By applying our state-of-the-art macrophage therapeutics development platform as well as industry-leading expertise, Creative Biolabs provides overall solutions for macrophage reprogramming, focusing on innovative research. Our multidisciplinary scientists will work together closely to address the scientific and technical challenges in macrophage reprogramming.

Why Macrophage Reprogramming is Needed?

Responding to different microenvironments, primary macrophages (M0) can be polarized toward pro-inflammatory (M1) or anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes.

• M1 polarization is induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) or the pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and is therefore generally associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases.
• M2 are induced by anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4 or IL-13 and are typically associated with the immune response to parasites, wound healing and promotion of angiogenesis.

Fig.1 Macrophage polarization and its function in cancer progression.^1,2

M1 macrophages produce numerous proinflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), IL12 and IL23, nitric oxide (NO), and other reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are important for host defense against pathogens. By contrast, M2 macrophages secrete significant amounts of IL-10 and polyamines, adapting immune responses to promote angiogenesis and tissue remodeling.

In cancer disease, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) usually exhibit an M2 phenotype and participate in tumor angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis, immunosuppression, and cell activation. Reprogramming of TAMs toward M1-like macrophages would thus be an efficient way to promote tumor regression.

Macrophage Reprogramming Services at Creative Biolabs

In response to different microenvironments, such as microbial signals, tissue damage, cytokines and metabolic products, macrophages from healthy tissues can undergo reprogramming. Creative Biolabs has organized a staff of outstanding scientists who have engaged in the research of macrophage reprogramming for many years. Our seasoned scientists have developed several efficient strategies for macrophage reprogramming, including:

Reprogramming Macrophages Employing Gene Regulatory Networks

Gene regulatory network is a good source for the discovery of key regulators for macrophage reprogramming. Our seasoned scientists integrate all the data to construct a logical network model for the gene regulation driving macrophage polarization to the M1, M2a, M2b, and M2c phenotypes.

Reprogramming Macrophages By Nanoparticles

The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, including chemical composition, size, and surface coatings, can differentially regulate macrophage polarization. We are well equipped and versed in shifting macrophages from M1 toward M2 phenotype or from M2 to M1 by employing surface-functionalized nanoparticles.

Reprogramming Macrophages by microRNA

MicroRNAs play key roles in modulating macrophage activation, polarization, tissue infiltration, and resolution of inflammation. Creative Biolabs employs microRNA for macrophage reprogramming and provides efficiencies with shorter timelines to accelerate our clients' macrophage development projects.

In Vivo Lentivirus-based Macrophage Reprogramming Services

Creative Biolabs integrates lentivirus-based cell modification with macrophage reprogramming and successfully developed a series of in vivo lentivirus-based macrophage reprogramming services. We utilize the lentivirus vectors to deliver the desired gene into the macrophage for in vivo engineering purposes.

Tumor-associated Macrophage (TAM) Reprogramming Service

Reprogramming TAMs toward M1-like macrophages would be an efficient way to promote tumor regression. Integrating state-of-the-art platform as well as industry-leading expertise in TAM reprogramming, Creative Biolabs is committed to providing overall solutions, focusing on innovative research.

New Compounds Screening Service for Macrophage Reprogramming

Based on macrophage cell shape changes in response to compound treatment, we provide high-throughput phenotypic screening service. To determine whether the compounds activate macrophages at the transcriptional level, RNA-seq can be performed to analyze the upregulated/downregulated gene expression of M1/M2 markers following the treatment of compounds.

Target Identification Service for Macrophage Reprogramming

Reprogramming macrophages has emerged as a significant approach for treating a variety of diseases. Identification of targets for macrophage reprogramming has receoved more and more attention. Creative Biolabs provides the most comprehensive transcriptional analysis to identify targets for macrophage reprogramming.

Related Products

With profound expertise and a state-of-the-art technique platform, R&D scientific team at Creative Biolabs has designed and developed a portfolio of useful products to help our clients' research in macrophage reprogramming research.

We provide macrophages, monocytes, reagents for culturing, differentiation, products for macrophage engineering and other related products that are helpful for our clients' research.

Service Features

Diverse Cell Sources

A variety of sources of macrophages are available, including:

• Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)
• THP1 cell lines
• Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)

Among them, iPSC-derived macrophages have the advantages of unlimited numbers and ease of genetic manipulation.

Advanced Reprogramming Technology

We have various types of reprogramming technologies that enable researchers to modulate the polarization state of macrophages as needed.

• Via Gene Regulatory Networks
• Via Nanoparticles
• Via microRNA
• Via Lentivirus

Comprehensive Functional Analysis

We provide macrophage functional analysis services to help researchers comprehensively assess cell function after reprogramming, including:

• Proliferative capability analysis
• Cytokine secretion assay
• Phagocytosis assay
• Antigen-presenting capacity

Customized Services and Quality Control

We provide post-isolation characterization services, including:

• Provide customized macrophage reprogramming solutions according to customer needs
• Establish a comprehensive quality control system to ensure that reprogrammed macrophages maintain stable phenotype and function

Workflow of Macrophage Reprogramming Services

Scientific Resources

Learn More Macrophage Biology

Download M1 vs. M2 Macrophages

Learn More How to Utilize Mitochondria to Study Macrophage Reprogramming

Learn More Isolation and Identification of Macrophages

Q & A

Q: What are the delivery specifications and format of the service?

A: We offer flexible delivery options and can customize the number of cells according to the customer's experimental needs. Cells are usually delivered in a frozen state, which maximizes cell viability and facilitates long-term storage and use. We also offer a fresh cell delivery option for time sensitive experiments.

Q: What type of media is used?

A: We use an advanced serum-free, xeno-free cell culture media system. This system creates a controlled culture environment that is particularly suited to immune cells that are easily activated. It minimizes batch-to-batch variation and improves reproducibility of results. Our media formulations are optimized to support the long-term culture and functional maintenance of macrophages. In addition, we can also use specific media or additives according to customer needs.

Q: Do you provide different subtypes of M2 cells?

A: Yes, we can provide a variety of M2 macrophage subtypes, including M2a, M2b, M2c, etc. Each subtype has its own specific induction method and functional characteristics. Each subtype has its own specific induction method and functional characteristics. For example, M2a cells have anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions, while M2b cells have immunomodulatory effects. We can customize specific M2 subtypes or combinations of subtypes according to customer's research needs.

Q: What functional validation is provided?

A: M1 cells: We provide comprehensive functional validation, including phagocytosis assay, pro-inflammatory factor secretion assay, assessment of antigen-presenting ability, and effect on T-cell activation.

M2 cells: We perform antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) assays, anti-inflammatory factor secretion assays, assessment of angiogenesis promotion, and T cell suppression assays.

Our functional validation protocols are comprehensive and flexible, and can be customized to meet your specific research objectives.