Regulatory mechanisms of macrophage polarization in adipose tissue

Front Immunol. 2023 May 22:14:1149366. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1149366. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

In adipose tissue, macrophages are the most abundant immune cells with high heterogeneity and plasticity. Depending on environmental cues and molecular mediators, adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) can be polarized into pro- or anti-inflammatory cells. In the state of obesity, ATMs switch from the M2 polarized state to the M1 state, which contributes to chronic inflammation, thereby promoting the pathogenic progression of obesity and other metabolic diseases. Recent studies show that multiple ATM subpopulations cluster separately from the M1 or M2 polarized state. Various factors are related to ATM polarization, including cytokines, hormones, metabolites and transcription factors. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the potential regulatory mechanisms underlying ATM polarization induced by autocrine and paracrine factors. A better understanding of how ATMs polarize may provide new therapeutic strategies for obesity-related diseases.

Keywords: adipose tissue macrophages; obesity; organokines; polarization; signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue* / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macrophages
  • Obesity* / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Transcription Factors

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81902842 to XH, 81801974 to JH), the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China (2020J01615 to JH, 2021J01669 to XH), Joint Funds for the innovation of science and Technology, Fujian province (2020Y9006 to JH, 2019Y9014 to DP).