Macrophages, which accumulate in tissues during inflammation, may be polarized toward pro-inflammatory (M1), important effector cells, or tissue reparative (M2) phenotypes, capable of suppressing the function of M1 macrophages and influencing immunoregulation and tissue repair. Identification of M1 and M2 macrophages would be beneficial for research, diagnosis, and monitoring of the effects of trial therapeutics in such diseases. Experienced in macrophage development and with a dedicated commitment to the scientific community, Creative Biolabs has perfected our technical pipelines in the identification of M1 and M2 macrophages. We are happy to share our knowledge and passion in this field to facilitate our clients' research and project development.
Role of Macrophages in Inflammatory Diseases
Macrophages are hematopoietic cells that take up residence in virtually every tissue of the body and form a critical component of the innate immune response against potential pathogens. Due to their phagocytic capabilities, inflammatory cytokine secretion, and expression of a wide variety of activating surface receptors specific for pathogens or antigenic complexes, these cells are well equipped in their role as the first line of defense. Macrophages are key innate immune cells responsible for clearing infections, debris, and apoptotic cells, the promotion of wound healing, and are necessary for normal development. Therefore, they play critical roles in almost every tissue and disease state through their ability to assume distinct functional capacities in different microenvironments. They also express low levels of major histocompatibility class (MHC) class II and costimulatory molecules, thereby enabling them to act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), albeit less efficiently than dendritic cells. Macrophages respond to a variety of external stimuli to assume different polarized activation states. M1 and M2 macrophages exhibit distinct phenotypes and functions, and the balance between them plays a key role in determining the outcome of inflammatory diseases.
Learn more: Macrophage Identification
