Protective Effect of CD137 Deficiency against Post-infarction Cardiac Fibrosis and Adverse Cardiac Remodeling via ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Myocardial fibrosis, a common complication of myocardial infarction (MI), is characterized by excessive collagen deposition and can result in impaired cardiac function. The specific role of CD137 in the development of post-MI myocardial fibrosis remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the effects of CD137 signaling using CD137 knockout mice and in vitro experiments. CD137 expression levels progressively increased in the heart following MI, particularly in myofibroblast, which play a key role in fibrosis. Remarkably, CD137 knockout mice exhibited improved cardiac function and reduced fibrosis compared to wild-type mice at day 28 post-MI. The use of Masson's trichrome and picrosirius red staining demonstrated a reduction in the infarct area and collagen volume fraction in CD137 knockout mice. Furthermore, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, key markers of fibrosis, was decreased in heart tissues lacking CD137. In vitro experiments supported these findings, as CD137 depletion attenuated cardiac fibroblast differentiation, and migration, and collagen I synthesis. Additionally, the administration of CD137L recombinant protein further promoted α-SMA expression and collagen I synthesis, suggesting a pro-fibrotic effect. Notably, the application of an inhibitor targeting the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway attenuated the pro-fibrotic effects of CD137L. To conclude, this study provides evidence that CD137 plays a significant role in promoting myocardial fibrosis after MI. Inhibition of CD137 signaling pathways may hold therapeutic potential for mitigating pathological cardiac remodeling and improving post-MI cardiac function.