The transcription factor EGR2 is indispensable for tissue-specific imprinting of alveolar macrophages in health and tissue repair.

ABSTRACT: Alveolar macrophages are the most abundant macrophages in the healthy lung where they play key roles in homeostasis and immune surveillance against airborne pathogens. Tissue-specific differentiation and survival of alveolar macrophages rely on niche-derived factors, such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β). However, the nature of the downstream molecular pathways that regulate the identity and function of alveolar macrophages and their response to injury remain poorly understood. Here, we identify that the transcription factor EGR2 is an evolutionarily conserved feature of lung alveolar macrophages and show that cell-intrinsic EGR2 is indispensable for the tissue-specific identity of alveolar macrophages. Mechanistically, w

SUBMITTER: McCowan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7612216 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature