Abstract
Objective: To review in the literature the participation of mitochondria in the innate immune response exerted by macrophages, in order to help in better understanding the performance of these cells in infectious and inflammatory processes. Method: The review was carried out from the analysis of several scientific articles, selecting those effectively linked to the proposed theme. Results: Metabolism is an essential component of the function of the cells of the immune system. The function of macrophages is directly correlated to their metabolism. Macrophages with M1 phenotype, present a metabolic state with predominance of glycolysis exerting antitumor and antimicrobicidal activity, whereas oxidative phosphorylation and oxidation of fatty acids are part of the metabolism of M2 macrophages that act controlling inflammatory processes. Final considerations: Mitochondrial metabolism may direct the type of immune response exerted by macrophages, in this way, the modulation of mitochondrial routes can be characterized as therapeutic target. Modulation of macrophage mitochondria may contribute to inhibition of infectious or inflammatory processes and even to tumor suppression.