Contribution of macrophages to peripheral neuropathic pain pathogenesis

Neuropathic pain pathogenesis is not only confined to changes in the activity of neuronal systems, but also involves neuro-immune interactions mediated by inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Among the immune cells involved in these interactions, macrophages and their central nervous system counterparts – microglia – are actively involved in the generation of peripheral neuropathic pain. Depending on the type of lesion (traumatic, metabolic, neurotoxic, infections or tumor invasion), the profile of the activated macrophages and microglia in terms of time, place and subtype can substantially vary, due to their remarkable plasticity that allows tuning their physiology according to microenvironmental signals. Knowing what and when specific macrophages activate after a peripheral nerve lesion could help in creating a pattern that can be further used to target the macrophages with cell-specific therapeutics and remit chronicization and complications of neuropathic pain. This minireview summarizes recent findings on the specific contribution of macrophages in different neuropathic pain models.

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