TNFα and IFNγ rapidly activate PI3K-AKT signaling to drive glycolysis that confers mesenchymal stem cells enhanced anti-inflammatory property

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) acquire immunosuppressive capacity only in an inflammatory microenvironment. This can be recapitulated in vitro by treating MSCs with inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IFNγ, which induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6). However, the signaling pathways downstream of the cytokines remain to be elucidated. METHODS: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mouse model was established by subjecting mice to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. Human UC-MSCs were pretreated with TNF-α and IFN-γ for 24 h and were then infused intravenously at day 2 of DSS administration. Colon tissues were collected for length measurement and histopathological examination. The serum level of IL-6 in mice was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to examine the mRNA level and protein expression. MSCs overexpressing constitutive active AKT or dominant negative AKT were generated and were analyzed. The glycolysis level of the MSCs was measured using Extracellular Flux Analyzer. 2-NBDG was used to monitor the uptake of glucose by MSCs. RESULTS: TNFα and IFNγ treatment led to rapid consumption of glucose and metabolic skewing toward glycolysis in MSCs, which was required for the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs on IBD. Blockade of glycolysis in MSCs inhibited the expression of immunomodulatory molecules, IDO and TSG-6, as well as the therapeutic effect on IBD. Moreover, PI3K-AKT signaling axis was rapidly activated and was required for the skewing toward glycolysis induced by TNFα and IFNγ. MSCs expressing dominant negative AKT were compromised in their therapeutic efficacy on IBD. CONCLUSION: The glycolysis-dependent anti-inflammatory property of MSCs conferred by inflammatory cytokines is mediated by PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03178-3.