Abstract 2412 CES1 inactivation increased glycolytic gene expression, apoptotic cell engulfment, and alters plasticity in human macrophages

Macrophages are cells of innate immunity that polarize into M1 or M2 phenotype. M1 cells fight off infection, while M2 cells help resolve inflammation by clearing apoptotic cells to aid wound healing. Macrophages recognize microorganisms through damage/pathogen associated molecular pattern (DAMPs and PAMPs), secrete cytokines to kill them, and directly engulf them for lysosomal digestion. Once danger has passed, they are reprogrammed into an M2 phenotype to ensure homeostasis. Aerobic glycolysis is the pathway in which glucose is broken down in the cytoplasm to produce ATP and metabolic intermediates for the pentose phosphate pathway; its upregulation is a characteristic feature of pro-inflammatory macrophages.