The STAT3–IL-10–IL-6 Pathway Is a Novel Regulator of Macrophage Efferocytosis and Phenotypic Conversion in Sterile Liver Injury

Abstract

The disposal of apoptotic bodies by professional phagocytes is crucial to effective inflammation resolution. Our ability to improve the disposal of apoptotic bodies by professional phagocytes is impaired by a limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate the engulfment and digestion of the efferocytic cargo. Macrophages are professional phagocytes necessary for liver inflammation, fibrosis, and resolution, switching their phenotype from proinflammatory to restorative. Using sterile liver injury models, we show that the STAT3–IL-10–IL-6 axis is a positive regulator of macrophage efferocytosis, survival, and phenotypic conversion, directly linking debris engulfment to tissue repair.