Deciphering macrophage polarization in human inflammatory disease and cancer - Volume II

Macrophages, as integral components of the immune system, exhibit diverse roles due to their ability to assume various polarized phenotypes. The polarization of macrophages into M1 and M2 subtypes plays a crucial role in determining their function within tumors and inflammatory environments. M1 macrophages generally resist tumor growth, while M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) support tumor cells and inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Despite the wealth of knowledge on macrophage markers and functions, deeper insights into their mechanisms and therapeutic applications remain scant.

This Research Topic is the continuity of a Volume I and aims to enhance understanding and control of macrophage polarization to manipulate their roles in disease contexts, particularly cancer and inflammation. Our objectives are to explore various methods, including physical, chemical, and pharmaceutical avenues, that can influence macrophage behavior. We seek to elucidate involved signaling pathways and regulatory factors and propose new approaches for anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory therapies using macrophage regulation.


To garner deeper insights into the dynamic regulation of macrophages, contributions are invited that cover:
o Mechanisms controlling macrophage polarization and subtype functionality
o Signaling pathways and networks influencing macrophage behavior
o Potential therapeutic strategies involving macrophage modulation
o Macrophage role on autophagy
o Macrophage biomarkers on gastrointestinal cancers.

We look forward to submissions from basic and clinical researchers in forms of original research, reviews, short communications, and case studies. This call excludes purely in silico studies and omics integrations addressing biological conclusions without experimental validation, but encourages both FAIR2 article (interactive reusable -omic databases) and interdisciplinary approaches that integrate findings across various domains of cancer immunology and inflammatory disease research.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: macrophage polarization, macrophage transition, M1 macrophage, M2 macrophage, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs)

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.