Mechanosensing of matrix compliance modulates the activation of M2 macrophages via nuclear trafficking of STAT6

Abstract

Macrophages play an important role in inflammation and immune responses, and their malfunctioning is highly associated with the progression of various human diseases. The alternatively activated or M2 macrophages, deemed benign opposites of the well-characterized pro-inflammatory or M1 macrophages, vitally regulate anti-inflammation, wound healing, and tissue repair to maintain tissue homeostasis. Although ubiquitous presence of macrophages in diverse tissues, exposed to different physical environments, infers distinct immune responses of M2 macrophages with high phenotypic heterogeneity, however, the mechanism of how the varying extracellular mechanical conditions alter their immunological activation remains unclear.