Abstract
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) interact with both the immune and the metabolic systems. However, emerging data indicate that they can also function as mediators in immunometabolic interactions. High-fat diet results in increased erythrocyte cholesterol, externalized phosphatidylserine, bound MCP1, myeloperoxidase and the generation of reactive oxygen species. As a result, a pro-inflammatory effect of the erythrocyte ensues subsequently triggering macrophage inflammation, chemotaxis, erythrophagocytosis and endothelial activation. Furthermore, as a consequence of metabolic syndrome or obesity, important immunoregulatory molecules of erythrocytes, such as CD47, Glycophorin A and microvesicles are affected. Finally, inflammation-induced lipid remodelling of erythrocytes possibly partakes in a positive feedback loop with inflammation. These studies strongly indicate that erythrocytes contribute to the immunometabolic cross-talk, mainly by linking the systemic metabolic status with innate immunity and inflammation. Further exploration of the implicated mechanisms could lead to potent therapeutic targets for metaflammation-related diseases.
Published Version
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