The resolution of inflammation: Principles and challenges

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Inflammation initiation involves coordinated chemokines, cytokines, and mediators.
• The role of these networks in inflammation resolution is less understood.
• Recent discoveries highlight specific pro-resolving mediators (SPMs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cellular aspects of inflammation resolution.
• To discuss the diverse pro-resolution mediators and their functions.
• To identify challenges in understanding inflammation resolution and chronic inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent findings on inflammation resolution.
• Analysis of diverse pro-resolving mediator classes (lipid mediators, proteins, peptides, gaseous mediators, purines, neuromodulators).
• Examination of cellular mechanisms involved in tissue homeostasis restoration.

Main Results:

• Pro-resolving mediators limit leukocyte recruitment and induce neutrophil apoptosis.
• Enhanced efferocytosis by macrophages and polarization to alternatively activated states.
• Promotion of lymphatic return of cells and initiation of tissue repair.

Conclusions:

• Successful tissue resolution requires specific cellular mechanisms and pro-resolution mediators.
• Diverse mediators, including lipid mediators (lipoxins, resolvins, protectins, maresins), proteins, and others, actively resolve inflammation.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate resolution pathways and the persistence of chronic inflammation.