CCR2-Dependent Monocyte Recruitment Accelerates Allergic Airway
Inflammation in Diesel Exhaust Exposed Mice
Abstract
Background: Environmental pollutants such as diesel exhaust
particles (DEP) have been implicated in exacerbating allergic airway
inflammation. However, the precise immune cell dynamics triggered by DEP
inhalation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the
immunological mechanisms underlying DEP-induced airway inflammation,
focusing on the recruitment and activation of monocyte-derived cells and
their role in promoting asthma-like responses. Methods: Mice
were exposed to DEP via inhalation. Lung immune cells were analyzed
using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and flow cytometry, while
histological analysis was used to localize DEP within the lungs.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung homogenates were assessed
for cytokine levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was
measured in alveolar macrophages (AMs). The role of CCR2
+ monocytes was further evaluated using CCR2-deficient
mice in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model. Results:
scRNA-seq analysis revealed increased infiltration of classical
monocytes in DEP-exposed lungs, with monocyte-derived AMs contributing
to enhanced MCP-1 production. DEP localized predominantly in AMs,
driving MCP-1 synthesis via ROS-dependent pathways. DEP exposure
aggravated eosinophilic airway inflammation in OVA-challenged mice, with
significant CCR2 + monocyte recruitment and elevated
cytokine levels, including MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES. In
CCR2-deficient mice, DEP-induced monocyte recruitment and asthma
exacerbation were markedly reduced, highlighting the critical role of
CCR2 in these processes. Conclusions: DEP exposure promotes
airway inflammation through ROS-driven MCP-1 production in AMs, leading
to CCR2-dependent recruitment of classical monocytes. These findings
offer novel insights into the immune mechanisms underlying DEP-induced
respiratory diseases and suggest potential therapeutic targets for
intervention.