Diverse Roles of Macrophages in Oral Inflammatory and Benign Lesions - A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

Background: Macrophages are immune cells with diverse profiles and functions. Macrophages play significant roles in the repair and resolution of inflammatory and reactive lesions. They secrete cytokines and modulate the tissue microenvironment and surrounding cellular responses. Objectives: The present article reviews the histological presentation and role of macrophages in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory and benign lesion. Materials and Methods: Data was collected by electronic search of databases including PubMed and Google Scholar for Mac- rophages, Periapical Granuloma, Mucocele, and Verruciform Xanthoma. Result: Distinct profiles of macrophages participate in regulation of pathogenesis, lesion size, and resolution of periapical lesions. In trauma-associated reactive or benign lesions, macrophages show phagocytosis and exhibit characteristic foamy his- tological appearance. The immunohistochemical profiles of macrophages aid in identifying the surface receptors and profiles of macrophages in oral lesions. Conclusion: Identifying and understanding macrophage-mediated pathogenesis can help diagnose and develop targeted therapies against various oral lesions.