The role of the local environment and epigenetics in shaping macrophage identity and their effect on tissue homeostasis

I Amit, DR Winter, S Jung - Nature immunology, 2016 - nature.com
I Amit, DR Winter, S Jung
Nature immunology, 2016nature.com
Macrophages provide a critical systemic network cells of the innate immune system.
Emerging data suggest that in addition, they have important tissue-specific functions that
range from clearance of surfactant from the lungs to neuronal pruning and establishment of
gut homeostasis. The differentiation and tissue-specific activation of macrophages require
precise regulation of gene expression, a process governed by epigenetic mechanisms such
as DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin structure. We argue that epigenetic …
Abstract
Macrophages provide a critical systemic network cells of the innate immune system. Emerging data suggest that in addition, they have important tissue-specific functions that range from clearance of surfactant from the lungs to neuronal pruning and establishment of gut homeostasis. The differentiation and tissue-specific activation of macrophages require precise regulation of gene expression, a process governed by epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin structure. We argue that epigenetic regulation of macrophages is determined by lineage- and tissue-specific transcription factors controlled by the built-in programming of myeloid development in combination with signaling from the tissue environment. Perturbation of epigenetic mechanisms of tissue macrophage identity can affect normal macrophage tissue function and contribute to pathologies ranging from obesity and autoimmunity to neurodegenerative diseases.
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