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Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Reprograming Model of Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages for In-vitro Assays
Published on: April 18, 2025
Signaling pathways in macrophages: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets
Ming Li1,2, Mengjie Wang1,2, Yuanjia Wen1,2
1Department of Gynecological Oncology Tongji Hospital Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan China.
Abstract:
Macrophages play diverse roles in development, homeostasis, and immunity. Accordingly, the dysfunction of macrophages is involved in the occurrence and progression of various diseases, such as coronavirus disease 2019 and atherosclerosis. The protective or pathogenic effect that macrophages exert in different conditions largely depends on their functional plasticity, which is regulated via signal transduction such as Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, Wnt and Notch pathways, stimulated by environmental cues. Over the past few decades, the molecular mechanisms of signaling pathways in macrophages have been gradually elucidated, providing more alternative therapeutic targets for diseases treatment. Here, we provide an overview of the basic physiology of macrophages and expound the regulatory pathways within them. We also address the crucial role macrophages play in the pathogenesis of diseases, including autoimmune, neurodegenerative, metabolic, infectious diseases, and cancer, with a focus on advances in macrophage-targeted strategies exploring modulation of components and regulators of signaling pathways. Last, we discuss the challenges and possible solutions of macrophage-targeted therapy in clinical applications. We hope that this comprehensive review will provide directions for further research on therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage signaling pathways, which are promising to improve the efficacy of disease treatment.
Insights
Macrophages are key immune cells whose signaling pathways, like JAK-STAT, Wnt, and Notch, influence health and disease. Understanding these macrophage pathways offers new therapeutic targets for conditions from infections to cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling and Disease Pathogenesis
Background:
- Macrophages are crucial immune cells involved in development, homeostasis, and immunity.
- Macrophage dysfunction contributes to various diseases, including COVID-19 and atherosclerosis.
- Their functional plasticity, regulated by signaling pathways, determines their protective or pathogenic roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of macrophage physiology and regulatory pathways.
- To elucidate the role of macrophages in diverse disease pathogenesis.
- To highlight advances in macrophage-targeted therapies focusing on signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on macrophage signaling pathways.
- Analysis of the role of macrophages in autoimmune, neurodegenerative, metabolic, infectious diseases, and cancer.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage signaling components.
Main Results:
- Molecular mechanisms of macrophage signaling pathways (JAK-STAT, Wnt, Notch) are increasingly understood.
- Macrophage signaling pathways are implicated in the progression of numerous diseases.
- Modulation of these pathways presents potential therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Targeting macrophage signaling pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies for various diseases.
- Further research is needed to address challenges in clinical applications of macrophage-targeted therapy.
- This review provides directions for future research in modulating macrophage signaling for improved disease treatment.
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