Mural cell-derived chemokines provide a protective niche to safeguard vascular macrophages and limit chronic inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Maladaptive, non-resolving inflammation contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Because macrophages remove necrotic cells, defective macrophage programs can promote chronic inflammation with persistent tissue injury. Here, we investigated the mechanisms sustaining vascular macrophages. Intravital imaging revealed a spatiotemporal macrophage niche across vascular beds alongside mural cells (MCs)-pericytes and smooth muscle cells. Single-cell transcriptomics, co-culture, and genetic deletion experiments revealed MC-derived expression of the chemokines CCL2 and MIF, which actively preserved macrophage survival and their homeostatic functions. In atherosclerosis, this positioned macrophages in viable plaque areas, away from the necrotic core, and maintained a home

SUBMITTER: Pekayvaz K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10588993 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature