CXCR1 drives the pathogenesis of EAE and ARDS via boosting dendritic cells-dependent inflammation

Chemokines secreted by dendritic cells (DCs) play a key role in the regulation of inflammation and autoimmunity through chemokine receptors. However, the role of chemokine receptor CXCR1 in inflammation-inducing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) remains largely enigmatic. Here we reported that compared with healthy controls, the level of CXCR1 was aberrantly increased in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Knockout of CXCR1 not only ameliorated disease severity in EAE mice but also suppressed the secretion of inflammatory factors (IL-6/IL-12p70) production. We observed the same results in EAE mice with DCs-specific deletion of CXCR1 and antibody neutralization of the ligand CXCL5. Mechanically, we demonstrated a positive feedback loop composed of CXCL5/CXCR1/HIF-1α direct regulating of IL-6/IL-12p70 production in DCs. Meanwhile, we found CXCR1 deficiency in DCs limited IL-6/IL-12p70 production and lung injury in LPS-induced ARDS, a disease model caused by inflammation. Overall, our study reveals CXCR1 governs DCs-mediated inflammation and autoimmune disorders and its potential as a therapeutic target for related diseases.