Macrophage S1PR2 Drives Sepsis-induced Immunosuppression by Exacerbating Mitochondrial Fragmentation

Xiangyang Yu1, Xin Hu1, Dongdong Wang1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou, China.

Insights

Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) drives sepsis-induced immunosuppression by causing macrophage mitochondrial fragmentation. Inhibiting S1PR2 protects against sepsis, suggesting it as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Macrophage mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to sepsis-induced immunosuppression and poor patient outcomes.
  • Mitochondrial fragmentation is a key driver of mitochondrial dysfunction.
  • Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2) influences macrophage function in sepsis, but its role in immunosuppression requires elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between macrophage mitochondrial fragmentation and sepsis-induced immunosuppression.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms involving S1PR2.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of peripheral blood monocytes from healthy controls, nonseptic critical patients, and sepsis patients.
  • Harvesting peritoneal macrophages from wild-type and S1pr2 knockout mice post-cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).
  • Evaluation of mitochondrial ultrastructure via transmission electron microscopy and assessment of immunosuppression markers like HLA-DR.

Main Results:

  • Sepsis patients displayed elevated S1PR2, mitochondrial fragmentation, and dysfunction in monocytes compared to controls.
  • Mitochondrial fragmentation correlated negatively with HLA-DR expression, while S1PR2 expression correlated positively with fragmentation and negatively with HLA-DR.
  • S1PR2 deficiency in mice reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and dysfunction, enhanced immunity, and improved survival after CLP.
  • S1PR2 activation of ROCK I leads to Drp1 phosphorylation, causing mitochondrial fragmentation and immunosuppression, which was reversed by Drp1 inhibition (Mdivi-1).

Conclusions:

  • S1PR2-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation is a critical mechanism underlying septic immunosuppression.
  • Targeting S1PR2 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for improving sepsis prognosis.