Abstract

ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF MICRORNAS IN REGULATING MACROPHAGE MEDIATED INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES

Prof. Dr. Imamoddin R. Ustad*

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Abstract

Macrophages are tissue differentiated cells that perform a variety of homeostatic and immune regulatory functions. They differentiate from peripheral blood monocytes that migrate across various tissues to carry out diverse physiological functions. Macrophages primarily balance cellular homeostasis by clearing extraneous materials like cellular debris and ‘effete’ or apoptotic cells. They are also chiefly involved in remodelling of damaged tissue by forming ECM (extracellular matrix) and supply of adequate amount of blood and oxygen to the damaged site. In addition to these functions macrophages also perform a crucial process of recycling the functional material that becomes a remarkable metabolic contribution without which the host would not survive. Apart from these ‘janitorial’ functions they also execute ‘effector’ immunity functions to provide defence against malicious particulates thus forming a barrier across the cell surface. Any dys-regulation in their performances would lead to fatal inflammatory diseases. In the coming sections we shall comprehensively discuss the diverse roles of macrophages, their pathophysiological and regulatory aspects.

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