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Macrophage: A Potential Target on Cartilage Regeneration
Tiago Lazzaretti Fernandes1,2,3, Andreas H Gomoll4, Christian Lattermann3
1Sports Medicine Division, Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Frontiers in Immunology
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Modulating immune cells, particularly macrophages, shows promise for osteoarthritis treatment by promoting a pro-chondrogenic environment. Shifting macrophages to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype can aid cartilage repair and combat disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Orthopedics
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) poses a significant clinical and socioeconomic challenge, driven by synovial inflammation that promotes chondrocyte damage and disease progression.
- Current treatments aim to mitigate inflammation and promote a pro-chondrogenic environment for cartilage repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of immune cell modulation and cell therapy for treating OA.
- To explore the role of macrophage polarization in OA and identify therapeutic strategies to promote cartilage healing.
Main Methods:
- This review critically examines existing literature on immune cell roles in OA.
- Focuses on macrophage polarization (M1 vs. M2 phenotypes) and the influence of various stimuli, including physical exercise, oxLDL, type II collagen, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Main Results:
- M2 macrophages, characterized by ARG-1 and IL-10 production, are associated with wound healing and a pro-chondrogenic environment.
- Physical exercise, oxLDL, type II collagen, and MSCs can induce M2 polarization, while M1 macrophages inhibit MSCs and cartilage repair.
- MSCs demonstrate potential in cartilage restoration and can induce M2 macrophages.
Conclusions:
- Targeting macrophage polarization, particularly inducing M2 phenotypes, represents a promising therapeutic avenue for OA.
- Further research into manipulating macrophage polarization could lead to novel OA treatments, complementing MSC-based therapies.
