MAFB prevents excess inflammation after ischemic stroke by accelerating clearance of damage signals through MSR1

Takashi Shichita1,2,3,4,5, Minako Ito1,2, Rimpei Morita1,2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.

Nature Medicine
|April 11, 2017
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals how scavenger receptors MSR1 and MARCO clear damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) to resolve sterile inflammation. Targeting these pathways, like with Am80, shows therapeutic potential for tissue injury recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Sterile inflammation following tissue injury is initiated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).
  • Mechanisms governing the resolution of sterile inflammation are not fully understood.
  • Key DAMPs include high-mobility-group box 1 (HMGB1), peroxiredoxins (PRXs), and S100A8/S100A9.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the cellular mechanisms responsible for DAMP clearance during sterile inflammation resolution.
  • To investigate the role of scavenger receptors MSR1 and MARCO in DAMP internalization.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of modulating DAMP clearance pathways.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using class A scavenger receptors MSR1 and MARCO for DAMP internalization.
  • In vivo experiments utilizing a murine model of ischemic stroke.
  • Analysis of MSR1 expression in myeloid cells and its dependence on the transcription factor Mafb.
  • Assessment of the effects of combined Msr1/Marco deficiency and Mafb deficiency on inflammation and neuronal injury.
  • Evaluation of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) agonist Am80 as a therapeutic agent.

Main Results:

  • Common DAMPs were internalized via scavenger receptors MSR1 and MARCO in vitro.
  • MSR1 was the primary mediator of DAMP internalization in the ischemic murine brain.
  • MSR1 expression in myeloid cells post-stroke depended on the transcription factor Mafb.
  • Deficiency in MSR1/MARCO or Mafb led to impaired DAMP clearance, increased inflammation, and worsened neuronal injury.
  • The RAR agonist Am80 enhanced Mafb and MSR1 expression, demonstrating therapeutic efficacy even 24 hours after stroke onset.

Conclusions:

  • Class A scavenger receptors MSR1 and MARCO are critical for DAMP clearance.
  • Mafb is a key regulator of MSR1 expression in myeloid cells during sterile inflammation.
  • Targeting the Mafb-MSR1 axis with agents like Am80 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating tissue damage and inflammation after injury.