Pivotal regulators of tissue homeostasis and cancer: macrophages

Macrophages are an essential component of innate immunity and play a vital role in inflammation and host defense. Based on immunological responses, the macrophages are classified into "activated" macrophage (M1 macrophages) participating in the responses of type I helper T (Th1) cells to pathogens and "alternatively activated" macrophages (M2 macrophages) in response to interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. In this review, we discuss the origin, classification and function of macrophages. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying polarization of different macrophage subtypes, including transcriptional, epigenetic and post-transcriptional regulation.