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Published on: April 3, 2017
Macrophage Phenotype in Liver Injury and Repair
Y-Y Sun1,2,3, X-F Li1,2,3, X-M Meng1,2,3
1School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Abstract:
Macrophages hold a critical position in the pathogenesis of liver injury and repair, in which their infiltrations is regarded as a main feature for both acute and chronic liver diseases. It is noted that, based on the distinct phenotypes and origins, hepatic macrophages are capable of clearing pathogens, promoting/or inhibiting liver inflammation, while regulating liver fibrosis and fibrolysis through interplaying with hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) via releasing different types of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Macrophages are typically categorized into M1 or M2 phenotypes by adapting to local microenvironment during the progression of liver injury. In most occasions, M1 macrophages play a pro-inflammatory role in liver injury, while M2 macrophages exert an anti-inflammatory or pro-fibrotic role during liver repair and fibrosis. In this review, we focused on the up-to-date information about the phenotypic and functional plasticity of the macrophages and discussed the detailed mechanisms through which the phenotypes and functions of macrophages are regulated in different stages of liver injury and repair. Moreover, their roles in determining the fate of liver diseases were also summarized. Finally, the macrophage-targeted therapies against liver diseases were also be evaluated.
Insights
Macrophages are key players in liver injury and repair, with M1 types promoting inflammation and M2 types aiding repair. Understanding their plasticity is crucial for developing targeted liver disease therapies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are central to liver injury pathogenesis and repair.
- Hepatic macrophages exhibit diverse phenotypes (M1/M2) and origins, influencing inflammation and fibrosis.
- These cells interact with hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSC), modulating liver disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on macrophage phenotypic and functional plasticity in liver injury and repair.
- To elucidate mechanisms regulating macrophage phenotypes and functions during liver disease.
- To summarize the role of macrophages in determining liver disease outcomes and evaluate macrophage-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on macrophage plasticity in liver injury.
- Analysis of mechanisms regulating macrophage phenotypes (M1/M2).
- Evaluation of macrophage roles in liver disease pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Macrophages infiltrate liver tissue, a hallmark of acute and chronic liver diseases.
- M1 macrophages are generally pro-inflammatory in liver injury, while M2 macrophages are anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic during repair.
- Macrophage plasticity is influenced by the local microenvironment, affecting disease trajectory.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage plasticity is a critical determinant of liver disease progression and resolution.
- Targeting macrophage phenotypes offers potential therapeutic avenues for liver diseases.
- Further research into macrophage regulation mechanisms can inform novel treatment strategies.
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