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Updated: Jan 8, 2026
Isolation and Flow Cytometric Assessment of Neuroimmune Interactions in a Mini-Stroke Murine Model
Published on: June 20, 2025
Treatment targets for M2 microglia polarization in ischemic stroke
Ji Wang1, Hongyi Xing1, Lin Wan2
1Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Abstract:
As the first line of defense in the nervous system, resident microglia are the predominant immune cells in the brain. In diseases of the central nervous system such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, they often cause inflammation or phagocytosis; however, some studies have found that despite the current controversy over M1, M2 polarization could be beneficial. Ischemic stroke is the third most common cause of death in humans. Patients who survive an ischemic stroke might experience a clear decline in their quality of life, owing to conditions such as hemiplegic paralysis and aphasia. After stroke, the activated microglia become a double-edged sword, with distinct phenotypic changes to the deleterious M1 and neuroprotective M2 types. Therefore, methods for promoting the differentiation of microglia into the M2 polarized form to alleviate harmful reactions after stroke have become a topic of interest in recent years. Subsequently, the discovery of new drugs related to M2 polarization has enabled the realization of targeted therapies. In the present review, we discussed the neuroprotective effects of microglia M2 polarization and the potential mechanisms and drugs by which microglia can be transformed into the M2 polarized type after stroke.
Insights
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, can be polarized into M1 or M2 types. Promoting M2 polarization shows neuroprotective effects and offers potential targeted therapies for stroke recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Neurology
Background:
- Microglia are the primary immune cells in the central nervous system.
- Microglial activation in neurological diseases like stroke can be detrimental (M1) or beneficial (M2).
- Ischemic stroke survivors often face significant quality-of-life decline due to paralysis and aphasia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neuroprotective effects of microglia M2 polarization post-stroke.
- To explore mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for inducing M2 polarization.
- To highlight the potential of M2-targeted drugs for stroke treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on microglia polarization in stroke.
- Analysis of studies on M1 vs. M2 microglial phenotypes.
- Examination of existing and emerging therapeutic agents targeting M2 polarization.
Main Results:
- Microglia exhibit distinct M1 (deleterious) and M2 (neuroprotective) phenotypes after stroke.
- M2 polarization is associated with beneficial outcomes and reduced inflammation.
- Targeted therapies promoting M2 differentiation are emerging as a promising approach.
Conclusions:
- Shifting microglia towards the M2 phenotype offers significant neuroprotective potential after ischemic stroke.
- Understanding M2 polarization mechanisms is crucial for developing effective stroke treatments.
- Pharmacological strategies aimed at M2 polarization represent a key area for future stroke therapy research.
