"Let us not Forget Macrophages: The Role of M1 and M2 Macrophages in the Human Body"

Abstract

Macrophages and their roles and interactions have been greatly studied over the past 30 years. Their classification into M1 and M2 and the M2 subtypes makes their study approachable because each of classification or subtype has its own function. More importantly, macrophages polarize into each of these roles by direct stimuli that are independent of other immune cells, making them vital in organizing innate immunity as well as the coordinated response for recovery after injury. In this mini review, we briefly dive into macrophages' classification, their roles in disease, and the missing pieces to our understanding the complete picture required to use them as targets for therapy.