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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Regulation of Macrophage Phagocytosis; Quantitation and Imaging
Published on: July 16, 2021
Matrix-mesangial cell interaction modulates migration of macrophages
P C Singhal1, N Franki, N Gibbons
1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA.
Background:
Macrophages (Møs) have been demonstrated to play an important role in immune-mediated renal injury. Accumulation of macrophages in the mesangium has been reported to be a key event in the development of focal glomerulosclerosis. We hypothesized that mesangial cells (MCs) and matrix interaction may be a determinant for the migration of Møs into the mesangium. Therefore, we studied the effect of the interaction between matrix and MCs on the migration of Møs.
Methods:
Mouse MCs were plated on Petri dishes coated either with buffer, collagen type I, III, IV, or Matrigel in media containing 1% fetal calf serum for 48 hours. Subsequently, supernatants were collected and stored. The effect of these supernatants (conditioned media) was evaluated on the migration of Møs across a filter in a modified Boyden chamber.
Results:
Conditioned media from MCs grown on Matrigel (MC-Matrigel interaction products, MC-MGP) enhanced the migration of macrophages across a filter in a modified Boyden chamber when compared with conditioned media from MCs grown on plastic, collagen type I, type III, or type IV (MC-PP, MC-CI, MC-CIII, and MC-CIV). MC-MGP enhanced the migration of Møs in a dose dependent manner. Anti-MCP-1 antibodies attenuated (P < 0.05) the MC-MGP-induced Mø migration (MC-MGP, 16.8 +/- 2.5 vs MC-MGP + anti-MCP-1 antibody, 6.5 +/- 1.2 migrated macrophages/field, n = 12). Anti-TGF-beta antibodies did not attenuate MC-MGP-induced Mø migration. MCs grown on Matrigel showed a 5-fold increase of MCP-1 mRNA when compared with cells grown on plastic or collagen type IV.
Conclusions:
The present study suggests that matrix components may modulate the migration of Møs. This effect of MC-matrix interaction on macrophage migration may be mediated through the generation of MCP-1.
Insights
Mesangial cells interacting with Matrigel significantly enhance macrophage migration, likely mediated by increased MCP-1 production. This finding sheds light on immune-mediated renal injury mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages play a critical role in immune-mediated renal injury.
- Macrophage accumulation in the mesangium is central to focal glomerulosclerosis development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how mesangial cell-matrix interactions influence macrophage migration into the glomerulus.
- To determine if matrix components modulate macrophage recruitment.
Main Methods:
- Mouse mesangial cells were cultured on various matrix substrates (collagen types I, III, IV, Matrigel) or plastic.
- Conditioned media from these cultures were used to assess their effect on macrophage migration in a modified Boyden chamber assay.
- MCP-1 and TGF-beta involvement was tested using specific antibodies.
Main Results:
- Mesangial cells cultured on Matrigel produced conditioned media that significantly enhanced macrophage migration compared to other substrates.
- This enhanced migration was dose-dependent and could be attenuated by anti-MCP-1 antibodies.
- Matrigel culture led to a 5-fold increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in mesangial cells.
Conclusions:
- Matrix components, particularly through mesangial cell-Matrigel interactions, can modulate macrophage migration.
- The increased production of MCP-1 by mesangial cells appears to be the primary mechanism mediating this enhanced macrophage migration.
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