A Population of Radio-Resistant Macrophages in the Deep Myenteric Plexus Contributes to Postoperative Ileus Via Toll-Like Receptor 3 Signaling

In 2021, a study was conducted to investigate the role of radio-resistant macrophages in the deep myenteric plexus in postoperative ileus (POI), a common complication of abdominal surgery. The researchers found that these macrophages contribute to POI through Toll-Like Receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling. They also discovered that deficiency in TLR3 or the downstream acting factor TRIF protected mice from POI. The study involved multiple groups of mice, with group sizes ranging from 3 to 13 animals. The researchers concluded that targeting these macrophages or the TLR3 signaling pathway could potentially provide a new therapeutic approach for preventing or treating POI.