Macrophage Polarization & Interferon Biology

Macrophages exist along a dynamic polarization continuum from classically activated (M1, driven by IFN-γ and LPS, producing IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) to alternatively activated (M2, driven by IL-4 and IL-13, producing IL-10, M-CSF, TARC, MDC). This M1↔M2 axis is central to tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) biology, infectious disease pathogenesis, wound healing, and autoimmune tissue damage. Interferons are the master regulators: IFN-γ drives M1 polarization; Type I IFNs modulate innate and adaptive immunity; Type III IFNs mediate mucosal antiviral defense. MSD U-PLEX pre-configured Macrophage M1 and M2 Combo panels — combined with custom interferon configurations — enable simultaneous quantification of the key cytokines, chemokines, and interferons driving myeloid cell biology, all from 25 µL per panel.

What MSD U-PLEX Measures

  • M1 Macrophage Polarization (9-plex, Pre-Configured): IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-12p70, IL-18, IL-23, IP-10/CXCL10, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1α/CCL3 — the classical pro-inflammatory polarization markers.
  • M2 Macrophage Polarization (7-plex, Pre-Configured): IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, M-CSF, MDC/CCL22, TARC/CCL17, Eotaxin-2/CCL24 — the alternative/anti-inflammatory panel.
  • Interferon Subtypes (Custom U-PLEX): Type I — IFN-α2a, IFN-β. Type II — IFN-γ. Type III — IFN-λ1/IL-29, IFN-λ2/IL-28A. IP-10 serves as an in vivo IFN activity reporter.