Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates macrophage polarization

Current paradigms suggest that two macrophage subsets, termed M1 and M2, are involved in inflammation and host defense. While the distinct functions of M1 and M2 macrophages have been intensively studied - the former are considered proinflammatory and the latter antiinflammatory - the determinants of their speciation are incompletely understood. Here we report our studies that identify Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) as a critical regulator of macrophage polarization. Macrophage KLF4 expression was robustly induced in M2 macrophages and strongly reduced in M1 macrophages, observations that were recapitulated in human inflammatory paradigms in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF4 was found to cooperate with Stat6 to induce…

• AH
  American Heart Association

  Awards: 09POST2060203, K99/R00
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: HL097023, HL086548, K99/R00, HL097593, HL075427, HL084154