TLR2/6 and TLR4-activated macrophages contribute to islet inflammation and impair beta cell insulin gene expression via IL-1 and IL-6

Aims/hypothesis Inflammation contributes to pancreatic beta cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and -4 ligands are increased systemically in recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, and TLR2- and TLR4-deficient mice are protected from the metabolic consequences of a high-fat diet. Here we investigated the role of macrophages in TLR2/6- and TLR4-mediated effects on islet inflammation and beta cell function. Methods Genetic and pharmacological approaches were used to determine the effects of TLR2/6 and TLR4 ligands on mouse islets, human islets and purified rat beta cells. Islet macrophages were depleted and sorted by flow cytometry and the effects of TLR2/6- and TLR4-activated bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) on beta cell function were assessed. Results Macrophages contributed to TLR2/6- and TLR4-induced islet Il1a / IL1A and Il1b / IL1B mRNA expression in mouse and human islets and IL-1β secretion from human islets. TLR2/6 and TLR4 ligands also reduced insulin gene expression; however, this occurred in a non-beta cell autonomous manner. TLR2/6- and TLR4-activated BMDMs reduced beta cell insulin secretion partly via reducing Ins1 , Ins2 , and Pdx1 mRNA expression. Antagonism of the IL-1 receptor and neutralisation of IL-6 completely reversed the effects of activated macrophages on beta cell gene expression. Conclusions/interpretation We conclude that islet macrophages are major contributors to islet IL-1β secretion in response to TLR2/6 and TLR4 ligands. BMDMs stimulated with TLR2/6 and TLR4 ligands reduce insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells, partly via IL-1β- and IL-6-mediated decreased insulin gene expression.