IBD is an inflammatory disorder of the colon and small intestine. The pathogenesis of IBD is correlated with alterations in the immunological mechanisms involved in the resolution of inflammation resulting in excessive and persistent inflammation. More recently, specific mechanisms involved in the resolution of inflammation have been identified with macrophages playing a key part in preventing an excessive immune response. Intestinal macrophages are considered to be the main players in establishing and maintaining gut homeostasis. Deregulation of intestinal macrophages, therefore, results in a loss of tolerance towards commensal bacteria and food antigens, which is believed to underlie the chronic inflammation observed in IBD.

Macrophage Biology in IBD

In IBD, an imbalance between M1 and M2 macrophages is frequently observed, and overexpression of M1 macrophages exacerbates disease pathology. The intestinal microenvironment has a profound effect on macrophage behavior, shaping macrophage phenotype and function through a range of signals from the extracellular matrix, stromal cells, cytokines, and metabolites. Key factors include:

Macrophages do not act in isolation. Their interactions with intestinal epithelial cells and the gut microbiota are central to maintaining intestinal homeostasis and mediating inflammatory responses in IBD.

Macrophage-Epithelial Cell Interactions

• Macrophages support epithelial integrity by secreting growth factors, which promote epithelial cell proliferation and repair.
• Macrophages respond to epithelial cell-derived alarmins (e.g., IL-33, HMGB1) by amplifying inflammatory signaling.
• Intestinal macrophages, located beneath the epithelium, sample luminal antigens and convey signals to both epithelial and immune cells.

Macrophage-Microbiota Interactions

• Macrophages detect microbial components through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs).
• Microbiota-derived metabolites influence macrophage metabolism, directly impacting their inflammatory or anti-inflammatory functions.
• A healthy microbiota promotes tolerogenic macrophage phenotypes, while dysbiosis skews macrophages toward a pro-inflammatory state.
• Macrophages shape the composition of the gut microbiota through the secretion of antimicrobial peptides and cytokines.

Pathogenic Role of Macrophages in IBD

Contribution to Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction

Therapies of Targeting Macrophages in IBD

The pathogenesis of IBD is multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, microbial, and immunological contributors. Among these, macrophages have emerged as pivotal players in driving intestinal inflammation, presenting a unique therapeutic target for addressing the complex mechanisms underlying IBD.

Related Services

Based on a powerful macrophage therapeutics development platform, Creative Biolabs offers extremely useful and valuable biotechnological services for macrophage development projects. Our featured services include but are not limited to:

• Macrophage Isolation and Culture Service
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• Macrophage Marker Development Service

Creative Biolabs has built a highly experienced team of scientists and quality staff that have a long history in macrophage isolation and culture. Human monocytes, human alveolar, murine peritoneal cavity, murine bone marrow, murine lung, and murine adipose tissues are available for macrophage isolation and culture.

In this assay, except for different macrophage polarization by adding certain stimuli, we also provide support for our clients with verification of each polarized macrophage-based on the distinctly expressed surface markers and/or produced cytokines.

Creative Biolabs has established a cutting-edge platform for macrophage development. A full range of macrophage markers, including multiple cell surface markers, transcription factors, and cytokine profiles, are available for the identification of M1 and M2 macrophages.

Creative Biolabs provides a full portfolio of high-quality macrophage characterization services, which focus on the difference analysis in morphology, phenotype, proliferation capability, phagocytosis capability, antigen presentation capability, and cytokine expression profile.

Our seasoned scientists have developed several efficient strategies for macrophage reprogramming, including employing gene regulatory networks, nanoparticles, microRNA and in vivo Lentivirus-based macrophage reprogramming services.

As a leading specialist in engineering macrophages, Creative Biolabs provides comprehensive R&D services of engineering M1 macrophages, macrophage-derived exosomes, and macrophage membranes as drug carriers.

Creative Biolabs has developed several transcriptome-based approaches for the identification of novel macrophage markers. Macrophage-specific markers and M1/M2 macrophage-specific markers can be identified effectively through this high-throughput system.

Related Products

Creative Biolabs designs and develops a range of useful products to aid our customers' macrophage research in IBD.

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