Metabolic Adaptations and Functional Activity of Macrophages in Homeostasis and Inflammation

Abstract

In recent years, the role of cellular metabolism in immunity has come into the focus of many studies. These processes form a basis for the maintenance of tissue integrity and homeostasis, as well as represent an integral part of the immune response, in particular, inflammation. Metabolic adaptations not only ensure energy supply for immune response, but also affect the functions of immune cells by controlling transcriptional and post-transcriptional programs. Studying the immune cell metabolism facilitates the search for new treatment approaches, especially for metabolic disorders. Macrophages, innate immune cells, are characterized by a high functional plasticity and play a key role in homeostasis and inflammation. Depending on the phenotype and origin, they can either perform various regulatory functions or promote inflammation state, thus exacerbating the pathological condition. Furthermore, their adaptations to the tissue-specific microenvironment influence the intensity and type of immune response. The review examines the effect of metabolic reprogramming in macrophages on the functional activity of these cells and their polarization. The role of immunometabolic adaptations of myeloid cells in tissue homeostasis and in various pathological processes in the context of inflammatory and metabolic diseases is specifically discussed. Finally, modulation of the macrophage metabolism-related mechanisms reviewed as a potential therapeutic approach.

Keywords: immunometabolism; macrophage polarization; proinflammatory cytokines.