Macrophages in inflammation and its resolution

Macrophages were initially identified as a key element in the innate host response to infection and injury due to their phagocytic clearance and elimination of pathogenic and non-pathogenic entities. However, as macrophage research advanced it became clear that not only are these cells amenable to the acquisition of multiple plastic phenotypes during inflammatory responses to different pathogens, they also play a paramount role in the termination of inflammation and acquired immune responses. In addition, macrophages profoundly affect host physiology when they migrate to distant sites and differentiate to specialized cells, like foam cells, osteoclasts, adipose tissue- and tumor -associated macrophages and other macrophage-derived cell types. These processes are affected by the inflammation-resolution axis and can result in health threats, such as atherosclerosis, bone loss, obesity, fibrosis and cancer.
This Research Topic issue will cover a wide range of topics in macrophage biology:
1. Macrophages in immune responses to pathogens
2. Macrophages in the termination of acute and acquired immunity.
3. The role of macrophages and their descendents in inflammation-associated pathologies.
4. Macrophage polarization and differentiation.
Particular focus will be given to the modulation of macrophage phenotype and function following their encounter with apoptotic cells and the signaling cascades that govern these changes.