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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
10:07

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Published on: June 23, 2013

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Akt Signaling Pathway in Macrophage Activation and M1/M2 Polarization

Eleni Vergadi1,2, Eleftheria Ieronymaki1, Konstantina Lyroni1

  • 1Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece; and.

Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|January 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

The Akt signaling pathway regulates macrophage activation and inflammatory responses. Specific Akt isoforms control distinct functions, influencing M1/M2 polarization and disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Macrophages are key immune cells with diverse activation states, M1 and M2.
  • The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway integrates signals regulating macrophage inflammatory and metabolic functions.
  • Akt signaling influences macrophage phenotype and inflammatory disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the Akt signaling pathway in macrophage biology.
  • To focus on Akt's involvement in M1/M2 polarization.
  • To highlight isoform-specific functions of Akt in macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Akt signaling in macrophages.
  • Analysis of studies utilizing genetic knockout models (Akt, PI3K, mTOR isoforms).
  • Examination of RNA interference studies in macrophage research.

Main Results:

  • Akt signaling pathway components exhibit distinct, isoform-specific roles.
  • Akt isoforms regulate macrophage inflammatory cytokine production and miRNA expression.
  • Akt controls critical macrophage functions like phagocytosis, autophagy, and metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • The Akt pathway is crucial for modulating macrophage activation states, particularly M1/M2 polarization.
  • Understanding Akt isoform-specific functions is vital for regulating inflammatory diseases.
  • Targeting specific Akt isoforms may offer therapeutic strategies for immune modulation.

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