Mannose receptor modulates macrophage polarization and allergic inflammation through miR-511-3p

Background Mannose receptor (MRC1/CD206) has been suggested to mediate allergic sensitization and asthma to multiple glycoallergens, including cockroach allergens. Objective We sought to determine the existence of a protective mechanism through which MRC1 limits allergic inflammation through its intronic miR-511-3p. Methods We examined MRC1-mediated cockroach allergen uptake by lung macrophages and lung inflammation using C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and Mrc1^−/− mice. The role of miR-511-3p in macrophage polarization and cockroach allergen–induced lung inflammation in mice transfected with adeno-associated virus (AAV)–miR-511-3p (AAV–cytomegalovirus–miR-511-3p–enhanced green fluorescent protein) was analyzed. Gene profiling of macrophages with or without miR-511-3p overexpression was also performed. Results Mrc1^−/− lung macrophages showed a significant reduction in cockroach allergen uptake compared with WT mice, and Mrc1^−/− mice had an exacerbated lung inflammation with increased levels of cockroach allergen–specific IgE and T_H2/T_H17 cytokines in a cockroach allergen–induced mouse model compared with WT mice. Macrophages from Mrc1^−/− mice showed significantly reduced levels of miR-511-3 and an M1 phenotype, whereas overexpression of miR-511-3p rendered macrophages to exhibit a M2 phenotype. Furthermore, mice transfected with AAV–miR-511-3p showed a significant reduction in cockroach allergen–induced inflammation. Profiling of macrophages with or without miR-511-3p overexpression identified 729 differentially expressed genes, wherein expression of prostaglandin D₂ synthase (Ptgds) and its product PGD₂ were significantly downregulated by miR-511-3p. Ptgds showed a robust binding to miR-511-3p, which might contribute to the protective effect of miR-511-3p. Plasma levels of miR-511-3p were significantly lower in human asthmatic patients compared with nonasthmatic subjects. Conclusion These studies support a critical but previously unrecognized role of MRC1 and miR-511-3p in protection against allergen-induced lung inflammation.