Branched-chain amino acid catabolism promotes M2 macrophage polarization

Metabolomic analysis identified increased BCAA metabolism as one of the most significantly rewired pathways upon alternative activation. M2 macrophages had significantly lower BCAA levels compared to controls. BCAA supplementation promoted M2 macrophage polarization both in vitro and in vivo and increased oxidative phosphorylation in M2 macrophages. Blocking BCAA entry into mitochondria by knockdown of SLC25A44 inhibited M2 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, M2 macrophages polarization was suppressed by knockdown of Branched-chain amino-acid transaminase 2 (BCAT2) and branched chain keto acid dehydrogenase E1 subunit alpha (BCKDHA), both of which are key enzymes involved in BCAA oxidation. Overall, our findings suggest that BCAA catabolism plays an important role in polarization toward M2 macrophages.