Macrophage-associated uptake pathways

Macrophage-associated uptake pathways refer to the diverse cellular processes, including phagocytosis, macropinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis, through which macrophages internalize extracellular substances (Nature Reviews Immunology, 2018). These pathways are mediated by a variety of specialized receptors such as the mannose receptor (CD206), scavenger receptors (e.g., MSR1, CD36), and Fc receptors, which facilitate the recognition and engulfment of pathogens, apoptotic cells, and modified lipids (Frontiers in Immunology, 2020). In drug development, these pathways are targeted to deliver therapeutic payloads specifically to macrophages or to modulate immune responses in diseases like cancer and atherosclerosis (Journal of Nuclear Medicine, 2013). For instance, the 'don't eat me' signal CD47 is often blocked to enhance the phagocytic uptake of tumor cells by macrophages (New England Journal of Medicine, 2021). While these pathways are essential for host defense and tissue repair, their therapeutic manipulation requires careful management of potential side effects, such as off-target sequestration in the liver and spleen or the induction of inflammatory cascades (Nature, 2017).

Other names

Macrophage endocytic pathwaysMacrophage phagocytic pathwaysMacrophage internalization mechanismsPhagocytosis and endocytosis in macrophages

Exploitation of macrophage-specific endocytic or phagocytic receptors for drug delivery or therapeutic modulation of cellular uptake.