Microbial metabolism of methotrexate produces a STAT3 signaling molecule that alleviates gut inflammation

Abstract

Methotrexate (MTX) therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often limited by inter-individual variability in clinical response and adverse effects. Gut microbiota contribute to MTX therapeutic response and toxicity by metabolizing MTX and altering its bioavailability. However, how inflammation alters microbial MTX metabolism and how its metabolites influence the host remain poorly understood. Here, we identify Clostridium asparagiforme as a potent and efficient metabolizer of methotrexate, producing deoxyaminopteroic acid (DAMPA) in the distal gastrointestinal tract. We demonstrate that DAMPA preserves mitochondrial integrity by promoting mitophagy in intestinal epithelial cells through mitochondrial STAT3 signaling. DAMPA administration attenuates intestinal inflammation in vivo, and improves metabolic dysfunction associated with IBD. Together, these findings reveal an unappreciated role for a gut microbial MTX metabolite in mediating epithelial homeostasis during intestinal inflammation, thus reframing microbial MTX metabolism from passive drug detoxification to active regulation of host mitochondrial and inflammatory homeostasis.