Telomerase RNA component knockout exacerbates S. aureus pneumonia by extensive inflammation and dysfunction of T cells

The telomerase RNA component (Terc) constitutes a non-coding RNA critical for telomerase function, commonly associated with aging and pivotal in immunomodulation during inflammation. Our study unveils heightened susceptibility to pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Terc knockout (Tercko/ko) mice compared to both young and old infected counterparts. The exacerbated infection in Tercko/ko mice correlates with heightened inflammation, manifested by elevated interleukin-1{beta} (IL-1{beta}) levels and activation of the NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome within the lung. Employing mRNA sequencing methods alongside in vitro analysis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and T cells, our study elucidates a compelling correlation between Tercko/ko, inflammation, and impaired T cell functionality. Terc deletion results in compromised T cell function, characterized by dysregulation of the T cell receptor and absence of CD247, potentially compromising the hosts capacity to mount an effective immune response against S. aureus. This investigation provides insights into the intricate mechanisms governing increased vulnerability to severe pneumonia in the context of Terc deficiency, which might also contribute to aging-related pathologies, while also revealing for the first time the influence of Terc on T cell function. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=172 SRC="FIGDIR/small/599722v2_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (40K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@15977f5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d2b203org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@a50641org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@3dc906_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG