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Published on: June 16, 2023
Systemic CSF1R Targeting Depletes Pathogenic MPS Bubs and Ameliorates Psoriasis via PPARα-mediated Resolution
Zhen-Jia Lin1,2, Ying Li1, Yangyinhui Yu1
1Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology and Pain Research Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Sun Yat-sen University, No.74, 2nd Zhongshan Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Abstract:
Rationale: Psoriasis features persistent activation of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), yet the subset-specific pathogenic roles of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) remain undefined. We aimed to identify pathogenic CSF1Rhigh MPS subsets, characterize their ligand-receptor circuits, and define the CSF1R-PPARα axis in disease pathogenesis. Methods: By integrating human single-cell and spatial transcriptomics with murine imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis models, we employed genetic and pharmacologic interventions to achieve our aims. Results: We found a pathologic CSF1Rhigh MPS population was selectively expanded, forming localized cytokine hubs enriched for TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-23. Ligand mapping showed CSF1 upregulation amplified MPS activation via autocrine loops. Systemic CSF1R targeting dismantled skin-blood MPS circuits and depleted pathogenic hubs, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines more effectively than local blockade. Mechanistically, CSF1R activation directly suppressed PPARα. Critically, the anti-inflammatory effect of CSF1R inhibition was abrogated by PPARα antagonism, demonstrating a non-redundant, downstream role for PPARα. Consequently, CSF1R suppression releases PPARα-mediated resolution programs. Pathogenic CSF1Rhigh MPS hubs sustain inflammation through ligand-driven expansion and PPARα suppression. Conclusions: Our work delineates a unidirectional CSF1R-PPARα pathogenic axis and demonstrates that systemic CSF1R targeting is required to disrupt this circuit, providing a mechanistic foundation for a novel treatment strategy.
Insights
Systemic targeting of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) disrupts pathogenic mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) hubs in psoriasis. This approach releases PPAR-alpha, resolving inflammation and offering a novel therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Psoriasis involves persistent mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS) activation.
- The specific roles of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) in pathogenic MPS subsets are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Identify pathogenic CSF1R-high MPS subsets in psoriasis.
- Characterize their ligand-receptor interactions.
- Define the CSF1R-PPARα axis in disease pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Integrated human single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
- Utilized murine imiquimod-induced psoriasis models.
- Employed genetic and pharmacologic interventions.
Main Results:
- A pathogenic CSF1R-high MPS population expanded, forming cytokine hubs (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-23).
- CSF1 upregulation amplified MPS activation via autocrine loops.
- Systemic CSF1R blockade dismantled skin-blood MPS circuits and suppressed cytokines more effectively than local blockade.
- CSF1R activation suppressed PPARα; CSF1R inhibition's anti-inflammatory effect required PPARα, indicating a downstream role.
- CSF1R suppression activates PPARα-mediated resolution programs.
Conclusions:
- A unidirectional CSF1R-PPARα pathogenic axis drives psoriasis inflammation.
- Systemic CSF1R targeting is necessary to disrupt this circuit.
- This provides a mechanistic basis for novel psoriasis treatments.
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