Longitudinal Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals a Role for Serpina3n-Mediated Resolution of Inflammation in a Mouse...

Proper resolution of inflammation is essential to maintaining homeostasis, which is important as a dysregulated inflammatory response has adverse consequences, even being regarded as a hallmark of cancer. However, our picture of dynamic changes during inflammation remains far from comprehensive.

Here we used single-cell transcriptomics to elucidate changes in distinct cell types and their interactions in a mouse model of chemically induced colitis.

Our analysis highlights the stromal cell population of the colon functions as a hub with dynamically changing roles over time. Importantly, we found that Serpina3n, a serine protease inhibitor, is specifically expressed in stromal cell clusters as inflammation resolves, interacting with a potential target, elastase. Indeed, genetic ablation of the Serpina3n gene delays resolution of induced inflammation. Furthermore, systemic Serpina3n administration promoted the resolution of inflammation, ameliorating colitis symptoms.

This study provides a comprehensive, single-cell understanding of cell-cell interactions during colorectal inflammation and reveals a potential therapeutic target that leverages inflammation resolution.