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Published on: May 21, 2018
The role of macrophages polarization in sepsis-induced acute lung injury
1Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Sepsis presents as a severe infectious disease frequently documented in clinical settings. Characterized by its systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis has the potential to trigger multi-organ dysfunction and can escalate to becoming life-threatening. A common fallout from sepsis is acute lung injury (ALI), which often progresses to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Macrophages, due to their significant role in the immune system, are receiving increased attention in clinical studies. Macrophage polarization is a process that hinges on an intricate regulatory network influenced by a myriad of signaling molecules, transcription factors, epigenetic modifications, and metabolic reprogramming. In this review, our primary focus is on the classically activated macrophages (M1-like) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2-like) as the two paramount phenotypes instrumental in sepsis' host immune response. An imbalance between M1-like and M2-like macrophages can precipitate the onset and exacerbate the progression of sepsis. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between macrophage polarization and sepsis-induced acute lung injury (SALI) and elaborates on the intervention strategy that centers around the crucial process of macrophage polarization.
Insights
Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) involves macrophage polarization, shifting immune responses. Targeting M1 and M2 macrophage balance offers a potential therapeutic strategy for sepsis and ALI.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pathophysiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation and organ dysfunction.
- Sepsis frequently leads to acute lung injury (ALI), which can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Macrophages play a critical role in the immune response during sepsis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of macrophage polarization in sepsis-induced ALI.
- To explore the mechanisms regulating M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes in sepsis.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage polarization for sepsis-induced ALI.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on sepsis, ALI, ARDS, and macrophage biology.
- Analysis of regulatory networks influencing macrophage polarization (signaling molecules, transcription factors, epigenetics, metabolism).
- Focus on classically activated (M1-like) and alternatively activated (M2-like) macrophage phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Macrophage polarization is a key factor in the host immune response to sepsis.
- An imbalance between M1-like and M2-like macrophages contributes to sepsis onset and progression.
- Dysregulated macrophage polarization is implicated in the development of sepsis-induced ALI.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization is a critical determinant of sepsis outcomes, particularly concerning lung injury.
- Modulating macrophage polarization represents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing sepsis and ALI.
- Further research into macrophage polarization mechanisms could yield novel treatment strategies.
