Advances in Mesenchymal stem cells regulating macrophage polarization and treatment of sepsis-induced liver injury

Yuhao Chen; Lihong Yang; Xihong Li

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238972

Advances in Mesenchymal stem cells regulating macrophage polarization and treatment of sepsis-induced liver injury

Front Immunol. 2023 Oct 25:14:1238972. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1238972. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Yuhao Chen^{1

2}, Lihong Yang^{1

2}, Xihong Li^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Emergency Medicine, West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.
² Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Sichuan, China.

Abstract

Sepsis is a syndrome of dysregulated host response caused by infection, which leads to life-threatening organ dysfunction. It is a familiar reason of death in critically ill patients. Liver injury frequently occurs in septic patients, yet the development of targeted and effective treatment strategies remains a pressing challenge. Macrophages are essential parts of immunity system. M1 macrophages drive inflammation, whereas M2 macrophages possess anti-inflammatory properties and contribute to tissue repair processes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), known for their remarkable attributes including homing capabilities, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and tissue regeneration potential, hold promise in enhancing the prognosis of sepsis-induced liver injury by harmonizing the delicate balance of M1/M2 macrophage polarization. This review discusses the mechanisms by which MSCs regulate macrophage polarization, alongside the signaling pathways involved, providing an idea for innovative directions in the treatment of sepsis-induced liver injury.

Keywords: kupffer cells; liver injury; macrophage polarization; mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); sepsis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic*
Humans
Macrophages
Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism
Sepsis* / complications
Sepsis* / metabolism
Sepsis* / therapy

Substances

Anti-Inflammatory Agents

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (grant nos. 82071353).