CEACAM5 exacerbates asthma by inducing ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells through the JAK/STAT6-dependent pathway.

Objectives: Asthma, a prevalent chronic disease, poses significant health threats and burdens healthcare systems. This study focused on the role of bronchial epithelial cells in asthma pathophysiology.

Methods: Bioinformatics was used to identify key asthmarelated genes. An ovalbumin-sensitized mouse model and an IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cell model were established for further investigation.

Results: Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) was identified as a crucial gene in asthma. CEACAM5 expression was elevated in asthmatic mouse lung tissues and IL-13-stimulated Beas-2B cells, primarily in bronchial epithelial cells. CEACAM5 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Interfering with CEACAM5 reduced ROS, malondialdehyde levels, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, while inhibiting iron accumulation and autophagy. Overexpression of CEACAM5 in IL-13-stimulated cells activated the JAK/STAT6 pathway, which was necessary for CEACAM5-induced autophagy, ROS accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis.

Conclusion: CEACAM5 promotes ferroptosis and autophagy in airway epithelial cells via the JAK/STAT6 pathway, exacerbating asthma symptoms. It represents a potential target for clinical treatment.