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Experimental Hematology & Oncology
Published in: Experimental Hematology & Oncology 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Review

Pivotal regulators of tissue homeostasis and cancer: macrophages

Authors: Yulei Chen, Xiaobo Zhang

Published in: Experimental Hematology & Oncology | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

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.
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Metadata
Title
Pivotal regulators of tissue homeostasis and cancer: macrophages
Authors
Yulei Chen
Xiaobo Zhang
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Experimental Hematology & Oncology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2162-3619
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40164-017-0083-4

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