High susceptibility to bacterial infection, but no liver dysfunction, in mice compromised for hepatocyte NF-κB activation

Based on the essential involvement of NF-κB in immune and inflammatory responses and its apoptosis-rescue function in normal and malignant cells, inhibitors of this transcription factor are potential therapeutics for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, from bronchial asthma to cancer. Yet, given the essential function of NF-κB in the embryonic liver, it is important to determine its necessity in the liver beyond embryogenesis. NF- κB is normally retained in the cytoplasm by its inhibitor IκB, which is eliminated upon cell stimulation through phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitin degradation. Here, we directed a degradation-resistant IκBα transgene to mouse hepatocytes in an inducible manner and showed substantial tissue specificity using various means, including a new method for live-animal imaging. Transgene expression resulted in obstruction of NF-κB activation, yet produced no signs of liver dysfunction, even when implemented over 15 months. However, the transgene-expressing mice were very vulnerable both to a severe immune challenge and to a systemic bacterial infection. Despite having intact immunocytes and inflammatory cells, these mice were unable to clear Listeria monocytogenes from the liver and succumbed to sepsis. These findings indicate the essential function of the hepatocyte through NF-κB activation in certain systemic infections, possibly by coordinating innate immunity in the liver.