Macrophage Metabolism
Context:
Indian researchers have reported that macrophage metabolism directly influences the tolerance of Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria to drugs.
The study found that pushing infected macrophages to generate energy using glycolysis made the bacteria easier to kill, whereas oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) helped the bacteria survive.
A drug called Meclizine was found to switch macrophage metabolism towards glycolysis, enhancing the effectiveness of anti-TB drugs.
About Macrophages:
Macrophages are large, specialized white blood cells (mononuclear cells) that function as professional phagocytes.
They originate from monocytes, which are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood before entering tissues to mature into macrophages.
They are the first line of defense in the immune system, responsible for detecting, engulfing, and destroying pathogens and dead cells.
Types of Macrophages:
Macrophages can largely be categorized into two main types:
M1 and M2 macrophages.
The M1 type, referred to as classically activated macrophages, are activated by pathogen invasion and play a large role in the immune response to foreign pathogens such as bacteria.
The M2 type, referred to as alternatively activated macrophages, play a role in wound healing and tissue repair, and have an anti-inflammatory role.
Key Functions:
Phagocytosis:
The process of engulfing and digesting cellular debris, foreign substances, and pathogens.
Antigen Presentation:
They process and present antigens (foreign proteins) on their surface to T-cells, initiating an adaptive immune response.
Cytokine Production:
They release signalling proteins (cytokines) that regulate inflammation and immunity.
Tissue Repair:
They play a crucial role in wound healing and tissue regeneration.