I need to facs sort macrophages, there are many surfaces markers which are used for this purpose such as: CD14, CD68,CD64, CD11c, CD204,CD206.
I need to know why certain surface markers are preferred over the others?
Hello Syeda Ali
Macrophages can be categorized into two main types: M1 and M2 macrophages. The M1 type, referred to as classically-activated macrophages, are activated by pathogen invasion and play a large role in the immune response to foreign pathogens such as bacteria.
The M2 type, referred to as alternatively-activated macrophages, play a role in wound healing and tissue repair, and have an anti-inflammatory role.
M2 macrophages can be further divided into M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d subcategories. These macrophages differ in their cell surface markers, secreted cytokines, and biological functions.
So, depending upon the type of macrophage you can select the markers.
For instance,
CD68 and CD11b are total markers of macrophages.
M1 and M2 macrophages have specific markers.
M1 Macrophage Marker
For M1 you may choose CD80, CD86, CD64, CD16 and CD32 as markers. In addition, the expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in M1 can also serve as phenotypic marker.
M2 Macrophage Marker
CD163 and CD206 are major markers for the identification of M2 macrophages. Related surface markers for M2-type cells also contain CD68. Compared with marker CD68, CD163 is more selective to macrophages, so CD163 can be used as a highly specific marker for M2-type macrophages.
M2 macrophages are sub grouped into M2a, M2b, M2c, and M2d.
M2a macrophages
M2a are activated by IL-4 or IL-13. M2a macrophages lead to the increased expression of IL-10, TGF-β, CCL17, CCL18, and CCL22. These macrophages enhance the endocytic activity, promote cell growth and tissue repairing.
M2b macrophages
M2b are activated by immune complex, Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and IL-1 receptor ligands, and they can express IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Based on the expression profiles of cytokines and chemokines, M2b macrophages regulate the breadth and depth of immune responses and inflammatory reactions.
M2c macrophages
M2c also known as inactivated macrophages, are induced by glucocorticoids, IL-10 and TGF-β. These cells secrete IL-10, TGF-β, CCL16, and CCL18 and play crucial roles in the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells process.
M2d macrophages
M2d can be induced by the TLR antagonists, and M2d macrophages express IL-10, IL-12, TGF-beta and TNF-α.
Best.
Syeda Ali
I hope you find the article helpful.
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