Legumain (asparaginyl endopeptidase) modulates extracellular matrix dynamics in pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition driven by fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT) and by an altered proteolytic balance. While the roles of several cysteine proteases have been documented, the specific contribution of cathepsin V (CatV) and legumain (LGMN) remains poorly explored. LGMN, CatV and their dual inhibitor cystatin M/E (CysM/E) are significantly increased in lung specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. TGF-β1 triggered CysM/E expression and LGMN transcription, intracellular maturation, enzymatic activity, and pro-LGMN secretion via the Smad-3 pathway, whereas CatV was downregulated in human lung fibroblasts (CCD-19Lu and primary HPF cells) undergoing myodifferentiation. Genetic silencing of LGMN or CatV, and pharmacological inhibition of LGMN, led to accumulation of fibronectin and elastin, implying that both proteases contribute to ECM remodeling. LGMN cleaved fibronectin, while CatV predominantly regulated elastin levels. Conversely, broad-spectrum inhibitor cystatin C (hCC) markedly _r educed elastin and fibronectin degradation, whereas CysM/E exerted a weaker effect, mainly on elastin turnover. LGMN inhibition transiently delayed fibroblast wound closure, establishing a functional role in tissue repair through fibronectin remodeling. Neither LGMN nor CatV influenced α-SMA expression, distinguishing them from CatB, which participates in FMT. Altogether, LGMN was identified as an effector of matrix remodeling rather than myodifferentiation, acting in concert with CatV. Within the proteolytic network governing fibrosis progression, the present findings identify a cystatin-regulated LGMN/CatV partnership, participating in ECM turnover and cell migration. Present results also provide new perspectives on potential therapeutic protease-based strategies targeting ECM turnover underlying lung fibrosis.