Heliyon (Aug 2024)

The effect of intestinal flora metabolites on macrophage polarization

  • Hengzhong Lun,
  • Peilong Li,
  • Juan Li,
  • Fenfen Liu

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 15
p. e35755

Abstract

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Intestinal flora metabolites played a crucial role in immunomodulation by influencing host immune responses through various pathways. Macrophages, as a type of innate immune cell, were essential in chemotaxis, phagocytosis, inflammatory responses, and microbial elimination. Different macrophage phenotypes had distinct biological functions, regulated by diverse factors and mechanisms. Advances in intestinal flora sequencing and metabolomics have enhanced understanding of how intestinal flora metabolites affect macrophage phenotypes and functions. These metabolites had varying effects on macrophage polarization and different mechanisms of influence. This study summarized the impact of gut microbiota metabolites on macrophage phenotype and function, along with the underlying mechanisms associated with different metabolites produced by intestinal flora.

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