IL (Interleukin)-10–STAT3–Galectin-3 Axis Is Essential for Osteopontin-Producing Reparative Macrophage Polarization After Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

OPN is almost exclusively produced by galectin-3^hiCD206⁺ macrophages, which specifically appear in the infarct myocardium after MI. The IL-10-STAT3-galectin-3 axis is essential for OPN-producing reparative macrophage polarization after myocardial infarction, and these macrophages contribute to tissue repair by promoting fibrosis and clearance of apoptotic cells. These results suggest that galectin-3 may contribute to reparative fibrosis in the infarct myocardium by controlling OPN levels.