Identification of an atypical monocyte and committed progenitor involved in fibrosis

Nature. 2017 Jan 5;541(7635):96-101. doi: 10.1038/nature20611. Epub 2016 Dec 21.

Abstract

Monocytes and macrophages comprise a variety of subsets with diverse functions. It is thought that these cells play a crucial role in homeostasis of peripheral organs, key immunological processes and development of various diseases. Among these diseases, fibrosis is a life-threatening disease of unknown aetiology. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood, and there are few effective therapies. The development of fibrosis is associated with activation of monocytes and macrophages. However, the specific subtypes of monocytes and macrophages that are involved in fibrosis have not yet been identified. Here we show that Ceacam1+Msr1+Ly6C-F4/80-Mac1+ monocytes, which we term segregated-nucleus-containing atypical monocytes (SatM), share granulocyte characteristics, are regulated by CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ), and are critical for fibrosis. Cebpb deficiency results in a complete lack of SatM. Furthermore, the development of bleomycin-induced fibrosis, but not inflammation, was prevented in chimaeric mice with Cebpb-/- haematopoietic cells. Adoptive transfer of SatM into Cebpb-/- mice resulted in fibrosis. Notably, SatM are derived from Ly6C-FcεRI+ granulocyte/macrophage progenitors, and a newly identified SatM progenitor downstream of Ly6C-FcεRI+ granulocyte/macrophage progenitors, but not from macrophage/dendritic-cell progenitors. Our results show that SatM are critical for fibrosis and that C/EBPβ licenses differentiation of SatM from their committed progenitor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adoptive Transfer
  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, Ly / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Bleomycin / toxicity
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / deficiency
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / genetics
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells / cytology*
  • Granulocyte-Macrophage Progenitor Cells / metabolism
  • Granulocytes / cytology
  • Granulocytes / metabolism
  • Inflammation
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / trends
  • Monocytes / classification*
  • Monocytes / metabolism*
  • Monocytes / pathology
  • Monocytes / transplantation
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / chemically induced
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / genetics
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / pathology*
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / prevention & control
  • Receptors, IgE / metabolism
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class A / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Ly
  • Biomarkers
  • CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta
  • CD66 antigens
  • Cebpb protein, mouse
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Ly-6C antigen, mouse
  • Msr1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, IgE
  • Scavenger Receptors, Class A
  • Bleomycin