Metabolic adaptation of macrophages in chronic diseases

Abstract

In response to physiological and pathological stimuli, macrophages are able to adapt and shape their phenotype, giving rise to a broad range of functional activation that is unique in different organs and different pathologies. The plasticity of macrophages is accomplished not only by di stinct signalling pathways and transcriptional profiles but also by specific engagement of preferential metabolic pathways. In the last decade, macrophage metabolism became the object of multiple studies showing that, by altering nutrient availability or by blocking specific metabolic pathway it is possible to skew macrophage phenotype and alter their effector functions. This field of research opens new therapeutic windows for the cure of several disease. Here we will give an overview of the current knowledge of macrophage metabolism in cancer, atherosclerosis and obesity and how this knowledge could be translated in therapeutic opportunities.

Keywords: Cancer; Macrophages; Metabolism.