Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis increases CC chemokine ligand 20 production in interleukin 1β-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts

CC chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) is related to T-helper (Th)-17 cell migration, and Th17 cells play important roles in exacerbation in periodontal disease. However, the effect of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) on CCL20 production is unknown. In this study, we examined the mechanisms of TWEAK in combination with interleukin (IL)-1β-induced CCL20 production in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). TWEAK alone did not induce CCL20 production in HGFs. However, TWEAK enhanced CCL20 expression from IL-1β-stimulated HGFs in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase B (Akt), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) significantly inhibited CCL20 production in TWEAK and IL-1β-stimulated HGFs. Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylations of ERK, Akt, and inhibitor of NF-κB were enhanced in TWEAK and IL-1β-treated HGFs. These data suggest that TWEAK is positively related to Th17 cell migration in periodontally diseased tissues to enhance CCL20 production in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs.