ABCA1 Protein Enhances Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)-stimulated Interleukin-10 (IL-10) Secretion through Protein Kinase A (PKA) Activation

Nonresolving inflammatory response from macrophages is a major characteristic of atherosclerosis. Macrophage ABCA1 has been previously shown to suppress the secretion of proinflammatory cytokine. In the present study, we demonstrate that ABCA1 also promotes the secretion of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine critical for inflammation resolution. ABCA1+/+ bone marrow-derived macrophages secrete more IL-10 but less proinflammatory cytokines than ABCA1−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages, similar to alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. We present evidence that ABCA1 activates PKA and that this elevated PKA activity contributes to M2-like inflammatory response from ABCA1+/+ bone marrow-derived macrophages. Furthermore, cholesterol lowering by statins, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, or filipin also activates PKA and, consequently, transforms macrophages toward M2-like phenotype. Conversely, cholesterol enrichment suppresses PKA activity and promotes M1-like inflammatory response. As the primary function of ABCA1 is cholesterol removal, our results suggest that ABCA1 activates PKA by regulating cholesterol. Indeed, forced cholesterol enrichment in ABCA1-expressing macrophages suppresses PKA activation and elicits M1-like response. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel protective process by ABCA1-activated PKA in macrophages. They also suggest cholesterol lowering in extra-hepatic tissues by statins as an anti-inflammation strategy.