Functions of Macrophages in the Maintenance of Intestinal Homeostasis

Figure 1

The role of intestinal macrophages in shaping host-microbiota symbiosis. The gastrointestinal tract is colonized by a dynamic community of microorganisms. Intestinal macrophages are anergic to microbial ligand from commensals and consistently produce a precursor to interleukin 1β (pro-IL-1β). Nod-like receptor NLRC4 and the adaptor ASC are crucial components of inflammasome by transmitting pathogenic danger signals to caspase-1 activation. Active caspase-1 is essential for the cleavage of pro-IL-1β into its mature and biologically active form. Mature IL-1β is critical in the elimination of invading bacteria in the intestine.