Macrophages: The Immune System’s Shape-Shifters
Macrophages are known for their remarkable plasticity. Depending on environmental cues, they can polarize into different functional states. The M1 phenotype is pro-inflammatory and typically fights infections, while the M2 phenotype promotes tissue repair and can suppress immune responses. This dynamic behavior makes macrophages both a challenge and an opportunity in the design of therapeutic approaches.

To study these transitions, researchers use macrophage polarization assays. These assays expose macrophages to specific stimuli—like IFN-γ and LPS for M1, or IL-4 and IL-13 for M2—to observe changes in surface markers and cytokine production. Such insights are crucial for understanding how macrophages behave in diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation.