Bioelectric modulation of macrophage polarization

KATP channels were found to play a vital role in the modulation of macrophage polarization. Modulation of cell membrane electric potential by targeting KATP channels not only affects macrophage differentiation/polarization, but also influences the phenotype of prepolarized macrophages. Furthermore, this biophysical feature can fine-tune macrophage plasticity. Blockage of KATP channel by glibenclamide decreases the secretion and gene expression of selected M1 markers, while opening KATP channel by pinacidil augments M1 markers. More interestingly, glibenclamide could promote macrophage alternative activation by enhancing M2 marker CD206 during M2 polarization. These data suggested that control of bioelectric properties of macrophages, using small molecule drugs already approved for human use, could offer a promising way to regulate macrophage phenotype, hence providing a useful tool in regenerative medicine. Future work will allow fine-tuning of these bioelectrical factors to optimize the immunomodulating activity of biomaterials.

How to cite this article: Li, C. et al. Bioelectric modulation of macrophage polarization. Sci. Rep. 6, 21044; doi: 10.1038/srep21044 (2016).

We thank the NIH (AR005593, AR061988, EB002520) and DARPA for support of these studies.