Alternative and Classic Activation of Primary Human Macrophages – A Systems Biology Approach

Macrophages are central players in lung pathology, having both regulatory and effector properties. Besides activation toward the M1 subtype, referred to as classic activation, alternatively activated M2 macrophages have been implicated in pneumonia, sarcoidosis, and malignoma. The molecular background of this phenotypic polarization is poorly understood. Recently, microRNAs (miRNA) have emerged as a regulatory network with great impact on cellular organization and function. Therefore, they promise potential as biomarkers and drug targets. The role of miRNAs in macrophage polarization remains elusive. Hence, huma…