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Editorial
. 2010 Nov;95(11):1801-3.
doi: 10.3324/haematol.2010.030239.

Control of iron homeostasis as a key component of macrophage polarization

Cairo Gaetano, Locati Massimo, Mantovani Alberto
Editorial

Control of iron homeostasis as a key component of macrophage polarization

Cairo Gaetano et al. Haematologica. 2010 Nov.
No abstract available

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic representation of iron uptake and export in polarized macrophages. M1 macrophages are characterized by the coordinated regulation of genes related to iron metabolism (ferritinhigh/ferroportinlow) which results in iron retention. This is of relevance for their bacteriostatic properties but also represents the cellular basis for the anemia of chronic disease. Conversely, M2 macrophages are characterized by high levels of scavenger receptors (CD163) which enable efficient iron uptake, and a ferritin-low/ferroportinhigh phenotype that supports iron donation to the microenvironment. This may contribute to tissue repair by providing iron to proliferating parenchymal cells and to fibroblasts for collagen synthesis, but also sustain tumor growth in the case of tumor-associated macrophages.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment on

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