Complement Receptor Ig Expression in Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Abstract

Complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg) is specifically expressed

on macrophages which enhance phagocytosis of the innate immune system. Previous study found that dexamethasone can activate the expression of CRIg on macrophages. Macrophage polarization has different functions. However, the association of those expressions on each stage of macrophage has not been reported. Thus, the objective of this study was to observe CRIg expression on M0, M1 and M2 human macrophages. Monocyte-derived macrophages were cultured and the differentiation  of macrophages M0, M1 and M2 were observed by inverted microscope,  flow cytometry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Cells were treated with low and high concentrations  of dexamethasone for 24 hours. Then, the treated cells were harvested for VSIG4  expression analysis by qRT-PCR. The results showed that dexamethasone stimulated M0 macrophages significantly increased the VSIG4  expression compared to the untreated control (p  < 0.05).  Moreover, M2 macrophages treated with low concentration of dexamethasone had significantly higher VSIG4  expression than the untreated cells (p  < 0.05).  The results suggested that VSIG4  are differently expressed in macrophages polarization. M2 macrophage has high VSIG4  expressions that mediate anti-inflammation and wound healing.