M13 phage coated surface elicits an anti-inflammatory response in BALB/c and C57BL/6 peritoneal macrophages

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Bacteriophages, including M13 phages, are part of the human microbiome.
• M13 phages show potential for immunotherapy due to their immunomodulatory properties.
• Macrophages are key innate immune cells involved in immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of M13 phage on macrophage function.
• To investigate M13 phage's impact on macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype.
• To assess M13 phage's influence on macrophage metabolism, cytokine production, and phagocytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were cultured on M13 phage-coated surfaces.
• Macrophage characteristics, including morphology, L. arginine metabolism, redox potential, cytokine production, and phagocytic activity, were analyzed.
• Experiments were conducted on steady-state and LPS-stimulated macrophages over two and seven days.

Main Results:

• M13 phage-coated surfaces induced anti-inflammatory cytokine production and reduced overall inflammatory cytokine levels.
• Macrophages cultured with M13 phage exhibited characteristics of the M2 phenotype, including induced arginase-1 and enhanced efferocytosis.
• M13 phage influenced L. arginine metabolism and phagocytic activity, directing macrophages towards the M2 phenotype.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms M13 phage's capacity to polarize macrophages towards the M2 phenotype.
• M13 phage demonstrates potential as an immunomodulatory agent for inflammatory diseases.
• Further in vivo studies are needed to determine the immunotherapy capacity of M13 phage in animal models.