Spinster homolog 2/S1P signaling ameliorates macrophage inflammatory response to bacterial infections by balancing PGE2 production.

Background: Mitochondria play a crucial role in shaping the macrophage inflammatory response during bacterial infections. Spinster homolog 2 (Spns2), responsible for sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) secretion, acts as a key regulator of mitochondrial dynamics in macrophages. However, the link between Spns2/S1P signaling and mitochondrial functions remains unclear.

Methods: Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from both wild-type and Spns2 knockout rats, followed by non-targeted metabolomics and RNA sequencing analysis to identify the potential mediators through which Spns2/S1P signaling influences the mitochondrial functions in macrophages. Various agonists and antagonists were used to modulate the activation of Spns2/S1P signaling and its downstream pathways, with the underlying mechanisms elucidated through western blotting. Mitochondrial functions were assessed using flow cytometry and oxygen consumption assays, as well as morphological analysis. The impact on inflammatory response was validated through both in vitro and in vivo sepsis models, with the specific role of macrophage-expressed Spns2 in sepsis evaluated using Spns2^flox/floxLyz2-Cre mice. Additionally, the regulation of mitochondrial functions by Spns2/S1P signaling was confirmed using THP-1 cells, a human monocyte-derived macrophage model.

Results: In this study, we unveil prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) as a pivotal mediator involved in Spns2/S1P-mitochondrial communication. Spns2/S1P signaling suppresses PGE₂ production to support malate-aspartate shuttle activity. Conversely, excessive PGE₂ resulting from Spns2 deficiency impairs mitochondrial respiration, leading to intracellular lactate accumulation and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through E-type prostanoid receptor 4 activation. The overactive lactate-ROS axis contributes to the early-phase hyperinflammation during infections. Prolonged exposure to elevated PGE₂ due to Spns2 deficiency culminates in subsequent immunosuppression, underscoring the dual roles of PGE₂ in inflammation throughout infections. The regulation of PGE₂ production by Spns2/S1P signaling appears to depend on the coordinated activation of multiple S1P receptors rather than any single one.

Conclusions: These findings emphasize PGE₂ as a key effector of Spns2/S1P signaling on mitochondrial dynamics in macrophages, elucidating the mechanisms through which Spns2/S1P signaling balances both early hyperinflammation and subsequent immunosuppression during bacterial infections.