Purpose of review: The identity of the erythroblastic island (EBI) macrophage (Mϕ) has been under investigation for decades since it was recognized as the first hematopoietic niche 'nursing' terminal erythropoiesis. This review will focus on the current insights to the characteristics and the role of the EBI Mϕ balancing terminal erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis.
Recent findings: While the EBI has long been known as the niche for erythroid precursors, significant advancements in biology research technologies, including optimization of EBI enrichment protocols, single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing, and imaging flow cytometry, have recently revealed that granulocytic precursors co-exist in this niche, termed erythromyeloblastic island (EMBI). More importantly, the balance noted at baseline between terminal granulopoiesis and erythropoiesis within EBIs/EMBIs is altered with diseases affecting hematopoiesis, such as stress erythropoiesis and inflammatory conditions causing anemia of inflammation. The role of the EMBI niche has yet to be fully investigated mechanistically, however, a notable degree of transcriptional and cell surface marker heterogeneity has been identified for the EMBI Mϕ, implicating its plasticity and diverse function.
Summary: Terminal erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis are regulated within the EMBI. Investigations of their balance within this niche in health and disease may reveal new targets for treatment of diseases of terminal hematopoiesis.
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