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Updated: May 28, 2026
08:50
Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice
Published on: August 1, 2012
[Alternatively activated macrophages in helminth infections]
Xue Bai1, Jian-Li Yu, Feng Wang
1Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130062, China.
Summary
Alternatively activated macrophages (AAM Phi) play diverse roles in helminth infections, distinct from classically activated macrophages. This review explores their function in disease development and host protection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Macrophages are key immune cells involved in host defense and tissue repair.
- Classically activated macrophages (CAM Phi) are associated with Th1-type responses.
- Alternatively activated macrophages (AAM Phi) represent a distinct macrophage subset with unique functions.
Purpose:
- To review recent findings on the role of alternatively activated macrophages (AAM Phi) in helminth infections.
- To elucidate the functions of AAM Phi in disease pathogenesis and host protection.
Summary:
- AAM Phi are distinct from CAM Phi and are involved in Th2-type inflammatory responses.
- During helminth infection, AAM Phi contribute to controlling inflammation, promoting tissue repair and fibrosis, and exerting anti-helminth effects.
- Understanding AAM Phi function is crucial for comprehending host-parasite interactions.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the complex immune mechanisms underlying helminth infections.
- Highlights the multifaceted roles of macrophages in parasitic diseases.
- Informs potential therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage activation in helminthiasis.
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