IgA2 ACPA Drives a Hyper-Inflammatory Phenotype in Macrophages via ATP Synthase and COX2

Abstract

IgA can form immune complexes (ICs) and activate myeloid cells via Fc alpha receptor-mediated signalling to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines. It was previously described that of the two IgA subclasses (IgA1 and IgA2), IgA2 is more inflammatory than IgA1. However, the mechanisms underlying this differential pro-inflammatory potential remain poorly defined. Using anti-citrullinated protein IgA1 and IgA2 antibodies (ACPA) that are commonly found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and linked to chronic inflammation, we show here that, in macrophages, IgA2-ICs boost TLR-induced TNF and IL6 secretion, COX2 expression, and production of COX2-dependent lipid mediators to a higher level than IgA1-ICs. Metabolically, we found the amplification of TLR-induced cytokine production and COX2 induction by IgA2-ICs to be dependent on mitochondrial ATP synthesis, but not glycolysis. Finally, we found the potentiation of TLR-induced cytokine production by IgA-ICs to be COX2-dependent. Together this work points towards a key role for mitochondrial ATP synthesis in driving COX2 expression and subsequent IgA2-IC-dependent potentiation of TLR-induced cytokine production by macrophages. As such, our work provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying IgA2-induced inflammation in the context of RA. Thus, this may hold novel clues to be explored as therapeutic possibilities to target antibody-driven inflammation in chronic inflammatory diseases.