Succinate-mediated activation of the GPR91/MALT1/NF-κB/CCL2 pathway in macrophages contributes to pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality, and metabolic dysfunction is suspected to play a role in its progression. The role of succinate, a key metabolite involved in the severity of IPF, remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the specific effects of succinate on the development of pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal administration of bleomycin (BLM) in wild-type and G protein-coupled receptor 91 (GPR91) knockout mice. The effects of succinate on BLM-induced inflammation and fibrosis were examined using primary mouse macrophages and fibroblasts. Dimethyl malonate (DMM), a succinate inhibitor, was administered to BLM-challenged mice to assess its impact on pulmonary fibrosis. Lung tissue single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and macrophage RNA sequencing were performed to identify differentially expressed genes associated with fibrosis. Additionally, the effects of specific inhibitors and recombinant protein on succinate-induced signaling pathways were evaluated. RESULTS: DMM significantly reduced pulmonary fibrosis in BLM-challenged mice, as evidenced by decreased collagen deposition. Elevated expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in macrophages was identified by scRNA-seq. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that succinate enhanced CCL2 secretion through the GPR91/mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma translocation protein 1 (MALT1)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) axis. This process could be effectively inhibited by a MALT1 inhibitor. Furthermore, pulmonary fibrosis in mice exposed to BLM was alleviated by MALT1 inhibition, as indicated by reduced fibrotic area and improved histological scores. CONCLUSION: Succinate triggers CCL2 release in macrophages via the GPR91/MALT1/NF-κB pathway, thereby exacerbating pulmonary fibrosis. These findings suggest that targeting succinate signaling may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for IPF.