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Published on: September 4, 2013
Interaction Between Microglial Lipid Droplet Metabolism and Immune Polarisation After Stroke: Mechanisms and
Junchi Yang1, Dongyan Wang2,3, Xu Dong4
1Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
The interaction between lipid droplet (LD) metabolism and immune polarisation of microglia after stroke plays a key role in the regulation of neuroinflammation and tissue repair. This review analysed the molecular mechanism, spatiotemporal specificity, and the dual role of the LD metabolism-immune axis in microglia after stroke. Microglial LDs can dynamically store neutral lipids and regulate the metabolite-immune network, playing a protective role in the early stage of stroke by isolating pro-inflammatory precursors, inhibiting oxidative stress and iron death, and maintaining energy buffer. Spatiotemporal analysis revealed significant heterogeneity in the distribution and function of LDs across different stages of stroke and in distinct brain areas (infarct core, peri-infarct region, and non-infarct area), directly correlating with the pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory phenotypic transformation of microglia. The development of LD-related biomarkers (such as near-infrared imaging), the repurpose of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonists (rosiglitazone) and HDAC inhibitors (volinostat), as well as the design of novel drugs (such as Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 agonists and perilipin 2 small interfering RNA) are expected to improve stroke outcomes by transforming metabolic homeostasis and immune balance. Multi-omics technology and intelligent delivery system should be combined to overcome the limitations of the blood-brain barrier, promote the clinical transformation of the "metabolism-immunity" collaborative intervention strategy, and provide a new paradigm for precision treatment of stroke.
Insights
Lipid droplet metabolism in microglia influences stroke recovery by modulating neuroinflammation. Targeting this axis offers new therapeutic strategies for stroke treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Microglia play a crucial role in neuroinflammation and tissue repair post-stroke.
- Lipid droplet (LD) metabolism is increasingly recognized for its influence on microglial immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms, spatiotemporal dynamics, and dual roles of the LD metabolism-immune axis in microglia following stroke.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting LD metabolism for improved stroke outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review analyzing molecular mechanisms and spatiotemporal specificity of LD metabolism in microglia after stroke.
- Examination of the interplay between LDs, metabolite-immune networks, and microglial polarization.
Main Results:
- Microglial LDs dynamically store lipids, regulate metabolite-immune networks, and exert protective effects in early stroke stages.
- Significant heterogeneity in LD distribution and function correlates with microglial phenotypic transformation across stroke stages and brain regions.
- LD metabolism influences neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and energy homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- The LD metabolism-immune axis in microglia is a critical regulator of neuroinflammation and tissue repair after stroke.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting LD metabolism, including biomarkers, drug repurposing, and novel drug design, hold promise for stroke treatment.
- Combining multi-omics, intelligent delivery systems, and collaborative intervention strategies could advance precision stroke therapy.
