From mechanosensing to immune regulation: mechanisms of acupuncture signal initiation and amplification mediated by macrophages - PubMed
8 hours ago
- #immune-regulation
- #macrophages
- #acupuncture
- Acupuncture converts mechanical stimulation into systemic physiological effects.
- Macrophages play a central role in mechanotransduction during acupuncture.
- Mechanical stress from acupuncture needles activates mechanosensitive cells like fibroblasts and macrophages.
- Fibroblasts release alarmin proteins (e.g., IL-33) to regulate macrophage activity.
- Macrophages perceive mechanical signals via Piezo1, TRPV4, integrins, and podosomes.
- Activation leads to Ca2+ fluctuations, YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation, and macrophage activation.
- Activated macrophages recruit neutrophils and monocytes, regulate inflammation, and initiate tissue repair.
- Macrophages also modulate T cell-mediated adaptive immunity and collaborate with fibroblasts for ECM repair.
- The review provides a systematic perspective on macrophage response to acupuncture and immune regulation.