CX-5461 ameliorates disease in lupus-prone mice by triggering B-cell ferroptosis via p53-SLC7A11-ALOX12 pathway

CX-5461, a first-in-class compound, is widely recognized as a selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase I. Recently, it has been reported to possess novel immunosuppressive properties with significant therapeutic effects in transplantation immune rejection. However, the potential use of CX-5461 for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) treatment remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of CX-5461 in lupus. Our findings demonstrated that CX-5461 selectively targets B cells and effectively reduces the proportions of B cells, germinal center B cells, and plasma cells in MRL/MPJ-Faslpr and Resiquimod (R848)-induced lupus mice. Molecular studies revealed that CX-5461 modulates CD36-Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4)-mediated glycerolipid metabolism in B cells, triggering ferroptosis through the p53- Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11 (SLC7A11)- Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase (ALOX12) pathway, thereby decreasing IgG and Anti-Double-Stranded Deoxyribonucleic Acid (dsDNA) antibody levels and attenuating lupus. Collectively, these results suggest that CX-5461 holds promise as an effective candidate for targeted therapy against lupus.