Redox-signals and macrophage biology (for the upcoming issue of molecular aspects of medicine on signaling by reactive oxygen species)

Publication date: Available online 12 January 2018 Source:Molecular Aspects of Medicine Author(s): Andreas Weigert, Andreas von Knethen, Dominik Fuhrmann, Nathalie Dehne, Bernhard Brüne Macrophages are known for their versatile role in biology. They sense and clear structures that contain exogenous or endogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns. This process is tightly linked to the production of a mixture of potentially harmful oxidants and cytokines. Their inherent destructive behavior is directed against foreign material or structures of ‘altered self’, which explains the role of macrophages during innate immune reactions and inflammation. However, there is also another side of macrophages when they turn into a tissue regenerative, pro-resolving, and healing phenotype. Phenotype changes of macrophages are termed macrophage polarization, representing a continuum between classical and alternative activation. Macrophages as the dominating producers of superoxide/hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide are not only prone to oxidative modifications but also to more subtle signaling properties of redox-active molecules conveying redox regulation. We review basic concepts of the enzymatic nitric oxide and superoxide production within macrophages, refer to their unique chemical reactions and outline biological consequences not only for macrophage biology but also for their communication with cells in the microenvironment. These considerations link hypoxia to the NO sy...
Source: Molecular Aspects of Medicine - Category: Molecular Biology Source Type: research