TREM2-expressing macrophages in liver diseases

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects over 30% of the global population, encompassing a range of liver conditions from simple steatosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• Macrophages expressing triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) have emerged as critical players in MASLD pathogenesis.
• TREM2 is involved in essential macrophage functions including efferocytosis, inflammation regulation, and fibrosis resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current knowledge on TREM2-expressing macrophages in MASLD.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which TREM2 influences MASLD.
• To guide future research and therapeutic strategies targeting TREM2 signaling in MASLD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on TREM2 and MASLD.
• Analysis of TREM2's role in macrophage functions relevant to liver disease.
• Synthesis of current understanding of TREM2-mediated pathways in MASLD pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• TREM2-expressing macrophages are identified as key regulators of MASLD progression.
• TREM2 influences efferocytosis, inflammatory control, and fibrosis resolution in the context of MASLD.
• Soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) shows potential as a noninvasive biomarker for MASLD diagnosis and monitoring.

Conclusions:

• TREM2-expressing macrophages play a significant role in the progression of MASLD.
• Further research into the molecular mechanisms of TREM2 in MASLD is warranted.
• Targeting TREM2 signaling pathways offers potential for novel therapeutic interventions for MASLD.