Transcriptional regulation and function of GPR18 in macrophage subtype specification.

GPR18 expression in macrophages is highly induced by inflammatory stimuli and regulated by NFκB and IRF transcription factors.

• Why it matters: Understanding how GPR18 is controlled in immune cells is crucial because it plays a role in resolving inflammation and tissue repair, yet its regulation remains poorly understood.
• What they did: The study examined transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of Gpr18 in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, identifying key transcription factors and signaling pathways involved in its induction.
• The result: GPR18 deficiency in myeloid cells leads to increased inflammation and altered macrophage phenotypes during tissue injury, suggesting GPR18's cell-autonomous role in promoting resolution of inflammation.