Autophagy and inflammation are two processes vital for immune cells to perform their functions. Their proper interplay upon signal is pivotal for proper response to stress. The stress kinase p38α MAPK in microglia senses inflammatory cue LPS, directly phosphorylates ULK1, relieves the autophagic inhibition on the inflammatory machinery, and thus allows for a full immune response.
The history of neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) research is checkered with many unexpected and exciting findings. Nrp1 functions as a co-receptor for class 3 semaphorins, and several canonical growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). It has been implicated in the development of central nervous system, angiogenesis, and migration. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that Nrp1 is also highly expressed in immune cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. Until now, the functions of Nrp1 within these cells remained poorly studied and elusive. Here, we provide exciting insights on a novel role for myeloid cell Nrp1 in the mitigation of dietary insulin resistance through inhibiting Nlrp3 inflammasome.
Loss of epithelial cell polarity and inflammation are hallmarks of breast cancer development. Although the association between the disruption of tissue polarity and inflammation has been demonstrated, we know little about how these two events are coupled. Using the 3D co-culture model of mammary epithelial cells and monocytes, a recent study reveals a link between disruption of epithelial polarity and monocytes infiltration.
Although CD4 T-cells are a major target for HIV, recent work has demonstrated the ability of macrophages despite expressing relatively low levels of CD4, to be a target of the virus. Our recent study has found that the presence of growth factors not only play a role in the phenotype of these monocyte-derived-macrophages, but also are an important aspect of the permissiveness of these cells to infection. The work utilized cellular and biophysical methods to examine Siglec-1 on macrophages as a primary receptor in HIV-1 infection. These findings support the notion that Siglec-1 and macrophages and their interactions with the HIV-1 envelope should be considered in HIV-1 vaccine development.