P2X7 signaling influences the production of pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory lipid mediators in alveolar macrophages derived from individuals with asthma

Few new therapeutics exist to target airway inflammation in mild-to-moderate asthma. Alveolar macrophages regulate airway inflammation by producing proresolving eicosanoids. We hypothesized that stimulation of the purinergic receptor P2X(7) in macrophages from individuals with asthma produces eicosanoids associated with airway inflammation and resolution, and that these responses are predicted, in part, by P2X7 pore function. Study subjects were recruited in an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved study. Alveolar macrophages were recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid following bronchoscopy. Purinergic receptor classification was performed using flow cytometry and fluorescent cell assay. Macrophages were stimulated in vitro and eicosanoids were measured via ELISA or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in the presence and absence of P2X(7)-specific agonist [2 '(3 ')-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5 '-triphosphate tri(triethylammonium) salt (Bz-ATP)] and antagonist (AZD9056). Functional P2X(7) pore status was confirmed in a live cell assay using P2X(7)-specific agonists and antagonists. Alveolar macrophages produced increased quantities of the oxylipins lipoxin A4 (LXA4), resolvin D1 (RvD1), and 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE) following stimulation with Bz-ATP compared with vehicle controls, responses that were attenuated in the presence of the P2X(7)-selective antagonist, AZD9056. LXA4 and RvD1 production was greatest at 1 h, whereas 15(S)-HETE was maximally produced 24 h. Prostaglandin E-2 and resolvin E1 were minimally produced by P2X(7) activation, indicating differential signaling pathways involved in eicosanoid production in alveolar macrophages derived from individuals with asthma. The early production of the proresolving eicosanoids, LXA4 and resolvin D1, is regulated by P2X(7), whereas generation of the proinflammatory eicosanoid, 15(S)-HETE, is only partially regulated through P2X(7) signaling and reaches maximal production after the peak in proresolving eicosanoids.

Automated summary

This study found that stimulation of P2X(7) in alveolar macrophages of patients with mild-to-moderate asthma produces eicosanoids associated with airway inflammation and resolution. The responses are partially regulated by P2X7 pore function.