Characterisation of a microglial NF-kappaB reporter cell line for investigating inflammatory responses

Inflammation is a biological response triggered by the immune system against harmful stimuli, pathogens, damaged cells and toxic molecules. The activation of intracellular inflammatory pathways depends on the engagement of specific receptors. To do so, when the inflammatory stimuli interact with certain receptors, they trigger the nuclear translocation of promotor specific transcription factors, such as Nuclear Factor kappa-B (NF-κB), that lead to pro-inflammatory cytokines release. Chronic inflammation and abnormal activation of the immune system can be dangerous because they are associated with dysregulated immune function and increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders. In this study, a new human microglial NF-κB reporter cell line has been characterised and analysed. The aim of this characterisation is to understand if this cell line is suited to study inflammation activation and, eventually, test new inhibition molecules and drugs to treat chronic inflammation. Data that have been collected suggest that this NF-κB reporter cell line could represent a promising tool to study and test new therapeutic drugs against chronic inflammation.