Iron overload in CD11c+ myeloid cells exacerbates acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Acute liver injury often progresses to liver failure, with immune responses playing a critical role in regulating the inflammatory process. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of iron on CD11c⁺ myeloid cells during acetaminophen-induced liver injury. Iron overload caused by F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 5 (FBXL5) deficiency in CD11c⁺ cells exacerbates liver damage. CD11c⁺ myeloid cell-specific FBXL5-deficient mice exhibit higher serum transaminase levels, liver injury, and mortality than the controls. These phenotypes are associated with enhanced neutrophil infiltration and expression of interleukin (IL)-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Mechanistically, iron overload in FBXL5-deficient cells increases IL-6 production by facilitating the recruitment of nuclear factor-κB to the Il-6 promoter. In vivo, IL-6 neutralization mitigates liver injury, confirming its role in disease progression. Our findings highlight the role of iron in immune responses and suggest that targeting iron may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for liver injury.