AMPK integrates metabolite and kinase-based immunometabolic control in macrophages

Previous mechanistic studies on immunometabolism have focused on metabolite-based paradigms of regulation, such as itaconate. Here, we combine whole cell quantitative proteomics with gene knockout of AMPKα1, to demonstrate integration of metabolite and kinase-based immunometabolic control. Comparing macrophages with AMPKα1 catalytic subunit deletion with wild-type, inflammatory markers are largely unchanged in unstimulated cells, but with an LPS stimulus, AMPKα1 knockout leads to a striking M1 hyperpolarisation. Deletion of AMPKα1 also resulted in increased expression of rate-limiting enzymes involved in itaconate synthesis, metabolism of glucose, arginine, prostaglandins and cholesterol. Consistent with this, we observed functional changes in prostaglandin synthesis and arginine metabolism. Selective AMPKα1 activation also unlocks additional regulation of IL-6 and IL-12 in M1 macrophages. Together, our results validate AMPK as a pivotal immunometabolic regulator in macrophages.