Immunometabolism of Macrophages: Bridging Metabolic and Immune Pathways

The "Immunometabolism of Macrophages" explores the intricate interplay between metabolic processes and macrophage function, shedding light on the role metabolism plays in shaping immune responses. Within this field, metabolic pathways are recognized not just as energy sources but as critical regulators of macrophage functional states. Macrophages, known for their versatile roles in both inflammation and tissue homeostasis, rely on distinct metabolic programs to modulate their phenotype and effector functions. This metabolic reprogramming governs the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory states, which holds significant implications for understanding and treating various diseases, from infections to cancer and metabolic disorders.

Recent advances highlight the impact of specific pathways on macrophage polarization, with particular emphasis on glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and lipid metabolism as key determinants of macrophage activity. The research delves into how different environmental cues and stimuli influence these metabolic processes, unveiling new therapeutic targets to modulate immune responses effectively. These therapeutic approaches targeting immunomodulating interventions are gaining traction in the treatment of infections, autoimmune disorders and cancer. Macrophages in physiological and pathophysiological environments are highly dependent on changes in metabolism and can thereby regulate macrophage polarization, influence cell death pathways like ferroptosis or regulate antimicrobial responses. Immunometabolism of macrophages differs significantly between species like mouse and human. Therefore, this research topic also aims to investigate this important aspect in more detail. By filling these knowledge gaps, the findings could lead to a better understanding of macrophages in the context of metabolic interface.

With metabolism and immunity deeply intertwined, this topic invites interdisciplinary studies combining insights from immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to unravel the complexities of macrophage immunometabolism. Ultimately, the aim is to deepen the understanding of how metabolic adaptations can influence immune function and potential therapeutic interventions.

Key areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Metabolic pathways critically regulate macrophage polarization and immune functions (glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism).
- Dynamic metabolic reprogramming determines macrophage states (pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory).
- Environmental cues and stimuli influence macrophage metabolism with implications for infections, cancer, and metabolic disorders.
- Therapeutic targeting of immunometabolic pathways is a promising strategy in treating autoimmune diseases and malignancies.
- Significant interspecies differences (e.g., mouse vs. human) exist in macrophage immunometabolism and require deeper investigation.
- Macrophage metabolism influences cell death mechanisms (such as ferroptosis) and antimicrobial responses.

This research topic welcomes original research articles and reviews addressing new aspects of immunometabolism of macrophages.