IFP35 aggravates Staphylococcus aureus infection by promoting Nrf2-regulated ferroptosis

Serious Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infection is one of the most life-threatening diseases. Interferon-induced protein 35 (IFP35) is a pleiotropic factor that participates in multiple biological functions, however, its biological role in SA infection is not fully understood. Ferroptosis is a new type of regulated cell death driven by the accretion of free iron and toxic lipid peroxides and plays critical roles in tissue damage. Whether ferroptosis is involved in SA-induced immunopathology and its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown.

We aimed to determine the role and underlying mechanisms of IFP35 in SA-induced lung infections.

SA infection models were established using wild-type (WT) and IFP35 knockout (Ifp35^-/-) mice or macrophages. Histological analysis was performed to assess lung injury. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy were performed to detect ferroptosis. Co-IP and immunofluorescence were used to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanisms.

We found that IFP35 levels increased in the macrophages and lung tissue of SA-infected mice. IFP35 deficiency protected against SA-induced lung damage in mice. Moreover, ferroptosis occurred and contributed to lung injury after SA infection, which was ameliorated by IFP35 deficiency. Mechanically, IFP35 facilitated the ubiquitination and degradation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), aggravating SA-induced ferroptosis and lung injury.

Our data demonstrate that IFP35 promotes ferroptosis by facilitating the ubiquitination and degradation of Nrf2 to exacerbate SA infection. Targeting IFP35 may be a promising approach for treating infectious diseases caused by SA.