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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
Schistosoma japonicum infection induces macrophage polarization
Jingwei Xu1, Hao Zhang1, Lin Chen2
1Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
Abstract:
The role of macrophages (Mφ) as the first line of host defense is well accepted. These cells play a central role in orchestrating crucial functions during schistosomal infection. Thus, understanding the functional diversity of these cells in the process of infection as well as the mechanisms underlying these events is crucial for developing disease control strategies. In this study, we adopted a Mφ polarization recognition system. M1 macrophage was characterized by expressing CD16/32, IL-12 and iNOS. M2 macrophage was characterized by expressing CD206, IL-10 and arg-1. In vivo (mouse peritoneal macrophages of different infection stages were obtained) and in vitro (different S. japonicum antigens were used to stimulate RAW264.7) were characterized by using the above mentioned system. NCA and ACA stimulated RAW264.7 express significantly higher levels of IL-12 while significantly higher levels of IL-10 were detected after soluble egg antigen (SEA) stimulation. The results showed that dramatic changes of antigen in the microenvironment before and after egg production led to macrophage polarization. Furthermore, through TLR blocking experiments, the TLR4 signaling pathway was found to play a role in the process of macrophage polarization toward M1. Our data suggest that macrophage polarization during S. japonicum infection had significant effects on host immune responses to S. japonicum.
Insights
Macrophages (Mφ) shift their function during schistosome infection, impacting host immunity. Understanding this macrophage polarization is key for developing new disease control strategies against schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Macrophages are critical for host defense, especially during schistosome infections.
- Understanding macrophage functional diversity is vital for developing effective disease control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize macrophage polarization during Schistosoma japonicum infection using a defined recognition system.
- To investigate the mechanisms driving macrophage polarization in response to parasite antigens.
Main Methods:
- Established an Mφ polarization recognition system based on specific markers (CD16/32, IL-12, iNOS for M1; CD206, IL-10, arg-1 for M2).
- Analyzed mouse peritoneal macrophages in vivo and stimulated RAW264.7 cells in vitro with S. japonicum antigens.
- Utilized TLR blocking experiments to elucidate signaling pathways involved in polarization.
Main Results:
- Different S. japonicum antigens induced distinct macrophage polarization patterns (e.g., NCA/ACA favored M1, SEA favored M2).
- Changes in the parasite's antigenic environment correlated with macrophage polarization.
- The TLR4 signaling pathway was identified as a key mediator in M1 polarization.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage polarization is a dynamic process during S. japonicum infection, influenced by parasite antigen changes.
- Macrophage polarization significantly modulates the host's immune response to S. japonicum.
- Targeting macrophage polarization pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies for schistosomiasis.
