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Updated: Oct 3, 2025
Reprograming Model of Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages for In-vitro Assays
Published on: April 18, 2025
Repolarization of Unbalanced Macrophages: Unmet Medical Need in Chronic Inflammation and Cancer
Yannick Degboé1,2, Rémy Poupot1, Mary Poupot3
1Infinity, Université Toulouse, CNRS, INSERM, UPS, 31024 Toulouse, France.
Abstract:
Monocytes and their tissue counterpart macrophages (MP) constitute the front line of the immune system. Indeed, they are able to rapidly and efficiently detect both external and internal danger signals, thereby activating the immune system to eradicate the disturbing biological, chemical, or physical agents. They are also in charge of the control of the immune response and account for the repair of the damaged tissues, eventually restoring tissue homeostasis. The balance between these dual activities must be thoroughly controlled in space and time. Any sustained unbalanced response of MP leads to pathological disorders, such as chronic inflammation, or favors cancer development and progression. In this review, we take advantage of our expertise in chronic inflammation, especially in rheumatoid arthritis, and in cancer, to highlight the pivotal role of MP in the physiopathology of these disorders and to emphasize the repolarization of unbalanced MP as a promising therapeutic strategy to control these diseases.
Insights
Monocytes and macrophages (MP) are key immune cells that detect danger and repair tissues. Unbalanced MP activity contributes to chronic inflammation and cancer, suggesting MP repolarization as a therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Monocytes and macrophages (MP) are crucial immune cells acting as the immune system's front line.
- They detect danger signals, initiate immune responses, regulate immunity, and facilitate tissue repair for homeostasis.
- Dysregulated MP activity is implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pivotal role of MP in the physiopathology of chronic inflammation and cancer.
- To highlight MP repolarization as a potential therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on expertise in chronic inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis) and cancer.
- Analysis of the dual functions of MP in immune response and tissue homeostasis.
- Exploration of MP repolarization as a therapeutic intervention.
Main Results:
- MP play a critical role in both initiating immune responses and maintaining tissue homeostasis.
- Sustained imbalance in MP functions can lead to pathological conditions like chronic inflammation and cancer.
- Repolarizing unbalanced MP presents a promising strategy for disease control.
Conclusions:
- MP are central to immune defense, regulation, and tissue repair.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting MP balance, specifically repolarization, hold significant potential for treating chronic inflammation and cancer.
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