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Published on: September 9, 2014
Regulation of monocytes and macrophages cell fate
M Elba Gonzalez-Mejia1, Andrea I Doseff
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, The Ohio State University Columbus, OH, USA.
Abstract:
Monocytes and macrophages are central cells of the innate immune system, responding to a diverse repertoire of pathogens. These cells originate from a common myeloid precursor in the bone marrow and while sharing responsibilities during innate immunity, differ greatly in their lifespan. Normally, blood monocytes live for just few days before undergoing apoptosis. Macrophages, in contrast, live up for months. Monocytes' lifespan can switch dramatically, from prolonged survival during inflammation to apoptosis as inflammation resolves. Interestingly, many of the mechanisms mediating survival during inflammation and cancer also operate in monocyte/macrophage differentiation. Differentiation and inflammatory stimuli determine monocyte/macrophage lifespan, by blocking the apoptotic pathway and activating a myriad of survival pathways. How these complicated networks of survival and apoptotic regulators are integrated remains yet to be fully elucidated. The present review summarizes the different monocytes' subpopulations and their function during pathogen recognition. We discuss the role of the caspases and the mechanisms that determine monocytes/macrophages fate highlighting their significance in the regulation of inflammatory diseases.
Insights
Monocytes and macrophages are key immune cells with different lifespans. Their survival and fate are regulated by complex pathways, crucial for managing inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocytes and macrophages are crucial innate immune cells originating from myeloid precursors.
- These cells exhibit distinct lifespans: monocytes typically survive for days, while macrophages can live for months.
- Monocyte lifespan is dynamic, influenced by inflammatory conditions and differentiation processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review monocyte subpopulations and their roles in pathogen recognition.
- To discuss the mechanisms regulating monocyte and macrophage lifespan and cell fate.
- To highlight the significance of these regulatory mechanisms in inflammatory diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of monocyte and macrophage biology.
- Analysis of survival and apoptotic pathways.
- Examination of caspase roles in cell fate determination.
Main Results:
- Monocyte/macrophage differentiation and inflammatory stimuli significantly impact cell lifespan.
- Survival pathways are activated, and apoptotic pathways are blocked, extending cell life.
- Complex regulatory networks integrate survival and apoptotic signals, though full elucidation is pending.
Conclusions:
- Understanding monocyte/macrophage lifespan regulation is vital for comprehending inflammatory diseases.
- Caspases play a critical role in determining monocyte/macrophage fate.
- Further research is needed to fully integrate the complex survival and apoptotic regulatory networks.
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