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Published on: November 27, 2014
Interleukin-4 increases phagocytosis of necrotic cells by macrophages through scavenger receptor CD36
Mingzhuang Chen1, Gary Tse1, Wing Tak Wong1,2
1School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Objective:
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) signalling pathways regulate the activity of macrophages, enhance their proteolytic capacity and drive resolution of inflammation during tissue repair. The aim of this study was to examine whether IL-4 can enhance phagocytosis of necrotic cells and elucidate the molecular mechanisms.
Methods:
Phagocytosis of necrotic thymocytes by RAW264.7 cells, a macrophage cell line, with or without IL-4 treatment, was determined by flow cytometry. Protein expression was determined by western blot analysis.
Results:
The phagocytosis index was significantly increased by IL-4 (10 ng/mL). IL-4-enhanced phagocytosis was mediated by upregulation of scavenger receptor CD36. STAT6 activation is required for IL-4-mediated phagocytosis.
Conclusions:
Interleukin-4 can accelerate cell debris clearance by stimulating expression of CD36, which requires downstream STAT6 activation. Its beneficial effects on driving tissue repair and regeneration should be explored in future studies.
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