From Bronchial Asthma to Tuberculosis: Unravelling the Cytokine-Macrophage Axis in Diverse Diseases

Abstract

Cytokines, tiny proteins secreted by cells, play a critical role in mediating communication and interactions between cells. They also function as immunomodulating agents, adjusting immune responses. When released into the bloodstream or tissues, cytokines bind to specific receptors on target immune cells, triggering cellular responses. Cytokines are implicated in various diseases, including asthma, COPD, HIV infection, and multiple sclerosis. This review delves into the intricate interplay between cytokines and macrophages, focusing on their roles in inflammation and the immune response. Macrophages, which are scavenger cells of the immune system, exhibit remarkable heterogeneity, reside in diverse tissues, and play crucial roles in both innate and acquired immunity. They can be activated for proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions, contributing to tissue destruction or regeneration. Cytokines influence macrophage activation and polarization, impacting the inflammatory process. Dysregulated cytokine production and macrophage activation are observed in various diseases. For example, in asthma, an imbalance in macrophage phenotypes contributes to airway hyperresponsiveness. Understanding the complex interplay between cytokines and macrophages is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases. Future research directions include utilizing humanized animal models, single-cell sequencing, and immunomodulatory therapies to further decipher the intricate roles of cytokines and macrophages in health and disease. Ultimately, elucidating these interactions holds immense potential for improving human health outcomes.