EN
Regulation of monocyte/macrophage function is important to coordinate immune responses. Their contact with invading pathogens activates signaling pathways that provoke pro-inflammatory gene expression and thus causing a locally restricted inflammation. Recently, the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) has been identified to antagonize pro-inflammatory responses in monocytes/macrophages causing an anti-inflammatory and/or desensitized phenotype to predominate. For PPAR general mechanisms in facilitating the transition from a pro- to an anti-inflammatory phenotype have been elucidated. PPAR is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and activated upon endogenous as well as exogenous agonist binding. Here we focus on its role in monocyte/macrophage biology in affecting inflammation. Summarizing current information, a model is proposed, giving rise to potential new therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of diseases presumably involving PPAR-dependent regulatory circuits.