Mincle as a potential intervention target for the prevention of inflammation and fibrosis (Review)

Mol Med Rep. 2024 Jun;29(6):103. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13227. Epub 2024 Apr 19.

Abstract

Macrophage‑inducible C‑type lectin receptor (Mincle) is predominantly found on antigen‑presenting cells. It can recognize specific ligands when stimulated by certain pathogens such as fungi and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This recognition triggers the activation of the nuclear factor‑κB pathway, leading to the production of inflammatory factors and contributing to the innate immune response of the host. Moreover, Mincle identifies lipid damage‑related molecules discharged by injured cells, such as Sin3‑associated protein 130, which triggers aseptic inflammation and ultimately hastens the advancement of renal damage, autoimmune disorders and malignancies by fostering tissue inflammation. Presently, research on the functioning of the Mincle receptor in different inflammatory and fibrosis‑associated conditions has emerged as a popular topic. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of research on the impact of Mincle in promoting long‑lasting inflammatory reactions and fibrosis. Additional investigation is required into the function of Mincle receptors in chronological inflammatory reactions and fibrosis of organ systems, including the progression from inflammation to fibrosis. Hence, the present study showed an overview of the primary roles and potential mechanism of Mincle in inflammation, fibrosis, as well as the progression of inflammation to fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to clarify the potential mechanism of Mincle in inflammation and fibrosis and to offer perspectives for the development of drugs that target Mincle.

Keywords: DAMPs; MMT; Mincle; PAMPs; fibrosis; inflammation.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Fibrosis
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation* / metabolism
  • Lectins, C-Type / genetics
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis* / metabolism
  • NF-kappa B

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Lectins, C-Type

Grants and funding

The present study was funded by The National Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance and Innovation Team (grant no. ZYYCXTDC-202207), the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (grant nos. 2022YFS0621, 21ZDYF0348 and 2022YFH0118), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 82205002), the Luzhou-Southwest Medical University Science and Technology Strategic Cooperation Project (grant. nos. 2021LZXNYD-P04 and 2021LZXNYD-D13) and the Southwest Medical University Natural Science Youth Project (grant no. 2019ZQN179).