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Updated: Dec 4, 2025
Study of Phagolysosome Biogenesis in Live Macrophages
Published on: March 10, 2014
Paeonol promotes the phagocytic ability of macrophages through confining HMGB1 to the nucleus
Jifei Miao1, Peng Ye1, Jiao Lan2
1Research Center of Integrative Medicine, School Basic Medical sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Phagocytosis is a basic immune response to the pathogens invading. Immunosuppression may occur in diseases like sepsis and cancer, and cause a low phagocytic ability of phagocytes. High mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) is a DNA chaperone which is closely related to the phagocytosis. Nonetheless, its influence on phagocytosis is still controversial. We found that paeonol could inhibit the translocation of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, it may have an impact on phagocytosis. In the present study, we performed in vivo and in vitro experiments to investigate the influence of paeonol on phagocytosis. Zymosan was used to test the phagocytic function of macrophages. Our results showed that paeonol promotes the phagocytosis of macrophages through confining HMGB1 to the nucleus. Through interacting with P53, the nuclear HMGB1 keep it in the nucleus and decrease the negative influence of P53 on the phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK). The increasing of phosphorylated FAK promotes the formation of pseudopod and enhances the phagocytic ability of macrophages.
Insights
Paeonol enhances macrophage phagocytosis by retaining High Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1) in the nucleus. This action supports immune defense by boosting the cell
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phagocytosis is a critical immune mechanism against pathogens.
- Immunosuppression in diseases like sepsis and cancer impairs phagocytic function.
- High Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1) is implicated in phagocytosis, but its role is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of paeonol on macrophage phagocytosis.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which paeonol influences phagocytosis, focusing on HMGB1.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted.
- Macrophage phagocytic function was assessed using zymosan.
- The cellular localization of HMGB1 and its interaction with P53 and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) were examined.
Main Results:
- Paeonol was found to promote macrophage phagocytosis.
- This effect was mediated by confining HMGB1 to the nucleus.
- Nuclear HMGB1 interacts with P53, reducing its inhibitory effect on FAK phosphorylation, leading to enhanced pseudopod formation.
Conclusions:
- Paeonol enhances the phagocytic capacity of macrophages.
- The mechanism involves the nuclear retention of HMGB1, which positively regulates FAK phosphorylation and cell motility.
- Paeonol shows potential as an immunomodulatory agent.
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