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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
Polarization and Characterization of M1 and M2 Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages on Implant Surfaces
Published on: December 6, 2024
Glycocalyx-Mimicking Nanoparticles for Stimulation and Polarization of Macrophages via Specific Interactions
Lu Su1, Weiyi Zhang1, Xiulong Wu1
1The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Collaborative Innovation Center of Polymers and Polymer Composite Materials and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
Abstract:
Malignant tumors develop multiple mechanisms to impair and escape from antitumor immune responses, of which tumor-associated macrophages that often show immunosuppressive phenotype (M2), play a critical role in tumor-induced immunosuppression. Therefore, strategies that can reverse M2 phenotype and even enhance immune-stimulation function of macrophage would benefit tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, self-assembled glyco-nanoparticles (glyco-NPs), as artificial glycocalyx, have been found to be able to successfully induce the polarization of mouse primary peritoneal macrophages from M2 to inflammatory type (M1). The polarization change was evidenced by the decreased expression of cell surface signaling molecules CD206 and CD23, and the increased expression of CD86. Meanwhile, secretion of cytokines supported this polarization change as well. More importantly, this phenomenon is observed not only in vitro, but also in vivo. As far as we known, this is the first report about macrophage polarization being induced by synthetic nanomaterials. Moreover, preparation, characterization of these glyco-NPs and their interaction with the macrophages are also demonstrated.
Insights
Synthetic nanoparticles can reprogram immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) into an immune-stimulating M1 phenotype. This novel approach shows potential for enhancing cancer immunotherapy by reversing M2 polarization in macrophages.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Malignant tumors employ mechanisms to evade immune responses, with immunosuppressive M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) playing a key role.
- Reversing the M2 phenotype of TAMs and enhancing their immune-stimulating functions are crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of self-assembled glyco-nanoparticles (glyco-NPs) as artificial glycocalyx to modulate macrophage polarization.
- To assess the ability of glyco-NPs to reverse the immunosuppressive M2 phenotype of macrophages towards an inflammatory M1 phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of self-assembled glyco-nanoparticles (glyco-NPs).
- In vitro and in vivo studies using mouse primary peritoneal macrophages to evaluate macrophage polarization.
- Analysis of cell surface marker expression (CD206, CD23, CD86) and cytokine secretion to confirm M1/M2 polarization.
Main Results:
- Glyco-NPs successfully induced M2-to-M1 macrophage polarization in vitro, evidenced by decreased CD206/CD23 and increased CD86 expression.
- Cytokine secretion profiles supported the observed M1 polarization.
- The M2-to-M1 polarization effect was confirmed in vivo, demonstrating the efficacy of glyco-NPs in a biological system.
Conclusions:
- Self-assembled glyco-nanoparticles can effectively induce macrophage polarization from immunosuppressive M2 to inflammatory M1 phenotype.
- This represents the first report of synthetic nanomaterials inducing macrophage polarization, offering a novel strategy for cancer immunotherapy.
- Glyco-NPs demonstrate potential for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment and enhancing antitumor immune responses.
