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Perivascular macrophages in health and disease
Antonio Lapenna1, Michele De Palma2, Claire E Lewis3
1Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield Medical School, Sheffield, UK.
Abstract:
Macrophages are a heterogeneous group of cells that are capable of carrying out distinct functions in different tissues, as well as in different locations within a given tissue. Some of these tissue macrophages lie on, or close to, the outer (abluminal) surface of blood vessels and perform several crucial activities at this interface between the tissue and the blood. In steady-state tissues, these perivascular macrophages maintain tight junctions between endothelial cells and limit vessel permeability, phagocytose potential pathogens before they enter tissues from the blood and restrict inappropriate inflammation. They also have a multifaceted role in diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Here, we examine the important functions of perivascular macrophages in various adult tissues and describe how these functions are perturbed in a broad array of pathological conditions.
Insights
Perivascular macrophages, located near blood vessels, protect tissues by limiting permeability and fighting pathogens. Their dysfunction contributes to diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are diverse immune cells with tissue-specific functions.
- Perivascular macrophages reside on blood vessel surfaces, interacting with blood and tissue.
- These cells play critical roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis and regulating inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functions of perivascular macrophages in adult tissues.
- To explore how perivascular macrophage functions are altered in various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on perivascular macrophages.
- Analysis of the role of perivascular macrophages in both healthy and diseased states.
Main Results:
- Perivascular macrophages regulate endothelial tight junctions and vessel permeability.
- They act as a first line of defense, phagocytosing blood-borne pathogens.
- Dysfunctional perivascular macrophages are implicated in cancer, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Perivascular macrophages are essential for tissue integrity and immune surveillance.
- Understanding their role is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies for numerous diseases.
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