Work

DNA damage in macrophages drives immune autoreactivity via nuclear antigen presentation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Aging and DNA damage increase the risk of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, yet the molecular underpinnings remain unclear. In this study, we uncover a DNA damage-driven mechanism in macrophages that triggers immune autoreactivity. Here, using Er1Lyz2/− mice with a macrophage-specific DNA repair defect in ERCC1−XPF, we demonstrate that monocyte-derived macrophages accumulate DNA damage, activate the immune system, drive polyclonal T cell responses and generate antinuclear autoantibodies. Proteomic and immunopeptidomic analyses reveal a distinct major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) antigen repertoire enriched in nuclear and ribosomal peptides, relying on autophagy for nuclear cargo delivery to MHC-II. Aged macrophages exhibit a similar lysosomal cargo profile, linking autophagy-driven nuclear antigen presentation to immune activation. Notably, inhibiting autophagy in Er1Lyz2/− mice suppresses autoimmune features, pinpointing autophagy-facilitated nuclear antigen processing as a central driver of age-related autoimmunity. These findings establish DNA damage-induced autophagy in macrophages as a pivotal mechanism linking aging to autoimmunity, unveiling potential therapeutic targets to mitigate age-related immune dysregulation. Using a mouse model with a macrophage-specific DNA repair defect, Niotis, Arvanitaki et al. identify DNA damage-induced autophagy in macrophages as a link from aging to autoimmunity.

Source: Nature Aging

DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-01053-3