A team of researchers have discovered that applying electrical stimulation to macrophages, key immune cells involved in defence, repair, and inflammation, can reprogram them into an anti-inflammatory, pro-healing state (Figure 1). The findings point to a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating a wide range of inflammatory and injury-related conditions.
Figure 1: Graphical abstract.
Macrophages normally patrol the body to clear pathogens and damaged cells, while also orchestrating immune responses. However, their activity can drive excessive inflammation that causes tissue damage in chronic disease. In this study, scientists isolated human macrophages from healthy blood donors and exposed them to controlled electrical currents in a custom bioreactor.
The stimulation reduced inflammatory signalling, increased expression of genes involved in blood vessel formation, and enhanced recruitment of stem cells into wounds, all processes linked to improved tissue repair. Importantly, it shifted macrophages into a reparative, anti-inflammatory state.
The approach is especially significant because it was tested on human cells, suggesting strong translational potential. Electrical stimulation is relatively safe, low-cost, and adaptable, making it attractive as a therapeutic modality. Next steps will focus on refining stimulation regimes and delivery systems to prolong and precisely control macrophage reprogramming in clinical contexts.
Journal article: O’Rourke, S. A., et al. 2025. Electromodulation of human monocyte-derived macrophages drives a regenerative phenotype and impedes inflammation. Cell Reports Physical Science.
Summary by Stefan Botha
