Lipid scavenging macrophages and inflammation

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2022 Jan;1867(1):159066. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159066. Epub 2021 Oct 6.

Abstract

Macrophages are professional phagocytes, indispensable for maintenance of tissue homeostasis and integrity. Depending on their resident tissue, macrophages are exposed to highly diverse metabolic environments. Adapted to their niche, they can contribute to local metabolic turnover through metabolite uptake, conversion, storage and release. Disturbances in tissue homeostasis caused by infection, inflammation or damage dramatically alter the local milieu, impacting macrophage activation status and metabolism. In the case of persisting stimuli, defective macrophage responses ensue, which can promote tissue damage and disease. Especially relevant herein are disbalances in lipid rich environments, where macrophages are crucially involved in lipid uptake and turnover, preventing lipotoxicity. Lipid uptake is to a large extent facilitated by macrophage expressed scavenger receptors that are dynamically regulated and important in many metabolic diseases. Here, we review the receptors mediating lipid uptake and summarize recent findings on their role in health and disease. We further highlight the underlying pathways driving macrophage lipid acquisition and their impact on myeloid metabolic remodelling.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biological Transport / genetics
  • Homeostasis / genetics
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / genetics*
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Lipids / genetics*
  • Macrophage Activation / genetics*
  • Macrophages / metabolism*

Substances

  • Lipids