Mural cell-derived chemokines provide a protective niche to safeguard vascular macrophages and limit chronic inflammation.
Immunity
; 56(10): 2325-2341.e15, 2023 Oct 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37652021
ABSTRACT
Maladaptive, non-resolving inflammation contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Because macrophages remove necrotic cells, defective macrophage programs can promote chronic inflammation with persistent tissue injury. Here, we investigated the mechanisms sustaining vascular macrophages. Intravital imaging revealed a spatiotemporal macrophage niche across vascular beds alongside mural cells (MCs)-pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Single-cell transcriptomics, co-culture, and genetic deletion experiments revealed MC-derived expression of the chemokines CCL2 and MIF, which actively preserved macrophage survival and their homeostatic functions. In atherosclerosis, this positioned macrophages in viable plaque areas, away from the necrotic core, and maintained a homeostatic macrophage phenotype. Disruption of this MC-macrophage unit via MC-specific deletion of these chemokines triggered detrimental macrophage relocalizing, exacerbated plaque necrosis, inflammation, and atheroprogression. In line, CCL2 inhibition at advanced stages of atherosclerosis showed detrimental effects. This work presents a MC-driven safeguard toward maintaining the homeostatic vascular macrophage niche.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Atherosclerosis
/
Plaque, Atherosclerotic
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Immunity
Journal subject:
ALERGIA E IMUNOLOGIA
Year:
2023
Document type:
Article