A Role for RAGE/TXNIP/Inflammasome Axis in Alveolar Macrophage Activation During ARDS (RIAMA): a Proof-of-concept Clinical Study

Overview

RAGE (the receptor for advanced glycation end-products) is a marker of alveolar type I cell injury and a pivotal mediator of acute inflammation and innate immunity. RAGE pathway is highly regulated; the interaction of the transmembrane receptor with its various ligands (e.g. HMGB1, S100A12) ultimately leads to NF-kB activation and RAGE upregulation itself, but precise RAGE functions and intracellular pathways remain underexplored. During ARDS, monocyte and macrophage activation could modulate alveolar inflammation and repair. As RAGE is also expressed at the surface of monocytes/macrophages, we hypothesize that alveolar monocyte/macrophage activation may be mediated through a RAGE-TXNIP (thioredoxin interacting protein)-NLRP3/inflammasome intracellular pathway. The purpose of this observational prospective study is to compare alveolar monocyte/macrophage activation profiles (as assessed by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)) in mechanically ventilated patients with or without ARDS.

BACKGROUND: The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was recently identified as a promising new marker of alveolar type I cell injury. RAGE is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily that acts as a multiligand receptor and is involved in propagating inflammatory responses in various cell populations. While the precise function of RAGE remains unclear, the elevated levels of RAGE, and its soluble isoform sRAGE, correlate with severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in human and animal studies. RAGE pathway is highly regulated; the interaction of the transmembrane receptor with its various ligands (e.g. HMGB1, S100A12) ultimately leads to NF-kB activation and RAGE upregulation itself. During ARDS, monocyte and macrophage activation could modulate alveolar inflammation and repair. As RAGE is also expressed at the surface of monocytes/macrophages, we hypothesize that alveolar monocyte/macrophage activation may be mediated through a RAGE-TXNIP (thioredoxin interacting protein)-NLRP3/inflammasome intracellular pathway. DESIGN NARRATIVE: The purpose of this monocentric observational prospective pathophysiology study is to compare alveolar monocyte/macrophage activation profiles between patients with or without ARDS. Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis, monocyte/macrophage activation profiles will be characterized in patients within the first 24 hours after onset of ARDS and in matched mechanically ventilated controls. Markers of M1 ("pro-inflammatory") or M2 ("anti-inflammatory") activation, along with RAGE, TXNIP, NLRP3 FACS labeling in alveolar monocytes/macrophages will be analyzed along with protein measurements (IL-1β, TXNIP, NLRP3, sRAGE, HMGB1, S100A12) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.