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Pro-Resolving Mediators in Regulating and Conferring Macrophage Function
Jesmond Dalli1, Charles N Serhan2
1Lipid Mediator Unit, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Immunology
|November 23, 2017
Summary
Macrophages clear cellular debris, aided by microvesicles and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). These processes are crucial for resolving inflammation and promoting tissue repair, with maresins playing a key role.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophages are key immune cells coordinating host responses to injury and infection.
- Clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages is vital for inflammation resolution, tissue repair, and regeneration.
- Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) derived from essential fatty acids are critical for these restorative processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of microvesicles in regulating macrophage efferocytosis and SPM production.
- To discuss the contribution of apoptotic cells and microvesicles to SPM biosynthesis during efferocytosis.
- To explore the biological actions of maresins, a novel class of macrophage-derived SPMs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microvesicles, efferocytosis, and SPM production.
- Analysis of the role of apoptotic cells and microvesicles as substrates for SPM biosynthesis.
- Examination of the formation and functions of maresins and maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration.
Main Results:
- Microvesicles influence macrophage efferocytosis and SPM generation.
- Apoptotic cells and microvesicles serve as substrates for transcellular SPM biosynthesis.
- Maresins, produced from docosahexaenoic acid, are key regulators of efferocytosis, tissue repair, and pain during inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Microvesicles and SPMs, including maresins, are integral to the resolution of inflammation and tissue homeostasis.
- Maresins and maresin conjugates play significant roles in efferocytosis, tissue repair, regeneration, and pain modulation.
- Understanding these pathways offers insights into therapeutic strategies for inflammatory conditions.
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