Effects of azapeptides on the immunometabolic reprogramming of macrophages

CD36 is a receptor present on the surface of a great variety of cells. On macrophages, specialized cells of our immune system, CD36 can as an environmental sensor. In fact, macrophages can undertake multiple activity profiles depending on their environment. M1 macrophages are formed in response to bacterial attack for example, and promotes inflammation. M2 macrophages mainly play a role in resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. Azapeptides are novel compounds that have been shown to modulate inflammation in mice by acting on CD36. The objective of this study is to investigate if these azapeptides can skew macrophages toward the M2 phenotype, and how they can exert this effect. Because CD36 on macrophages are involved in many pathologic conditions involving a chronic inflammation, the potential to target CD36 is an exciting prospect. Alzheimer’s disease and cancer are some examples in which targeting CD36 holds promise.

Faculty Supervisor:

Huy Ong

Student:

Partner:

Hirosaki University (Graduate School of Medicine)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

University:

Université de Montréal

Program:

Globalink Research Award