Neonatal imprinting of alveolar macrophages via neutrophil-derived 12-HETE

Resident-tissue macrophages (RTMs) arise from embryonic precursors(1,2), yet the developmental signals that shape their longevity remain largely unknown. Here we demonstrate in mice genetically deficient in 12-lipoxygenase and 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15(-/-) mice) that neonatal neutrophil-derived 12-HETE is required for self-renewal and maintenance of alveolar macrophages (AMs) during lung development. Although the seeding and differentiation of AM progenitors remained intact, the absence of 12-HETE led to a significant reduction in AMs in adult lungs and enhanced senescence owing to increased prostaglandin E-2 production. A compromised AM compartment resulted in increased susceptibility to acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide and to pulmonary infections with influenza A virus or SARS-CoV-2. Our results highlight the complexity of prenatal RTM programming and reveal their dependency on in trans eicosanoid production by neutrophils for lifelong self-renewal.

Automated summary

The study reveals that neonatal neutrophil-derived 12-HETE is crucial for the self-renewal and maintenance of alveolar macrophages, and its deficiency leads to reduced AMs in adults and enhanced senescence, as well as increased susceptibility to pulmonary infections and acute lung injury.