RhoA- and Actin-Dependent Functions of Macrophages from the Rodent Cardiac Transplantation Model Perspective -Timing Is the Essence

Abstract

The small GTPase RhoA, and its down-stream effector ROCK kinase, and the interacting Rac1 and mTORC2 pathways, are the principal regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and actin-related functions in all eukaryotic cells, including the immune cells. As such, they also regulate the phenotypes and functions of macrophages in the immune response and beyond. Here, we review the results of our and other’s studies on the role of the actin and RhoA pathway in shaping the macrophage functions in general and macrophage immune response during the development of chronic (long term) rejection of allografts in the rodent cardiac transplantation model. We focus on the importance of timing of the macrophage functions in chronic rejection and how the circadian rhythm may affect the anti-chronic rejection therapies.