Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Enhances Primary Human Macrophage Immunity Against Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria

Rationale: The association between non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease and alpha-1-antitrypsin (MT) deficiency is likely due, in part, to underlying emphysema or bronchiectasis. But there is increasing evidence that MT itself enhances host immunity against microbial pathogens and thus deficiency could compromise host protection. Objectives: The goal of this project is to determine if MT could augment macrophage activity against non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Methods: We compared the ability of monocyte-derived macrophages cultured in autologous plasma that were obtained immediately before and soon after MT infusion-given to individuals with MT deficiency-to control an ex vivo Mycobacterium intracellulare infection. Measurements and Main Results: We found that compared to pre-MT infused monocyte-derived macrophages plus plasma, macrophages, and contemporaneous plasma obtained after a session of MT infusion were significantly better able to control M. intracellulare infection; the reduced bacterial burden was linked with greater phagosome-lysosome fusion and increased autophagosome formation/maturation, the latter due to MT inhibition of both M. intracellulare-induced nuclear factor-kappa B activation and A20 expression. While there was a modest increase in apoptosis in the M. intracellulare-infected post-MT infused macrophages and plasma, inhibiting caspase-3 in THP-1 cells, monocyte-derived macrophages, and alveolar macrophages unexpectedly reduced the M. intracellulare burden, indicating that apoptosis impairs macrophage control of M. intracellulare and that the host protective effects of MT occurred despite inducing apoptosis. Conclusion: AAT augments macrophage control of M. intracellulare infection through enhancing phagosome-lysosome fusion and autophagy