Acute exercise activates the AHR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in an intensity-dependent manner

The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation generates several metabolites such as kynurenine or kynurenic acid that serve as endogenous ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Due to its distinct biological roles particularly modulating the immune system, the AHR is a current therapeutic target across different inflammation-related diseases. Here, we show an acute exercise-induced increase in AHR ligand availability on a systemic level and a kynurenine pathway activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Concurrently, the AHR is activated in PBMCs following acute exercise. Exercise effects on both, kynurenic acid and AHR activation in PBMCs were greater in response to high-intensity interval exercise (50 min., six three-minute intervals á 90% V̇O2peak, and three-minute intervals at 50% V̇O2peak in between) compared to workload-matched moderate intensity continuous exercise (50 min.). In conclusion, these data indicate a novel mechanistic link how exercise modulates the immune system through the kynurenine pathway-AHR axis, potentially underlying exercise-induced benefits in various chronic diseases.