Macrophages play a central role in the development, maintenance and resolution of inflammation. Inflammatory stimuli induce a macrophage phenotype that is highly resistant to toxicity caused by oxygen-derived reactive molecules. SInce in an inflammatory environment macrophages are exposed to high concentrations of these reactive species (produced by themselves and other cell types present in inflamed tissues) and may potentially cause damage in DNA, proteins and lipids. In their most recent paper published in Free Radical Biology & Medicine, Zsolt Regdon graduate student in the Virág lab identified three new mechanisms underlying the protected phenotype of inflammatory macrophages. Inflammatory stimuli induce upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, downregulation of certain cell death mediator protein and reprogram cellular metabolism from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis. These new discoveries may help to get a better understanding cellular pathways mediating development and resolution of inflammation.
The paper can be viewed here.