Macrophages are a type of innate immune cell, and like all immune cells are involved in a great many processes in the body, ranging from tissue regeneration to clearing out molecular waste and debris to destruction of pathogens. Macrophages, and the similar microglia of the central nervous system, adopt different phenotypes, known as polarizations, depending on environment and the task at hand. The M1 polarization is pro-inflammatory and focused on ingestion of pathogens and debris, while th…
Macrophage Polarization in Aging is Complicated and Poorly Understood
Macrophages are a type of innate immune cell, and like all immune cells are involved in a great many processes in the body, ranging from tissue regeneration to clearing out molecular waste and debris to destruction of pathogens. Macrophages, and the similar microglia of the central nervous system, adopt different phenotypes, known as polarizations, depending on environment and the task at hand. The M1 polarization is pro-inflammatory and focused on ingestion of pathogens and debris, while th…