PEP-1-Peroxiredoxin protein efficiently protects Raw 264.7 cells from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation

It is well known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and substantially enhanced inflammatory events. Peroxiredoxin (Prx) is antioxidant enzymes, which reduce hydrogen peroxide and alkyl hydroperoxides. In this study, we constructed cell-permeable PEP-1-Prx fusion protein to elucidate the protective effects of Prx on inflammation in Raw 264.7 cells. PEP-1-Prx efficiently transduced into the cells and markedly inhibited LPS-induced ROS generation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In addition, PEP-1-Prx significantly reduced in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). These results indicate that PEP-1-Prx protects against LPS-induced inflammation by blocking ROS generation and MAPK, prompting the suggestion that PEP-1-Prx protein can be used as a therapeutic agent against skin inflammation.