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Review
. 2021 May 10:12:682871.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682871. eCollection 2021.

The Role of Macrophages in the Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Anna Kosyreva  1   2 , Dzhuliia Dzhalilova  3 , Anastasia Lokhonina  2   4 , Polina Vishnyakova  2   4 , Timur Fatkhudinov  2   5
Affiliations
Review

The Role of Macrophages in the Pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Anna Kosyreva et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

Macrophages are cells that mediate both innate and adaptive immunity reactions, playing a major role in both physiological and pathological processes. Systemic SARS-CoV-2-associated complications include acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, edema, and pneumonia. These are predominantly effects of massive macrophage activation that collectively can be defined as macrophage activation syndrome. In this review we focus on the role of macrophages in COVID-19, as pathogenesis of the new coronavirus infection, especially in cases complicated by ARDS, largely depends on macrophage phenotypes and functionalities. We describe participation of monocytes, monocyte-derived and resident lung macrophages in SARS-CoV-2-associated ARDS and discuss possible utility of cell therapies for its treatment, notably the use of reprogrammed macrophages with stable pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes.

Keywords: ARDS; M1/M2 macrophages; SARS-CoV-2; cells therapy; inflammation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Two functional subtypes of macrophages.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scheme of perspective therapy of ALI/ARDS by reprogramming of macrophages.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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