Macrophage polarization markers

Macrophage polarization markers are a heterogeneous group of surface receptors, enzymes, and secreted factors used to distinguish between the functional states of macrophages, primarily the pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes (Yunna et al., 2020, PMID: 32251925). M1 markers, such as CD80, CD86, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), are associated with classical activation driven by Th1 cytokines like IFN-gamma, facilitating pathogen killing and anti-tumor responses (Orecchioni et al., 2019, PMID: 31133991). In contrast, M2 markers, including CD163, CD206 (mannose receptor), and Arginase-1, characterize alternative activation involved in tissue repair and immune suppression (Cassetta et al., 2019, PMID: 31209407). In many pathological conditions, such as cancer, macrophages are often polarized toward a pro-tumorigenic M2-like state, making these markers critical for diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring. While macrophage polarization markers is a collective term rather than a single therapeutic target, individual markers like CSF1R or CD47 are targeted by drugs to modulate the immune microenvironment. Therapeutic strategies often aim to repolarize macrophages from an M2 to an M1 state to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies.

Other names

M1/M2 markersMacrophage phenotype markersMacrophage activation markersM1 markersM2 markers

Repolarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 phenotype or inhibition of M2-associated signaling pathways.