Search

Objective To explore the expression and role of stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) signaling pathway in the brain of chronic stress mice. Methods Mice were divided into control (CON) group and chronic restraint stress (RST) group. Mice in the RST group were given chronic restraint stress stimulation (6 hours per day, 14 days). After 14 days, the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines CCL2, CXCL10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNFα in the brain were detected and analyzed by qRT-PCR; protein expression of STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, and p-IRF3 were detected and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Results Compared to the CON group, the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the RST group were significantly increased (P<0.05). STING and microglia marker Iba-1 were highly co-located and the expression of STING was decreased as detected by immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, the protein expressions of STING, p-TBK1, and p-IRF3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.01). Conclusion Chronic restraint stress triggers a neuroinflammatory response and the STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway in the brain of the RST mice is significantly inhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]