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Updated: Jan 12, 2026
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Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages
Published on: June 23, 2013
68.2K
Modulating macrophage polarization by photobiomodulation.
Victoria Batista Ferreira1, Jackson Borges Sarmento2, Flavia de Paoli3
1Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil. bfvictoria33@gmail.com.
Lasers in Medical Science
|November 6, 2025
Summary
Photobiomodulation (PBM) effectively modulates macrophage polarization, promoting anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes and suppressing M1. This review highlights PBM
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Regenerative Medicine
- Biophotonics and Therapeutic Light Technologies
Background:
- Macrophage polarization is crucial in inflammatory and regenerative processes.
- Photobiomodulation (PBM) utilizes low-power light to influence cellular functions.
- Modulating macrophage phenotypes offers therapeutic potential for various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PBM in modulating macrophage polarization.
- To identify optimal light parameters for PBM-induced polarization.
- To summarize PBM's effects on M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed for studies on PBM and macrophage polarization.
- Inclusion of experimental studies using red or infrared light.
- Data extraction and synthesis of outcomes and application contexts from 19 selected studies.
Main Results:
- PBM promotes the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype and suppresses the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype.
- Optimal therapeutic window identified between 630-890 nm; near-infrared light offers better penetration, while red light excels in immunomodulation.
- PBM influences key signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF-κB, STAT) regulating macrophage polarization.
Conclusions:
- PBM is a versatile, non-invasive tool for immune regulation and tissue regeneration.
- PBM shows promise in wound healing, neuroprotection, and inflammation resolution.
- Further research is needed to standardize PBM protocols, especially energy density, and explore wider wavelength ranges.
