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Melatonin in macrophage biology: Current understanding and future perspectives
Author(s) -
Xia Yaoyao,
Chen Siyuan,
Zeng Sijing,
Zhao Yuanyuan,
Zhu Congrui,
Deng Baichuan,
Zhu Guoqiang,
Yin Yulong,
Wang Wence,
Hardeland Rüdiger,
Ren Wenkai
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of pineal research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1600-079X
pISSN - 0742-3098
DOI - 10.1111/jpi.12547
Subject(s) - melatonin , macrophage , macrophage polarization , biology , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , mitophagy , immunology , apoptosis , autophagy , neuroscience , in vitro , genetics
Melatonin is a ubiquitous hormone found in various organisms and highly affects the function of immune cells. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the significance of melatonin in macrophage biology and the beneficial effects of melatonin in macrophage‐associated diseases. Enzymes associated with synthesis of melatonin, as well as membrane receptors for melatonin, are found in macrophages. Indeed, melatonin influences the phenotype polarization of macrophages. Mechanistically, the roles of melatonin in macrophages are related to several cellular signaling pathways, such as NF‐κB, STATs, and NLRP3/caspase‐1. Notably, miRNAs (eg, miR‐155/‐34a/‐23a), cellular metabolic pathways (eg, α‐KG, HIF‐1α, and ROS), and mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy are also involved. Thus, melatonin modulates the development and progression of various macrophage‐associated diseases, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. This review provides a better understanding about the importance of melatonin in macrophage biology and macrophage‐associated diseases.