Abstract
Macrophages, which are functional plasticity cells, have the ability to phagocytize and digest foreign substances and acquire pro-(M1-like) or anti-inflammatory (M2-like) phenotypes according to their microenvironment. The large number of macrophages in the intestinal tract, play a significant role in maintaining the homeostasis of microorganisms on the surface of the intestinal mucosa and in the continuous renewal of intestinal epithelial cells. They are not only responsible for innate immunity, but also participate in the development of intestinal inflammation. A clear understanding of the function of macrophages, as well as their role in pathogens and inflammatory response, will delineate the next steps in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the origin and development of macrophages and their role in the intestinal inflammatory response or infection. In addition, the effects of macrophages in the occurrence and development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and their role in inducing fibrosis, activating T cells, reducing colitis, and treating intestinal inflammation were also reviewed in this paper.
Highlights
The intestinal tract is the largest independent immune system in the body
Multiple studies have shown that macrophages are associated with the development of intestinal inflammation and secrete a large number of cytokines and bioactive substances that participate in the inflammatory response (Cummings et al, 2016; Joeris et al, 2017)
Macrophages play a role in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inhibiting colitis, maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis, and inhibiting HIV infection
Summary
College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center of Applied Microbial Resources Development for Livestock and Poultry, Changsha, China. The large number of macrophages in the intestinal tract, play a significant role in maintaining the homeostasis of microorganisms on the surface of the intestinal mucosa and in the continuous renewal of intestinal epithelial cells. They are responsible for innate immunity, and participate in the development of intestinal inflammation. The effects of macrophages in the occurrence and development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and their role in inducing fibrosis, activating T cells, reducing colitis, and treating intestinal inflammation were reviewed in this paper
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
