Systemic characterization of macrophage phenotypes from bal fluid of healthy and asthmatic donors

Macrophages are central players in lung pathology with both regulatory and effector properties. Differentially activated macrophages (M1 or M2) may play a role in the pathophysiology of pneumonia and allergy. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a regulatory network with great impact on cellular organization and function. We investigate the role of miRNAs in macrophage polarization and associated diseases. Here, we analyzed the systemic microRNA (miRNA) phenotype of alveolar macrophages from asthmatic patients and matched healthy controls. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized…