BackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that transcription factor EB (TFEB) inhibits inflammation in endothelial cell (ECs) and reduces development of atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the mechanism of action of TFEB on inflammation in atherosclerosis (AS).MethodsThe levels of TFEB, NLRP3, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, E-selectin, MCP-1, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in ECs were examined by immunoblotting, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) , Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The LDH activity were examined by LDH assay. TUNEL-positive cell were examined by TUNEL assay. The relationship between TFEB and NLRP3 were examined by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. The effects of TFEB on atherosclerotic lesions by hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL and collagen staining in the aortic valve of ApoE-/- mice fed a high fat diet (HFD).ResultsHere, we report that H2O2-induced cell pyroptosis and inflammatory response were mainly due to nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. The nuclear protein TFEB was significantly increased by H2O2, and knockdown of TFEB aggravated cell pyroptosis and inflammatory response. TFEB directly bound to NLRP3 and blocked NLRP3-mediated cell pyroptosis and inflammatory response. The effect of H2O2 on TFEB might be associated with AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin-dependent signaling pathways.ConclusionsOur findings indicated that a novel TFEB–NLRP3 axis was a critical regulator in EC pyroptosis and inflammation, which could be potential therapeutic targets in AS and related cardiovascular diseases.