Myeloid-Specific SIRT6 Deletion Protects Against Particulate Matter (PM2.5)-Induced Airway Inflammation

Shaopeng Chen1,2, Mindan Wu3, Zhilin Xiong1

  • 1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) promotes airway inflammation caused by particulate matter (PM2.5). Inhibiting SIRT6 in macrophages could be a therapeutic strategy for pollution-induced airway disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Particulate matter (PM2.5) is a significant risk factor for airway inflammation.
  • Alveolar macrophages are key players in the inflammatory response within the airways.
  • Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), a histone deacetylase, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties in airway diseases, but its specific role in PM2.5-induced inflammation in macrophages was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in macrophages during particulate matter (PM2.5)-induced airway inflammation.
  • To determine if SIRT6 protects against or contributes to PM2.5-induced airway inflammation in macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies utilized THP1 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) exposed to PM2.5.
  • In vivo studies employed myeloid cell-specific SIRT6 conditional knockout mice (Sirt6-/-).
  • Assessed the impact of PM2.5 exposure and SIRT6 manipulation on inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

  • PM2.5 exposure increased SIRT6 expression in THP1 cells.
  • SIRT6 gene silencing reduced PM2.5-induced inflammatory cytokines in THP1 cells.
  • In knockout mice and BMDMs, reduced SIRT6 expression or deletion led to decreased airway inflammation following PM2.5 exposure.

Conclusions:

  • SIRT6 promotes PM2.5-induced airway inflammation in macrophages.
  • Targeting SIRT6 in macrophages may offer a therapeutic approach for airway diseases linked to airborne particulate pollution.