Elucidating the Role of Macrophage GPX4 in Asthma Pathogenesis: A Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomic Study

<fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA3532/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> This study delves into the underexplored function of macrophages in asthma, particularly through single-cell sequencing, to understand the role of ferroptosis—a programmed cell death mechanism. By analyzing tissue samples from asthma sufferers and healthy individuals, the research identifies the gene GPX4 as a crucial player in the ferroptosis pathway and its potential regulatory impact on asthma. The findings show significant changes in the macrophage ferroptosis signaling in asthmatic patients, and in vivo experiments suggest that GPX4 could be a valuable target for asthma treatment, as its manipulation leads to reduced inflammation and mucus in an asthma model. This groundbreaking work employs single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to spotlight macrophages' role in asthma and positions GPX4 as a promising therapeutic avenue.