The critical role of muscularis macrophages in modulating the enteric nervous system function and gastrointestinal...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Macrophages are key immune cells involved in inflammation, pathogen clearance, and tissue repair.
• Gastrointestinal muscularis macrophages (MMs) reside in the gut's muscle layer, impacting muscle maintenance, motility, and neural function.
• MMs interact closely with the enteric nervous system, including enteric neurons and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs).

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current knowledge on the multifaceted roles of MMs within the gastrointestinal tract.
• The study examines how the tissue microenvironment shapes MM phenotype and function.
• Emphasis is placed on the interactions between MMs and adjacent cellular components, particularly neural cells.

Key Points:

• MMs play a vital role in gastrointestinal muscle repair and the regulation of gut motility.
• The anti-inflammatory functions of MMs are essential for the development and maintenance of the enteric nervous system.
• MMs can transition between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory states, influencing GI health and disease.

Conclusions:

• MMs are critical regulators of gastrointestinal homeostasis, bridging immune, muscular, and neural functions.
• Dysregulation of MM polarization may underlie the pathogenesis of various gastrointestinal disorders.
• Understanding MM behavior is key to developing novel therapeutic strategies for GI diseases.