Olfactory receptors impact pathophysiological processes of lung diseases in bronchial epithelial cells

Therapeutic options for steroid-resistant non-type 2 inflammation in obstructive lung diseases are limited. Bronchial epithelial cells are key in the pathogenesis by releasing the central proinflammatory cytokine interleukine-8 (IL-8). Olfactory receptors (ORs) are expressed in various cell types. This study examined the drug target potential of ORs by investigating their impact on associated pathophysiological processes in lung epithelial cells.

Experiments were performed in the A549 cell line and in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. OR expression was investigated using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical staining. OR-mediated effects were analyzed by measuring 1) intracellular calcium concentration via calcium imaging, 2) cAMP concentration by luminescence-based assays, 3) wound healing by scratch assays, 4) proliferation by MTS-based assays, 5) cellular vitality by Annexin V/PI-based FACS staining, and 6) the secretion of IL-8 in culture supernatants by ELISA.

By screening 100 potential OR agonists, we identified two, Brahmanol and Cinnamaldehyde, that increased intracellular calcium concentrations. The mRNA and proteins of the corresponding receptors OR2AT4 and OR2J3 were detected. Stimulation of OR2J3 with Cinnamaldehyde reduced 1) IL-8 in the absence and presence of bacterial and viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), 2) proliferation, and 3) wound healing but increased cAMP. In contrast, stimulation of OR2AT4 by Brahmanol increased wound healing but did not affect cAMP and proliferation. Both ORs did not influence cell vitality.

ORs might be promising drug target candidates for lung diseases with non-type 2 inflammation. Their stimulation might reduce inflammation or prevent tissue remodeling by promoting wound healing.