Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies macrophage transcriptional heterogeneities in granulomatous diseases

Both sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are granulomatous diseases with overlapping clinical features; however, their clinical courses differ. CBD may have slow clinical progression and rarely resolves, while sarcoidosis has variable progression and may resolve depending on the stage of the disease [1]. These commonalities and differences imply differences in antigen(s), and potentially clearance and persistence. Alveolar macrophages play an important role in this process, driving innate [2] and adaptive immune responses [3]. Furthermore, subpopulations of macrophages may promote granulomatous inflammation and resolution of lung injury [4], key aspects of sarcoidosis and CBD. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we explored the common and unique pathways between progressive (SarcP) and remitting (SarcR) sarcoidosis as well as CBD and sarcoidosis, focusing on macrophages and macrophage subpopulations (recruited versus resident).

Source: European Respiratory Journal - June 17, 2021 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Liao, S.-Y., Atif, S. M., Mould, K., Konigsberg, I. R., Fu, R., Davidson, E., Li, L., Fontenot, A. P., Maier, L. A., Yang, I. V. Tags: Original Articles: Research letters Source Type: research