Macrophages are essential for immune responses and maintaining tissue homeostasis, exhibiting a wide range of phenotypes depending on their microenvironment. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a vital component that provides structural support and organization to tissues, with matrix stiffness acting as a key regulator of macrophage behavior. Using physiologically relevant 3D stiffening hydrogel models, it is found that increased matrix stiffness alone promoted macrophage polarization toward a pro-regenerative phenotype, mimicking the effect of interleukin-4(IL-4) in softer matrices. Blocking Calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2)Â selectively inhibited stiffness-induced macrophage polarization without affecting IL-4-driven pro-regenerative pathways. In functional studies, CaMKK2 deletion prevented M2-like/pro-tumoral polarization caused by matrix stiffening, which in turn hindered tumor growth. In a murine wound healing model, loss of CaMKK2 impaired matrix stiffness-mediated macrophage accumulation, ultimately disrupting vascularization. These findings highlight the critical role of CaMKK2 in the macrophage mechanosensitive fate determination and gene expression program, positioning this kinase as a promising therapeutic target to selectively modulate macrophage responses in pathologically stiff tissues.
CaMKK2 Regulates Macrophage Polarization Induced by Matrix Stiffness: Implications for Shaping the Immune Response in Stiffened Tissues.
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作者:Guan Ya, Zhang Min, Song Jiyeon, Negrete Marcos, Adcock Tyler, Kandel Reeva, Racioppi Luigi, Gerecht Sharon
期刊: | Advanced Science | 影响因子: | 14.100 |
时间: | 2025 | 起止号: | 2025 Apr;12(16):e2417778 |
doi: | 10.1002/advs.202417778 |
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