Metabolic reprogramming of macrophages during infections and cancer

Cancer Lett. 2019 Jun 28:452:14-22. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.03.015. Epub 2019 Mar 21.

Abstract

In response to different microenvironmental stimuli, macrophages are polarized into two populations, M1 macrophages which are classically activated by interferon (IFN)-γ with lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and M2 macrophages which are alternatively activated by interleukin-4 (IL-4), to perform specific roles in innate immune responses. Accordingly, macrophages occupy distinct metabolic profiles, regulated by orchestrated factors and signaling pathways, including the PI3K-AKT, HIF, c-Myc, AMPK, and PPARs pathways. These factors and pathways play pivotal roles not only in metabolic regulation but also in macrophage polarization. After activation, classically activated M1 macrophages and alternatively activated M2 macrophages display distinct patterns in glucose, lipid, amino acid and iron metabolism. Here, we summarized recently discovered metabolism-related inflammatory signaling factors, along with reprogrammed metabolism, after the activation of macrophages under conditions related to immunity and cancer. Additionally, macrophage regulatory roles in infectious diseases, cancer progression and anti-cancer immunotherapy are discussed in terms of metabolic profiles, providing insight into the prevention and treatment of immune-associated diseases.

Keywords: Cancer progression; Infectious diseases; Innate immunity; Macrophage polarization; Metabolic reprogramming; Signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Communicable Diseases / immunology
  • Communicable Diseases / metabolism*
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Macrophage Activation
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Phenotype
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Microenvironment

Substances

  • Inflammation Mediators