The role of 2ʹ–5ʹ-oligoadenylate synthase-like protein (OASL1) in biliary and hepatotoxin-induced liver injury in mice

Abstract

Following an injury, the liver embarks on a process that drives the accumulation and reformation of the extracellular matrix, leading to hepatic fibrosis. Type I interferons (IFNs), including IFN-α and IFN-β, play a crucial role in averting chronic liver injury through the activation of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), which are instrumental in sculpting adaptive immunity. The role of 2ʹ–5ʹ-oligoadenylate synthase-like protein 1 (OASL1), an antiviral ISG, in the context of liver fibrosis remains to be elucidated. To elicit liver fibrosis, a diet containing 0.1% diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) were employed to induce cholestatic- and hepatotoxin-mediated liver fibrosis, respectively. Histological analyses of both models revealed that OASL1^−/− mice exhibited reduced liver damage and, consequently, expressed lower levels of fibrotic mediators, notably α-smooth muscle actin. OASL1^−/− mice demonstrated significantly elevated IFN-α and IFN-β mRNA levels, regulated by the IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7). Additionally, OASL1^−/− ameliorated chronic liver fibrosis through the modulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. The effect of OASL1 on type I IFN production in acute liver damage was further explored and OASL1^−/− mice consistently showed lower alanine transaminase levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, but IFN-α and IFN-β mRNA levels were upregulated, leading to amelioration of acute liver injury. Additionally, the study discovered that F4/80-positive cells were observed more frequently in OASL1^−/− CCl₄ acutely treated mice. This implies that there is a significant synergy in the function of macrophages and OASL1 deficiency. These results demonstrate that in instances of liver injury, OASL1 inhibits the production of type I IFN by modulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby worsening disease.