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The impact of the extracellular matrix on inflammation

Lydia Sorokin1

  • 1Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany. sorokin@uni-muenster.de

Nature Reviews. Immunology
|September 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in immune responses during inflammation. Its structure and composition influence immune cell migration, differentiation, and survival in inflamed tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Recent advances in in situ immunology and intravital analyses highlight the extracellular matrix (ECM).
  • The ECM's role in modulating immune cell behavior within inflamed tissues has been historically underestimated.
  • The ECM's biochemical and structural properties significantly influence immune cell functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in immune cell behavior during inflammation.
  • To understand how ECM components and ultrastructure signal to immune cells.
  • To explore the impact of ECM in chronic inflammation on immune cell activation and survival.

Main Methods:

  • In situ immunology techniques.
  • Intravital analyses of leukocyte movement.
  • Examination of ECM composition and structure in inflamed tissues.

Main Results:

  • The ECM's diverse forms and structures provide specific signals to immune cells.
  • These signals modulate critical early inflammatory functions like immune cell migration and differentiation.
  • Aberrant ECM in chronic inflammation influences immune cell activation and survival, contributing to ongoing immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • The extracellular matrix is an active participant in immune responses, not merely a passive scaffold.
  • ECM dynamics are critical for regulating immune cell behavior in both acute and chronic inflammatory settings.
  • Targeting ECM interactions may offer novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases.

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