The Role of Autophagy and Macrophage Polarization in the Process of Chronic Inflammation and Regeneration

Abstract

Many serious illnesses, including diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by chronic inflammation that develops in fat tissue, bones, or the brain. This inflammation occurs due to a shift in macrophage (microglia) polarization toward a proinflammatory M1 phenotype. It has now been proven that macrophage polarization is determined by the intracellular level of autophagy in the macrophage. By modulating autophagy, it is possible to cause a switch in macrophage activity towards M1 or M2. Summarizing the material accumulated in the literature, we believe that activation of autophagy reprograms the macrophage towards M2, replacing its protein content and receptor apparatus, and activate a another type of metabolism. The term “reprogramming” is most appropriate for this process, since it is followed by a change in the functional activity of the macrophage, namely a switch from cytotoxic proinflammatory activity to anti-inflammatory (regenerative) activity. Modulation of autophagy may be an approach to the treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious diseases.