The long noncoding RNA-30162 is regulated by commensal microbiota and modulates CCL24 and ARG1 in macrophages

Background Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are the largest number of innate immune cells in the distal lung. AMs have critical roles in maintaining immunological homoeostasis and host defense in the lung and are inherently suppressive. Immune homeostasis depends on the integrity of microbiome, which contribute to appropriate maturation and priming of the immune system. The absence of commensal microbiota can lead to changes in AM function; however, little is known about the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) molecules in this process. Results Here, by lncRNA microarray analysis using AM samples from antibiotic-treated (Abt) mice, we found that treatment with antibiotics resulted in differential expression of numerous lncRNAs in AMs. Target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were associated with several biological pathways, including regulation of immune system processes, angiogenesis, cell differentiation, and chemotaxis, among others. Notably, lncRNA-30162 expression levels were up-regulated in AMs from Abt mice. Moreover, knockdown of lncRNA-30162 expression significantly reduced CCL24 and ARG1 levels in macrophages. Conclusions These findings indicate that microbiome can regulate the expression of lncRNA-30162 in AMs, identifying a molecular mechanism underlying lncRNA-mediated regulation of macrophage functions.