Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the latest identified small gaseous mediator
featured by its lipophilic nature to freely permeate the biological
membranes. Initially, H2S was recognized by its roles in neuronal
activity and vascular relaxation, which makes it an important molecule
involved in paracrine signaling pathways. Recently, the immune
regulatory function of gasotransmitters, H2S in particular, is
increasingly being appreciated. Endogenous H2S level has been linked to
macrophage activation, polarization, and inflammasome formation.
Mechanistically, H2S-induced protein S-sulfhydration suppresses several
inflammatory pathways including NF-κB and JNK signaling. Moreover, H2S
serves as a potent cellular redox regulator to modulate epigenetic
alterations and to promote mitochondrial biogenesis in macrophages. Here
in this review, we intend to summarize the recent advancements of H2S
studies in macrophages, and to discuss with focus on the therapeutic
potential of H2S donors by targeting macrophages. The feasibility of H2S
signaling component as a macrophage biomarker under disease conditions
would be also discussed.