Metabolic changes and functional activity of macrophages in homeostasis and in inflammation (review)

Recently, special attention has been paid to studying the connection between immunological processes and changes in cellular metabolism. This interaction underlies, on the one hand, homeostasis and tissue integrity, and, on the other, inflammation as an integral part of the immune response. Metabolic adaptations are of particular importance because they not only provide energy to immune responses, but also influence immune cell function by controlling transcriptional and posttranscriptional programs. In this regard, understanding the metabolic pathways of immune cells contributes to the search of new approaches in the treatment of a number of diseases, including those associated with metabolic disorders. Macrophages, cells of the innate immune system characterized by high functional plasticity, play a key role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating inflammation. Depending on the phenotype and origin, they can either perform regulatory functions or contribute to the development of inflammation and aggravate the course of the disease. Therefore, exactly how myeloid cells adapt in response to microenvironmental factors can determine the strength and nature of the reaction of the body as a whole. The review examines the impact of metabolic changes in macrophages on their functional properties, including polarization. In the context of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, special attention is paid to the role of immunometabolic adaptations of myeloid cells in maintaining tissue homeostasis and the occurrence of various pathological processes. The final part of the review examines ways to modulate macrophage metabolism as a potential therapeutic approach.