Biosynthesis of maresins

Maresins 1 and 2 (MaR1 and MaR2) are derived through the action of lipoxygenase 12 on the ω-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). MaRs are mainly produced by macrophages hence the derivation of the name from MAcrophage mediator RESolving INflammation. MaR1 exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving, analgesic and wound healing activities. Major cellular targets for the actions of MaR1 are vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells and vascular endothelial cells. In these cells MaR1 attenuates the adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium induced by TNF-alpha. Maresin 1 also inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species by both VSM and endothelial cells. The major mechanism through which MaR1 exerts these effects is through down-regulation of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB). MaR2 has been shown to reduce neutrophil infiltration and to enhance macrophage-mediated phagocytosis of dead and dying cells, a process termed efferocytosis. Two related structures, the maresin-like mediators (MaR-L1 and MaR-L2), are generated when the maresins produced by macrophages are released and acted upon by leukocytes and platelets. These, together with 14,21-dihydroxy-DHAs, rescue the reparative function of diabetes-impaired macrophages in diabetic wound healing.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-9018682), read 2026-09-23.