Apart from their main function as oxygen carriers in vertebrates, erythrocytes are also involved in immune regulation. By circulating throughout the body, the erythrocytes are exposed and interact with tissues that are damaged as a result of a disease. In this study, we summarize the literature regarding the contribution of erythrocytes to immune regulation and metabolism. Under the circumstances of a disease state, the erythrocytes may lose their antioxidant capacity and release Damage Associated Molecular Patterns, resulting in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. In addition, the erythrocytes scavenge and affect the levels of chemokines, circulating cell-free mtDNA, and C3b attached immune complexes. Furthermore, through surface molecules, erythrocytes control the function of T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Through an array of enzymes, red blood cells contribute to the pool of blood’s bioactive lipids. Finally, the erythrocytes contribute to reverse cholesterol transport through various mechanisms. Our study is highlighting overlooked molecular interactions between erythrocytes and immunity and metabolism, which could lead to the discovery of potent therapeutic targets for immunometabolic diseases.

除了在脊椎动物中作为氧载体的主要功能外，红细胞还参与免疫调节。通过在全身循环，红细胞暴露并与因疾病而受损的组织相互作用。在这项研究中，我们总结了有关红细胞对免疫调节和代谢的贡献的文献。在疾病状态下，红细胞可能会失去抗氧化能力并释放损伤相关分子模式，从而调节先天免疫和适应性免疫。此外，红细胞清除并影响趋化因子、循环无细胞 mtDNA 和 C3b 附着免疫复合物的水平。此外，红细胞通过表面分子控制 T 淋巴细胞、巨噬细胞和树突细胞的功能。通过一系列酶，红细胞有助于血液的生物活性脂质池。最后，红细胞通过各种机制有助于逆转胆固醇转运。我们的研究强调了红细胞与免疫和代谢之间被忽视的分子相互作用，这可能会导致发现免疫代谢疾病的有效治疗靶点。