Generation of resolving memory neutrophils through pharmacological training with 4-PBA or genetic deletion of TRAM.

ABSTRACT

Neutrophils are the dominant leukocytes in circulation and the first responders to infection and inflammatory cues. While the roles of neutrophils in driving inflammation have been widely recognized, the contribution of neutrophils in facilitating inflammation resolution is under-studied. Here, through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we identified a subpopulation of neutrophils exhibiting pro-resolving characteristics with greater Cd200r and Cd86 expression at the resting state. We further discovered that 4-PBA, a peroxisomal stress-reducing agent, can potently train neutrophils into the resolving state with enhanced expression of CD200R, CD86, as well as soluble pro-resolving mediators Resolvin D1 and SerpinB1. Resolving neutrophils trained by 4-PBA manifest enhanced phagocytosis and bacterial-killing functions. Mechanistically, the generation of resolving neutrophils is mediated by the PPARγ/LMO4/STAT3 signaling circuit modulated by TLR4 adaptor molecule TRAM. We further demonstrated that genetic deletion of TRAM renders the constitutive expansion of resolving neutrophils, with an enhanced signaling circuitry of PPARγ/LMO4/STAT3. These findings may have profound implications for the effective training of resolving neutrophils with therapeutic potential in the treatment of both acute infection as well as chronic inflammatory diseases.