The role of beta-adrenergic receptors in macrophage (M1 and M2) immunomodulation

• Grant number: 23/08364-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Cellular Immunology
• Principal Investigator: José Cesar Rosa Neto
• Grantee: Gabriela Guerra Pelegrini
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Macrophages are immune cells present throughout the body and are essential for maintaining bodyhomeostasis. Its plasticity allows it to have different phenotypes that are capable of fightinginfections (M1) and promoting its modification and tissue repair (M2). Furthermore, the phenotypesthat are induced by different signals from the environment. Catecholamines (adrenaline andnoradrenaline) activate adrenergic receptors that are expressed by macrophages. Stimulation ofdifferent adrenergic receptors have antagonistic effects, with ±-adrenergic receptors beingassociated with pro-inflammatory functions, while ²-adrenergic receptors (mainly ²2) are essentialin the resolution of inflammation and tissue remodeling. However, there is a gap in the knowledgeabout the immunomodulation of macrophages, as well as the polarization of this cell type when ²1adrenergic receptors are activated or inhibited, even the relationship between polarization andmacrophage function is not completely elucidated, even when activated cell signaling mediated by²2-adrenergic receptors. Therefore, this project aims to determine the role of ²-adrenergic receptorsin the differentiation and functions of macrophages.