PubMedImmunobiology2026-08-30
The Sesn2/Nrf2 axis suppresses oxidative stress and pyroptosis-associated signaling in LPS/nigericin-challenged alveolar macrophages.
Zhang Qiong Q, Zhou Guanlin G, Gao Chunming C, Jia Sen S et al.
Pyroptosis is a key mechanism driving immune imbalance in sepsis, while the stress-induced protein Sestrin 2 (Sesn2) and Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) are core regulators of antioxidant defense. No existing studies have clarified the interactive regulatory effect of the Sesn2/Nrf2 axis on pyroptosis in alveolar macrophages. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the regulatory mechanism of the Sesn2/Nrf2 axis on pyroptosis and oxidative stress in LPS/nigericin-challenged alveolar macrophages, providing a theoretical basis for further understanding of sepsis.
Bioinformatics analysis involved screening differentially expressed genes in sepsis from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset GSE185263, intersecting them with genes related to pyroptosis and ferroptosis, constructing a protein-protein interaction network, and identifying core genes. An inflammatory injury model was established in the mouse alveolar macrophage cell line MH-S by stimulating cells with LPS and nigericin. Interventions were performed using siRNA to knock down Sesn2 and plasmids to overexpress Nrf2. Cell viability, oxidative stress markers, expression of pyroptosis-related molecules, and secretion of inflammatory cytokines were measured.
SESN2 as a key gene common to sepsis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. The Sesn2/Nrf2 signaling axis significantly enhanced the cell viability of MH-S cells after inflammatory injury, increased Superoxide Dismutase activity and Glutathione levels, and reduced reactive oxygen species and Lactate Dehydrogenase levels. Simultaneously, this axis suppressed the expression of pyroptosis-related inflammasomes (NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3, Absent in melanoma 2) and key execution proteins (Gasdermin D, Cleaved Caspase-1, Caspase-4), and reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α. Sesn2 and Nrf2 exhibited mutual positive regulation in macrophages following inflammatory injury.
In vitro cell model studies indicate that the Sesn2/Nrf2 axis synergistically suppresses oxidative stress and pyroptosis-associated signaling in LPS/nigericin-challenged alveolar macrophages, suggesting that this axis may represent a potential target warranting further investigation in in vivo models.