Review Article

Understanding the Mysterious M2 Macrophage through Activation Markers and Effector Mechanisms

Figure 2

Alternative model depicting sensor and effector functions of the M2 macrophages. The macrophage phenotype is principally determined by eliciting signals, derived from immune cells, pathogens, apoptotic or damaged cells, and a wide range of chemical mediators. They act through receptors and signal pathways which elicit a wide range of effector functions. Abbreviations are defined in the text.