The role of macrophage polarization in parasitic infections: a review / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

ABSTRACT

Macrophages are important members of innate immunity and play an extremely important role in the host defense against pathogenic infections, tumors, and allergic diseases. Macrophages have a high degree of plasticity, and may be polarized into classical activated macrophages (M1 macrophages) and alternative activated macrophages (M2 macrophages) under the stimulation of different environments. M1 macrophages are found to promote inflammatory responses, which facilitates the clearance of pathogens, while M2 macrophages may inhibit inflammatory responses, which facilitates the survival and reproduction of pathogens. This review summarizes the role of macrophage polarization in parasitic infections, so as to provide insights into the prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases.