Macrophage heterogeneity and tissue lipids
Siamon Gordon
Siamon Gordon
Published January 2, 2007
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2007;117(1):89-93. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI30992.
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Commentary

Macrophage heterogeneity and tissue lipids

Abstract

Macrophages are present as resident cells in adipose tissue, and blood monocytes are recruited in increased numbers to sites of lipid accumulation in atherosclerosis, a modified form of inflammation in the arterial wall. Recent findings reported by 3 separate groups in this issue of the JCI provide evidence for distinct monocyte subsets, differential chemokine receptor usage, and phenotypic modulation of macrophages in murine models of genetic and high-fat diet–induced disease (see the related articles beginning on pages 175, 185, and 195). These studies raise prospects for selective therapeutic targets to ameliorate macrophage hyperinflammatory responses, while sparing host defense and repair mechanisms.

Authors

Siamon Gordon

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Figure 1

Heterogeneity of monocytes and tissue macrophages.

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Heterogeneity of monocytes and tissue macrophages. This schematic summar...
This schematic summarizes previous evidence for monocytic subsets giving rise to tissue macrophages and myeloid DCs in the absence and presence of microbially elicited inflammation. Two distinct subpopulations of monocytes can be identified in the circulation, CD14+CD16+ versus CD14++CD16– in the human and Ly-6lo/Gr-1lo versus Ly-6hi/Gr-1hi in the mouse. There are also differences in expression of CX3CR1 (fractalkine receptor), CCR2, and CD62L (L selectin ligand). Experimental studies in rodents have shown that the CX3CR1lo subset gives rise to recruited macrophages and DCs, in response to a proinflammatory stimulus, whereas the CX3CR1lo subset may give rise to resident tissue cells.