Macrophage Heterogeneity and Plasticity: Impact of Macrophage Biomarkers on Atherosclerosis

Figure 3

Macrophage heterogeneity. Monocyte activation and differentiation towards distinct macrophage subpopulations (M1 or M2) hinges on the predominant pro- or anti-inflammatory microenvironment within the lesion. M1 macrophages result from classic monocyte activation in response to proinflammatory stimuli, such as IFN-γ, TNF, IL-1β, LPS, and LTA. On the other hand, M2 macrophages are subdivided into M2a, activated by IL-4 and IL-13; M2b, activated by IC, LPS, LTA, and CD40; and M2c, activated by IL-10, TGF-β, and GC. IFN-γ: Interferon-γ, TNF: Tumoral Necrosis Factor, IL-1β: Interleukin-1β, LPS: Lipopolysaccharide, LTA: lipoteichoic acid, IL-6: Interleukin-6, IL-4: Interleukin-4, IL-13: Interleukin-13, TGF-β: Transforming Growth Factor-β, IC: immune complexes, and GC: glucocorticoids.