexpectedly found that IL-10 enhanced the expression of mFPR2 on TNFα-activated microglia. This was associated with a markedly increased microglial chemotaxis to Aβ42 and its endocytosis via mFPR2. Mechanistic studies revealed that the synergistic effect of IL-10 on TNFα-induction of mFPR2 in microglia was dependent on activation of p38 MAPK. Our results suggest that IL-10 may affect the pathogenic process of AD by up-regulating mFPR2 and thus favoring the recognition and internalization of Aβ42 by activated microglial cells.