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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
In Vivo Assessment of Alveolar Macrophage Efferocytosis Following Ozone Exposure
Published on: October 22, 2019
Targeting alveolar macrophages: a promising intervention for pulmonary infection and acute lung injury
Fei Hou1,2, Nan Shi1, Haoran Yuan1
1The 964th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Changchun, 130062, China.
Abstract:
Pulmonary infections are common respiratory diseases caused by a variety of pathogens, some of which can lead to epidemics. When they progress to acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome, the mortality rate is high and effective treatment options are lacking. Macrophages play a crucial role in the development and progression of lung injury, and serve as core components of immune regulation in the lungs. Therefore, regulation of macrophages to intervene in the progression of infection-induced lung injury is a promising research direction. However, the existence of different macrophage subsets and their inherent heterogeneity has led to the failure of many studies to achieve effective results, thereby limiting their clinical applications. We believe that interventions targeting macrophages must consider factors, such as macrophage subsets, timing of interventions, patients' varying immune states, and clinical stages, rather than simply focusing on regulating their phenotypes. This distinction is the key to the success of macrophage-targeted therapies. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of two distinct macrophage subpopulations, lung-tissue-resident alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages, along with intervention strategies and research progress at various time points, with the aim of providing insights and directions for future research.
Insights
Targeting lung macrophages offers a promising strategy for treating pulmonary infections and acute lung injury. Effective therapies require considering macrophage subsets, timing, and patient immune status for successful clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary infections can cause severe lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome with high mortality.
- Macrophages are key immune regulators in the lungs, influencing lung injury development and progression.
- Current therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages have limited clinical success due to cellular heterogeneity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct characteristics of alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages.
- To explore intervention strategies for infection-induced lung injury targeting macrophages.
- To provide insights for developing effective, individualized macrophage-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of macrophage biology in pulmonary infections.
- Analysis of intervention strategies based on macrophage subsets and disease stage.
- Summary of research progress in modulating macrophage function.
Main Results:
- Identified two primary macrophage subpopulations: lung-tissue-resident alveolar macrophages and monocyte-derived macrophages.
- Highlighted the heterogeneity of macrophages and its impact on therapeutic outcomes.
- Demonstrated the importance of considering intervention timing and patient-specific factors.
Conclusions:
- Successful macrophage-targeted therapies for lung injury necessitate a nuanced approach.
- Consideration of macrophage subsets, immune status, and clinical stage is crucial for effective treatment.
- This review offers a framework for future research in precision medicine for pulmonary infections.
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