Periodontal ligament fibroblast-derived exosomes induced by compressive force promote macrophage M1 polarization via Yes-associated protein

This study aimed to investigate the biological roles and mechanisms of compressive force-stimulated periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) on polarization of macrophages PDLFs were stimulated with or without static compressive force, and then conditioned medium, high-molecular weight proteins and low-molecular weight proteins were collected to treat THP-1 macrophages. RT-qPCR and flow cytometric analysis were used to evaluate the polarization of macrophages. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation method and identified via transmission electron microscopy, western-blot and nano-tracking analysis. The protein level of Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) contained in exosomes was detected by western blot. GW4869 and Verteporfin were used to inhibit exosome secretion and YAP- TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD) interaction respectively. Exosomes were successfully purified from PDLFs and could be efficiently incorporated into THP-1 macrophages. conditioned medium, HMW proteins and exosomes derived from compressive force-treated PDLFs significantly induce M1 polarization of macrophages. While inhibiting exosomes secretion by GW4869 treatment eliminated the inductive effect. YAP target genes, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) were upregulated in macrophages when treated with exosomes derived from compressive force-treated PDLFs (F-Exo). YAP level was elevated in the F-Exo. When macrophages were treated with Verteporfin, expression of YAP target genes and M1 polarization were significantly downregulated. These results suggested that exosomes derived from compressive force-treated PDLFs promoted the M1 polarization of the THP-1 macrophages. The elevated level of YAP in the exosomes may be a critical factor for this response. •Compressive force decreases exosome secretion by periodontal ligament fibroblasts.•Periodontal ligament fibroblasts promote macrophage M1 polarization via exosomes.•Exosomes activate M1 polarization by upregulating Yes-Associated Protein.