Immunoglobulin A/PIGR axis as potential mediators of human abdominal aortic aneurysms revealed by topologically resolved proteomics

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Abstract Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an asymptomatic chronic disease of the aorta and its evolution is unpredictable. Despite the existence of several pathological mechanisms contributing to the dilation of the human AAA wall, there is currently no specific therapy to prevent the fatal rupture of the aorta. Our objective was to identify novel mediators and/or biomarkers involved in the instability of the aortic wall that could help to prevent AAA progression. Methods Multiplexed quantitative proteomic analysis of human AAA and healthy aortic wall (medial and adventitial layers) was performed. Results were subsequently validated by western blot and immunohistochemistry, as well as by turbidimetry/ELISA of tissue-conditioned media. In addition, immunoglobulins A1 and A2 (IGA1 and IGA2) plasma levels were analyzed by turbidimetry in a pilot study [controls (n = 22) and AAA patients (n = 22)] and in a validation study with a 6-year follow-up [controls (n = 64) and AAA patients (n = 189)]. In vitro experiments were performed in THP-1-derived macrophages (basal or polarized to M1 or M2). Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) mRNA expression and secretion in macrophages were analyzed by Q-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Finally, the hematopoietic contribution of PIGR was assessed in experimental AAA (Ldlr −/− mice fed an atherogenic diet and 1 μg/Kg/min angiotensin II infusion for 28 days) by bone marrow transplantation experiments. Results Functional analysis of biological pathways altered in human AAA wall revealed a significant upregulation of components of the adaptive immune response, including IGHA1 and IGHA2, as well as the IGA receptor, PIGR. In addition, IGA2, but not IGA1, plasma levels were significantly increased in a pilot study of AAA patients relative to controls (489 ± 38 vs 344 ± 36 mg/L, p < 0.01). This finding was further validated in a larger cohort, confirming the association of IGA2 with AAA presence independent of risk factors and treatments [OR = 2.140 (1.109–4.130), P < 0.05]. Furthermore, in the validation cohort, elevated IGA2 plasma levels were independently associated with AAA progression [HR = 1.941 (1.108–3.399), p < 0.05]. PIGR colocalized with macrophages in the AAA wall and, PIGR mRNA levels were increased following the differentiation of THP-1 monocytes into macrophages, as well as in M1-polarized THP-1 macrophages compared to M2 macrophages. Pigr deficiency in hematopoietic cells resulted in a significantly reduced AAA incidence (14 vs 57%) and decreased macrophage infiltration (3.5 ± 0.5 vs 5.6 ± 0.7%). Conclusions Increased IGA and PIGR is observed in the AAA wall. Pigr deficiency in hematopoietic cells decreases AAA progression, suggesting a therapeutic role for PIGR in AAA.

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