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Multiple Shades of Gray—Macrophages in Acute Allograft Rejection

Multiple Shades of Gray—Macrophages in Acute Allograft Rejection

Authors :
Katharina Lackner
Susanne Ebner
Katrin Watschinger
Manuel Maglione
Source :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24:8257
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Long-term results following solid organ transplantation do not mirror the excellent short-term results achieved in recent decades. It is therefore clear that current immunosuppressive maintenance protocols primarily addressing the adaptive immune system no longer meet the required clinical need. Identification of novel targets addressing this shortcoming is urgently needed. There is a growing interest in better understanding the role of the innate immune system in this context. In this review, we focus on macrophages, which are known to prominently infiltrate allografts and, during allograft rejection, to be involved in the surge of the adaptive immune response by expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and direct cytotoxicity. However, this active participation is janus-faced and unspecific targeting of macrophages may not consider the different subtypes involved. Under this premise, we give an overview on macrophages, including their origins, plasticity, and important markers. We then briefly describe their role in acute allograft rejection, which ranges from sustaining injury to promoting tolerance, as well as the impact of maintenance immunosuppressants on macrophages. Finally, we discuss the observed immunosuppressive role of the vitamin-like compound tetrahydrobiopterin and the recent findings that suggest the innate immune system, particularly macrophages, as its target.

Details

ISSN :
14220067
Volume :
24
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........a30f6ca9a91e2523b52bf20708febb61
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24098257