Alternatively activated macrophages promote airway inflammation through JAK3–STAT5–Fra2 in asthma

Background:Fos-related antigen-2 (Fra-2) is a transcription factor belonging to the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family, which is associated with many chronic airway diseases such as asthma. Alternatively activated (M2) macrophages are associated with Fra2 in airway diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. However, there is no specific study that explores the relationship between M2 macrophages and Fra2 in asthma.

Objective:We hypothesized that a potential mechanism of allergic asthma could be that Fra2 is highly expressed in M2 macrophages through JAK3-STAT5 and facilitates the production of downstream T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokines, thus promoting the pathogenesis of asthma.

Methods:Peripheral venous blood and airway tissue samples of patients with asthma and controls were obtained. Moreover, a C57BL/6 mouse model of asthma was established. Fra2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Macrophages were obtained by flow sorting, and expression of the JAK3-STAT5-Fra2 signaling pathway was determined using PCR and western blotting. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine M2 macrophage-associated Th2-type cytokine levels.

Results:Fra2 was highly expressed in patients with asthma and asthmatic mice. The JAK3-STAT5 was a signal pathway related to the high expression of Fra2 in M2 macrophages. Moreover, we found that Fra2 could affect the production of Th2 cytokines downstream of M2 macrophages, including interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13.

Conclusion:M2 macrophages could promote airway inflammation through JAK3-STAT5-Fra2 to induce allergic asthma. Our study offers a new insight to further understand the pathogenesis of asthma and also provides a new direction for targeted treatment.

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