Targeting SHIP-1 in Myeloid Cells Enhances Trained Immunity and Boosts Response to Infection

Abstract

beta-Glucan-induced trained immunity in myeloid cells leads to long-term protection against secondary infections. Although previous studies have characterized this phenomenon, strategies to boost trained immunity remain undefined. We found that beta-glucan-trained macrophages from mice with a myeloid-specific deletion of the phosphatase SHIP-1 (LysM Delta SHIP-1) showed enhanced proinflammatory cytokine production in response to lipopolysaccharide. Following beta-glucan training, SHIP-1-deficient macrophages exhibited increased phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR targets, correlating with augmented glycolytic metabolism. Enhanced training in the absence of SHIP-1 relied on histone methylation and acetylation. Trained LysM Delta SHIP-1 mice produced increased amounts of proinflammatory cytokines upon rechallenge in vivo and were better protected against Candida albicans infection compared with control littermates. Pharmacological inhibition of SHIP-1 enhanced trained immunity against Candida infection in mouse macrophages and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our data establish proof of concept for improvement of trained immunity and a strategy to achieve it by targeting SHIP-1.