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Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Macrophages in the pancreas: Villains by circumstances, not necessarily by actions
Andrea F Cruz1, Rokhsareh Rohban2, Farzad Esni1,3,4
1Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Introduction:
Mounting evidence suggest that macrophages play crucial roles in disease and tissue regeneration. However, despite much efforts during the past decade, our knowledge about the extent of macrophages' contribution to adult pancreatic regeneration after injury or during pancreatic disease progression is still limited. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that some macrophage features that normally would contribute to healing and regeneration may be detrimental in pancreatic cancer. Altogether, the current literature contains conflicting reports on whether macrophages act as friends or foe in these conditions.
Methods And Results:
In this review, we briefly review the origins of tissue resident and infiltrating macrophages and the importance of cellular crosstalking between macrophages and other resident cells in tissue regeneration. The primary objective of this review is to summarize our knowledge of the distinct roles of tissue resident and infiltrating macrophages, the impact of M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes, and emerging evidence on macrophage crosstalking in pancreatic injury, regeneration, and disease.
Conclusion:
Macrophages are involved with various stages of pancreatic cancer development, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Elucidating their role in these conditions will aid the development of targeted therapeutic treatments.
Insights
Macrophages are key in pancreatic regeneration and disease, but their exact role remains unclear. Understanding these immune cells, including their phenotypes and interactions, is vital for developing new pancreatic cancer and diabetes treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Macrophages are critical immune cells involved in tissue repair and regeneration.
- Their precise contribution to adult pancreatic regeneration and disease progression is not fully understood.
- Some macrophage functions beneficial for healing may be harmful in pancreatic cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the origins and roles of tissue-resident and infiltrating macrophages in the pancreas.
- To examine the impact of M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes on pancreatic health and disease.
- To explore macrophage crosstalking in pancreatic injury, regeneration, and disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on macrophage origins, phenotypes, and interactions.
- Analysis of existing research on macrophages in pancreatic injury, regeneration, and disease.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding macrophage crosstalking in pancreatic contexts.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are implicated in pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
- Distinct roles exist for tissue-resident versus infiltrating macrophages.
- Macrophage phenotypes (M1/M2) and cellular crosstalk significantly influence pancreatic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages play multifaceted roles in pancreatic diseases and regeneration.
- Further elucidation of macrophage functions is crucial for therapeutic development.
- Targeting macrophages offers potential for novel treatments in pancreatic conditions.
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