Macrophage peroxisomes guide alveolar regeneration and limit post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).
Peroxisomes are essential but often underappreciated metabolic organelles. In this study, we demonstrate that exuberant interferon signaling reshapes the macrophage peroxisome compartment following severe COVID-19. To uncover the molecular characteristics underlying the protective role of macrophage peroxisomes after viral infection, we isolated RNA from wild-type (WT) and Pex5-deficient alveolar macrophages (AMs) with or without Poly(I:C) treatment in vitro, followed by bulk RNA sequencing. Our analysis revealed enhanced expression of inflammation-associated pathways and innate immune responses in Pex5-deficient AMs. However, these cells also exhibited attenuated activation of tissue development-related pathways and impaired mitochondrial functions, regardless of Poly(I:C) treatment. Overall design: Total RNA was extracted from in vitro cultured WT and Pex5-deficient AMs, with or without Poly(I:C) treatment for 24 hours, for bulk RNA sequencing. After quality control, only high-quality RNA (Agilent Bioanalyzer RIN > 7.0) was used to generate the RNA-seq library.