Macrophages are central regulators of immune system dynamics, orchestrating responses in both infectious and sterile inflammation. As professional phagocytes, they play a crucial role in clearing cellular debris and microbial invaders, shaping tissue homeostasis in both regenerative and degenerative contexts. However, in human diseases, macrophage dysfunction often leads to pathological consequences.
In cancer, macrophages frequently adopt an immunosuppressive (M2-like) phenotype, limiting immune cell infiltration and fostering tumor progression. Conversely, in tissue regeneration and repair, macrophage impairments contribute to excessive fibrosis, where scar-like tissue replaces functional structures. These effects are often mediated through intricate cell-cell interactions, particularly with fibroblasts and other immune components.

Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive macrophage dysfunction in disease is essential for developing innovative therapeutic strategies aimed at reprogramming their activity. Given the urgent need for deeper insights, we welcome researchers in macrophage biology, computational immunology, and disease pathology to contribute to this research topic.

We welcome a broad range of article types, including experimental research using non-human models or datasets. Additionally, given the increasing role of computational and OMICS-based approaches in macrophage research, we encourage submissions that leverage predictive modeling, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, and other high-throughput methodologies to dissect macrophage phenotypes in disease settings
This Research Topic accepts Original Research, Systematic Review, Methods, Review and Mini-Review, Hypothesis & Theory, Clinical Trial, Classification, Technology and Code, Perspective, Case Report, General Commentary, Opinion. We welcome manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, the following sub-topics:

• Macrophage Diversity in Human Pathologies: Insights into distinct macrophage subtypes across diseases, including cancer and non-cancerous human diseases.

• Studies focusing on macrophage phenotype identification and characterization in conditions such as cancer, fibrosis, and immune-related disorders.

• High-Throughput Data Analysis: Bioinformatic approaches applied to bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, proteomics, ChIP-seq, and other next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques to investigate macrophage-driven immune suppression and fibrosis.

• Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Macrophages: Novel interventions aimed at modulating macrophage function in disease.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Macrophages at the Crossroads of Fibrosis and Immunosuppression