Macrophage Subsets
Macrophage Subsets - Related Videos
07:25
Isolation of Macrophage Subsets and Stromal Cells from Human and Mouse Myocardial Specimens
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Cited by 8 •
2019
Presented here is a protocol to isolate various subsets of macrophages and other non-immune cells from human and mouse myocardium by preparing a single cell suspension through enzymatic digestion. Gating schemes for flow cytometry based identification and characterization of isolated macrophages are also presented.
10:07
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
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Cited by 326 •
2013
The article describes a readily easy adaptive in vitro model to investigate macrophage polarization. In the presence of GM-CSF/M-CSF, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells from the bone marrow are directed into monocytic differentiation, followed by M1 or M2 stimulation. The activation status can be tracked by changes in cell surface antigens, gene expression and cell signaling pathways.
14:06
Isolation of Precursor B-cell Subsets from Umbilical Cord Blood
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Cited by 2 •
2013
Here we describe a protocol for isolating subsets of precursor B-cells from umbilical cord blood. A sufficient quantity and quality of nucleic acids may be extracted from the cells and used in subsequent assays utilizing DNA or RNA.
09:09
An Efficient and High Yield Method for Isolation of Mouse Dendritic Cell Subsets
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Cited by 8 •
2016
Distinct dendritic cell subsets exist as rare populations in lymphoid organs, and therefore are challenging to isolate in sufficient numbers and purity for immunological experiments. Here we describe a high efficiency, high yield method for isolation of all of the currently known major subsets of mouse splenic dendritic cells.
07:49
Evaluation of Tumor-infiltrating Leukocyte Subsets in a Subcutaneous Tumor Model
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Cited by 15 •
2015
This protocol describes a method for the detailed evaluation of leukocyte subsets within the tumor microenvironment in a mouse tumor model. Chemerin-expressing B16 melanoma cells were implanted subcutaneously into syngeneic mice. Cells from the tumor microenvironment were then stained and analyzed by flow cytometry, allowing for detailed leukocyte subset analyses.
FAQs
Cytokines, chemokines, microbial products, metabolites, and tissue-derived factors influence macrophage gene expression. These signals can shift cellular activity toward inflammatory or reparative programs rather than producing permanently fixed states. Consequently, the same macrophage population may change its behavior as the surrounding tissue changes, which helps explain differences between early defense, persistent inflammation, and later repair.
Markers help identify macrophage populations, but they do not by themselves capture the full functional profile created by local conditions. Because phenotype and activity are context-dependent, researchers gain a more informative interpretation by considering marker patterns together with inflammatory, repair-related, or disease-associated functions. This combined view supports more accurate disease classification and therapeutic planning.
The surrounding tissue supplies several classes of regulatory cues, including cytokines, chemokines, microbial products, metabolites, and tissue-derived factors. Each can influence gene expression and alter how macrophages respond to damage or infection. Their combined effect helps determine whether macrophage activity supports pathogen control, sustains inflammation, promotes repair, or contributes to disease progression.
Inflammatory activity can support host defense, while reparative activity can contribute to tissue restoration. However, the balance and timing of these programs matter because macrophage responses also participate in chronic inflammation, cancer, fibrosis, and regeneration. Examining this balance helps explain why macrophage activity may be beneficial in one setting yet contribute to pathology in another.
Characterization combines subset markers with functional profiles. Marker patterns help distinguish populations, while functional assessment indicates how those cells influence inflammation, defense, repair, or disease. Interpreting both types of information in the relevant tissue context supports disease classification and helps investigators identify macrophage activities that could be redirected therapeutically.
Macrophage subsets are relevant across host defense, infection, chronic inflammation, cancer, fibrosis, and tissue regeneration. Their importance differs by disease because local signals shape their gene expression and activities. Studying these populations can clarify disease mechanisms, reveal how immune responses influence tissue outcomes, and identify cellular behaviors associated with progression or recovery.
Macrophages can perform both protective and harmful functions depending on their context and state. Redirecting a disease-associated activity may therefore preserve useful immune functions while addressing inflammation, fibrosis, cancer-related behavior, or impaired repair. This strategy uses subset markers and functional profiles to identify specific cellular programs rather than treating all immune activity as undesirable.
Subset analysis links cellular characteristics with disease behavior and tissue outcomes. Researchers can use marker and functional profiles to classify disease states, identify macrophage programs associated with progression, and select activities for therapeutic redirection. The approach is relevant to developing treatments for infection, chronic inflammation, cancer, fibrosis, and tissue regeneration while accounting for local tissue signals.