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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for the Detection and Quantification of Macrophage-related Murine Intestinal Inflammation
Published on: December 15, 2017
New insights into intestinal macrophages in necrotizing enterocolitis: the multi-functional role and promising
Jiaqi Wei1, Zhaoli Meng2, Zhenyu Li1
1Department of Neonatology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Insights
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants involves intestinal macrophages (IMφs). Dysregulation of these immune cells contributes to NEC pathogenesis, suggesting IMφs as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical inflammatory intestinal disease affecting preterm infants.
- The exact pathogenesis of NEC is not fully understood, limiting effective treatment options.
- Preterm infants' immature immune systems increase susceptibility to gut inflammatory disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of intestinal macrophages (IMφs) in the pathogenesis of NEC.
- To discuss the diverse functions and molecular mechanisms of IMφs in preterm infants.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies for NEC targeting IMφs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on IMφs and NEC.
- Analysis of the functional plasticity and diversity of IMφs in early life.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms underlying IMφ homeostasis and disruption.
Main Results:
- Intestinal macrophages (IMφs) are key players in innate immunity and intestinal health.
- Environmental, dietary, and bacterial factors can disrupt IMφ homeostasis.
- Disrupted IMφ function is implicated in the development of NEC.
Conclusions:
- IMφs play a crucial, multi-functional role in NEC pathogenesis.
- Understanding IMφ mechanisms offers insights into NEC development in preterm infants.
- Targeting IMφs presents a promising avenue for novel NEC therapeutics.
Abstract:
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory intestinal disease that profoundly affects preterm infants. Currently, the pathogenesis of NEC remains controversial, resulting in limited treatment strategies. The preterm infants are thought to be susceptible to gut inflammatory disorders because of their immature immune system. In early life, intestinal macrophages (IMφs), crucial components of innate immunity, demonstrate functional plasticity and diversity in intestinal development, resistance to pathogens, maintenance of the intestinal barrier, and regulation of gut microbiota. When the stimulations of environmental, dietary, and bacterial factors interrupt the homeostatic processes of IMφs, they will lead to intestinal disease, such as NEC. This review focuses on the IMφs related pathogenesis in NEC, discusses the multi-functional roles and relevant molecular mechanisms of IMφs in preterm infants, and explores promising therapeutic application for NEC.
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