Depletion of CD206+ M2-like macrophages induces fibro-adipogenic progenitors activation and muscle regeneration

Nat Commun. 2022 Nov 21;13(1):7058. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-34191-y.

Abstract

Muscle regeneration requires the coordination of muscle stem cells, mesenchymal fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), and macrophages. How macrophages regulate the paracrine secretion of FAPs during the recovery process remains elusive. Herein, we systemically investigated the communication between CD206+ M2-like macrophages and FAPs during the recovery process using a transgenic mouse model. Depletion of CD206+ M2-like macrophages or deletion of CD206+ M2-like macrophages-specific TGF-β1 gene induces myogenesis and muscle regeneration. We show that depletion of CD206+ M2-like macrophages activates FAPs and activated FAPs secrete follistatin, a promyogenic factor, thereby boosting the recovery process. Conversely, deletion of the FAP-specific follistatin gene results in impaired muscle stem cell function, enhanced fibrosis, and delayed muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, CD206+ M2-like macrophages inhibit the secretion of FAP-derived follistatin via TGF-β signaling. Here we show that CD206+ M2-like macrophages constitute a microenvironment for FAPs and may regulate the myogenic potential of muscle stem/satellite cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipogenesis*
  • Animals
  • Follistatin*
  • Macrophages
  • Mannose Receptor / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Muscles

Substances

  • Follistatin
  • Mannose Receptor