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Update on the pathophysiology of transfusion-related acute lung injury
Eveline A N Zeeuw van der Laan1, Saskia van der Velden1, Leendert Porcelijn2
1Sanquin Research, Department of Experimental Immunohematology, Amsterdam and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam.
Purpose Of Review:
The aim of this study was to discuss recent advances regarding the pathogenesis of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), which highlight the pathogenic role of macrophages.
Recent Findings:
TRALI remains a leading cause of transfusion-related fatalities, despite the success of the mitigation strategy, and therapeutic approaches are unavailable. Neutrophils (PMNs) are recognized pathogenic cells in TRALI. Macrophages have previously also been suggested to be pathogenic in mice via binding of C5a to their C5a-receptor, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damages the pulmonary endothelium. Recent work has further highlighted the role of macrophages in the TRALI-pathogenesis. It has been shown that the protein osteopontin (OPN) released by macrophages is critical for pulmonary PMN recruitment in mice suffering from TRALI and that targeting OPN prevents the occurrence of TRALI. Another recent study demonstrated the importance of M1-polarized alveolar macrophages in murine TRALI induction by showing that α1-antitrypsin (AAT) overexpression prevented TRALI in mice through decreasing the polarization of alveolar macrophages towards the M1 phenotype.
Summary:
Apart from PMNs, macrophages also appear to be important in the pathogenesis of TRALI. Targeting the pathogenic functions of macrophages may be a promising therapeutic strategy to explore in TRALI.
Insights
Macrophages play a key role in transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) pathogenesis. Targeting macrophage functions offers a promising therapeutic strategy for TRALI, a leading cause of transfusion fatalities.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a significant cause of transfusion-related fatalities.
- While neutrophils are known contributors, recent research emphasizes the role of macrophages in TRALI pathogenesis.
- Current therapeutic strategies for TRALI are limited, necessitating exploration of novel treatment targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding TRALI pathogenesis.
- To highlight the critical role of macrophages in TRALI development.
- To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage functions.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on TRALI pathogenesis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the role of macrophages in experimental TRALI models.
- Examination of findings related to osteopontin (OPN) and M1-polarized macrophages in TRALI.
Main Results:
- Macrophages contribute to TRALI by releasing osteopontin (OPN), which promotes neutrophil recruitment.
- Targeting OPN has been shown to prevent TRALI in mouse models.
- M1-polarized alveolar macrophages are crucial for TRALI induction, and α1-antitrypsin (AAT) can mitigate TRALI by reducing this polarization.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages, in addition to neutrophils, are key players in TRALI pathogenesis.
- Targeting the pathogenic functions of macrophages presents a promising therapeutic avenue for TRALI.
- Further research into macrophage-centric therapies could lead to effective treatments for TRALI.
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