Macrophage orchestration of epithelial and stromal cell homeostasis in the intestine

Q Cao, RT Mertens, KN Sivanathan… - Journal of Leukocyte …, 2022 - academic.oup.com
Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 2022academic.oup.com
The intestinal tract is a complex ecosystem where numerous cell types of epithelial, immune,
neuronal, and endothelial origin coexist in an intertwined, highly organized manner. The
functional equilibrium of the intestine relies heavily on the proper crosstalk and cooperation
among each cell population. Furthermore, macrophages are versatile, innate immune cells
that participate widely in the modulation of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Emerging
evidence suggest that macrophages are central in orchestrating tissue homeostasis. Herein …
Abstract
The intestinal tract is a complex ecosystem where numerous cell types of epithelial, immune, neuronal, and endothelial origin coexist in an intertwined, highly organized manner. The functional equilibrium of the intestine relies heavily on the proper crosstalk and cooperation among each cell population. Furthermore, macrophages are versatile, innate immune cells that participate widely in the modulation of inflammation and tissue remodeling. Emerging evidence suggest that macrophages are central in orchestrating tissue homeostasis. Herein, we describe how macrophages interact with epithelial cells, neurons, and other types of mesenchymal cells under the context of intestinal inflammation, followed by the therapeutic implications of cellular crosstalk pertaining to the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Oxford University Press