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A Rhodamine-Mannan Fluorescent Probe Targeting M2 Macrophages for Polarization Imaging
1Department of Geriatrics, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical University, Wuhu, 241001, China.
Journal of Fluorescence
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe, RhB-mannan, to specifically label M2 macrophages. This tool aids in studying M2 macrophage roles in disease by enabling live-cell imaging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Macrophage polarization into M1 and M2 phenotypes is crucial for health and disease.
- M2 macrophages express high levels of the mannose receptor (CD206), which binds mannosylated ligands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fluorescent probe for selective M2 macrophage identification.
- To utilize the probe for live-cell imaging and studying M2 macrophage functions.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of Rhodamine B (RhB) to mannan from Tremella fuciformis to create the RhB-mannan probe.
- Characterization of the probe using FTIR, NMR, and fluorescence spectroscopy.
- Testing probe specificity on M1 and M2 polarized Raw 264.7 macrophages and competitive inhibition with mannose.
Main Results:
- The RhB-mannan probe selectively labeled M2 macrophages.
- Fluorescent labeling correlated with CD206 expression, confirmed by immunofluorescence.
- Competitive inhibition with free mannose abolished probe labeling, confirming specificity.
Conclusions:
- The RhB-mannan probe is a valuable tool for specific live-cell imaging of M2 macrophages.
- This probe can advance research into M2 macrophage roles in disease pathogenesis.
