Roles of GRα in the regulation of circulating cells
| Cell type | Brief description of GRα’s role in the regulation of circulating cells |
|---|---|
| T cells | Modulates T cell function by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IFN-γ), promoting Treg differentiation, and reducing effector T cell proliferation. Ensures suppression of excessive immune responses and maintenance of immune tolerance. |
| B cells | Suppresses B cell activation and differentiation into plasma cells, reducing antibody production. Influences B cell survival and regulates cytokines like IL-10, contributing to balanced immune responses. Like IL-10, which further influences immune responses. |
| Monocytes/Macrophages | Regulates monocyte-to-macrophage transition and polarization into pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes. Suppresses inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) while enhancing phagocytosis and tissue repair. |
| Dendritic cells | Modulates DC maturation and antigen-presenting capacity, reducing T cell activation. Promotes immune homeostasis, particularly during chronic inflammation. |
| NK cells | Influences NK cell cytotoxic activity, reducing their ability to target virus-infected or tumor cells. Modulates cytokine production (e.g., IFN-γ), shaping overall immune responses. |
| Eosinophils | Suppresses eosinophil activation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, mitigating allergic inflammation. Decreases eosinophil survival and migration, controlling inflammation in asthma and allergic conditions. |
| Erythrocytes | Regulates erythropoiesis by influencing erythropoietin production and red blood cell maturation. Impacts hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport capacity, particularly during stress. |
| Platelets | Modulates platelet activation and aggregation by regulating surface receptor expression. Maintains hemostatic balance, preventing excessive clot formation during inflammation. |
| Endothelial progenitor cells | Influences mobilization and differentiation of EPCs, which are vital for vascular repair and regeneration. Regulates factors involved in endothelial function and vascular integrity during injury or stress. |
This table summarizes the roles of GRα in regulating immune and non-immune circulating cells, highlighting its pivotal role in maintaining immune homeostasis, supporting vascular repair, and ensuring balanced responses during stress and inflammation. Each cell type is accompanied by a concise description of how GRα influences its specific functions: immune cells: these cells are primarily involved in the body’s immune response, including T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and NK cells. GRα modulates their activity, such as cytokine production, cell proliferation, and differentiation, to maintain immune homeostasis and prevent excessive inflammation. Non-immune cells: these cells are not directly involved in the immune response but are essential for maintaining physiological balance. This category includes erythrocytes (red blood cells), platelets, endothelial progenitor cells, MSCs, and eosinophils. GRα influences processes such as oxygen transport, hemostasis, vascular repair, and tissue regeneration, as well as the modulation of allergic responses and inflammation in these cells. This table was generated with the assistance of AI using GPT-4. DC: dendritic cell; EPCs: endothelial progenitor cells; GRα: glucocorticoid receptor alpha; IFN-γ: interferon-gamma; MSCs: mesenchymal stem cells; NK: natural killer; TNF-α: tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Treg: regulatory T cell