M2 macrophage polarization: a potential target in pain relief

Frontiers in Immunology

Immunology

Linlin Han¹  Shiqian Huang¹  Lulin Ma¹  Xiangdong Chen¹  Feng Xu¹  Tianhao Zhang¹  Daling Deng¹  Wenjing Zhao¹  Yuanyuan Ding¹ 

[1] Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China;Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China;Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China;

关键词: pain;    M2 macrophage;    macrophage polarization;    pain mechanism;    pain treatment;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243149

 received in 2023-06-20, accepted in 2023-08-16,  发布年份 2023

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Pain imposes a significant urden on patients, affecting them physically, psychologically, and economically. Despite numerous studies on the pathogenesis of pain, its clinical management remains suboptimal, leading to the under-treatment of many pain patients. Recently, research on the role of macrophages in pain processes has been increasing, offering potential for novel therapeutic approaches. Macrophages, being indispensable immune cells in the innate immune system, exhibit remarkable diversity and plasticity. However, the majority of research has primarily focused on the contributions of M1 macrophages in promoting pain. During the late stage of tissue damage or inflammatory invasion, M1 macrophages typically transition into M2 macrophages. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the role of M2 macrophages in pain relief. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms involved in M2 macrophage polarization and discuss their emerging roles in pain relief. Notably, M2 macrophages appear to be key players in multiple endogenous pathways that promote pain relief. We further analyze potential pathways through which M2 macrophages may alleviate pain.

【 授权许可】

Unknown   
Copyright © 2023 Zhao, Ma, Deng, Zhang, Han, Xu, Huang, Ding and Chen