Interaction of endothelial cells with macrophages-linking molecular and metabolic signaling

Abstract

Angiogenesis and inflammation go hand in hand in various (patho-)physiological conditions. Several studies have highlighted the interconnection between endothelial cells (ECs) and macrophages in these conditions at the level of growth factor and cytokine signaling, yet the importance of metabolism and metabolic signaling has been largely overlooked. Modulating macrophage and/or endothelial functions by interfering with metabolic pathways offers new perspectives for therapeutic strategies. In this review, we highlight the complexity of the interrelationship between the inflammatory response and angiogenesis. More in particular, the interaction between macrophages and ECs will be discussed with a special focus on how their metabolism can contribute to (patho-)physiological conditions.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Cell metabolism; Endothelial cells; Inflammation; Macrophages.