Deletion of CD38 mitigates the severity of NEC in experimental settings by modulating macrophage-mediated inflammation

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a form of potentially lethal gastrointestinal inflammation that primarily affects preterm neonates. It is crucial to recognize that, while the disease carries significant risks, timely and effective medical intervention can greatly enhance the chances of survival. Additionally, NEC is closely linked to the activation of macrophages, highlighting the complex interplay between the immune response and disease progression. CD38, acting as an ectoenzyme, catalyzes the hydrolysis of NAD⁺ to produce cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), a reaction critical for modulating cellular redox balance and energy homeostasis. This enzymatic activity is particularly pertinent in the context of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this research, we investigated whether CD38 deletion can elevate NAD⁺ levels to reduce macrophage-mediated inflammation and improve NEC severity. We show that NEC patients was associated with the increased CD38 expression in intestine and blood. These results were also observed in NEC mice, and CD38 deletion ameliorated NEC intestinal injury. Mechanistically, CD38 deletion elevated NAD⁺ levels that reduced oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, CD38 deletion promoted M2 macrophage polarization, inhibited macrophage activation and phagocytosis ability. Thus, our results reveal a critical role for CD38 as an intracellular immune regulator for regulating macrophage activation and intestinal inflammation in NEC. Targeting CD38 and NAD⁺ signal maybe a promising strategy for treatment of NEC.