The short-chain fatty acid pentanoate suppresses autoimmunity by modulating the metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk in lymphocytes

Maik Luu, Sabine Pautz, Vanessa Kohl, Rajeev Singh, Rossana Romero, Sébastien Lucas, Jörg Hofmann, Hartmann Raifer, Niyati Vachharajani, Lucia Campos Carrascosa, Boris Lamp, Andrea Nist, Thorsten Stiewe, Yoav Shaul, Till Adhikary, Mario M. Zaiss, Matthias Lauth, Ulrich Steinhoff, Alexander Visekruna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have immunomodulatory effects, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that pentanoate, a physiologically abundant SCFA, is a potent regulator of immunometabolism. Pentanoate induces IL-10 production in lymphocytes by reprogramming their metabolic activity towards elevated glucose oxidation. Mechanistically, this reprogramming is mediated by supplying additional pentanoate-originated acetyl-CoA for histone acetyltransferases, and by pentanoate-triggered enhancement of mTOR activity. In experimental mouse models of colitis and multiple sclerosis, pentanoate-induced regulatory B cells mediate protection from autoimmune pathology. Additionally, pentanoate shows a potent histone deacetylase-inhibitory activity in CD4 + T cells, thereby reducing their IL-17A production. In germ-free mice mono-colonized with segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), pentanoate inhibits the generation of small-intestinal Th17 cells and ameliorates SFB-promoted inflammation in the central nervous system. Taken together, by enhancing IL-10 production and suppressing Th17 cells, the SCFA pentanoate might be of therapeutic relevance for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Original languageEnglish
Article number760
JournalNature Communications
Volume10
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2019

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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