MMP8 mediates CD115 cleavage-dependent elimination of large peritoneal macrophages in response to microbial exposure

Shilpi Giri1, Andrew T Martin1, Alexandra Safronova1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA.

Cell Reports
|April 11, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections cause macrophages to lose cell surface CD115 (M-CSFR) via MMP8 enzyme activity, leading to macrophage disappearance. This mechanism explains the macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR) and impacts immune responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Macrophages are crucial for tissue homeostasis and immune regulation.
  • Microbial infections and inflammation can trigger macrophage loss via the macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR).
  • The mechanisms underlying MDR and its impact on immune responses require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms driving macrophage disappearance during infection.
  • To identify the specific molecules involved in the loss of macrophages during the MDR.
  • To understand how this process affects macrophage signaling and inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized bacterial infection and Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation models in vivo.
  • Quantified changes in cell surface CD115 (M-CSFR) expression on macrophages.
  • Assessed the role of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8) in CD115 cleavage and shedding.
  • Investigated the functional consequences of CD115 loss on M-CSF signaling and macrophage survival.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial presence or TLR stimulation led to the loss of cell surface CD115 (M-CSFR) on macrophages.
  • This CD115 loss rendered macrophages unresponsive to M-CSF signaling, inducing their disappearance.
  • MMP8, released by macrophages upon LPS stimulation, was identified as the enzyme responsible for CD115 cleavage and shedding during MDR.
  • The findings were corroborated in human cells, confirming MMP8's role in CD115 shedding.

Conclusions:

  • MMP8-mediated cleavage and shedding of CD115 (M-CSFR) is a key mechanism initiating the macrophage disappearance reaction (MDR).
  • This process limits M-CSF signaling, contributing to macrophage loss during infection and inflammation.
  • The study provides novel insights into the regulation of inflammatory responses by controlling essential growth factor signaling.

Related Concept Videos

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult...
3.8K
Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells01:15

Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells

Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
4.3K
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized...
5.7K