Tissue-resident macrophages: guardians of organ homeostasis

Tissue-resident macrophages (MTR) have recently emerged as a key rheostat capable of regulating the balance between organ health and disease. In most organs, ontogenetically and functionally distinct macrophage subsets fulfill a plethora of functions specific to their tissue environment. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the ontogeny and functions of macrophage populations in different mammalian tissues, describing how these cells regulate tissue homeostasis and how they can contribute to inflammation. Furthermore, we highlight new developments concerning certain general principles of tissue macrophage biology, including the importance of metabolism for understanding macrophage activation states and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on macrophage metabolic control. We also shed light on certain open questions in the field and how answering these might pave the way for tissue-specific therapeutic approaches.

Automated summary

Tissue-resident macrophages are crucial in regulating the balance between organ health and disease, with distinct subsets fulfilling specific functions in different organs. Recent research highlights the importance of metabolism in understanding macrophage activation states and how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence macrophage metabolic control. More studies are needed to address open questions in the field and develop tissue-specific therapeutic approaches.