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Analyzing Ex Vivo Metabolic Flux in Splenic and Cardiac Macrophages and Bone Marrow Monocytes
Published on: March 28, 2025
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MANF regulates splenic macrophage differentiation in mice
Chao Hou1, Dong Wang1, Xiang Li1
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Biopharmaceutical Research Institute, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
Immunology Letters
|June 22, 2019
Summary
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) regulates splenic immune cells. MANF knockout in macrophages increases M1 macrophages and, during liver fibrosis, M2 macrophages and plasma cells, impacting spleen function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Splenic immune cells, particularly macrophages, are crucial in various diseases.
- Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) has known anti-inflammatory effects.
- The role of MANF in splenic immune cell regulation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of MANF in splenic immune cells.
- To determine MANF's effect on macrophage differentiation in the spleen.
- To assess MANF's impact on splenic immune responses during hepatic fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Generation of mono-macrophage-specific MANF knockout (Mø MANF-/-) mice.
- Induction of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated hepatic fibrosis.
- Analysis of splenic immune cell populations (macrophages, T cells, B cells, plasma cells) via flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.
- Measurement of serum and splenic TGF-β1 levels.
Main Results:
- Mø MANF-/- mice exhibited increased splenic M1 macrophages under normal conditions.
- In a model of hepatic fibrosis, Mø MANF-/- mice showed elevated splenic M2 macrophages and CD138+ plasma cells.
- Serum and splenic TGF-β1 levels were increased in Mø MANF-/- mice with hepatic fibrosis.
- MANF deficiency did not alter splenic T and B cell numbers in either normal or fibrotic states.
Conclusions:
- MANF plays a distinct regulatory role in splenic immune cells, particularly macrophages.
- MANF influences the differentiation of splenic macrophages.
- MANF's regulation of splenic immunity may have significant implications for spleen physiology and pathology.
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