Macrophages in chronic infections: regulation and remodeling

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic pathways
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• Macrophages are crucial innate immune cells with adaptable phenotypes.
• Pathogens manipulate macrophage metabolism for immune evasion and survival in chronic infections.
• Macrophage metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as vital in chronic infection dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review primary macrophage metabolic pathways and their link to polarization.
• To examine pathogen-driven metabolic reprogramming of macrophages in chronic infections.
• To explore the role of metabolic reprogramming in immune cell interactions and trained immunity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of macrophage metabolism and polarization.
• Analysis of pathogen strategies targeting macrophage metabolic pathways.
• Synthesis of research on metabolic reprogramming's impact on the immune microenvironment.

Main Results:

• Macrophages exhibit plasticity, differentiating into various phenotypes.
• Pathogens reprogram macrophage metabolism to facilitate immune evasion.
• Metabolic reprogramming influences macrophage function and host-pathogen interactions.

Conclusions:

• Macrophage metabolic reprogramming is a key factor in chronic infections.
• Targeting macrophage metabolism offers potential therapeutic avenues.
• Understanding these pathways contributes to insights into trained immunity and immune cell crosstalk.