Canonical and Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling in Immune Cells. Issue 10 (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chae, Wook-Jin; Bothwell, Alfred L.M.
• Is Part Of: Trends in immunology. Volume 39:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 847
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Immunology -- Periodicals; 571.96
• DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.08.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4906

Abstract

Abstract : Cell differentiation, proliferation, and death are vital for immune homeostasis. Wnt signaling plays essential roles in processes across species. The roles of Wnt signaling proteins and Wnt ligands have been studied in the past, but the context-dependent mechanisms and functions of these pathways in immune responses remain unclear. Recent findings regarding the role of Wnt ligands and Wnt signaling in immune cells and their immunomodulatory mechanisms suggest that Wnt ligands and signaling are significant in regulating immune responses. We introduce recent key findings and future perspectives on Wnt ligands and their signaling pathways in immune cells as well as the immunological roles and functions of Wnt antagonists. Highlights: Wnt ligands are important in inducing crucial functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, motility, and survival. Wnt ligands and their signaling pathways are therefore important for tissue repair and immune responses. T cell development and peripheral immune responses of T cells are highly dependent on Wnt pathway components TCF-1 and β-catenin. The importance of canonical Wnt signaling must be interpreted with caution depending on different microenvironments. Both canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways appear to be important for macrophage-mediated tissue injury and repair in major organs (e.g., heart). Wnt antagonists such as DKK-1 can harbor immunomodulatory functions that are often β-catenin-independent.