Cellular spermine controls autoinflammation by targeting JAK1 to restrain cytokine response

Using an unbiased metabolomics approach and a IFN-stimulated response elements (ISRE) reporter screening system, we have identified the cellular metabolite spermine as an endogenous brake restraining IFN-I signaling and autoinflammation. Cellular spermine concentration decrease upon stimulations with IFN-I, IL-2, and IL-6. Spermine suppresses phosphorylation of JAK1 in macrophages responding to IFN-I, T cells responding to IL-2, and fibroblasts responding to IL-6. Mechanistically, spermine binds directly to the N-terminal domains of JAK1, resulting in impaired IFNAR2-JAK1 interaction required for initiating downstream signaling and, subsequently, restrained IFN-I effector response. Moreover, spermine attenuates SLE progression in an SLE murine model and reduces IFN-I signaling in PBMCs from SLE patients. Overall design: Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) profiling of bone marrow derived macrophages treated with DMSO or spermine, and stimulated with IFN-ß.