Activation of IRF7/ISG15 axis in microglia inhibits NLRP3 Expression and Improves the Prognosis of Ischemia/Reperfusion in Mice

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality, with neuroinflammation playing a key role in post-stroke injury. The molecular mechanisms remain incompletely defined. This study explored the functions of IRF7 and its downstream target ISG15 in stroke-associated neuroinflammation and prognosis of ischemic stroke. Bioinformatic analysis of transcriptomic datasets from microglia and ischemic brain tissues identified both molecules as hub genes. Their expression was validated in a mouse transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model and in microglial cultures exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). The effects of these molecules were assessed using siRNA knockdown, conditioned media assays with SY5Y neuronal cells, in vivo overexpression of ISG15, histological and functional assessments.

Both IRF7 and ISG15 were significantly upregulated after stroke. IRF7 knockdown reduced ISG15 expression, whereas ISG15 knockdown did not affect IRF7, suggesting a unidirectional regulatory relationship. Conditioned media from microglia treated with siIRF7 or siISG15 increased SY5Y cell mortality, with a stronger effect in the siISG15 group, highlighting neuroprotective role of ISG15. ISG15 knockdown also enhanced microglial migration. Conversely, microglial ISG15 overexpression in vivo promoted a shift toward reduced neuroinflammation, improved neuronal survival, and enhanced functional recovery. Mechanistically, ISG15 stabilized NLRP3 protein but more strongly decreased its mRNA stability through accelerated degradation.

These findings demonstrate that the activation of IRF7/ISG15 axis in microglia inhibits NLRP3 Expression and improve the prognosis of ischemia/reperfusion in mice, with ISG15 exerting stronger neuroprotective effects. Targeting microglial ISG15 may offer a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.