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Macrophages: supportive cells for tissue repair and regeneration

Bénédicte Chazaud1

  • 1Institut Cochin, INSERM U1016, Paris, France; CNRS 8104, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.

Immunobiology
|October 2, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages, crucial immune cells, were once seen as harmful. However, they are now recognized for their vital roles in tissue repair and regeneration, highlighting their plasticity and importance in homeostasis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Macrophages have historically been associated with disease and inflammation.
  • Emerging evidence reveals their beneficial roles in tissue repair and regeneration.
  • Macrophage function is highly dependent on their environment, leading to diverse phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the dual role of macrophages in tissue homeostasis.
  • To highlight the plasticity of macrophages and their impact on tissue repair.
  • To present examples illustrating common macrophage functions across different tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on macrophage function in tissue homeostasis.
  • Analysis of examples from various tissues demonstrating macrophage roles.
  • Synthesis of findings to identify common features of macrophage-mediated tissue recovery.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages play a significant role in resolving inflammation.
  • They influence the fate of parenchymal and stem/progenitor cells.
  • Common mechanisms underscore their importance in tissue maintenance and recovery across different organs.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophages are essential for maintaining and restoring tissue homeostasis.
  • Their plasticity allows for diverse functions, including beneficial roles in repair.
  • Understanding macrophage plasticity is key to harnessing their regenerative potential.
Keywords:
2-AAF2-acetylaminofluoreneBMDMCNSCSPGDAMPsEAEECMEMPG-CSFIFNγIGFILLPCsLPSMMPsMPCMacrophagesProgenitor cellsRegenerationRepairResolution of inflammationSLPITGFTIMPTNFTNF-like weak inducer of apoptosisTWEAKbone marrow-derived macrophagescentral nervous systemchondroitin sulphate proteoglycandamage associated molecular patternserythroblast macrophage proteinexperimental auto encephalitisextracellular matrixgranulocyte-colony stimulating factorinsulin growth factorinterferoninterleukinlipolysaccharideliver progenitor cellsmatrix metalloproteinasesmyogenic precursor cellsecretory leukocyte protease inhibitortissue inhibitor of MMPtransforming growth factortumour necrosis factor

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