UFMylation inhibits the proinflammatory capacity of interferon-γ-activated macrophages

Macrophages activated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in combination with other proinflammatory stimuli, such as lipopolysaccharide or tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-alpha), respond with transcriptional and cellular changes that enhance clearance of intracellular pathogens at the risk of damaging tissues. IFN-gamma effects must therefore be carefully balanced with inhibitory mechanisms to prevent immunopathology. We performed a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen in a macrophage cell line to identify negative regulators of IFN-gamma responses. We discovered an unexpected role of the ubiquitin-fold modifier (Ufm1) conjugation system (herein UFMylation) in inhibiting responses to IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide. Enhanced IFN-gamma activation in UFMylation-deficient cells resulted in increased transcriptional responses to IFN-gamma in a manner dependent on endoplasmic reticulum stress responses involving Erni and Xbp1. Furthermore, UFMylation in myeloid cells is required for resistance to influenza infection in mice, indicating that this pathway modulates in vivo responses to infection. These findings provide a genetic roadmap for the regulation of responses to a key mediator of cellular immunity and identify a molecular link between the UFMylation pathway and immune responses.

Automated summary

The study identified an important role of UFMylation in inhibiting responses to IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide, as deficiency in this system led to excessive activation of IFN-gamma and increased transcriptional responses. Additionally, UFMylation in myeloid cells is necessary for resistance to influenza infection in mice, indicating its modulation of in vivo infection responses.