A BCG toxic effector induces mitochondrial DNA compaction to refrain protective immunity

Abstract

Innate immune memory typically emphasizes nuclear chromatin remodeling that determines transcriptional memory in monocytes and macrophages. Here, we show that compaction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), governed by mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) abundance and mtATP-dependent remodeling, defines the transcriptional and functional state of trained macrophages. While typical pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) triggered mtDNA accessibility, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) effector PE18 directly interacted with and activated SLC25A5 to reduce mtATP levels, thereby inhibiting TFAM degradation by AFG3L2. Accumulated TFAM restricts mtDNA accessibility, suppressing the transcription of the mtNd1 and thereby reducing mtNd1-mediated mtROS production, which diminishes the trained capacity of macrophages against secondary infections. Notably, BCG{Delta}pe18 maintains macrophages cytokine transcriptional capacity independent of classical nuclear histone modifications. Moreover, BCG{Delta}pe18 provides robust and lifelong protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. These findings reveal mitochondrial genome as a regulatory entity in trained immunity, and suggest a potential strategy for improving vaccine performance.