22 | 2025 GIGA Annual Report Macrophages play a crucial role in immune defense and tissue repair, yet their contributions to lung regeneration following viral infections remain incompletely understood. In a study led by Thomas Marichal (WELRI Investigator) and Coraline Radermecker at the Laboratory of Immunophysiology, researchers identified a previously unrecognized population of macrophages that are transiently recruited during the recovery phase of lung infections. These macrophages interact closely with alveolar progenitor cells to stimulate the regeneration of alveoli, the air sacs essential for gas exchange. Unlike resident alveolar macrophages, this newly identified subset displays atypical molecular markers, which likely contributed to their prior oversight in research. Their temporary yet significant role in lung healing suggests they may serve as a key therapeutic target for promoting tissue repair and preventing long-term pulmonary complications. By harnessing the regenerative potential of these macrophages, future therapies could help mitigate the consequences of severe respiratory infections, such as those caused by influenza or COVID-19, ultimately improving patient outcomes. RECRUITED ATYPICAL LY6G+ MACROPHAGES LICENSE ALVEOLAR REGENERATION AFTER LUNG INJURY Ruscitti C, Abinet J, Maréchal P, Meunier M, de Meeûs C, Vanneste D, Janssen P, Dourcy M, Thiry M, Bureau F, Schneider C, Machiels B, Hidalgo A, Ginhoux F, Dewals BG, Guiot J, Schleich F, Garigliany MM, Bellahcène A, Radermecker C, Marichal T. Sci Immunol. 2024 Aug 2;9(98):eado1227. doi: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ado1227 p LINKS | News GIGA | Publication on ORBI | Thomas Marichal
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