Table 2 Recent studies focused on macrophages in PH models

Wu et al. [77]

Rat model (hypoxia)

STING was mainly colocalized with CD68⁺ macrophages. STING inhibition prevented the overactivation of NLRP3 signalling and macrophage activation in rat models.

Macrophage activation in PH.

Chi et al. [96]

Rat model (MCT, hypoxia)

Elevated MMP-1 and MMP-10 in M1 macrophages. MMP-10 promoted proliferative and pro-migratory phenotypes of VSMCs.

Macrophage regulates VSMC behavior in PH.

Jeong et al. [97]

Mouse model (hypoxia)

Inhibition of RUNX1 dampens macrophage recruitment and activation.

Macrophage activation in PH.

Yu et al. [36]

Rat model (MCT)

BTK was upregulated and mainly colocalized with macrophages. BTK inhibition suppressed recruitment of M1 polarized macrophage and vascular remodelling in MCT-induced PH.

Macrophage activation and polarization in PH.

Gu et al. [98]

Mouse model (hypoxia, schistosomiasis)

Macrophage subpopulation infiltration increased in the right ventricle after acute hypoxia: CD11c^lowMHCII^low and CD11c^highMHCII^high.

Macrophage subgroups in PH.

Wang et al. [88]

Mouse and rat model (hypoxia)

Pfkfb3 regulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors. PH was ameliorated when Pfkfb3 was suppressed.

Macrophage activation in PH.

Nakahara et al. [89]

Rat model (hypoxia)

IRS2 was downregulated by IL-4 and hypoxia stimulation in macrophages. IRS2 negatively regulated Akt and ERK pathways in macrophages.

Macrophage activation and polarization in PH.

Ntokou et al. [99]

Mouse model (hypoxia)

PDGFb upregulated in macrophages. PDGFb-induced pathological smooth muscle cell expansion.

Macrophage regulates VSMC behavior in PH.

Kumar et al. [61]

Mouse model (hypoxia)

Interstitial macrophages expressed thrombospondin-1 after hypoxia.

Macrophage regulates vasoconstriction in PH.

Batool et al. [100]

Mouse and rat model (hypoxia)

Expression of Stamp2 decreased in macrophages after hypoxic exposure. Stamp2 deficiency led to aggravated pulmonary inflammation and worsening of hypoxia-induced PH.

Macrophage activation in PH. Macrophage regulates VSMC behavior in PH.

Park et al. [56]

Rat model (MCT)

Uptake of macrophage infiltration tracker ⁶⁸Ga-NOTA-MSA in the lung was observed in both rat PH models and PH patients.

Macrophage infiltration in PH.

Xi et al. [39]

Mouse model (hypoxia)

Increased SGK1 expression in macrophages. SGK1 deficiency inhibited macrophage activation and inflammatory response.

Macrophage activation in PH.

West et al. [101]

Mouse model (hypoxia, BMPR2 knockdown)

BMPR2 suppression in macrophages contributed to pulmonary vascular remodelling.

Macrophage activation in PH.

Yin et al. [102]

Rat model (MCT)

Activation of the P2 × 7R in macrophages. P2 × 7R inhibition suppressed cytokine levels and ameliorated vascular remodelling in PH.

Macrophage activation in PH.

Saito et al. [103]

Rat model (Single Su5416)

A high level of HERV-K expression was observed in perivascular CD68⁺ cells in PH patients. HERV-K dUTPase was induced by inflammatory stimuli and caused pulmonary hypertension in rat models.

Macrophage activation induced by endogenous retrovirus in PH.