Research progress in the mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-mediated formation of foamy macrophages

Abstract

Foamy macrophages (FM), also known as foam-like macrophages, refer to lipid-laden monocytes or macrophages. FM are a kind of inflammatory cells that are rich in lipid droplets in cytoplasm. In the diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), such as granuloma and tuberculous wounds, FM can not only inhibit the immune response, but also affect the prognosis and outcomes. The formation mechanisms of FM caused by Mtb infection have some specificity, which may be an important factor for its long-term survival in cells and influences on disease prognosis and outcomes. Therefore, studying the mechanisms of Mtb-mediated formation of FM is conductive to further reveal the pathological evolution of diseases and provide new ideas for further precise treatment. This article reviewed the mechanisms of Mtb-mediated formation of FM in recent years. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Foamy macrophages; Formation mechanism