Melatonin in macrophage biology: Current understanding and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Endocrinology
• Cell Biology and Molecular Mechanisms

Background:

• Melatonin, a hormone, plays a crucial role in immune cell function.
• Macrophages are key immune cells influenced by melatonin.
• Macrophage-associated diseases are a significant area of study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of melatonin in macrophage biology.
• To summarize the beneficial effects of melatonin in macrophage-associated diseases.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin's action on macrophages.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on melatonin and macrophages.
• Analysis of signaling pathways, miRNAs, metabolic pathways, and mitochondrial dynamics.
• Examination of melatonin's influence on macrophage phenotype polarization.

Main Results:

• Macrophages possess melatonin synthesis enzymes and membrane receptors.
• Melatonin influences macrophage polarization and function via pathways like NF-κB, STATs, and NLRP3/caspase-1.
• MicroRNAs, cellular metabolism (α-KG, HIF-1α, ROS), and mitochondrial dynamics are involved in melatonin's effects.

Conclusions:

• Melatonin is integral to macrophage biology and function.
• Melatonin modulates the development and progression of diseases like cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Understanding melatonin's role in macrophages offers therapeutic potential for related diseases.