Role of macrophage polarization in pulmonary diseases and intervention of traditional Chinese medicines

Abstract

As important immune cells, macrophages are a key factor involved in maintaining the homeostasis of the pulmonary microenvironment. Under different conditions, macrophages with high plasticity can be polarized into classically activated(M1) and selectively activated(M2) macrophages, which have pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. M1/M2 phenotype is associated with the occurrence and development of pulmonary diseases. A variety of information molecules and cytokines involved in the polarization of macrophages play a role in regulating phenotypes in pulmonary diseases, and the phenotype transformation varies significantly in different diseases. This paper introduces the biological characteristics of macrophage polarization and expounds the roles of macrophage polarization in bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute lung injury, and pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, the research progress in the regulation of macrophage polarization by the active components in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the TCM compound prescriptions in the treatment of pulmonary diseases was reviewed. This review aims to explore the potential of macrophage polarization in regulating pulmonary inflammation and provide new ideas for related clinical research.