CRISPR/Cas9-mediated identification of human macrophage SphK1 as druggable target for development of anti-leishmanial chemotherapeutics

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that regulates apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and intracellular pathogen survival. While S1P signaling has been implicated in Leishmania donovani infection, the specific roles of its biosynthetic enzymes Sphingosine kinases SphK1 and SphK2 in host macrophage remains poorly defined. Here, we delineate the role of SphK1 in modulating host-pathogen interactions using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout and pharmacological inhibition in THP-1 macrophages.

We generated and validated CRISPR constructs targeting SphK1 (promoter, SBS, exon 6) and SphK2 (exon 3). SphK1 Knockout was confirmed at transcript and protein levels, accompanied by a marked reduction in SphK1 enzymatic activity and S1P levels. Functionally, SphK1 knockout macrophages exhibited decreased intracellular L. donovani burden, elevated TNF-α, and reduced IL-10, and increased autophagic and apoptotic markers, suggesting a pro-inflammatory, cell-death-prone state.

Pharmacological inhibition using the selective SphK1 inhibitor, PF-543 recapitulated these findings, showing reduced phosphorylated SphK1, enhanced p38MAPK activation, and augmented autophagy and apoptosis. Conversely, the SphK2 inhibitor ABC294640 had minimal effect, reinforcing the predominant role of SphK1.

Together, our study identifies SphK1 as a critical host factor that facilitates L. donovani survival by modulating lysosomal stress, immune evasion, and cell fate pathways. Targeting SphK1-S1P signalling may offer a novel therapeutic approach for visceral leishmaniasis.