HIF-1α and HIF-2α differentially regulate alveolar macrophage maturation and function

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) reside in the oxygen-rich alveoli, where hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF) subunits are targeted for degradation by the Von Hippel-Lindau protein (pVHL). We previously showed that Vhl-deficient AMs are immature and functionally impaired. Here, we define isoform-specific roles of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in the regulation of AM maturation and function. Expression of either isoform alone is sufficient to intrinsically, and differentially, impair AM terminal maturation and self-renewal, with complete rescue observed only when both HIF-1α and HIF-2α are deleted in Vhl-deficient AMs. HIF-1α drives glycolytic reprogramming in AMs, while HIF-2α disrupts fatty acid oxidation and surfactant clearance. Consequently, HIF-2α stabilization limits the capacity of AMs to resolve surfactant excess in a mouse model of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, indicating HIF-2α as a potential therapeutic target. Overall, HIF inactivation ensures optimal AM maturation and metabolic adaptation to the high-oxygen alveolar niche, revealing non-redundant functional specificities of each HIF-α isoform.