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Oxidized phospholipid signaling in immune cells
Christopher P Thomas1, Valerie B O'Donnell
1Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff University, CF14 4XN, UK.
Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|March 27, 2012
Summary
Oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are key immune signaling molecules. This review summarizes known oxPL structures and actions, focusing on those generated by lipoxygenases (LOX) in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are increasingly recognized as crucial immune system mediators.
- Hundreds of oxPL structures exist, but detailed studies are limited to a few.
- Known functions include regulating adhesion molecules, promoting coagulation, and inhibiting Toll-like receptor signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review well-studied oxidized phospholipid (oxPL) structures and their biological activities.
- To highlight recently identified oxPLs generated by lipoxygenases (LOX) in immune cells.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs).
- Summary of established oxPL structures and functions.
- Focus on lipoxygenase (LOX)-generated oxPLs in human and murine immune cells.
Main Results:
- Several oxidized phospholipid (oxPL) structures have established roles in immune regulation.
- These oxPLs are implicated in human and animal disease models.
- Newer oxPL forms generated by lipoxygenases (LOX) in immune cells are emerging.
Conclusions:
- Oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are versatile signaling molecules with diverse biological actions.
- Lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived oxPLs represent a significant area for future research in immune cell function and disease.
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